Srinagar: The skyrocketing airfares to Kashmir has turned the excitement of hundreds of tourists into dismay as the dream destination is becoming an unattainable luxury for many prospective visitors.
For decades Kashmir has been heaven for travelers seeking solace in its serene valleys and embracing the warmth of its culture. But as demand soars, once affordable flights have become a luxury beyond the reach of prospective middle class tourists.
A return air ticket from Delhi to Srinagar these days costs anywhere between Rs 20,000 and Rs 22,000. This makes some holiday destinations abroad such as the UAE, Thailand and Malaysia look cheaper with return air tickets per person costing as low as Rs 18,000.
Skyrocketing airfares have forced many tourists to visit Kashmir by bus this season. “We travelled to Srinagar from Delhi by bus as air tickets were so costly. At such prices, we could go to Dubai as well,” Poonam Sharma, a tourist from Delhi told DH.
Shamra said there should be…