India drops ‘Air Suvidha’ requirement for 6 countries; 2 percent random testing to continue, Ayodhya to soon start chopper joyrides, Old city of Lakkundi to be a part of Hampi Tourism Circuit and more in top stories of the day.
India drops ‘Air Suvidha’ requirement for 6 countries; 2 percent random testing to continue
As per the latest development, the Indian Government has announced to drop the requirement of COVID-19 testing and uploading of the ‘Air Suvidha’ form for international arrivals from Singapore, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan. If reports are to go by, in the last 4 weeks, the said countries have been witnessing a significant decline in the trajectory of COVID-19 cases. Also, as per the latest situational update on COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, a decline of 89% of newly confirmed cases in the past 28 days has been recorded globally, as compared to 28 days prior to that. In the meantime, India has also witnessed a declining trajectory, with less than 100 new cases/day being reported.
However, it needs to be noted that 2% random testing will continue to monitor infections due to mutated variants of SARS-CoV-2 among international travellers to India. Reportedly, the updated guidelines will come into effect from 11:00 am on Monday, February 13, 2023.
Ayodhya to soon start chopper joyrides!
All those visiting Ayodhya will soon be able to take helicopter rides to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. Uttar Pradesh has a state-owned helipad in Lucknow as well as in Ayodhya, and that they are now looking at various aspects, from providing air taxi facility to those wanting to take a chopper from Lucknow to Ayodhya or to those wanting to have a quick joyride over Ayodhya.
Ayodhya is also set to get an international airport which will likely get ready this year itself, which is expected to drive up tourist numbers in the region. This is also one of the reasons why they are looking to start the helicopter facility.
Old city of Lakkundi to be a part of Hampi Tourism Circuit
The erstwhile city of Lakkundi, one of the capitals of the Hoysalas, is a place of great cultural significance. Located in the present-day Gadag district in Karnataka, Lakkundi will now be included in the Hampi Tourism Circuit.
The beautiful and timeless sculptures and temples of Lakkundi will be promoted as major tourist attractions in the region. The aim is to attract both domestic and international tourists. At present, the village of Lakkundi has approximately 50 temples, most of which are in various stages of ruins. Most of these temples showcase impressive work of architecture. These temples also showcase a mix of both Hinduism and Jainism. If reports are to go by, two tourism circuits – Mysuru Circuit and Hampi Circuit – will be made functional very soon. The Mysuru Circuit will cover important places like Belur, Halebeedu and Somanathapura among others. The Hampi Circuit will have places like Badami, Hampi, Vijaypura and Lakkundi to name a few.
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