7 Trending Hill Stations in India That Are Allowing Tourists with Latest Covid-19 Guidelines

Cravings for the hill vacations near you? How about working from the Himalayas or the Western Ghats mountain ranges? Planning a getaway in the mountains amidst the pandemic is an inviting idea for those who want to recharge their mind, body, and soul amidst tranquility and serenity.

But as you know, travel restrictions have been imposed on most of the destinations across India. Only a handful of places or states have provided marginal relaxation for tourists. This is wonderful news for those whose wandering heart is itching to step out from their home.

If you are shaking your heads in agreement, you need to know about the entry rules to plan hill getaways around your cities. Many hill stations from north to south India have opened their borders for locals and tourists alike. So, from Munnar to Ladakh, from Maharashtra to Sikkim, you can travel to your favorite hill station around your city’s vicinity. All you just need is the latest entry rules to enter the hills of South India, North India, and West India.

We bring you knowledge about how you can travel to 7 trending hill stations in India safely and comfortably amidst Covid-19.

1. Uttarakhand

Enter into the Dev Bhoomi – Land of Gods with a negative Covid-19 report which should not be older than 72 hours before your arrival. This is a guideline for tourists to enter the Uttarakhand border. Moreover, you should use the smart city portal to register yourself.

Keep in mind that the Uttarakhand government has extended the lockdown with marginal relaxation till July 13, 2021. While planning a trip to Uttarakhand, ensure that you book your accommodation in advance because hotels or restaurants have orders to operate with a maximum 50% capacity.

Trending Tour Packages

Take a look at More COVID Safe Uttarakhand Tour Packages

2. Himachal Pradesh

Just when the Himachal Pradesh government realized that there has been a gradual decrease in the Covid-19 cases, tourism has been thronging into Himachal Pradesh. It is the first destination in India amidst the lockdown that has lifted the travel restrictions from June 14.

If you too want to ditch the city’s or plains summer heat, escape to Himachal Pradesh this summer. The latest travel guidelines to Himachal Pradesh state that tourists don’t need to produce negative RT PCR test reports to enter the state. However, you need to follow the strict guidelines imposed by the Himachal government in order to enjoy a stress-free vacay in the hills.

You can explore mainstream hill stations in Himachal Pradesh or choose to holiday at their serene alternatives, which remains less crowded. All the shops or restaurants in Himachal Pradesh will remain open from 9 AM to 9 PM (approx.). On the other hand, hotels have to operate with a maximum of 40% occupancy. So book your stay in advance.

Take a look at COVID Safe Tour Packages

View more Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages Here.

Also read: 5 Safe Hill Stations near Delhi during Covid-19

3. Ladakh

Ladakh is big, bold, and unapologetic in its grandeur, thanks to the snow-capped Himalayas, making it a year-round destination to visit. But in the scenario of Covid-19 infection, one needs to undergo a RAT Test upon Leh airport arrival.

Those coming from a road trip to Ladakh or air must bring their RT PCR negative test report before 96 hours arrival in Leh. Keep in mind that the accommodation is supposed to maximize up to 50% capacity. So it is advisable to book your staycation in advance and don’t wait to book on the spot.

[ Check out More Tour Packages Here. ]

4. Sikkim

The thumb-shaped state of North East India is nirvana for couples and adventure seekers. Thanks to its adventurous trekking trails and romantic places to visit, and gorgeous views of Kanchenjunga, it boasts. Whatever your idea of holidaying in Sikkim, satiate it by adhering to basic Covid-19 protocols like wearing a mask and keeping yourself sanitized.

The good news for travelers traveling to Sikkim is you can enter the state only if you are fully vaccinated or have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine as it is mandatory. If you are coming via road, you can exhibit the Covid-19 certificate at the East Sikkim checkpoint – (Rangpo) and West Sikkim checkpoint – (Melli). Did we mention that the Sikkim government has made it compulsory for hotels, resorts, and homestays to accommodate people with a maximum 50% capacity?

Look at COVID Safe Sikkim Tour Packages

[ Explore Sikkim with our well-planned tour packages ]

5. Ooty and Coonoor (Nilgiri Mountains)

Located within the Tamil Nadu state is the crowning Nilgiri Mountains, often compared to Jamaica mountains. This beautiful mountain range has snuggled so much greenery within them, and Ooty and Connor personify it. So if you wish to ditch the summer heat of the plains to bask in the carpet of lush greenery, Ooty and Coonoor are the great places to visit now amidst the Covid-19.

Travelers coming from Kerala or Maharashtra need to bring their RT PCR negative test report to holiday without hindrance. Moreover, an e-pass is required to enter the Nilgiris. Upon entering, make sure to follow all the guidelines for safety, and advance booking of accommodation can save your time.

Take a look at Covid Safe Ooty Tour Packages

Also Read: 5 Safe Places to visit near Bangalore during Covid

6. Munnar, Kerala

Lonely Planet Travel Magazine has crowned Munnar the best destination for romance in 2017, and it’s not a wonder why they did so! The lush green rolling hills and fragrance of tea plantations are enough to captivate the interest of couples.

However, if you want to enter Munnar, which is in the Idukki district of Kerala, applying for an e-pass is a must. Furthermore, an RT PCR negative test repost is highly recommended by all outsiders, and it should be taken within 72 hours before your arrival.

Top Selling Munnar Tour Packages

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7. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, Maharashtra

The hill stations near Mumbai create the hype after Himachal Pradesh, which is good news for the Punekars and Mumbaikars. The two hill stations of Maharashtra – Mahabaleshwar, and Panchgani could be visited for a single day that too without showing the negative Covid-19 test report. But if you wish to extend your vacation either at the homestay, private farmhouse, or hotel, it is a must to take Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or with an RT-PCR test report. The test report must not be 72 hours old before you arrive in Maharashtra. This is done to curb the infection of the virus, and even restaurants are asked to operate with 50% maxim capacity with timing changes.

So wanderers from metro cities, which of these hill stations in India comes under your traveling radar? If you think we have missed something important which should be covered here, feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments.

Take a look at Covid Safe Maharashtra Tour Packages

[ Check out More tour packages here. ]

Also read: Safe Hill Stations To Visit Near Mumbai During Covid.

Akshay Negi

Copywriter with eagle eyes who writes copies backed by market research. Akshay uses the persuasive power of NLP to influence readers. Maybe that’s the reason why Akshay became a writer the way other people became monks and nuns. His approach geeks out on studying the personas of the human mind. Thrill yourself from head to toe by feeding your hunger for more travel-related content written by him.