Dehradun: The swift chopper service to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district has spelled recession time for mule and palanquin operators.
As mule operators struggle to get pilgrims, aviation companies are smiling all the way to the bank. The 2013 flood-hit Kedarnath temple has attracted over one lakh visitors since it opened on April 24 after the winter break.
This year, over 44,000 pilgrims have availed the chopper service while 23,000 hired mules. The traditional palanquin and Kandi (basket) remain in low demand - with only 115-odd tourists opting to move on Doli that is carried by four porters.
18/06/15 Raju Gusain/India Today
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As mule operators struggle to get pilgrims, aviation companies are smiling all the way to the bank. The 2013 flood-hit Kedarnath temple has attracted over one lakh visitors since it opened on April 24 after the winter break.
This year, over 44,000 pilgrims have availed the chopper service while 23,000 hired mules. The traditional palanquin and Kandi (basket) remain in low demand - with only 115-odd tourists opting to move on Doli that is carried by four porters.
18/06/15 Raju Gusain/India Today
