Many head cooler climes beat heat Bhubaneswar News

As the heatwave continues, people are flocking to cooler destinations like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand for relief.

As the sweltering heat continues to grip Bhubaneswar for the past two weeks, many residents are seeking relief in the cooler climes of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the northeast. The demand for travel packages to these destinations has surged, with tour operators working tirelessly to accommodate the increased bookings.

Sameer Sahu, a tour operator, mentioned that out of every 100 tourists going on vacation, 60 are heading to Kashmir, while the rest are choosing destinations like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. Due to the overwhelming rush, local agents have been appointed to secure accommodations as most hotels and homestays in the Valley are already fully booked.

Residents of Baramunda like Supriya Padhi are seeking respite from the unbearable heat by visiting Kashmir for its fresh snowfall, cold climate, and picturesque views. Similarly, individuals like Karunakar Rout are enticed by social media posts showcasing the snowfall and pleasant weather in the hills, prompting them to pack their bags for a vacation.

Conversely, there has been a noticeable decline in tourist footfall in Bhubaneswar due to the severe heatwave. Popular attractions like Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills, Dhauli Peace Pagoda, Nandankanan zoo, and Lingaraj Temple are deserted as visitors opt for cooler destinations.

Even in Puri, where the temperature was relatively cooler at 34.5C, high humidity has made it challenging for visitors. Soma Mondal, a tourist from West Bengal, noted that the humidity has made it uncomfortable to visit the beach or Jagannath Temple during the day, disrupting the traditional summer vacation ritual for many Bengalis.

Overall, the scorching heatwave in Bhubaneswar has driven residents to seek relief in cooler destinations, leading to a surge in travel bookings and a decline in local tourist footfall. The allure of snowfall, cold climates, and picturesque views has become a welcome escape for many seeking respite from the oppressive heat.