Udaipur, May 18: The city of lakes, Udaipur, is currently facing the dual challenge of extreme heat and a sluggish tourism season. Major hotels in the city are reporting occupancy rates down by 40 to 60 percent compared to last year due to the sweltering temperatures. The ongoing international tensions are also visibly impacting the tourism sector. With school holidays not yet in full swing, the number of domestic tourists remains significantly low. In this scenario, wedding tourism has become a lifeline for the hotel industry.
Silence at Fatehsagar Lake
The effects of the intense heat are evident at the city’s key tourist spots. Fatehsagar Lake, usually bustling with visitors, is eerily quiet during the afternoons. Camel riders, horse handlers, auto drivers, and boating operators can be seen waiting for tourists in the scorching sun from noon until evening. Tourist numbers at attractions like City Palace, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Pichola Lake, Sajjangarh, and Bagore Ki Haveli have also drastically decreased, with most visitors being guests attending wedding ceremonies.
Temperature Surpasses 41 Degrees
According to the meteorological department, Udaipur recorded a maximum temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius on Friday, with Saturday also hovering around the 40-degree mark. However, light clouds and cool breezes over the past two days have provided some relief to the residents.
Shift Towards Cooler Destinations
Hotel owner Sanjay Lodha reported a significant drop in new bookings. Another hotelier, Jai Sharma, noted that this year, people are prioritizing cooler tourist destinations like Uttarakhand, Char Dham, and Kashmir to escape the heat.