Let’s face it, covid is here to stay, but we can still make the most of this time by travelling to those places that are safe and actually great for your wellbeing.
Here are 5 places that are safe to travel during the pandemic –
1. If you love stillness and peace, you should definitely visit Ladakh. It is a high altitude cold desert with surreal landscape and cleaner blue sky making it instagram click worthy. Whitewashed stupas can be found at this stunning destination. Best time to visit Ladakh is from May-September.
Places to visit in Ladakh: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Kargil, Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley, and Magnetic Hill
Things To Do: Chadar trek, Stok Kangri Trek, Campfire, ice hockey, and rock climbing
COVID guidelines:
You are required to carry negative RT-PCR reports, not older than 96 hours. In case, passengers fail to carry negative RT-PCR reports, then they will have to undergo mandatory quarantine of 7 days and COVID-19 test.
2. Manali –
If you love green foliage, you must consider Manali. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular summer destinations in India. Also called Queen of Hills, Manali is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks with lush green trees and free flowing river. I would call it the backpacker’s paradise.
Places to visit in Manali: Hadimba Temple, Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa monastery, Club House, Solang Valley, Jogini Falls, Arjuna Gufa.
Things to do: Paragliding at Solang & Rohtang Valleys, yoga at Shri Hari Yoga Ashram, yak-riding at the wildlife sanctuary and dipping in hot-water springs at Vashisht.
COVID guidelines: It is advised to strictly adhere to the COVID19 protocol like wearing mask, using hand sanitizer and maintaining social distancing.
3. Ooty –
I personally feel Ooty gives you the most memorable experiences. The beautiful town has many reasons to visit but its weather tops the list. Well maintained gardens, clean fresh air, friendly locals, great food are some of the other reasons you might fall in love with Ooty.
Places to visit in Ooty: Botanical Garden, Ooty Boat House, Rose Garden, St. Stephen’s Church, visit Doddabetta peak and many more
Things To Do: Hiking the Doddabetta Peak, sightseeing, toy train ride.
COVID guidelines: if you are found without masks, a fine of Rs 200 and six months imprisonment.
4. Dharamshala –
Dharamshala is as peaceful as a temple would be. The town is so peaceful that the moment you enter it you find solace. You can find beautiful monasteries, stupas and temples with stunning architecture.
Places to visit: Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple complex, and HPCA Stadium.
Things to do: Stay at the Namgyal Monastery, indulge in a boat ride in Dal Lake and take a leisurely walk through tea plantations.
COVID guidelines: As per the government website, no separate permission or testing is required for movements in Dharamshala. However, it is important to download the Aarogya Setu App.
5. Andaman & Nicobar Islands –
If the lockdown has locked your adventure, it is time to unlock it with some amazing adventure activities. Think water activities, and no place can be better than this gorgeous Island surrounded with clean water. Scuba diving, snorkeling are some of the activities to begin with.
Places to visit in Andaman: Cellular jail, anthropological museum, white sandy beaches and mesmerizing waterfalls of little Andaman and Ancient caves of Long Island.
Things to do: visit cellular Jail, National Museum, try Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at Havelock Island, experience the corals at North Bay Beach, and explore the local delicacies
COVID guidelines: Negative Covid-19 report is mandatory for visiting tourists.
