Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday highlighted that the prolonged closure of several tourist destinations has caused "distress" among local youth, and the government is considering a relief package to support those affected during the ongoing Budget Session.
The renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand art extending New Year greetings on Thursday in Puri. The sand art featured 'Welcome 2026. Happy New Year.'
The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhaderwah region is facing an unprecedented downturn, with popular tourist spots remaining deserted due to recent militant attacks and natural calamities like cloudbursts and flash floods.
A day earlier, the Lieutenant Governor chaired a meeting of the Unified Headquarters at Srinagar's Raj Bhavan to review the security situation in the region.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday called for the gradual reopening of tourist spots in the Union Territory, which have remained closed following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives.
Congress on Wednesday alleged that there is no security arrangement, especially at the tourist places in Odisha, days after it formed a five-member fact-finding team to investigate the alleged increase in recent crimes against women in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state.
The reopened sites include the picturesque Betaab Valley, the serene Verinag, Kokernag, Achabal Mughal Gardens, and multiple parks in Pahalgam town. The decision was welcomed by locals, political leaders, and tourists alike.
Posting on social media platform X, LG Sinha stated, "I've ordered reopening of some of the tourist spots in Kashmir & Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures. Betab Valley & Parks in Pahalgam Market, Verinag Garden, Kokernag Garden and Achabal Garden
On Thursday, a group of tourists from Vietnam arrived in Pahalgam and said that Kashmir was "paradise", further stating that they felt very good and safe while visiting Kashmir. However, they added that it would have been more enjoyable if some of the famous tourist spots had been open.
Tourists from across the country are enjoying the scenic beauty of Kashmir and Dal Lake in Srinagar. They indulged in activities like photo shoots, shikara rides, exploring the lake, and visiting local markets and other popular tourist spots.
On the first day of the New Year 2025, the Department of Tourism, Bihar launched a calendar highlighting lesser-known destinations of the state with the aim of transforming them into popular tourist spots.
Popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand saw an increase in tourist footfall on New Year's Eve. Officials reported that more than 5,000 tourists stayed at major tourist spots in Uttarkashi District.