Pleasant Weather, Long Weekend Trigger Tourist Rush in Shimla

Pleasant weather conditions, intermittent rainfall and cooler temperatures have drawn a large number of tourists to Himachal Pradesh during the long weekend, with the state's capital Shimla also seeing a rush of visitors from different parts of the country.

Tourists said the city's favourable weather, scenic beauty, religious attractions, rich culture and comparatively smooth traffic movement were making their holiday experience enjoyable despite the heavy rush.

Families travelling during the summer vacation and weekend are flocking to hill stations across Himachal Pradesh to escape the intense heat prevailing in Delhi and other parts of the northern plains.

Speaking to ANI, Manish Goyal, a tourist from Delhi, said he was enjoying the pleasant weather in Shimla.

"We have come from Delhi. The weather here is very pleasant. It feels really good to be here and we are enjoying it a lot. There is not too much of a crowd. Of course, there are many tourists, but we are comfortable. We did not face much traffic," Goyal said.

What makes Jakhoo Temple a key attraction for tourists visiting Shimla?

Another tourist from Delhi, Sumit, who visited the famous Jakhoo Temple, said the long weekend and cool weather had attracted a huge number of visitors to Shimla.

“We have come to Jakhoo Temple for darshan. There is a huge rush, but we had a very good darshan. God has called us and given us the opportunity to offer our prayers. Shimla is completely packed. Looking at the heat in Delhi and other parts of the country, I think the tourist rush will continue," he added.

"I would say people should come here happily and definitely visit. It is a wonderful tourist destination. Everyone should come at least once. It is a very beautiful place," he added.

Parul, who also came from Delhi, said the weather and smooth traffic arrangements had enhanced their experience. She visited Lord Hanuman temple in Jakhoo.

"The long weekend has given people an opportunity to visit tourist destinations. Traffic is moving well and there are no major problems,” she said.

“We are facing delays of only five to fifteen minutes and are reaching our destinations comfortably. Delhi is extremely hot, so people are getting an opportunity to visit tourist places. We had a very good darshan and are feeling great. We have come to Shimla for sightseeing and since we travelled by car, we wanted to begin our trip with blessings at Jakhoo Hanuman Temple. It feels wonderful to be here," she added.

According to Shimla Police, tourist arrivals have remained high during the tourism season.

Police data showed that during May 2026, nearly 8.5 lakh vehicles entered Shimla through major entry routes, including Shoghi, Bilaspur and Kinnaur.

In June, about 3.8 lakh vehicles have already entered the district through various entry points.

(With inputs from ANI)