What’s Opening Up and Where To Go - Part II

Andhra Pradesh: Tourism resumed from June 8
Your favourite hotels might still not be functional as the final decision remains with the collectors 
After Unlock 1.0 guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, all the state governments have been on their toes to successfully implement COVID-19 regulations. Whether a hotel is allowed to resume normal functioning will now depend on the demand. Many hotels will be used as paid quarantine facilities. As for the hotels that can resume regular services, it will only be allowed after complete disinfection of the premises. Travellers waiting for their next adventure will have to wait just a little longer, as the boating operations are yet to resume. 

Pro Tip: Do not miss the Salar Jung Museum, the largest single-person collection of art and artifacts in the world. 

Protected Monuments: Monuments opened on June 8
States can issue notices to close certain monuments in COVID-19 hotspots 

The Archaeological Survey of India has decided to open 820 monuments, which include temples, mosques and churches. However, you might have to hold on a little longer to catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahal again. The mausoleum, along with certain monuments in Maharashtra, will remain shut owing to the surge of cases in the respective areas. Monuments that have received the green signal include Qutub Minar and Govind Dev Temple in Mathura. 

Pro Tip: Monuments now have online ticket bookings.

Kerala: Locals can get discounted stay
With the curve flattening in the state, Kerala draws out plans to revive tourism with local travellers
As the country prepares for a post-lockdown revival, Kerala looks forward to opening up travel and tourism in the state, but initially targeting only local travellers. Luxury hotels and resorts like Vembanad Hotels and Resorts in Kumarakom will offer stays at discounted rates. Adventure sports, mostly self-done, will be a huge hit, according to Pradeep Murthy, director of Muddy Boots, a certified adventure tour operator. Ecotourism will also be a major attraction with the re-opening of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, along with its private safaris.

Pro Tip: Head to Kalamandalam arts centre for live performances. Book in advance. 

READ: What's Opening Up and Where To Go - Part 1

Uttarakhand: Minimum bookings are for 7 days
Hospitality units in containment zones and the municipal area of Dehradun are yet to get a nod for undertaking any bookings 
Uttarakhand’s soaring peaks and transgressing rivers are straight out of a summer postcard. The first phase of unlock has allowed hospitality units to welcome travellers in these quaint villages tied together, mythologically and culturally. However, for those of us from ‘highly COVID-19 affected cities or states’, the wait to book a hotel, B&B, homestay or other hospitality units will be a little longer. As for the ones who can get a whiff of the crisp mountain air, the minimum booking should be for at least a week. While you may not be able to visit any public places or tourist spots, you sure can curl up with your favourite book or soak up some vitamin D in the mountains. 

 Pro Tip: Tourist spots will be open for locals, and out-of-state tourists will not be allowed to mingle with them. 

Get your hands on some local delicacies like thatvani or bhut kichurkani, but let them know your spice tolerance in advance. 

Read: Hostels in India Reopen with Exciting Offers

Himachal Pradesh: Peak season is from April to June
Despite opening for tourism, Himachal Pradesh’s hotels are yet to take a call 
Set amid scenic splendour, Himachal Pradesh is all set to be promoted as a ‘Quarantine Tourism’ destination. Tourists can enjoy their staycation, but will not be permitted to go for any sightseeing. While the state has opened its doors for tourists, hotels are yet to take a call—whether or not to accept bookings—as they fear a spike in cases in the state capital of Shimla, which receives the maximum number of tourists. However, they will remain open for non-tourism purposes, like government officials coming over for work and the like, and only for Himachal Pradesh citizens. Temples are open for visitors and interstate bus services are functional. 

Pro Tip: *Restaurants and dhabas can serve food at 60 per cent of their seating capacity. 

*Head for a trek through Himachal during the summers as it offers better sightseeing options 

Read: Homestays are the New Work Spaces