Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: The usually bustling hill station of Mussoorie has a subdued look this Diwali, with the typical festive rush noticeably absent.

The popular tourist destination, which normally attracts a surge of visitors during the festive season, is struggling due to damaged roads caused by heavy rains last month. Tourism stakeholders say these conditions are drastically affecting tourist inflow.

While some experts point to limited government promotion after the rains as a contributing factor, a few others emphasise that Mussoorie’s natural charm and scenic beauty continue to make it an attractive destination.

Most among the few visitors who have made it to the hill station this Diwali say, they are here to enjoy the pleasant weather and escape the post-Diwali pollution in Delhi.

According to locals and traders, the upcoming season is expected to help Mussoorie regain its former vibrancy and boost business for the region's retail and hospitality industries.