PANORAMA
Planning a holiday? Observe guidelines while visiting these hotspots
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The travel and tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit during the ongoing pandemic. On the one hand people in India are fearful of rising numbers of coronavirus cases and on the other, the government is unlocking and opening up the nation.Most of the tourist destinations have started reopening and if you wish to go on a holiday, you only need to observe some guidelines.
Check out how you can get to these holiday destinations and guidelines to keep in mind while traveling during the pandemic.
- Anshika Awasthi
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Agra
India's popular heritage monument, the Taj Mahal will reopen for the general public from September 21.Agra tourism industry, which had lost Rs 2,200 crore (according to India Today survey) in the past six months due to lockdown, will now allow visitors to the Taj Mahal but with certain guidelines. It will allow around 5,000 visitors per day-2500 before lunch and 2,500 after lunch. Commercial photographers will be allotted different time slots. Visitors will be thermally screened at the entry gate and tickets will be sold online through the ASI phone app. Physical tickets won't be allowed anymore.
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Manali
After remaining shut for more than five months from March 22, hotels in Kullu Manali are now all set to welcome tourists from October 1. However, due to the current situation of coronavirus cases in the country, lockdown conditions will stand imposed in containment zones. Those who want to visit the place will need to stick with the guidelines. Any visitor arriving from the containment zones will have to undergo institutional quarantine.
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Jaipur
Religious places in Jaipur have reopened after 170 days of lockdown. Visitors need to follow strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols issued by the state government. The process of reopening many religious places in Jaipur had begun from September 7, however, famous religious places like Moti Dungri and Govind Dev Ji temple will remain temporarily closed.
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Shimla
Religious places have reopened across Himachal Pradesh as part of Unlock 4. People have started visiting famous temples, one of which is Hanuman Jakhu Temple, located at an altitude of over 8,000 feet above sea level, at the top of Shimla city.
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Coorg
Coorg is back on the radar for travellers and hotels have also been welcoming its guests back following safety protocols. These include social distancing and covering face with face mask. As per the state government's regulations, guests within the state can do interdistrict travel without an e-pass. The ones traveling from other parts of the country will have to go for 14 days home isolation. People living in Karnataka or those who have stayed for 15 days or longer are most welcome.
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Kodaikanal
Tamil Nadu government has lifted some of the lockdown restrictions allowing inter-District bus and train operations from September 7. On request from stakeholders of the tourism industry in Kodaikanal, the Dindigul district administration had permitted the reopening of three tourists spots - Bryant Park, Rose Garden and Chettiar Park for the public. Other famous locations like Berijam Lake and Green Valley View will also open in a phased manner. It will be mandatory for visitors to have an e-pass to visit popular tourist destinations.
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Goa
Bars and restaurants in Goa are now open after more than five months of strict lockdown as the state government eased rules as per Centre's 'unlock 4.0' guidelines. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has now allowed these outlets to reopen on conditions that people will follow guidelines. Visitors must ensure they are wearing face masks and maintaining six meters distance from each other. And also, no liquor will be sold to those without a mask or appropriate face cover. So make sure you do not forget to pack masks when setting off on a holiday.