Kashmir emerges as prime summer retreat

Srinagar, May 26:   As a punishing heat wave grips much of the country, many are finding refuge from the scorching temperatures in the cool climate of Kashmir.

Tourists across India have been flocking to the Himalayan region in recent weeks to escape the extreme heat.

The influx is evident at the Srinagar International Airport, where over 95 to 100 flights are now operating daily on an average - significantly higher than the 70 or so flights per day during the winter months.

“Currently on average over 100 flights are operating from Srinagar Airport, which is higher than the winter months,” confirmed Javed Anjum, Director of Srinagar Airport. “The increase in flights is due to the influx of passengers.”

While the summer tourist season typically brings more visitors to Kashmir’s picturesque mountain vistas, resorts, and lakes, this year’s heat wave in other parts of India has turbocharged the demand.

With temperatures soaring well above 40 degrees Celsius in cities like Delhi, many Indians are seeking a reprieve in Kashmir’s milder climes.

Hotel bookings and air travel to Kashmir have surged as a result.

Temperatures in Srinagar have remained around 30 degrees Celsius - relatively cool compared to the rest of the country.

Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, Mushtaq Chaya said that Kashmir’s pleasant weather was a natural draw compared to other parts of India suffering extreme heat.

“Kashmir is normally a cool place in comparison to the rest of the country and it is like natural air conditioning,” he said. “If you go to Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Doodhpathri, tourists feel like they are in heaven.”

Chaya credited the government and local administration for promoting tourism, saying, “The Government of India and LG’s administration has given a push to tourism in Kashmir and it is reaping dividends.”

He expressed optimism for a strong season, urging visitors to take advantage of Kashmir as “the best place in India to beat the heat”.

President Travel Agents Society of Kashmir Muhammad Ibrahim Siah also pointed to the heat wave as driving the influx of tourists.

“Tourist arrivals have increased with the heat wave across India,” he said. “Hotel bookings have increased, though due to elections in the last few weeks the influx was a little less, but now it has increased and it is good for everybody in Kashmir particularly those related with the tour and travel fraternity.”

This influx of tourists to Srinagar has caused a spike in travel costs.

The average flight from Delhi to Srinagar is currently priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 13,000 - substantially higher than normal rates.

Despite the elevated fares, many are still opting for air travel to find refuge from the oppressive heat.

In addition to air arrivals, travel agents report a huge number of tourists are also reaching Kashmir by road to beat the heat elsewhere in the country.