Post Dasehra, tourist count plummets in Kullu, Manali

Following the conclusion of the Kullu Dasehra festival, the region has witnessed a significant drop in tourist arrivals, raising concerns of the tourism industry of Kullu-Manali. The festival, which was celebrated from October 13 to 19, attracted large crowds, resulting in full hotel occupancy in Kullu and over 50% in Manali. However, the subsequent days have shown a stark decline in visitor numbers.

Usually, the end of Dasehra festivities leads to a surge in tourists flocking to Kullu- Manali as visitors often seek to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region during the autumn months. This year, however, the expected influx has not materialised. Hotel room occupancy in Manali has plummeted to below 30 per cent, a situation described as a “major setback” by local tourism stakeholders.

Data from the green tax barrier in Manali illustrates the drastic change. During the festival, the number of tourist vehicles entering the region peaked at 1,000 per day. In stark contrast, the recent figures show that this number has dwindled to between 300 and 400 vehicles daily, with count of 374 on October 22, 415 on October 23 and 376 on October 24.

Anup Thakur, president of the Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal, expressed concern over the decline. “We are now waiting for fresh snowfall in Manali and the surrounding areas as snow is a major attraction for tourists in winter,” he stated.

The dip in tourist numbers has implications for the broader economy of the region, which relies heavily on tourism for livelihood. As Kullu-Manali gears up for the winter, stakeholders are hopeful that the first snowfall will entice tourists back to the picturesque region, allowing businesses to recover from the unexpected downturn post-Dasehra.