With norms easing post-Unlock 5.0, many Indian states are now planning to re-open their tourism avenues for everyone. It’s been more than 5 months since everything came to halt due to the outbreak of pandemic across the world. Trains came to halt once the nationwide lockdown was announced on 22nd March. Now, with lowering the number of infection cases and also quick COVID testing kits available, the nation is gradually switching to the new normal. Some of the monuments like the Taj Mahal and other are gradually opening up for tourists across the nation.
Four of the Indian States which have officially announced to open tourism are:
- Sikkim to Re-Open from 1st October for all Tourists: The government of Sikkim has allowed the free interstate movement of people without any requirement of registration w.e.f. 1st October 2020 and also permit hotels, homestays, and other tourism-related services to operate from 10th October 2020.
Here’s the official announcement from the tourism department of Sikkim state:
#Sikkim to open for tourists from 1st October! pic.twitter.com/7r5zZRjCIk
— travelobiz (@travelobiz) September 20, 2020
- Odisha to Re-Open its Tourist Destinations from October: The Odisha government has decided to reopen all tourist destinations from October with strict adherence to health & safety guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s the official announcement:
#Odisha govt has decided to reopen all tourist destinations from October, says Tourism Minister J P Panigrahi at a programme on #WorldTourismDay
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2020
- Tourism Activity to Start in Andaman & Nicobar: In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, various tourism activities have started after a gap of 6 months. The beaches in the South Andaman district have also opened to the general public but the timing has been fixed from 10 am to 5 pm.
Official Announcement here:
अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीप समूह में छह महीनों के अंतराल के बाद विभिन्न पर्यटन गतिविधियां आज से शुरू हो जाएंगी। दक्षिण अंडमान जिले में समुद्र तट आज सुबह आम जनता के लिए खुल जाएंगे, लेकिन इसके लिए सुबह दस बजे से शाम पांच बजे तक का समय निश्चित किया गया है। #andamanandnicobarislands pic.twitter.com/9vTPoXxhA0
— आकाशवाणी समाचार (@AIRNewsHindi) September 27, 2020
- Uttarakhand to Lift all Tourism Restrictions: Uttarakhand has lifted all travel restrictions pertaining to special permits, COVID negative certificates, and e-permits for inter-state travellers. All that visitors need to do is to register themselves on the Dehradun Smart City Limited website before they travel.
Official Tweet here:
Uttarakhand lifts all travel restrictions and tourists will no longer need to produce Covid-negative certificates to travel to the state. They just need to register themselves on the web portal https://t.co/UG92lwqU5D prior to their visit. #uttarakhandtourism #simplyheaven pic.twitter.com/yK4JdTpuTD
— Uttarakhand Tourism (@UTDBofficial) September 23, 2020
If you have been on the wait-list for these destinations, you can set sail now from the up-coming month. Make sure, to follow COVID safety norms if you are traveling by road or follow the updated safety guidelines if you happen to travel via special trains. Order food on train online in order to ensure hygienic and contactless delivery during your train journey.
Let us know your thoughts on these decisions in the comments below.