Shimla Sees Massive Tourist Influx During Year-End Celebrations

Tourist Surge in Shimla

Shimla experienced an extraordinary influx of visitors during the festive season, with approximately 50,000 vehicles arriving from various states between December 25 and December 31. The highest traffic was recorded on New Year’s Eve, where over 4,300 vehicles passed through the Shoghi barrier, significantly straining traffic management and civic services.

New Year Celebrations Amidst Tight Security

As midnight approached, crowds gathered on Mall Road and the Ridge, celebrating the arrival of 2026 with music, fireworks, and joyous cheers. Young revelers danced to DJ music, exchanged New Year greetings, and enjoyed the festivities under the watchful eye of hundreds of police officers stationed at key locations.

Traffic Challenges and Parking Issues

The influx of tourists resulted in significant traffic congestion throughout Shimla. By midday, most parking facilities were full, leaving many visitors struggling to find spots for their vehicles. In response, authorities set up temporary parking areas, allowing around 2,500 vehicles to park along the roads, which unfortunately exacerbated the traffic situation, leading to long delays.

Festive Atmosphere Despite Weather Disappointment

Despite the festive spirit, the lack of snowfall disappointed some tourists. Many had hoped to see snow and traveled to Kufri and Narkanda, only to return without experiencing it. Nevertheless, most visitors felt that the pleasant weather and vibrant atmosphere made their trip enjoyable.

Mixed Occupancy Rates in Hotels

After midnight, police cleared the Ridge area as part of crowd control, while celebrations continued inside local hotels. Some tourists expressed dissatisfaction over inflated prices for food and drinks during the festivities. Despite the high number of visitors, hotel occupancy rates were lower than anticipated, with bookings ranging from 30 to 40 percent. Visitors from Punjab, Haryana, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bihar made up a significant portion of the crowd, while local bakeries reported strong sales of cakes priced between Rs 250 and Rs 1,000 leading up to the New Year.