Here is the list of most famous historical monuments that you can visit post lockdown.
Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
Both heritage monuments Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort were closed for the public in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic since March 17, a few days before the nationwide lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of the virus.
Timings: To maintain social distancing, not more than 5,000 tourists will get entry to the ivory-white marble mausoleum while only 2,500 visits of tourists will be restricted at Agra Fort. Visitors will be allowed at the Taj Mahal in two slots: pre-lunch and post-lunch. In both the slots only 2,500 visitors will be allowed. Time slots will be given to them to tourists for visiting the Taj Mahal premises. For Agra Fort, 1,300 visitors will be allowed in the morning and 1,200 in the afternoon. Make sure to buy the ticket online. Tickets will first be sold for the first slot and only if the 2,500 tickets are exhausted, then the next 2,500 tickets will be put on sale.
Days to remain open: The monuments will be closed to the public on certain days of the week. The Taj Mahal will remain closed on Friday (its usual weekly closure day), as well as Sunday—the weekly restriction day across the state, as imposed by the government. Agra Fort, however, will be closed to the public only on Sunday.
Sun Temple or Konark Temple
Also known as Black Pagoda, the Sun Temple is most famous because of its design in the form of the chariot of Surya, the sun god. The entire arena is a spectacle to behold because of its design pattern in which a huge chariot is depicted drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of elaborately decorated wheels.
Timings: The morning slot will allow 1,200 people while 1,300 tourists can visit in the afternoon slot. The temple has seen an average of 5,000 tourists prior to lockdown on a daily basis. You will have to undergo thermal screening before making entry and it’s mandatory to wear masks besides maintaining social distancing norms.
Amber Fort
The Rajasthan government has opened all the monuments like Albert Hall, Amber Fort, Sisodiya Garden, Vidhyadhar Garden from June 1. The management of the historical place has been asked to ensure social distancing guidelines.
Timings: You can visit the monuments from 9 am to 5 pm.
Qutub Minar
The iconic monument stands tall spelling out the history of the capital city and remains the venue of the annual three-day Qutub Festival can be visited. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, Qutub Minar witnesses almost 6,000-7,000 tourists, on a normal day before the lockdown. All sound-and-light shows and film shows at monuments have been suspended, as has group photography.
Timings: All monuments will remain open from 7 am to 7 pm.
Hampi
The most famous Unesco World Heritage site Hampi located in the Karnataka can be visited post lockdown. After weeks of lockdown, several historical monuments were opened up in the state from July onwards after the Archaeological Survey of India permitted their opening. The popular Hampi, Pattadakal, Badami and other sites protected by ASI in Karnataka were shut for visitors for over three months because of the lockdown.
Timings: The temples are open between 6 AM to 6 PM.
It is to be noted that the Centre in its guidelines has asked authorities to ensure social distancing besides sanitisation and thermal screening will be done to ensure the safety of the visitors. It is to be noted that no public gathering and group photography is allowed in most places. There will be a designated single-line entry and exit points and particular routes marked for movement within the premises of several monuments.
WATCH | Vertical farming in Delhi: Know all about growing plants without soil