Nainital, June 27 -- A surge in weekend tourism has brought the hill town of Nainital to life as visitors from the northern plains arrive to escape the scorching summer heat.

Popular attractions across the lake city witnessed heavy footfall throughout the day, giving a significant boost to the local hospitality and tourism sectors while also increasing pressure on traffic management.

Since morning, major tourist destinations including Naini Lake, Mall Road, Snow View, Tiffin Top, Cave Garden, and Himalayan View Point have remained crowded with visitors. Long queues were seen for boating on Naini Lake, while Mall Road was packed with tourists enjoying the pleasant weather.

Hotel and guest house operators said nearly 70 per cent of rooms...