Let your travel plans go South, literally! 😉
After remaining shut for over six months due to the pandemic, Kerala has opened all tourist destinations in the state except beaches and we couldn’t be happier!
The list of reopened destinations includes tourist destinations, adventure parks, houseboats and boating services, including the picture-perfect Alleppey backwater trips and the awe-inspiring Silent Valley National Park among others.
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Search & Book FlightsIn a tweet, the state tourism department confirmed the reopening and also stated that all beaches in the state will reopen from November 1:
As part of a phased approach, Kerala’s tourist destinations, excluding beaches, are now open, strictly following the COVID-19 protocol. The beaches will open on November 1, 2020. #keralatourism #kerala pic.twitter.com/SnKU9q8uHW
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) October 12, 2020
The state has released a detailed list of all the destinations that have now reopened, along with other details such as ticketing facilities, maximum number of tourists allowed and other safety measures. Check the complete list here.
To ensure that the tourists have a safe stay, the state has also issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Here are the guidelines mentioned in the SOP:
1.Domestic tourists visiting Kerala for short trips (less than 7 days) are exempted from quarantine. However, tourists must still register on the state portal.
2.If tourists plan to extend their stay for more than 7 days, they can undergo a paid COVID test on the 7th day and remain in paid quarantine till the test results are available. They must also follow all COVID-19 health advisories. Those who test negative can opt for optional quarantine of 7 days, though not mandatory. Those who test positive will be treated as per the health protocol of the state.
3.All tourists must pre-book their hotel and must have a pre-arranged specific itinerary for the visit.
4.Tourists must try and purchase all tickets for wildlife sanctuaries, monuments, etc. online and avoid handling cash as much as possible and opt for digital payments instead.
5.Tourists must also follow the time slots allotted for various activities while visiting the attractions.
6.The domestic tourists who visit the state for more than 7 days need to produce a COVID -ve test (RT-PCR test/Rapid Antigen Test) report conducted within 48 hours before arrival. They can also opt to undergo paid testing on arrival and stay in paid quarantine till results. If they test negative, they can opt for 7 days of optional quarantine. Those who test positive will be treated as per the health protocols of the state.
7.The domestic tourists who visit the state for more than 7 days and have not produced the COVID test results on entry or have not tested on arrival in Kerala shall undergo 7 days quarantine. They can be tested on the 7th day after arrival. If they test negative, quarantine for 7 days further will be optional and not mandatory. Those who test positive will be treated as per the state health protocol. Those who don’t get tested will be advised to quarantine for 14 days.
8.Tourists must avoid travel if they exhibit any symptoms. They must also stay away from the elderly and persons with morbidity. Persons above the age of 65, pregnant women, children below the age of 10 and persons with morbidities are advised to take extra precautions.
9.Tourists must wear face masks, carry hand sanitizers and also maintain social distancing of 2 meters from everyone throughout their stay.
10.Tourists must avoid visiting public places other than the places they have planned for in the itinerary and avoid using public transportation.
11.Tourists must keep a strict check on their health during the stay and watch out for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of smell/taste, fatigue, etc. and contact DISHA 1056 if they develop symptoms and follow the health advisory. Anybody who develops any of the mentioned symptoms must also remain in strict isolation.
Note: Kerala allows 14 day of home quarantine for all visitors entering the state. In the absence of a private facility, visitors can also opt for institutional quarantine. Travellers can check the detailed e-pass, registration and quarantine requirements of all the states right here.
Get ready for a ‘heavenly’ vacation in God’s Own Country, dear traveller! Happy journey!
