Masrat Anjum
Srinagar, Nov 12: In a surprising turn of weather events, early snowfall in Gulmarg and other areas of Kashmir has become a magnet for tourists seeking the perfect winter wonderland experience.
The picturesque landscape, typically famous for its crimson Chinar leaves in Autumn, transformed into a pristine white canvas, drawing visitors from various parts of the country.
Tarak Sharma, a tourist from Delhi, expressed his awe, stating, “If you want to have a glimpse of heaven, it’s in Kashmir, in Gulmarg… we are feeling great.” The unexpected snowfall added an extra layer of magic to the valley, catching many tourists off guard.
Deepak Kumar from Odisha shared, “We were expecting snow, but not snowfall, which we saw for the first time in our lives.”
Gulmarg witnessed an influx of tourists engaging in the joys of winter, creating snow structures, sliding, skating, and capturing the breathtaking snow-clad mountains.
Javid Ahmad from West Bengal, visiting Kashmir for the first time, exclaimed, “It’s called heaven on earth, and today I have witnessed it myself.”
Sumegha Sharma, a resident of Pune, praised the hospitality of Kashmir, urging others to experience its charm.
She stated, “It’s my first time in Kashmir, and I am planning to visit again soon. I witnessed snowfall for the first time in my life here, and this is something you can’t experience from photos or videos, you must visit here.”
Tourists from Gujarat echoed the sentiment, expressing that Kashmir exceeded their expectations.
Locals involved in the travel trade are optimistic about a thriving winter season, attributing the early snowfall to generating positive “word of mouth” publicity for Kashmir as a preferred destination.
Umer Ali, a tour operator, anticipates better business this winter, saying, “The festival holidays have become a good window for tourist arrivals. The feedback we have got from our guests makes us hopeful for a better winter season.”
The unexpected snowfall not only delighted tourists but also painted a promising picture for the tourism sector in Kashmir.
