Tourists flock to hotspots in Kumaon for year end

Almora: The Kumaon region is preparing for a vibrant New Year's Eve celebration, attracting crowds of tourists to its religious and tourist destinations. Hotels, homestays, and resorts are fully occupied.

Tourists, mainly from the Delhi-NCR region, have already arrived in Kumaon, eager to enjoy local delicacies like Maduve roti and Gaderi vegetables while relishing bonfires and musical performances.

Traditionally, Kumaon attracts thousands of tourists from various states acros India who visit destinations such as Ramnagar, Mukteshwar, Nainital, Shitala, Dhanachuli, Ranikhet, Dol Ashram, Kausani, and Chaukauri to ring in the New Year.

Tapodhan Pandey, owner of the Himalayan Ojasvi Resort in Mukteshwar, said, "All accommodations in Kumaon are fully booked from December 31 to January 1. Along with authentic Kumaoni cuisine, we have arranged a musical evening for tourists to celebrate the New Year."

Rajesh Bisht, former president of the Hotel Association in Almora, highlighted the exceptional arrangements made across district hotels for the New Year festivities. He said, “Tourists have flocked to spots like Binsar, including Kasardevi, Ranikhet, Jageshwar, and Maurnaula, leading to increased business prospects for local entrepreneurs.”

While tourists anticipate snowfall, the absence of rain so far has diminished the chances of it occurring. The police have increased vigilance for New Year's Eve and are prepared to tackle any miscreant activity. Increased security measures will be in place at various tourist spots, markets, and malls, including Kasardevi, ensuring visitors' safety and comfort.

"Almost 90 per cent of Mukteshwar's hotels have been booked, and we expect a 95 per cent occupancy rate by Sunday. The weekend has seen a surge in tourist numbers," said Nila Akshay Pandey, resort director of Shitala Mukteshwar.

Tourist spots in Chamarajanagar attract 70 lakh visitors this year

More than 70 lakh tourists visited 22 tourism destinations in Chamarajanagar district this year. MM Hills temple had over 40 lakh visitors and is the second highest revenue generating Muzrai temple. K Gudi jungle safari in BRT Tiger Reserve recorded a huge footfall of foreign tourists. Himavad Gopalaswamy temple had about 2.5 lakh visitors. The implementation of the Shakhi scheme doubled the number of tourists compared to the previous year. The Shri Male Mahadeswara Swamy Kshethra Development Authority collected a revenue of Rs 63 crore at MM Hills temple.

Beaches, tourist spots all set to welcome New Year

Celebrations in Kochi for New Year will not be limited to Fort Kochi; festivities are being organized in various parts of the district. Beaches in Puthuvype and Cherai have been decorated with colorful lights, and Cherai beach tourism mela will conclude with fireworks. Puthuvype beach offers horse and camel rides, while Chendamangalam is hosting a three-day long Gothuruth fest. Additionally, Manavotsavam is being held in North Paravur and a carnival is taking place in Malayattoor. Kochi city is illuminated with lights, and a field hospital has been set up for any medical emergencies during the celebrations.

Tourists flock to tourist places in Alluri district: Continuous holidays also a reason

Continuous holidays witness heavy flow of tourists to Araku, Paderu, Lammasingi, and other tourist spots. Temperatures dip in tribal pockets, experiencing shivering cold conditions. Tourists flock to Cheruvulavenam, Meghalakonda, Vanjangi konda, Modaapalli coffee plantation, Kottapalli reservoir, Tajangi, Giri Grama Darsini, Madagada hills. All hotels and lodges are jam-packed. Lack of facilities is a concern.