Srinagar, May 8 -- According to the Economic Survey Report tabled by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently, this surge was a strong sign of the region's return to peace and normalcy. Places like Gulmarg continued to charm visitors with its famous Gondola ride pulling in over 7.6 lakh tourists and earning more than Rs.100 crore in revenue.

Pahalgam was the place that rivalled Gulmarg and Srinagar in drawing most of the tourists. And during June and August every year, it hosted thousands of pilgrims to Amarnath cave shrine. Last year alone, over five lakh pilgrims visited the shrine, a major chunk took the route through Pahalgam.

But the terror attack at the South Kashmir resort killing 25 tourists and one pony operator has changed everyt...