In a major jolt to the just started winter tourism in Kashmir, militants attacked a group of domestic tourists at Tangmarg health resort, 40 kms from Srinagar from Tuesday afternoon.

Police said a group of tourists from Kerala who were returning after visiting Gulmarg had stopped for tea at a roadside stall when militants threw a grenade inside their vehicle, which exploded, injuring seven tourists and three locals.

"The injured tourists were referred by attending doctors in Tangmarg hospital for specialised treatment to Srinagar city. Three locals injured in the explosion have also been evacuated for treatment," said a senior police officer here.

The area was cordoned off and searches mounted.

It must be mentioned that the local tourist industry has borne the brunt of separatist violence during the past 18 years.

This summer, when the tourism had started peaking in the valley, a series of militant attacks left over a dozen tourists dead and scores wounded.

Tuesday's attack has dampened all the tourism promotion efforts.

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the explosion.