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Nainital is witnessing one of its worst monsoon slumps in recent memory, with local businesses sounding the alarm over mounting financial losses and vanishing tourists
The serenity that once drew travellers to Nainital has taken on an unintended tone, more deserted than peaceful. (PTI Photo)
The lake city once known for its picture-perfect monsoon charm is facing a grim and unseasonal silence this July. Where lush hills, boating crowds, and bustling mall roads once defined the rhythm of the season, there is now an eerie emptiness.
Nainital, the jewel of Uttarakhand’s tourism map, is witnessing one of its worst monsoon slumps in recent memory, with local businesses sounding the alarm over mounting financial losses and vanishing tourists.
Usually by early July, Nainital, along with neighbouring destinations like Ranikhet and Mukteshwar, swells with visitors escaping the northern plains. But this year, persistent heavy rainfall, fears of landslides, and viral videos from flood-hit hill states have turned the tide against travel. Hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tour operators are reporting up to 60% drops in business, and an estimated Rs 150 to Rs 200 crore loss already.
“There’s a vacuum where tourists should be,” said Digvijay Singh Bisht, president of the Nainital Hotels Association. Hotel occupancy has plummeted to between 30–45%, he said, adding that normally in July, Nainital hotels are packed to 90% or more but now, they were staring at cancellations every day.
He warned that if the current trend holds, the season may be a washout, both literally and economically. “The local economy depends heavily on tourism. From taxi operators to guides, everyone is struggling,” Bisht added.
Much of the fear stems from continuous media reports showing flood devastation in parts of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Though Nainital itself has remained relatively safe, perception has proved stronger than reality.
Local restaurateur Ruchir Sah believes misinformation is keeping travellers away. “The weather here is manageable, the town is open, and we’re ready to welcome tourists. But people see landslide alerts and panic. Social media is painting all hill stations with the same brush,” he said.
Adding to the anxiety is the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of more rain in the coming days, coupled with rising concerns about slippery roads and blocked routes. The fear of being stranded has overridden the usual thrill of hill station getaways.
In response, local tourism stakeholders are urging the Uttarakhand government to step in. Bisht has proposed the release of an official Safe Destination Bulletin, a verified guide informing tourists about which hill towns are safe to visit. “Clear communication can bring clarity and confidence,” he said, adding, “We need to tell people where it’s safe to travel. Without that, this confusion will continue to kill tourism.”
For now, the serenity that once drew travellers to Nainital has taken on an unintended tone, more deserted than peaceful. Shop shutters are down, boats sit idle on the lakeside, and empty hotel lobbies echo the concerns of a town waiting for tourists who may not come. The rain, once a romantic backdrop, has become a symbol of ruin.
- Location :
Nainital, India, India
- First Published:
