India, June 9 -- As a blistering heat wave sweeps across large parts of India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a significant surge in tourist and pilgrim arrivals this summer season.

The visitors continue to give thumbs up to the Union Territory despite two major terror incidents targeting tourists in the past two years. The common link attracting visitors to different parts of Jammu and Kashmir this year is the newly launched Vande Bharat Express, which is running at full capacity.

The cool climes of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez valley, and the spiritual pull of the region are also drawing visitors in large numbers, with estimates indicating over 2 lakh tourists and pilgrims arriving in recent weeks. In t...