Shimla, June 7 -- Tourist activity has picked up once again in the hill town of Shimla, with large numbers of visitors arriving over the weekend to enjoy the cool weather and serene natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh.

As temperatures soar in the plains--especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi--families and schoolchildren are heading to the hills in search of relief and relaxation, providing a welcome boost to the local tourism industry.

Hotels, homestays, horse ride operators, travel agents, and photographers in Shimla say they are finally witnessing a revival in business after a lull triggered by recent tensions in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The pleasant weather, lush green surroundings,...