Residents from metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are looking for long-term stays in secluded mountains. A large number of properties in hilly destinations are offering packages for professionals who want to work from a safer, serene environment. If you are planning a getaway in the mountains, here are all the latest rules you should know. As per the recent update, on August 15, Sikkim has relaxed travel rules allowing entry to tourists who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, they will need to show a COVID-negative certificate of RT-PCR test, not older than 72 hours. This also includes visitors under 18 years of age.
1. Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
Do you wish to beat the heat and escape to Ooty or Coonoor? You will need an e-pass if you are entering the Nilgiris from states such as Karnataka and Kerala. If you are travelling from Maharashtra or Kerala, you will also need to carry an RT-PCR negative test report. Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris Makes E-Pass Mandatory For Travellers From Kerala & Karnataka.
2. Coorg, Karnataka
While many districts in Karnataka have begun the unlocking process, Kodagu is still under lockdown. You will have to wait to travel to Coorg as the lush green hill station is still off-limits for tourists and will remain in lockdown till 19 July.
3. Munnar, Kerala
Planning a trip to Kerala? You will need an RT-PCR negative test report taken within 72 before your entry to the state. You will also have to apply for an e-pass to enter Kerala. Munnar Tourism To Go Green With Green Corridors & Shops For Eco Friendly Essentials.
4. Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani, Maharashtra
You can visit these hill stations without a negative Covid test report if you are here for just a day trip. However, if you plan to stay the night at a hotel, resort, homestay, private bungalow, or farmhouse, you need to mandatorily carry a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or RT-PCR Test report, taken not more than 72 hours prior to the visit. Hotel owners have received standard operating procedures from the government for the same.
5. Sikkim
Sikkim has relaxed travel rules allowing entry to tourists who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, they will need to show a COVID-negative certificate of RT-PCR test, not older than 72 hours. This also includes visitors under 18 years of age. Shops, commercial bodies and other businesses can operate till 8 PM now. Tourist vehicles and two-wheelers have been exempted from the odd-even rationing scheme. Private vehicles and taxis carrying locals need to adhere to the odd-even rule. Sikkim is now welcoming fully vaccinated tourists from other parts of the country. Fully vaccinated tourists can now enter the state through Rangpo in East Sikkim and Melli in South Sikkim after showing their vaccination certificates at the checkpoints. Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to show RT-PCR test reports. The Sikkim government has permitted hotels, homestays and guesthouses to operate with 50% capacity, by strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocols. Casinos in hotels can operate for in-house customers. The state has also allowed shopping malls, showrooms and shops to operate with full capacity with strict adherence to the safety norms.
6. Uttarakhand
Every outsider travelling to Uttarakhand must register on the smart city portal and carry a negative RT-PCR or RAT report taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. However, Uttarakhand has extended its lockdown till July 13 with some ease in restrictions. Malls and restaurants can function with a 50% capacity. UNESCO World Heritage Valley Of Flowers In Uttarakhand Reopens For Tourists; COVID-19 Report Mandatory.
7. Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh government announced the relaxation of COVID-19 curbs from June 14. As per the latest guidelines, travellers will no longer need negative RT-PCR test reports to enter the state. Shops will now be allowed to open from 9 am to 8 pm and restaurants can stay open till 10 pm. Moreover, the government also removed the mandatory e-pass for tourists entering the state.
8. Ladakh
Ladakh is now welcoming tourists. However, RT-PCR tests are mandatory for all travelling by road or air. You should do the test within 96 hours prior to arrival in Leh or Kargil. Tourists will also have to undergo a RAT test upon arrival to Leh. Skip Ladakh & Visit The Buddhist Hamlet, Mechukha In Arunachal Pradesh To Get Shangri-La Feels.
9. Jammu & Kashmir
All passengers flying into J&K will need an RT-PCR test. The restaurants and bars in the state are open to vaccinated customers or those who are carrying a negative RT-PCT or RAT test, taken 48 hours prior. Furthermore, J&K has also lifted the weekend curfew in districts such as Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Samba, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, and Shopian. However, the state has imposed a night curfew from 8 pm to 7 am daily.
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First Published: August 16, 2021 11:22 AM