Crowded hill stations ‘test the patience’ of tourists: Anand Mahindra designs Valparai, a hidden Tamil gem | Today’s news
Classic long weekend getaways like Shimla, Manali and Mussoorie have turned into a major headache for tourists. Photos and videos of traffic jams and chaotic crowds at these popular hill stations are doing the rounds on social media.
Noting the overcrowding at these popular tourist spots, industrialist Anand Mahindra said holidays are supposed to offer relaxation but have become huge tests of patience.
Mahindra also suggested that Indian travelers leave the crowded hotspots and look to the vast Indian landscape of undiscovered destinations like Valparai, a hidden gem in Tamil Nadu that feels like a throwback to a quieter time.
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Here is what Anand Mahindra had to say:
In a viral X post, Mahindra said the country’s most popular tourist destinations appear to be “victims of their own success”. He noted that every week social media is filled with images of traffic jams and overcrowded hill stations.
“A holiday that was supposed to be relaxing ended up testing people’s patience,” Mahindra said. “These places will have to find ways to cope with the onslaught of visitors.”
However, the industrialist also noted that India is vast. “There is no shortage of beautiful destinations that remain relatively undiscovered.”
Mahindra shared amazing pictures of Valparai in Tamil Nadu from HIPA winner Rakesh Pulapa: “A winding ride through 40 hairpin turns from Pollachi, dams, views of the rainforest and wildlife from elephants to lion macaques and great horned monkeys.”
He noted that the pictures “look like many of us wish we had seen him 30 years ago”.
Mahindra also asked netizens to share their hidden gems with him “and I will try to amplify them”.
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How did netizens react?
Social media users were mesmerized by the stunning visuals of Valparai and agreed that these less crowded places are perfect for a vacation.
“Yes, Valparai is spectacular. Less crowded and a perfect vacation spot,” the user said.
Netizens also reacted to hill vacations becoming stressful due to traffic, saying, “Nothing kills the ‘escape to the mountains’ vibe like spending 6 hours in traffic to get there.”
“Many countries like Japan are asking tourists to postpone or cancel because they are worried about tourism,” one of them said. “In India, tourism must also be regulated depending on the capacity of each tourist destination; if not, the danger will defeat the purpose of such beautiful destinations.”
However, several users said that by sharing the clean site on social media, Mahindra exposed its “fragile ecology”.
“Sir, you just destroyed a beautiful, clean/regional site – now illiterate Indians will go and turn it into a dump,” the user said.
“By publicizing such hidden gems, aren’t you exposing their fragile ecology to the same danger of pollution and overpopulation? It would be productive to guide policy makers towards sustainable and balanced tourism that does not wreak havoc on the land and habitat,” said another user.
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In response to Mahindra’s call for suggestions, several users, including Pulapa, shared India’s “hidden gems” for travelers to consider.
“Let me introduce you to one such hidden gem near my home in the Maredumilli forest of Andhra Pradesh,” said the photographer. “From mist-covered hills and tranquil palm-fringed waters to vibrant tribal culture, incredible biodiversity and some of India’s darkest skies for stargazing, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.”
“Kolli Hills is one of the most beautiful yet underrated places in India because of 70 hairpins and a long road. If you love nature, try it at least once!” another user said.
