Nainital faces severe traffic and hotel shortages amid tourist surge

A massive influx of tourists during the Gandhi Jayanti long weekend caused severe disruption in the Nainital region of Uttarakhand. Thousands of travelers arrived simultaneously, leading to extensive traffic jams that stretched several kilometers, particularly on routes toward Kanchi Dham, Bhowali, Garampani, and Khairna.

Despite a special traffic plan implemented by authorities from October 2 to October 4, the surge overwhelmed local infrastructure. The congestion caused significant delays, with some travelers missing trains at Haldwani and Kathgodam.

The sudden demand also led to a crisis in local accommodation. Hotels, homestays, and guest houses in Nainital reached full capacity, leaving many tourists searching for rooms late into the night. Some travelers were forced to wait on roadsides or near the lake, while others reported facing inflated prices for rooms, taxis, and food.