The Centre has already removed inter-state travel bans in India as part of unlocking the nation after coronavirus lockdown. But people are still confused about planning trips, especially because of the complex quarantine rules and the mandate to produce COVID-negative certificates. But the good news is that certain Indian states and travel destinations have already done away with these compulsions. Here is a list of 5 Indian states where you won’t need to quarantine now:
1. Goa
Goa has lifted the compulsion of quarantining in the state from September 1. But if someone is found symptomatic then that person can get tested for the virus. Along with that, the bars too have reopened again, following the SOPs issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. You don’t need an e-pass either to drive to Goa. The Chief Minister stressed on the fact that people must maintain social distancing everywhere whether its restaurants or marketplaces. Tourists visiting restaurants, bars and marketplaces must follow social distancing as per the MHA guidelines. Beach shacks and casinos will remain shut for now. It’s likely that beach shacks will open after the monsoon in October.
2. Rajasthan
Rajasthan was one of the first Indian states to remove quarantine and ever since its reopening on June 2, it has witnessed an impressive surge in the tourist footfalls. The state had received about 1400 tourists in the first two days. Rajasthan has a total of 342 protected monuments, which includes 18 museums. 32 out of them need tickets. However, the state government had waived off the entry charges of these museums for the first 15 days after reopening. Now places like Jaipur, Udaipur, Mount Abu, Ajmer, Bikaner and more are getting a good number of tourists from nearby cities like Delhi.
Also Read: I Went On A Trip To A Secluded Campsite In Pushkar During The Pandemic
3. Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has opened its borders fully for tourism and the best news is that no e-pass, COVID test or registration would be required from now on to enter the state. Earlier, the cabinet had made registration on the COVID portal mandatory for all those keen to enter the state. E-passes and COVID negative certificates were also compulsory. However, in view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the government has decided not to resume interstate public transport. The state is also all set to reopen guest lodges and resorts from October 1. And while restaurants were already working with restrictions, there was no clarity regarding opening up of liquor places. But reportedly, bars in Himachal Pradesh too will open up soon.
4. West Bengal: Kolkata, Darjeeling, Kalimpong
West Bengal has lifted mandatory quarantine requirement for asymptomatic passengers. However, people with symptoms will have to go for COVID-19 test. Those with mild symptoms might be asked to go for home or institutional quarantine. The state is not allowing incoming and outgoing flights from Kolkata and Bagdogra on the total lockdown days, taking place twice or thrice in a week. Apart from that, most restaurants and night clubs in Kolkata are open now. A large number of people are also visiting tourist spots near Kolkata like Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Purulia and Jhargram.
Popular hill stations in West Bengal, Darjeeling and Kalimpong are also welcoming guests again. On September 5, the government of West Bengal permitted hotels outside the containment zones in these destinations to resume services. All the hotels, resorts, homestays and vacation homes need to strictly adhere to the protocols of social distancing. Neighbouring mountain state Sikkim is set to reopen from October, as per reports.
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5. Bangalore
The revised government order in Karnataka regarding inter-state travellers stated that people travelling from other places to the state will neither have to go for the mandatory 14-day quarantine nor register themselves on the Seva Sindhu portal. Pubs in Bangalore also reopened with permission to serve liquor from September 1. Popular breweries in Bangalore like The Biere Club, Uru Brewpark and The Bier Library witnessed a good footfall on day 1. Other interesting places now open in Bangalore include Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Cubbon Park, Jayanagar 4th Block market and more.
Also Read: I Visited Humayun’s Tomb In Delhi And Was Impressed With The Social Distancing Measures
These isolation relaxations apply only to domestic travellers. It will be mandatory for international travellers coming to India from other countries to take COVID-tests and/or go on quarantine, according to the guidelines of the individual states. But, if you are in India and wish to travel at your own risk skipping quarantine, the above holiday destinations will come to your rescue! Meanwhile, here are 10 places to travel with your friends in India: