Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has taken a major hit after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, pushing the government to shut down dozens of resorts and tourist spots across the Union Territory. So far, around 48 resorts have been closed, and popular destinations like Doodhpatri and Verinag have been declared out of bounds for visitors due to safety concerns.

The move has created uncertainty for the local tourism industry, which is a key source of livelihood for many. Following the attack, several tourists have left the region, and many have cancelled their upcoming trips. Just a week ago,Pahalgam’s markets were buzzing with tourists. Now, the once-busy town looks deserted as tourist numbers have dropped sharply.

Tourist spots closed after terror attack

The areas that have been shut include well-known spots like Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Aharbal, Bangus Valley, Sinthan Top, Verinag Garden, Sun Temple, and many others. Waterfalls, viewpoints, religious sites, eco-parks, and resorts such as the IVORY Hotel, Cherry Tree Resort, and Padshapal Resorts have also been shut down. Officials have said that while some places have been closed for now, others are being provided with proper security arrangements to ensure safety.

Meanwhile, the attack has had a major impact on tourism in the region. Many tourists have either left or cancelled their trips, leading to a steep drop in passenger numbers at Srinagar International Airport. On April 23, over 17,600 passengers travelled through the airport, but the numbers started to fall from the next day. By April 25, the count dropped to around 14,000 passengers, and on April 26, it remained nearly the same despite some additional flights. The drop in footfall clearly shows that tourists are scared, and the fear has affected travel plans across the Valley.

Although the number of flights at Srinagar Airport has not been affected, the number of passengers on each flight has dropped sharply after the recent terror attack. Meanwhile, the Srinagar Police have stepped up their action against people linked to terrorist groups. As part of ongoing investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), police carried out searches at multiple locations across the city.

On Friday, they raided the homes of 34 suspects in Srinagar. Across Kashmir, police have now conducted house searches at over 1,000 locations. Officials said that all searches were done legally, under the supervision of executive magistrates and independent witnesses, and aimed at collecting evidence like arms, documents, and digital devices.

Police said these actions are part of a larger effort to break down the support system for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. They warned that anyone involved in promoting violence, unrest, or illegal activities will face strict action under the law. Srinagar Police also assured that they are fully committed to maintaining peace and security in the region.

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