Pune: Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station, is witnessing a significant influx of tourists during the Christmas and New Year holiday season. For the past two weeks, hotels, resorts, and other accommodations in Mahabaleshwar and nearby Panchgani have been operating at full capacity. The tourist inflow, which began around Christmas, has now reached its peak.

Known for its cool weather and picturesque landscapes, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are favored destinations for holiday celebrations. This year has been no exception, with tourists from across India flocking to the region.

Hoteliers and local businesses have pulled out all the stops to attract visitors, including vibrant floral decorations and mesmerizing lighting displays.

To celebrate Christmas and New Year, many resorts have organized themed events and games. The historic British-era church in Mahabaleshwar has been adorned with dazzling lights, while replicas of Santa Claus and beautifully decorated Christmas trees add to the festive charm.

The tourist rush has left no room for vacancy in hotels, lodges, bungalows, and farmhouses, which have all been fully booked since last week. Tourists have been crowding popular attractions such as Venna Lake, various viewpoints, religious and historical landmarks, and the local market.

However, the rising number of visitors has created traffic issues, with long queues of vehicles on the roads leading to Mahabaleshwar. Traffic congestion has been particularly problematic in areas with narrow roads.