Gulmarg (Kashmir), Feb 11: Despite scarce snowfall, the tourist inflow to this famous ski resort of Jammu and Kashmir has shown an increase this winter with people earning their livelihood from trade hoping for a better season ahead. About 55 kms from summer capital Srinagar, the famous hill resort of Gulmarg is covered with snow carpet and tourists can be seen enjoying and admiring the nature.

"This is my first visit to the valley and I bow my head before the lord for such beauty," said Sushil Thumkar, who was here with his wife. Covered properly to protect themselves from the icy winds, the couple said they intend to spent a few days in the valley. "We had only heard of snow. It looks more charming than what we had thought off," they said.

Enthralled by the beauty of the place they want to live here for ever. "We would like to live and die here but our budget does not allow us to stay for more than three days," they said. Another group of domestic tourists were busy hurling snowballs at each other. "It is quite amazing. Whatever we have heard and thought of Kashmir, it is much more than that," said Kolte of Dombaily village of Maharashtra.

Another tourist, who identified himself as municipal councillor Nandu Kumar Vedi of Mumbai, said his group, which consisted of 20 persons, arrived in the valley 10 days ago and has so far visited different places. It was rightly said that Kashmir is the paradise on earth. Bureau Report