Governments across various Indian states are lifting up the lockdown restrictions in a graded manner. The Centre has already permitted inter-state travel and popular tourist spots are now reopening one after another following the protocols of social distancing. Taj Mahal and Agra Fort are going to open up for tourists on September 21. Tirupati temple collected ₹1.02 crores in a single day after opening doors to devotees. Some other prominent COVID-19 travel updates from India are as follows:
1. Delhi Metro Witnesses 15,000 Passengers On The Very First Day
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation ( DMRC) restarted services on Yellow Line and Rapid Metro on September 7 and received over 15,000 passengers on Day 1. As per reports, DMRC said, “Passenger availing services on Yellow line/Rapid Metro till 8:30 pm today (September 7) were approximately 15,500.” The metro authorities also sold nearly 1115 smart cards on the same day. Blue Line and Pink Line services will resume on September 9. Operations on Red, Green and Violet Lines will start on September 10.
2. Uttarakhand’s Corbett National Park To Open Doors On October 15
The famous Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand will reopen for tourists on October 15. However, COVID-19 negative test result will be mandatory for all visitors. As per HT reports, the deputy director of the Corbett Tiger Reserve has said, “Online booking for safari in Corbett will start from September 10. The park will be open for tourists from October 15, 2020.”
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3. Bangalore’s Popular Nandi Hills Receives 3000 Visitors On Day 1
Nandi hills in Bangalore started allowing tourist entry on September 7 after the coronavirus lockdown. And on the very first day, around 3000 people visited the hilly destination from Bangalore, Doddaballapura, Kolar and Tumakuru. As per reports, nearly 70 persons had also reserved rooms in the guesthouses on the same day to see the sunset.
4. Himalayan Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Reopens
The Sikh shrine on the lap of Uttarakhand Himalayas, Shri Hemkund Sahib has reopened on September 4 and is allowing entry only of asymptomatic passengers. Also, the temple is prohibiting entry of elderly people above 60 years, children below 10 years, pregnant women and people with co-morbidities. The state has also removed the cap of 2000 visitors from outside per day, as part of Unlock 4 relaxations.
5. West Bengal’s Belur Math To Remain Shut During Durga Puja
Popular tourist spot near Kolkata, Howrah’s Belur Math won’t permit tourists this year during the city’s biggest festival, Durga Puja. As per reports, Swami Vivekananda had started celebrating Durga Puja at Ramakrishna Math and Mission headquarters 119 years ago. For the first time since then, the temple authorities are closing the headquarters during the pujas to combat the spread of COVID-19.
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Many people have already started travelling, and all renowned malls, monuments and more strictly adhering to the guidelines of safety and hygeine. For example, at Delhi’s Humayun’s tomb, the name of each visitor is being entered in the register and sanitizer is provided during entry and exit. For those planning to visit Goa, the state is now allowing entry without any COVID-19 certificate. Meanwhile, Meghalaya has launched its new travel film exclusively on Curly Tales:
