Shimla snow cheers V-Day revellers

Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh's state capital Shimla and its nearby tourist destinations on the eve of Valentine's Day celebrations on Saturday, added that extra nip in the air for couples.

Shimla and its nearby popular destinations like Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda have been experiencing snowfall, triggering a rush of tourists there.

"We have seen snowfall for the first time. It's great fun and enjoyment. We are enjoying hurling snowballs at each other," newlywed Parul and her husband Rajan Sobti said here.

"Love's already in the air with snow and we are expecting a good rush on Valentine's Day in Shimla," Clarke's Hotel general manager D.P. Bhatia told IANS.

According to the weather office here, snow and rain will continue across the state till Sunday.

Lower areas of the state, including Dharamsala, Solan, Nahan and Mandi, received moderate rainfall, bringing the temperature down considerably.

Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district was the coldest town in the state with a low of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature in Shimla and Manali was 1.9 degrees Celsius and 1.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Kalpa, 250 km from Shimla, recorded the night temperature at minus one degree Celsius, while it was 6.4 degrees in Dharamsala.

The snowfall has cheered members of the hospitality industry as they are expecting a rise in tourist footfalls this weekend.

The Met office said the snowy landscape of Shimla will remain for one-two days.