Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, saw its second snowfall of the season on Monday, sparking joy among locals and tourists alike. With the temperature dropping, residents bundled up in warm clothes and ventured out to enjoy the snow, basking in the wintry charm that enveloped the town. The Ridge and Mall Road, popular tourist spots, were bustling with visitors eager to witness the snow-covered landscape.

The snowfall also affected higher-altitude regions like Kharapathar and Chanshal, as well as well-known tourist destinations such as Kufri and Narkanda. For local apple farmers, the snowfall holds particular significance, as it is believed to boost apple yields, which are essential to the state’s INR 5,000 crore apple industry. This has raised hopes for a fruitful harvest in the coming months.

The timing of the snowfall, just ahead of Christmas, has further fueled the tourism boom in Shimla. Hoteliers like Sushant Nag and Rahul Chawla anticipate a surge in arrivals, expecting a 50% increase in bookings. Reservations for both Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are already robust, signaling the continued popularity of Shimla as a winter destination.

While tourism thrives, colder weather persists in lower hill areas such as Una, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Mandi, with Sundernagar experiencing particularly cold conditions. Areas like Sumdo, Kalpa, and Tabo are grappling with freezing temperatures, with Tabo registering the lowest at minus 10.6°C. The meteorological department has issued an orange warning for severe cold and dense fog, advising caution until Thursday.

Meanwhile, in Manali, heavy snowfall led to significant traffic disruptions, leaving around 1,000 vehicles stranded between Solang and the Atal Tunnel. Police were quick to respond, carrying out rescue operations and ensuring the safety of nearly 700 tourists. A viral video from the scene captured a police officer calmly guiding drivers to help manage the situation.

The snowfall has left many tourists in awe. One visitor expressed, “This is my first snowfall, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.” Others shared their excitement, calling it a thrilling encounter with nature’s beauty and encouraging others to experience the snow firsthand.

As the festive season draws near, tourists are staying longer, soaking in the charm of Shimla’s white winter. The town, along with the surrounding districts, has become a vibrant, enchanting destination. With snow in the air, Himachal Pradesh continues to captivate visitors with its winter magic, balancing its serene beauty with the challenges that come with the season.