Should you start travelling now?

Well as the unlock 2.0 is announced. The interstate movement had been relaxed for the tourists. Most of the states are willing to abide by the Central guidelines as the tourism sector has been severely affected because of the lockdown.

But some local authorities and hotels have opposed to the recent relaxations that have been given for tourist to visit these places.
I shall be talking about Himachal Pradesh as it being the most preferred getaways for the northies.
While most of the places are in favor of the centre's decision some hotels and local panchyat like in Manali have decided to close hotel services for tourists in fear of increase in Corona cases. The state government has directed the opening of hotels with a SOPs.

If you plan to travel to Himachal you would have to fullfill the following guidelines:
1) 5 day advanced booking via an online portal for your hotel stay in the preferred location.
2) A Corona negative report from an recognised ICMR centre which should not be older than 72hours.
3) Registration on the online government portal as a tourist.
4) If you are coming from a red zone, you won't be allowed an entry even if you fulfill the above conditions.
5) If a Himachali is coming back to hometown he would have to go for institutional quarantine. While a this is not applicable for a tourist.
6) A max of 3 people can travel in a car.

If you fill the above mentioned criteria you shall be allowed entry into Himachal.

But the question is should you be traveling now?

Well, the recent reports indicate that if you choose to travel you are likely to get stuck in traffic. Yesterday 2000 vehicles entered into Himachal, and their seems to be a big traffic jam near Shimla. Hence, even though hotels in Shimla have opened and they are happily welcoming tourists, I would recommend you to wait for some time, because the Himachali people who were working outside are rushing back to their hometown and I think so they should be the first ones to be able to reach back to their homes.

If you still wish to travel, make sure you confirm with the hotel regarding what places are open and if the local panchayat has allowed entry for tourist. Also do check with the cancellation policy of the hotels.

How to travel Safely?

While Hotel staff is being trained as per the SOPs issued by the government, you can take some steps for your safety.
1) Carry Masks and Sanitizers with you.
2) Avoid touching your face and other objects.
3) Prefer eating cooked food.
4) Carry your own bedsheets and pillow covers.
5) Keep washing your hands frequently.

Be cautious and responsible, this is an asymptomatic disease and it requires our utmost attention that we do not spread it and make our an others lives miserable.

Hope so you found this article interesting and knowledgeable. Do comment in case you wish to know more, I shall try to reply asap. Also if you liked it please do share the knowledge with your friends and family.