Where can you travel after the pandemic?

COVID-19 or Coronavirus is one pandemic that has stopped every activity and stability of the world. We cannot see any sign of it getting over. This situation is giving everyone a doubt whether it will ever be possible to again go on a travel trip or holiday. According to a researcher Gautam Menon, COVID-19 is rapidly increasing and the whole India is following lockdown but beyond a limit, it will be difficult to maintain a lockdown that is coming for a long time, particularly economically, socially, and psychologically. Hence, here I am with this blog including some places and states that are open for travel and what precautions they are following.
Some states which rely heavily on tourism for their economy have finally unlocked the borders for the entry of visitors provided they strictly follow the protocols and guidelines issued by the state government. Listed below are the few states which are now open to travelers.
1. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of the most famous states for tourism in India. The state has multiple places for visiting mainly focusing on the heritage and culture of our country. The last six months of lockdown due to pandemic has resulted in a huge loss for Rajasthan and other states as well, but now they are all set to reopen and let people visit and relish the Rajasthani culture again.
The monuments will be open for only four days a week, that is Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and it is mandatory to follow the social distancing protocols by every visitor. The government has also decided to suspend the entry fees for visiting the ASI monuments for the first 15 days. Rajasthan is renowned for its 342 protected monuments and after the reopening, about 1,400 people visited the ASI monuments.
The government has also issued SOPs (standard operating procedures) to the management officials ordering them to strictly practice sanitization, maintain social distancing, and thermal screenings. Tourists will be allowed to enter only in groups of five and wearing masks has been made mandatory. Many cultural exhibitions held at venues like Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall, and many others have resumed with a protocol.

2. Uttarakhand
The Government of Uttarakhand has recently opened its borders for tourists from various states of India including international travelers. International tourists will be required to undergo seven days of institutional quarantine and seven days of home quarantine. Visitors from Indian states have to submit the negative COVID-19 and other required medical reports at the checkpoints to enter the state. As per the standard protocol, tourists will have to present a negative COVID-19 report, not older than 72 hours provided by the ICME-recognized lab. The government has also allowed the hotels and homestays to accept bookings for a minimum of five days. However, the Chardham Yatra will remain limited only to believers from within the state.

3. Himachal Pradesh
Known for its soothing weather and beautiful scenes, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most famous tourist destinations of India which has recently decided to open up for traveling purposes. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Manjhi said that they have decided to open the state for tourism with standard operating procedures (SOPs) which will be issued by the tourism department. Manjhi’s government has made it mandatory for every tourist to show a negative COVID-19 test report provided by an ICMR-recognized lab upon arrival or before entering the state. It is expected that the movement within the state will be monitored through enrolment with a COVID e-pass.

4. Goa
Goa has been a go-to place for everyone especially during summers, but this year summers were the time when beaches at Goa were deserted. The Deputy Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Ajgaonkar stated that almost 250 hotels can continue their operations with standard operating methods. The state government has regulated some specific guidelines which are divided into 3 phases before travel, during travel, and upon arrival. Now, pre-booking of accommodation at hotels and homestays is compulsory with the tourism department’s permission. Visitors are required to show a negative report of COVID-19 from the last 48 hours. Restaurants will be operated on a takeaway basis. However, the bars and several beach shacks will remain closed until further notice.