Himachal Pradesh Unlock: Places To Visit After Unlock

Visitors are thronging popular stations such as Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dalhousie, and Dharamshala

Ground Report | New Delhi: The Himachal Pradesh state government has issued certain guidelines for travelers in line with the government's recent Unlock 4.0 order. While inter-state buses will continue to remain suspended until further orders, those entering the state will be required to undergo institutional or home quarantine, barring certain exceptions. However, some relaxations have been issued in view of the entry of tourists into the state.

Here is all that you need to keep in mind before you plan a visit to Himachal Pradesh.

Guidelines Of Himachal Pradesh

1. Those who wish to visit the hill station will be required to follow all the guidelines issued by the state government.
2. The visiting tourist can opt to get Trunaat/CB Naat Test (negative report) as an alternative to the RT-PCR test. However, they need to bear in mind that the test needs to be done from an authorized/accredited laboratory, and not less than 96 hours before entering the state border.
3. The minimum duration of stay has been reduced to two nights across multiple locations
4. Children less than 10 years of age can skip the mandatory testing procedure, provided the adults accompanying him have undergone tests, and have requisite proofs regarding the same.
5. Tourists will need to get themselves registered on the state's official website,i.e, http://www.covid19epass.hp.gov.in/applications/epass/apply which should not be at least 24 hours before visiting the state under the tourist category.
6. The driver, if just dropping off the travelers, will not be required to undergo a quarantine process.
7. Tourists will be required to have the Arogya Setu app downloaded on their phones.
8. Those travelling to the state are advised to follow responsible and safe tourism.

Places Open In Himachal

With Unlock in place, tourism and related industries in India are slowly opening up. Some districts in Himachal Pradesh have been witnessing a large number of tourists amid a surge in the number of coronavirus cases. Ever since restrictions were lifted, nearly one lakh tourists have visited the state bringing relief to the tourism industry. Visitors are thronging popular stations such as Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dalhousie, and Dharamshala. Tourism is also gradually picking up in Manali which witnessed 15,000 tourists. There has been a trend of tourists visiting offbeat spots and staying in camps.

1. Manali

Manali is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. This hill town is the perfect escape from the scorching heat and hectic city life. Snuggled on the bank of the River Beas and encompassed by the mighty Himalayan ranges, Manali is among the top places to see in Himachal Pradesh.

Things To Do In Manali -

• Solang valley
• Beas River
• Trekking
• Lahul Spiti visiting
• Bird watching
• Camping near riverside

2 Shimla

Shimla derives its name from Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest covering Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century.

Things to do in Shimla-

• Nature walk
• Jakhu temples
• Camping
• River rafting '

ALSO READ: WHO IS NIKHIL KAMATH? WHY WAS HE BANNED FROM THE CHESS PLATFORM

3 Dalhousie

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was won over by the beauty of Dalhousie, a famous tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, so much so, that he stayed here for many months in 1937. Today, he has two places named after him - Subhash Baoli and Subhash Chowk. The hill station has the same effect on tourists today, with its waterfalls, rivers making their way through mountains, dense forest trails that run parallel to enormous cliffs with grand views of the Dauladhar range 

Things to do in Dalhousie -

• View Of Panch Pula Waterfall
• Ride a Boat in Glistening Chamera Lake
• Spend a Picnic Day at Khajjiar
• Hike Up to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Narkanda

Narkanda is a sleepy little village located at a distance of about 65 kilometers from Shimla; a journey that can be easily done in 2 hours at most on some very smooth roads. It is at an altitude of 2708 meters and becomes a well-known skiing resort every winter. Apple farming and farming, in general, is the main source of income for the people here but tourism too plays a major part in their livelihoods

Things to do here-

• Visit Tannu Jubbar lake
• Mahamaya Temple
• Strokes Farm
• jalori pass

These were some of the few serene places you can visit after the unlock in Himachal Pradesh.

ALSO READ: TWITTER FAILED TO COMPLY WITH NEW IT RULES: RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD

Precautions should be taken while travelling

Wash your hands frequently: This is undoubtedly the most important thing that you can do to minimise your chances of contracting the Coronavirus disease. Make sure that it’s not just a quick rinse with soap and water. You need to wash your hands for at least twenty to thirty seconds whenever you get a chance, especially after accessing public spaces or if you have taken a mode of public transport. If you took the flight to a place, wash your hands after leaving the airport.

Always keep a hand sanitiser gel with you. In case you don’t get access to soap and water, you put a few drops of the sanitiser gel and rub it on your hands and wrists.

Remember to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands: Avoid touching your face unless you haven’t thoroughly cleaned your hands and especially when you have been in a public place. It has been found that the novel coronavirus can stay on surfaces for hours after it has been touched by an infected person. It can easily spread to someone who comes in contact with the object through their mouth, nose, and eyes.

Keep your distance: The symptoms of coronavirus disease are similar to that of common flu or cold. So, if you see someone is coughing, sneezing, or has any common signs of flu, try to stay at least three feet away from that person. It’s possible to contract the virus through respiratory droplets by cough or sneeze.

Stay in a place with good hygiene and cleanliness: If you have to stay in a hotel during your travel, book a trusted place where you know hygiene and cleanliness are maintained. It’s always better to check in with the hotel staff and management to ensure your room is thoroughly cleaned. You can also sweep frequently-touched objects with a disinfectant or cleaning spray yourself.

Research about the Coronavirus outbreak in the country you are visiting: Whenever you’re visiting a place, check what the health and government officials are advising in the country and do exactly what is said. Usually, the rules to protect yourself from the virus are the same wherever you go. Avoid crowded places.

You can connect with Ground Report on Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp, and mail us at [email protected] to send us your suggestions and writeups