Unlock 1.0: Tiger Reserves & Forests To Re-Open For Tourists Today But With These New Rules!

If you are below the age of 10 or above the age of 65, the new guidelines do not permit you to enter the tiger reserves in India!

As the nation braces itself for Unlock 1.0, many parts of the country are re-opening a few places for the people to visit, provided that they comply with the preventive measures prescribed to battle against COVID-19. 

Not just monuments and religious places, in fact, many forests and tiger reserves across India are also opening up for people to head over to! However, this comes with a set of advisories that you must adhere before taking a trip to the woods. Scroll down to know more! 

As Rajasthan, Sariska, and Ranthambore tiger reserves re-open for tourists today while the Nagarhole and Bandipur reserves in Karnataka will restore normalcy shortly, the Ministry of Forests last week had issued the following guidelines that both the tiger reserve and people have to abide by -

1) All visitors, drivers, and tour guides have to make sure that they are wearing masks and face shields. Each vehicle shall have a provision for a hand sanitiser that should be used while boarding and deboarding. 

2) Seating capacity in tourist safari jeeps will be reduced by 50% to ensure social distancing.

3) Testing all eco-tourists, drivers and guides for temperature using contactless thermometers shall be carried out at the entry point. In case, an individual has a temperature higher than normal, he/she be immediately isolated in a dedicated room and evacuated to the nearest health facility.

4) Vehicle tyre bath with effective disinfectants shall be installed at various checkpoints.

5) Kids below the age of 10 and senior citizens above the age of 65 shall not be permitted whatsoever. Tiger reserve authorities need to check suitable documents to ensure the same.

6) Tiger reserves have to ensure lavatory facilities at all the entry and exit points, as no tourist shall be allowed to debark elsewhere.

So make sure you follow all these rules before heading over to any forest or tiger reserve in the country!