There are certain places in India which have either managed to contain the pandemic crisis very well or are located far away from the mainland areas and have limited air connectivity. Hence, I have categorised them as the safest travel destinations and the safest vacation spots in India.
2020 has been a curse for the global population. The Coronavirus from China disguised as a ‘Pause’ for global activities proved devastating for the travel and tourism industry in so many ways.
Many people are still looking forward to regular travel post the coronavirus pandemic and country-wide lockdown. But these travel places can be reached via personal or local transport.
COVID-19 cases in India as noted on July 23, 2020
Source: https://www.bing.com/covid/local/india
(Live COVID-19 cases Map Tracker)
Central Helpline Number for corona-virus: +91-11-23978046
Destinations in North East India
Guwahati airport is the conventional connection for all the states in North-east India. Before the spread of the pandemic, these states received a low number of travellers from around the globe or from within India, thus comparatively reducing the number of COVID-19 cases.
Nagaland
Naga warriors invite you to their pristine and wild landscapes. This place is for tough travellers. With roads broken and places far-fetched, Nagaland unfailingly hosts a whole new and unseen tribal lifestyle.
Popular destinations from Nagaland include Dzukou Valley trek, Kohima, Mokokchung and Mon. I have been to lesser-explored villages like Jakhama and Dzuleke as well.
The state also hosts yearly Hornbill festival but due to COVID conditions, we won’t see it happening this year.
Read about my backpacking trip to Nagaland here.
Use this site to access Nagaland Travel Advisory. Anyone entering Nagaland after 6th March will have to register themselves on SELF DECLARATION COVID-19 NAGALAND App.
The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland: 7005415243, 9856071745 and 7005539653
Arunachal Pradesh
This state is definitely a less chosen but an experiential destination in northeast India. Popular destinations are Tawang, Bomdila and Ziro. But apart from these, there are emerging yet remote destinations like Anini, Mechuka and Basar. Also, there are 12 tourist circuits prepared by the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism.
The yearly Ziro Music Festival and Bascon have been cancelled for 2020 as of now.
Read about my journey to the Ziro Music Festival from 2019 here.
As of now, till August 3 2020, there is a complete lockdown in many parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
COVID Helpline Number: Arunachal Pradesh 9436055743
Sikkim
Sikkim, the tiny wonder, has been my favourite go-to spots in north-east India. Its proximity to the Himalayas and the landscape around the Silk Route and its national parks are etched in my memory forever. Destinations like Pelling, Lachung, Yumthang, Zuluk, Nathula Pass and Dzongu are perfect to get away from the crowded areas.
I did an offbeat Sikkim tour in 2019. Read about it here.
Quarantine rules for Sikkim: Currently, people entering Sikkim post 18th June will have to be under mandatory 14-day paid quarantine and 14-day home quarantine, 28 days in all.
COVID Helpline Number: 104
Manipur
Another culturally diverse state, Manipur has rich green landscape, a variety of forests and wildlife to explore with blue lakes and undulating topography of green hills.
Popular destinations include Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park of the world, Loktak Lake, Sendra Island and INA Memorial.
This is the time to be close to nature and Manipur provides an excellent opportunity to do it. There are direct flights to Imphal that are available as well.
COVID Helpline Number: 3852411668, 1800-345-3818
Mizoram
The 21 hill ranges that are stretched across this state are a great option to dwell completely in the lap of nature. Destinations of Mizoram include Serchhip, Champhai, Mamit, Saiha, Kolasib etc.
COVID Helpline Number: 102
Meghalaya
One of the most beautiful states in North-east India, it also has the best roads in the entire eastern region. Meghalaya has got numerous wild experiences like the trek to the double-decker root bridge, unstoppable rains of Cherapunjii, learnings from Asia’s cleanest village- Mawlynnong, the vastness of Umium Lak, serene boat ride at the crystal clear Dawki – Umngot river and the scariest trek of Meghalaya – Mawryngkhang trek.
COVID Helpline Number: 108
Choose these places only when India lifts the lockdown completely. Avoid leisure travel until September 2020.
Destinations in North India
As a result of strict provisions followed by hotel-homestay operators and with the help of local government, many places in Himachal Pradesh have now declared themselves as green-zones midst the pandemic. But to avoid any further risk, these places are still closed till August. Once opened, as per government instructions, they will work under proper precautions like checking for COVID-19 negative test certificate, allowing entry only to limited vehicles per day etc.
Himachal Pradesh
The home to the Himalayas and travellers’ most preferred mountainous destination, was the first few states to open up tourism despite the fact that most of the travel operators and hotels decided to remain shut.
Well, when it will be open more than its current state, one can visit the lush green valleys of Tirthan, Banjar and Kangra.
Destinations like Jibhi, Great Himalayan National Park, Dharamkot, Bir Billing, Chamba, Chail, Sainj and Sangla or Chhitkul are great for a relaxing getaway in the mountains.
Quarantine rules for Himachal Pradesh: Anyone entering Himachal Pradesh would need a COVID-19 negative test report from ICMR recognised lab. Tourists will have to plan their visit to the state for a minimum of five to seven days.
Refer to the other safety guidelines here
COVID Helpline Number: 104
Ladakh
The arid and moon-like landscape of Ladakh won my heart last year when I did a solo backpacking trip covering Kargil and Leh. Ladakh is a cold desert and can be seen as a place where naked mountains and bluest rivers can be seen together. Destinations like Kargil, Suru Valley, Hunderman, Drass, Aryan Valley, Zanskar, Leh and areas around it, can be covered on a month-long Overlanding road trip.
COVID Helpline Number: 01982-256462, 257416, 258960
Destinations in Central India
Madhya Pradesh
The state with some of the most beautifully carved historical landmarks, Madhya Pradesh has been comparatively less affected by COVID-19 spread. The heart of incredible India has a platter full of culturally rich destinations like Khajuraho. Sanchi Stupa, Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Park, Gwalior, Bhedaghat and Pachmarhi.
Quarantine rules for Madhya Pradesh: Domestic passengers, if they are found with symptoms, they will be immediately quarantined. Currently, a 14-day quarantine is mandatory, 7-day at home and 7 days of paid institutional quarantine for international passengers.
COVID Helpline Number: 104
Destinations in South India
Goa
Goa’s isolated beaches and unexplored parts hold the best surprises that nature has to offer. Beaches like the Butterfly beach which is accessible via a boat ride from Palolem or Agonda beach in North Goa sees lesser number of tourists and is quite isolated. Another option to reach this beach is to do a 2-hr trek from Palolem beach.
This is also one of the first few states to get opened to tourism.
COVID Helpline Number: 104
Kerala
Kerala contained the spreading of coronavirus quite effectively and efficiently through advance measures of contact tracing. Collective efforts of the Kerala government, citizens and the local bodies made Kerala one of the first few states to report minimum deaths due to COVID-19.
God’s own country has got heaven-like tea landscapes in Munnar, Jewish culture in Fort Kochi, relaxed boat rides on the backwaters of Allepy, gorgeous beaches in Kovalam and so much more.
COVID Helpline Number: 0471-2552056
Union Territories of India
Lakshadweep Islands
This Indian UT managed to remain COVID free all throughout the pandemic situation in India. The tourists are allowed to visit a few islands out of the thousands that form the union territory of Lakshadweep. Those islands are Kavaratti, Minicoy, Kadmat and Kalpeni if you go by cruise package. By air, one can visit islands like Agatti, Bangaram, Thinnakara and Kadamat.
In order to visit Lakshadweep islands, you need to get a tourism permit from Kerala and then take a flight from there.
COVID Helpline Number: 104
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
This union territory is definitely another underrated Indian travel destination. The beautiful beaches followed by adventurous sight-seeing can make up for a fulfilling holiday. Nagoa beach and Ghogla beach are one of the most beautiful beaches in Daman and Diu. Other sightseeing options are the fort of Panikotha and Fort of Diu, churches like St. Paul’s and St. Francis of Assisi, temples like Gangeshwar Temple or even INS Khukri Memorial.
COVID Helpline Number: 104
The cut-off Islands of India- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
This part of India anyway receives a smaller number of tourists. Post-Covid tourist season effects might be negligible here. The group of islands has some of the best Indian beaches- surreal, clean and tranquil.
Great Andaman and Ritchie Archipelago are the top tourist destinations here. This is one of the most suitable post-COVID travel destinations with beautiful beaches like Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar beach, Elephant beach, Wandoor Beach, Corbyn’s Cove Beach and islands like Long island, Neil island, Havelock island etc.
COVID Helpline Number: 03192-232102
The above article has been compiled on the basis of average tourist footfall and a current number of COVID cases in the month of July to determine whether these are the safest places to travel. The upcoming two months are crucial where this pandemic either can increase or decrease depending on people’s movement and lifestyle choices.
Therefore, it is advised not to make any travel plans until September or October 2020. Additionally, each of the state governments has to issue the latest travel advisory as well.
This link has a state wise WhatsApp chat or email chat bot link
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