“The tourism sector is an important economic driver for Karnataka and our Government shall take all steps necessary to support the sector emerge from this crisis stronger, resilient, and better” – CT Ravi, Minister of Karnataka Travel & Tourism.
We often find ourselves discussing how life went from business as usual to this apocalypse like situation in just a couple of months. With almost 60+ days into the lockdown, life has been nothing short of an emotional roller coaster.
The lockdown has affected people differently, but the longing to go back to our old life is the same in all hearts. It is the result of this longing that made us all ponder how we never really appreciated our freedom and our privilege of stepping out as and when we pleased.
Out of the many things changed completely by the COVID 19 pandemic, the travel sector stood first in line. And it is only fair to say that reviving tourism will be difficult. But Karnataka’s Tourism Minister, CT Ravi is hopeful.
Keeping in mind the paranoia attached to inter-state travel at the moment, the government of Karnataka launched a very thoughtful campaign on June 8, urging people in Karnataka to explore their native, their home. Aptly called “Love your Native”, this campaign seeks to achieve two very important goals. First, to ensure the livelihood of those dependent solely on tourism. Second, to assure the people that with appropriate safety and hygiene in place, a slow return to normalcy is possible. After all, one is the safest at one’s home! Read our in-depth report on “India Report on Travel – Mobility after the COVID Pandemic“.
Contents:
- Our fight against COVID 19
- The coming of dawn – the harbinger of the new normal
- It is going to get better, till then extra precautions just for your safety
- A new Karnataka – Fresher, Shinier and Happier
- One State, Many Worlds – our choicest recommendations
Our fight against COVID 19
Karnataka, undoubtedly, handled the pandemic better than most Indian states. Bengaluru is among the few metro cities in India that have managed to control the number of COVID-19 cases. In fact on June 10, 257 patients were discharged from hospitals across Karnataka after recovering from coronavirus. The total number of new cases recorded on the same day was 120 far which is far lesser compared to other states or metro cities.
The reason behind Karnataka’s success has to be attributed to its agile contact tracing and the fact that it implemented all lockdown guidelines from the very beginning. Therefore it is only safe to conclude that compared to other states in India, you are the safest in Karnataka. Read more about the state’s COVID situation here.
The coming of dawn – the harbinger of the new normal
In the light of recent developments, it is important we adapt to the new reality or at least learn to live with it (virus). If you are following Karnataka travel news, you would know the government has finally lifted the Karnataka travel ban. As we emerge out of multiple lockdowns, it is now more important than ever to exercise caution. Below are the new SOPs the government of Karnataka has issued for our safe return to normalcy post the COVID 19 lockdowns.
Protocols for tourists in Karnataka
- Tourists should strictly observe social distancing norms with a physical distance of 2 meters (6 feet) per person. Family groups can stay together as long as they ensure that are at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from any other individuals or family groups.
- All visitors to provide basic personal information when visiting the destination, including name, phone number, Govt. ID type and ID number.
- Tourists should ensure that they wear a protective face mask while within the premises of any tourism destination.
- Tourists should frequently wash hands or use hand sanitizers.
- Tourists should sanitize their hands after any contact with public surfaces including ticketing counters or check-in counters.
- Tourists should avail online/digital ticketing facilities. Avoid handling cash as much as possible.
- Spitting is strictly prohibited.
- All tourists are strictly advised to download the Aarogya Setu App.
- Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except required for essential and health purposes.
Protocols for accommodation units
- The accommodation unit shall strictly follow all COVID 19 precautions.
- All staff shall be screened using a thermal gun/scanner by a designated trained person at entry.
- Guests should be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zone.
- All Guests (except in case of foreign nationals) during check-in should use the Aarogya Setu app for survey and the same shall also be used by Staff members at the accommodation establishment.
- Only asymptomatic tourists shall be allowed.
- The front desk associate shall briefly explain about the safety measures taken by the Accommodation unit.
- Guest luggage to be disinfected before sending the luggage to rooms.
- Wherever applicable, the Guests will be required to submit a copy of the e-pass to the staff of the accommodation unit.
- Hand Sanitizers must be kept at all places of accommodation or common areas as such dining halls, outside elevators as well as the reception.
- The food premise shall be always well maintained and cleaned thoroughly and sanitized daily.
Protocols for tourists destinations in Karnataka
- Tourist destinations shall operate with a carrying capacity limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the total carrying capacity.
- Tourist destinations shall be operational for only limited time-period in a day.
- Management should create an online ticketing facility to provide ticket reservations and to control the daily reception of visitors.
- All tourist destination staff must wear face masks and single-use gloves mandatorily while performing their duties at the property.
- Clear Signages on “safe physical distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet)” to be displayed at frequent places at the tourist destination to reinforce social distancing.
- Hand Sanitizers to be placed at frequent intervals in the premise of the destination.
- All staff/tourists shall be strictly screened using thermal gun/scanner by designated trained person at the entry.
- Tourist to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks
- If any COVID 19 positive workers/tourists identified, the entire destination should be closed for deep cleaning and fumigation of the entire premise.
- Hand sanitizers to be installed in all common areas.
It is going to get better, till then extra precautions just for your safety
It’s been almost 6 months since the world first spoke about this virus. In fact, we are still talking about it. Not a day goes by when someone around you does not strike up a conversation around this not-so-pleasant topic.
News channels constantly remind us of the havoc caused by this virus, every single day. Stepping out is a guerilla mission where we hide behind masks and bodysuits. We carry hand sanitizers like they are magic potions capable of killing even dinosaurs if they ever return. No surprises there, the year 2020 has given us plenty of surprises.
But hold on, not all hope is lost. Folks, you will travel again but with extra caution and a small group of trusted buddies. You will travel in spaces that are personal and sanitized. Travel hungry souls are in favour of road tripping for they are more in control of their environment and can completely avoid contact with strangers.
Savaari wants to assure you that your safety is our responsibility. Here’s what we would like you to know:
- There is a bottle of hand sanitizer inside every car for you
- Before and after every ride, our driver-partners are trained to disinfect the car and make it a safe space for you.
- We take extra care in airing out all our cars before and after every trip to eliminate all chances of communicable infection.
- Our drivers are instructed to follow social distancing, wear a face mask and carry a bottle of hand sanitizer.
- We also provided our drivers with disinfectants to help them clean the cars after every ride.
To be able to serve our customers during times like these is a responsibility we want to handle with utmost care and dedication. When traveling with us, we request all our costumers to help us curb the spread of coronavirus by following a few simple steps. After all, we all are in this together. Read how you can help us make this world virus-free again.
A New Karnataka – Fresher, Shinier & Happier
Karnataka is ready to reopen. The Karnataka travel permission was granted after the state has considerably reduced its COVID cases with each new day. The government of Karnataka has emerged stronger, more resilient and better prepared. With the new SOPs issued by the Karnataka government, tourist places in Karnataka as well as businesses directly involved such as homestays and various other operations are all set to welcome tourists as and when they are ready to travel.
CT Ravi, Tourism Minister believes the future of tourism in Karnataka looks hopeful if we learn to live in this new version of our reality.
Read more on how Karnataka plans to open up its tourist places here.
One State, Many Worlds – our choicest recommendations for Karnataka Travel
The state with the tagline ‘One State, Many Worlds’ offers remarkable options to choose from. From wildlife safaris, verdant rolling hills to beaches, ancient temples tea, coffee and spice plantations, in Karnataka there is no dearth of activities to indulge in.
Here’s a curated list of some of our choicest offbeat destinations in Karnataka. Offbeat because, #socialdistancing.
- Shettihalli Rosary Church, Hassan – Visit the mysterious forgotten ruined church for the thrill of adventure
- Agumbe – Go back to the simpler days.
- Chikamagalur – Prance around in its endless coffee plantations
- Bheemeshwari – A paradise for fishing and birding enthusiasts. Drink in the views for they are straight out of a picture-postcard
- Hampi – Refresh your memories with a healthy dose of history and fine architecture.
- Coorg – Coorg tourism needs no explanation. The word alone is enough to remind of the fragrant coffee estates, misty hills and Kodagu hospitality.
Happy Road Tripping!
Travel Safe!
Savaari has drafted a comprehensive report on the Travel and Mobility trends in India in the context of the COVID pandemic. The information presented in the report will help you make an informed judgment on how Car Rentals have emerged as the safest and affordable mode of transport during these unprecedented times.
Last Updated on September 16, 2020 by Harpreet Janeja
