Tourists rush to exit Valley, pay through the nose for tickets and stay after Pahalgam horror; govt steps in
Atul Sonawane and his family from Hiranandani, Thane, currently holidaying in Srinagar. Pic/Atul Sonawane and family
The Sangle family from Thane is among many tourists stranded in Srinagar who have decided to cut short their Kashmir holiday following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. “We’ve already covered holiday destinations from north to south, and this time we were excited about visiting Jammu and Kashmir,” said Gaurav Sangle, a civil engineer. “We planned the trip ourselves, and booked flights and hotels back in February.”
The family landed in Srinagar on Sunday and began sightseeing on Monday. “On Tuesday, we were on our way to Pahalgam to spend two days there, but minutes before reaching, we were alerted about the terror strike. We saw a heavy presence of police and security forces, and the area resembled a fortress. Our driver made a few calls and confirmed the attack. We had no option but to return to Srinagar,” he added.
Post-trauma chaos
Gaurav recounted meeting a couple from West Bengal who had witnessed the attack from a hideout. “They were visibly shaken and desperate to leave for Kolkata, and then onward to Germany,” he said. “My family was deeply disturbed too, and we decided to cancel the rest of our trip. Our Indigo return flight was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 27.”
Soaring costs
Gaurav is livid over the high costs airlines are charging. “I paid Rs 58,000 for our Indigo return tickets for April 27. Upon cancelling, the airline deducted Rs 20,000 and refunded Rs 38,000. But a new SpiceJet ticket for April 25 cost us Rs 69,000! This is has left me with an unexpected financial loss.”
Gaurav Sangle and his family at Phase 1 of the Gulmarg Gondola. Pics/Gaurav Sangle and family
He criticised the government for not stepping in. “Neither the government nor the Civil Aviation Ministry issued any directive to cap airfare. This has turned into our worst vacation experience. On top of inflated ticket prices, we’ve had to extend our stay in Srinagar, spending Rs 8000 for two rooms, and our hotel booking in Pahalgam hasn’t even responded to our refund requests. Drivers here charge R3000 a day—it’s all unplanned expense.”
More flights
However, the government on Wednesday announced that additional flights will be operated from Srinagar and that airfares on the route are being kept at reasonable levels amid a large number of tourists looking to return from J&K in the aftermath of the Phalagam terror attack.
Narrow escape
Atul Sonawane, 42, from Hiranandani, Thane, considers himself and his family lucky. “We were just seven minutes away from our hotel in Pahalgam when the attack happened. We had bookings at Hotel Hilton Heritage for two nights, but were stopped by security and turned back.”
Gaurav Sangle and his family at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar
He added, “We wanted to visit Mini Switzerland, one of the scenic spots, but had to cancel all plans. Our tour operator arranged accommodation at Heritage Luxury Hotel in Srinagar, which generously provided free meals to over 150 stranded tourists. That gesture meant a lot.” Asked if he would continue the trip, Atul said, “Absolutely not. We’re all shaken and want to get back to Thane as soon as possible.”
Stranded and stuck
Many tourists from Thane, Vasai-Virar and Mumbai are stuck indoors as streets remain cordoned off by security forces. Bhushan Gole, 39, from Manpada, Thane West, said, “I was in Pahalgam the day before the incident. We skipped Mini Switzerland because the pony guide charged Rs 4900 per person. Plus, the route isn’t motorable and involves a 5 km trek through jungle terrain. I’ve spent R1.68 lakh for a seven-day family tour. I urge others to assess the situation before planning trips to J&K.”
Nishank Mhatre, 31, a travel agency representative from Virar, added, “We’re constantly in touch with the CM and Deputy CM’s office, giving them regular updates. While things are tense, the situation is currently under control. We’re safe and hope to return soon.”
Stars saddened
Sachin Tendulkar, via X
‘Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic attacks on innocent people in Pahalgam. The affected families must be going through an unimaginable ordeal... India and the world stand united with them at this dark hour, as we mourn the loss of lives and pray for justice’
Salman Khan, via X
‘Kashmir, heaven on planet earth, turning into hell. Innocent people are being targeted. My heart goes out to their families. Ek bhi innocent ko maarna puri kainath ko maarne ke barabar hai (killing one innocent person is equal to killing the entire world)’
Shah Rukh Khan, via X
‘Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that have suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we, as a nation, stand united, strong, and seek justice for this heinous act’
Alia Bhatt, via X
‘The news is heartbreaking. Innocent lives lost. Tourists, families, people who were just… living. Seeking beauty. Seeking peace. And now there’s only grief. And the unbearable weight of it. Every time something like this happens, it chips away at our shared humanity. May those souls rest in peace. And may those left behind find strength somehow—though I don’t know how we even begin to ask that of them’
Anushka Sharma, via Instagram
‘Heartbroken to hear about the cold-blooded terror attack on innocent people in Kashmir. Heartfelt prayers and condolences to their families. This is a heinous attack that will never be forgotten’
Virat Kohli, via Instagram
‘Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength to families of all those who lost their lives and for justice to be served for the cruel act.’
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