Darjeeling, Kalimpong & Sikkim Reopens for Tourism - Covid-19 Safe Travel

Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim, the most favored triad of Himalayan states in North East India are welcoming tourists once again. These three destinations nestled in the Himalayas are very popular among honeymooners, couples, families, and adventurers alike.

Post Covid-19 lockdown, these destinations were completely shut down to contain the spread of the pandemic. However, these places along with many other states like Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh fully open for tourism (albeit with some guidelines SoPs), these 3 tiny Himalayan destinations also announced the lifting of restrictions on travel & tourism activities just recently.

After remaining shut for almost 6 months, Darjeeling & Kalimpong in West Bengal were the first to open their gates to tourists. Whereas hotels in Darjeeling & Kalimpong resumed booking services on the 5th of September, hotels & homestays booking services will resume from the 27th of September in Sikkim.

Foreign tourists with valid visas could also apply for an inner line permit in Sikkim from the 10th of October.

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By the 10th of October, tourists will be permitted to resume travel activities and hotels will start receiving guests across Sikkim.

Even though Darjeeling & Kalimpong were open from the 5th of September, it is with opening up of Sikkim that brings in the good tide for the beleaguered tourism industry of this region post-Covid-19. Collectively, these 3 destinations (Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Gangtok) attract 1 million-plus visitors every year.

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A trip to Darjeeling is mostly clubbed with destinations in Sikkim as well as Kalimpong renowned for adventure sports activities. These 3 Himalayan destinations are often inseparable when it comes to planning a tour itinerary to North East India.

With its salubrious weather in summer, North East is a favored destination for family holidays in India. During winters, many places in Sikkim receive a good amount of snowfall which makes it one of the best times for couples and honeymooners to visit Sikkim.

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However, irrespective of the weather or season, Sikkim & Darjeeling and by extension entire North East region remains popular among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers owing to its mesmerizing Himalayan mountainscape and adventure sports activities like river rafting, trekking, paragliding, and mountain biking among others.

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However, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic certain SoPs (standard of procedure) will be announced soon for the travel sector (to be followed by both the tourists and service providers) to ensure that opening up doesn’t lead to the spread of the infection.

On our part, we recommend that you keep below mentioned points in mind to do your part as a discerning traveler to ensure that Covid-19 remains contained while the local community is benefited from the opening of tourism which plays a significant part of this region’s GDP.

Covid-19 Safety Tips & Guidelines: Travel Responsibly:

Always wear a mask whenever outside the room.
Clothes should not be washed inside the room.
In case a balcony is shared with another room. Please be on the side of your room.
Do not interact with another room guest.
No visitors should be allowed in the rooms.
The door should be kept closed and any contact with the doorknob should be avoided if you aren’t wearing a disposable glove.
Do not enter the kitchen or washing areas of the hotel.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and sanitize frequently.
Always carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (if you aren’t provided one).
It is also recommended that you keep a few disposable gloves handy.
Always dispose of masks/gloves in a bio-hazard garbage bag.
Put all disposable plates/cups/wrappers/bottles etc. in garbage bags.
You 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.
Don’t touch anything inside monuments/structures/museums.
You should sanitize your hands after any contact with public surfaces including ticketing counters or check-in counters.
You should avail yourself online/digital ticketing facilities where available and book your tickets well in advance. This will ensure that service providers have information to make adequate arrangements.
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.
And to conclude, most importantly, please do not spit in public places.