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Heavy rain lashed the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, on Monday, leading to a sudden drop in temperature and eliciting mixed reactions from visiting tourists. While some visitors expressed disappointment over disrupted sightseeing plans, others found joy in experiencing the hill station's chilly monsoon charm.
The rain, which began early in the day, drenched popular tourist spots such as The Ridge, Mall Road, and Kufri, leaving the streets glistening and traffic moving at a sluggish pace. Umbrella-clad tourists and the sight of drenched pines gave the town an early wintry feel, well ahead of the actual winter season. "We didn't expect this kind of weather at all," said Rohit, a visitor from Haryana. "It has become really cold here. We came from Chandigarh, where it was quite hot, but as soon as we reached Shimla, it started raining. The rain spoiled our plans to explore the town. We will still try to see some places, but with this kind of heavy rain, it's not easy. If it hadn't rained, the fun would have been much more." Many tourists who arrived over the weekend were seen taking shelter in cafes and hotel verandas, watching the mist roll over the hills. While the rain dampened outdoor activities, it added a romantic and scenic atmosphere that some visitors appreciated. "It's actually beautiful here," said Sangita, a tourist from Sonipat. "We didn't expect rain, and it's very cold, but we're still enjoying it. If we had known about the rain, we might not have planned our trip, but now that we're here, we're loving the weather. We even thought there might be snow, though that hasn't happened yet." Local shopkeepers reported a slight dip in footfall on the Mall Road due to continuous showers, but said hotel occupancy remained steady, as tourists preferred to stay indoors and enjoy the misty views. According to the Meteorological Department, intermittent rainfall is expected to continue over the next 24 hours, with temperatures remaining below normal. For some visitors, the rain has been a disappointment, but for others, it has only enhanced the hill station's magical charm. (ANI)
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