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The renowned land of the Maharajas, Rajasthan, welcomes all its guests with a warm heart. Blessed with grace, vibrancy, lakes, and adventures, this land is filled with quintessential charm and never-ending cheerfulness. Showcasing sage-old grandeur and opulence, Rajasthan surely makes for one of the most vibrant states in the nation.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made entry to this state a very confusing affair. With various new rules, entry restrictions and quarantine regulations, it is quite difficult to plan a safe vacation to Rajasthan. To help you out with the same, we are here with the ultimate post-COVID travel guide to Rajasthan! So read on, and plan your trip to the “Land of Kings” in the new normal.
Is Travelling to Rajasthan Safe?
Rajasthan witnessed around 97,376 COVID-19 positive cases, out of which 80,482 patients have been recovered (updates on 12/9/2020). The government of Rajasthan and medical officials are quite vigilant in tracing and treating the COVID-19 positive patients in the state and even though the number of patients increases with each day, the strict safety measures in place for travellers ensure their safe trip to this colourful state.
Support Of Rajasthan Tourism Board
The Rajasthan tourism board has introduced unique safety guidelines for all stakeholders of the tourism industry in the state. The guidelines ensure the safety of all travellers- be it in hotels, resorts, or at the monuments. Further, the chief minister in the Budget has also raised a dedicated tourism development fund of 100 Crores to attract more tourists to the state.
The Rajasthan tourism board has also come up with a unique experience of virtual tours across the state to help the travellers to rediscover all the well-known destinations across Rajasthan. Travellers’ safety is the board’s topmost priority and it is being made sure that all safety measures are being adhered to strictly by all monuments, attractions and hotels in the state.
How To Get To Rajasthan?
You can reach Rajasthan via either of the following means –
By Air – The Jaipur International Airport in Rajasthan is the main airport welcoming flights from across the national and international borders. Besides Jaipur, you also have two important airports at Udaipur and Jodhpur. There are also several domestic airports spread across the state to facilitate your intrastate movement. The Jaipur International Airport is currently receiving flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and 10+ other domestic destinations.
By Train – Special trains are running to Jaipur and Ajmer from Mumbai, Jodhpur and Delhi.
By Road – The interstate movement of all vehicles is permitted in Rajasthan. Buses are also running with reduced capacity.
Before You Leave
Before you leave for Rajasthan, make sure you take a test on the Aarogya Setu App to verify your health condition. If you have any symptoms it is best to stay at home till you fully recover. Make sure you take your masks, gloves and hand sanitizer in your hand luggage.
If you’re entering Rajasthan from another country, make sure you procure a COVID-negative certificate to avoid being quarantined for 14 days on arrival.
On Arrival
- All domestic travellers have the option to voluntarily quarantine themselves for 14 days.
- If you have any symptoms, you will be screened and tested for COVID-19 at the entry to the state.
- If you’re entering Rajasthan from another country, you will have to undergo a paid institutional quarantine for 7 days and then follow it with a home-quarantine for another 7 days even if you’re found asymptomatic.
Hotels and Resorts Reopened In Rajasthan
Hotels and resorts have been allowed to reopen in Rajasthan since June 8th. Here are some of the best resorts and hotels you can stay at:
- Lohagargh Fort Resort
- Oberoi Vanyavillas Wildlife Resort
- Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
- Oberoi Udaivillas
- Ajit Bhawan
- Ramada Resort and Spa Udaipur
- Clarks Resort Ranthambore
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 at your resort or hotel?
There are designated COVID-19 care centers available across the state for treating mild or suspected COVID-19 patients. Those who have been assigned as moderate COVID-19 cases should seek immediate assistance from the designated COVID-19 health centers situated within the city borders. In case you find any difficulty in reaching any of the nearby designated healthcare centers, you may seek immediate assistance from your resort or hotel officials.
Helpline Numbers:
You may also call the COVID helpline number in Rajasthan: 0141-2225624/2225000 or the toll free number 1075
Restrictions In Rajasthan
- Travellers are required to wear masks and follow social distancing every time they step out in Rajasthan.
- Entry to Rajasthan no longer requires an e-pass but all travellers will be screened at the entry and exit points.
- The containment zones in Rajasthan are under lockdown till 30th of September so no local transport or shops are running and open in those areas.
Exploring Rajasthan In The “New Normal”
Here are the best things to do in Rajasthan in the “new normal”:
1. Explore The Mighty Forts
Most of the monuments in Rajasthan that are run by the government have been reopened from June 1st. You can marvel at the stunning forts and palaces of Rajasthan while following social distancing, wearing masks and staying safe. One of the most popular forts reopened in Jaipur is the magnificent Amber Fort.
2. Visit Ranthambore
Ranthambore is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan for its wildlife and the magnificent tigers. The national park is now open for all with various safety measures in place. You can go for a safari as you stay away from the crowds and witness the majestic tigers of Ranthambore.
3. Shop Your Heart Out
As most shops and markets have reopened in Rajasthan with strict safety measures in place, it is safe to go shopping in this beautiful and colorful state. Rajasthan is very famous for its traditional handicrafts, rare jewellery pieces, antiques, accessories, and handloom. So, stroll around the markets of the cities and dig out some colorful handicrafts, and clothes to take home!
4. Camping In The Desert
One of the best things to do in Rajasthan to revel in its beauty is to go camping in the deserts of Jaisalmer. The gorgeous sights of the stars in the clear sky at night will take your breath away, and you will also be able to stay safe, away from the crowds.
5. Hot Air Balloon Ride
A spine-tingling activity of Rajasthan is the hot air balloon ride in Pushkar. Soar high in the sky to witness the detailed heritage structures and the deep greenery sprawling all over. The ride will also enable you to stay socially distant from the crowds and abide to the safety norms.
6. Dune Bashing
When you visit Rajasthan, don’t miss out on this exciting activity of dune bashing in its’ magnificent deserts. This exhilarating experience of Rajasthan is a must-try for all the adventure enthusiasts. As you enjoy the thrill of dune bashing, you will also be able to stay away from the crowds and abide to social distancing.
7. Camel Safari
Ride the ship of the desert with Rajasthan’s camel safari and enjoy the exquisite vistas of the vast desert stretches sprawling all around. Camel safari is best enjoyed either at Pushkar or Jaisalmer. Witness the beautiful views of the desert away from the crowd, and stay safe.
8. Adventure Cycling
Cycling amidst the vast and stunning deserts of Rajasthan is the best way to explore this beautiful state. Explore the local flora and fauna and witness the quiet and endless deserts as you paddle your way on the roads of Rajasthan away from people and stay safe!
How To Get Around?
Local transport in Rajasthan is functional with the exception of containment zones. You can either hire a taxi or travel through the state in buses. The state is also well connected with trains but for now, the only special train running within the state is the SF SPL to and fro Jaipur & Jodhpur.
Packing Essentials For A Post-COVID Holiday
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we pack our bags for a vacation. There are many additional things that have to be included now on the list to stay safe. Here is a list of those essential items to help you pack for the vacation:
Gloves: Coronavirus resides on the surface for several hours. Therefore, it is quite essential to continuously use a pair of gloves whenever you step out to tour across the city. Putting on gloves helps protect your hands from all the possible contaminants that reside on different surfaces.
N-95 Masks: COVID-19 is a microdroplet born infection. As these microdroplets tend to travel far off, wearing a protective shield helps you stay protected from unnecessary exposure. You should carry at least 3 pairs of N-95 masks along to change and wear them.
First Aid Kit: Medicines for cold, cough, and flu are the most essential components of your first aid kit. Additionally, a thermometer is a prerequisite of your first aid kit as one of the critical symptoms of COVID-19 is fever. Keep checking your body temperature frequently on the go to keep track of your health.
Extra Bag & Clothes: Keep a pair of clothes aside for wearing when you travel and either wash them thoroughly as you check-in to the hotel or pack them in the zip lock bag to be used the next time you travel. This will minimize your risk of being infected from the virus.
Hand Sanitizer: Sanitization is the best way to keep your hands clean and free from microbes on the go. Carry a bottle of sanitizer to regularly disinfect your hands to keep away the microbes settling on them.
With various strict safety measures in place in Rajasthan, it is surely safe to travel here. The Rajasthan Tourism Board is ensuring that all safety guidelines issued, are being strictly adhered to for everyone’s safety. All you need to do to have an amazing trip to the “Land of Kings”, is follow the basic guidelines!
