India: Heavy snowfall attracts tourists

Heavy snowfall across northern India s prominent hill stations enthralled tourists on Saturday, even as the region continued to reel under intense cold wave conditions. After a brief spell of rains and hailstorm, snow again made its appearance in northern India s hilly areas, much to the delight of tourists. Many buildings, trees and vehicles were covered in pristine white snow across the Dalhousie town of northern Himachal Pradesh state, making it a mesmerising experience for scores of visitors and tourists. "There is a lot of snowfall here. We are getting a view of heaven from here. We are enjoying a lot. But, the heavy snowfall is also posing certain problems," said Akashdeep, a tourist. A similar wave of exuberance in the Nainital town of northern Uttarakhand state, where people rejoiced after a heavy snowfall early in the morning. People of all ages were seen playing with snow with child-like enthusiasm and excitement. Overwhelmed by the majestic view of layers and layers of white snow all around, several tourists said the beauty of the experience was beyond words. "Oh my god, it is really awesome. This is the second time I am seeing snowfall in my life. I feel as though I have come in the abode of the gods. I have no words. I feel as if the world is in my hands. I am really enjoying the beauty of nature. Happy snowfall, happy snowfall to everyone," said Bhavna, a tourist enjoying the snowfall. Meanwhile, in Udhampur district of northern Jammu and Kashmir state too, fresh snowfall brought smiles on the faces of locals and tourists here alike. For many, the state-dubbed  Switzerland of Asia  by many, has been a holiday paradise for tourists across the country, especially during the winters as scores of visitors throng to witness the snowfall every year. Snowfall has been a boon for the tourism and hospitality sectors in the state, since the influx of visitors translates into more business. "I am enjoying a lot here. I had not expected that there would be such heavy snowfall. Snow has been falling since last night. I am really having fun here in the snow," said Shruti, a tourist. Surprisingly, snowfall was also reported in Pathankot district of northern Punjab state, where the phenomena is a rare occurrence. Many locals said it was the first time snowfall had taken place in the city in their living memory. This is the first snowfall to have hit Pathankot in decades.