India: Gulmarg, Asia's Switzerland, overflows with tourists

Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir, India), Jan 1 (PTI) Fireworks lit the night sky as hordes of tourists flocked to this world famous ski resort here in Gulmarg in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir braving sub-zero temperatures to usher in the New Year. As tourists danced with gay abandon to Bollywood film numbers and exchanged hugs at the stroke of midnight, the unprecedented rush of visitors at this time of the year brought smiles to the faces of tourism authorities of the state and hotel operators of Gulmarg alike. The tourist resort at an altitude of 8,000 feet, also known as the Switzerland of Asia, had packed bookings with tourists pouring in from across India and foreign destinations as well. "I have never seen such a huge rush in Gulmarg and I wish that this flow of tourists does not end ever. Such developments augur well for the economy of families who are engaged in providing sledges, skiing and sale of handicrafts," says J&K Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam. Chief Executive of Gulmarg Development Authority Mehmood Ahmed Shah said that all hotels were 100 per cent packed and requests were still pouring in from various sections to accommodate more and more people. "My phone has not stopped ringing since morning as it seems everyone wants to spend his new year in this exotic tourist spot," Shah said. The state tourism department had organised a cultural evening with a small cracker show. Private hotels in the area drew large number of tourists and one could hear people singing and in a boisterous mood to welcome 2012. For Masroor Hussain, General Manager of a Royal Park Hotel, it was a new experience all together. "I have never seen such a crowd in last five years of my service. We organised the musical evening but seems we underestimated the crowd," he said. Tourists from various states of India including eastern West Bengal, western Gujarat and Maharashtra and northern Delhi had a memorable experience when the first ever display of fireworks organised by the J&K state government kept them spellbound. "I had heard a lot about this place but I guess seeing is believing," says Rahul, a resident of northern Uttar Pradesh state, while looking at the snow-capped Peer Panjal mountain range. Chief General Manager Hill Top Hotels Vinod Bhat said tourists were looking for a fun-filled holiday to begin their new year. "It’s wonderful finally to see tourist pouring in to this destination," he said. The temperature as recorded by the Met Office at the new year midnight was minus three but camp fires brought some warmth. "I only hope that this trend continues and Kashmir's tourism industry takes a big leap forward," said Nasir Aslam. PTI Caption for pic: Tourists celebrating New Year in sub-zero temperatures in Gulmarg on Saturday night. PTI Photo