Hampi is all set to reopen for visiting from June 21 adhering to the guidelines of the ASI department, State government and local administration. The Archaeological Survey of India has issued orders to reopen ASI monuments for visitors in Karnataka, starting June 16. But Hampi is to stay closed for another week and will be open from June 21.
The decision comes after the extension of lockdown in the districts of Ballari and Vijayanagara with new guidelines. The ASI Hampi Circle has taken a decision to postpone the opening of monuments till June 21. The final decision will be taken depending on the unlock situation in Karnataka, ASI officials said.
Tourism Minister C P Yogeshwar on Monday announced that Rs 5,000 will be given as a relief package to each tourist guide in the state. He said there are 384 guides registered with the tourism department.
The order also states that the decision must be taken in accordance with the local administration and as per the guidelines of disaster management. Several parts in Karnataka are still under lockdown and will not be able to cater to tourists.
“As of now, we have received permission to open sites for tourists with an unlocking plan. There are also guidelines on how to manage tourists once it’s opened. But at this point, there are several restrictions. For instance, tourists are not allowed to stay overnight, and there are also few eateries to cater to them. Hence, we have decided to wait for the state government’s directions, the tourism department, in particular, to allow tourists to visit Hampi. As of now, Hampi and several other monuments will not be open to the public for the next one week,” said an official from ASI, Karnataka.
