Travellers from Delhi-NCR head to Manali to escape post-Diwali smog
The onset of early snowfall and crisp weather in the Kullu-Manali valley has made the hill station a preferred refuge for visitors.
Travellers from the Delhi-NCR region and the northern plains are visiting Manali in Himachal Pradesh to seek respite from hazardous air quality levels, according to ANI.
The movement toward the hills follows severe pollution in the national capital region after Diwali. Early snowfall in the higher reaches and autumn weather have increased interest in the Kullu-Manali valley.
Ayush Jain, a tourist from Delhi, told ANI that he decided to visit Manali because he experienced eye redness, irritation, and throat discomfort due to the toxic atmosphere in the capital. Jain noted that the hill station is currently peaceful, budget-friendly, and less crowded.
Local horticulturist and tourism entrepreneur Jai Thakur said the increase in tourism activities is linked to the air emergency in the plains. Thakur stated that the worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR is driving movement toward the hills.
Thakur added that the weather in Manali is exceptionally pleasant and invited tourists to explore the local 'Dev Sanskriti' culture. Travel operators in Kullu-Manali expect footfall to surge further in the coming weeks as winter approaches.
