Kerala opens all tourism spots, except beaches

Kerala has opened its tourism destinations, barring beaches, for visitors by strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocol, signaling the revival of the revenuegenerating industry that remained shut for the last seven months following the outbreak of the pandemic.

As per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the Government in this regard, the visitors will have to follow Break the Chain norms including wearing masks, use of soap and sanitizer and social distancing.

The destinations and services that have resumed receiving guests include houseboats on backwaters, personalised boating and adventure tourism spots, which normally have controlled access where it is easy to implement the SMS (social distancing, mask and soap sanitizer) norm. Hill stations will also be made accessible to tourists, ensuring that there is no overcrowding. Destinations that have un-controlled access like beaches will be opened from November 1, where also the SOPs will be implemented strictly.

The domestic tourists planning short visits of less than seven days are exempted from quarantine but they should register at the COVID Jagratha portal. If tourists plan to extend their stay for more than seven days, they have to undergo a test at their cost on the 7th day at ICMR/ state government approved laboratories. Visitors are advised to avoid travel if they are symptomatic.