India, April 22 -- After the Pahalgam terror attack, where terrorists gunned down 26 people, the government shut down 48 tourist spots. Today, 39 of them have been opened. HT does a spot check.

On a dirt trek leading to the picturesque Baisaran Valley, a CRPF officer from Kanyakumari urges a group of six young tourists not to venture beyond a certain point.

Last year, when heavily armed terrorists targeted tourists in the valley, there was no security presence, and it took over 25 minutes for forces to arrive. Now, the 5km road from main Pahalgam town to meadow is heavily guarded with over a dozen CRPF and police personnel round-the-clock. Security teams are also stationed inside the valley, keeping a close watch to prevent tourists fro...