A recent terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s thriving tourism season, prompting widespread cancellations and raising serious concerns about travel safety. The attack, which took place around 3 PM and claimed the lives of 26 individuals—including two foreign nationals and two local residents—has become the deadliest strike in the region since the 2019 Pulwama incident.
Following the tragedy, tourists across India have started cancelling or altering their Kashmir travel plans. While some have chosen to continue with their scheduled visits, many are now avoiding Pahalgam specifically and requesting changes in their itineraries to include only “safer” destinations such as Srinagar. Those with upcoming trips, especially families with young children from cities like Pune and Hyderabad, are opting to cancel or delay their travel altogether.
In Maharashtra, Kashmir had been a trending destination due to customized travel packages. However, agencies have now witnessed a significant number of cancellations, with April tours already being dropped. Hotel refunds are being processed, and discussions with airlines regarding fare reimbursements are ongoing.
Kerala, which typically sends over 3,000 tourists monthly during the tulip bloom, has also seen mass cancellations. In the next 10 days alone, the majority of planned trips have been called off. Tour operators anticipate financial losses, with each package generally costing between ₹50,000 to ₹60,000.
The situation is equally grim in Delhi and Hyderabad. Nearly 90% of bookings from Delhi have been cancelled, and travel to popular spots like Gulmarg and the Tulip Gardens is declining rapidly. In Hyderabad, premium packages priced between ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh were scrapped just hours before departure. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express have waived cancellation charges in response to the crisis.
Despite this wave of cancellations, some tourists already in Kashmir are continuing their travels, albeit with caution and avoiding sensitive locations. An enhanced military presence in tourist zones is offering some reassurance. Meanwhile, travel agencies are swiftly responding by modifying itineraries, processing refund requests, and issuing safety updates.
Although the complete impact is yet to be measured, it’s clear that Kashmir’s summer tourism boom has taken a serious hit. Uncertainty looms over the coming months, and the revival of confidence in the region’s safety will play a key role in how the situation unfolds.
