Shimla, Nov 2 (IANS): The state-run Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) on Friday announced that it was offering special packages for the tourists staying in its hotels across the state during Diwali.

The guests staying in any HPTDC hotel for two nights will be provided free stay for the third night, HPTDC Managing Director Kumad Singh told IANS here.

Similarly, for a stay of three nights there is a provision of complimentary stay for two additional nights in any hotel.

The special package would be applicable from November 3 to 11 and the bookings can also be made online.

Himachal Pradesh, known for its apples and picture-perfect tourist spots, attracted 19.6 million tourists last year, 2.9 times of its population.

It has 63 operational helipads across the state, as per the state's Economic Survey 2017-18.

Kullu and Manali are tourist hotspots, followed by Shimla and Dharamsala, the seat of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.