As India begins the second phase of unlocking, the travel and tourism industry is gradually headed towards a revival. The latest to join the line-up of places that are re-opening are monuments.

History and culture enthusiasts can now head to over 3,400 monuments in the country. These had been shut by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to contain and control the spread of coronavirus, many on March 17, even before the nation-wide lockdown began. 

Popular ASI monuments like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort amid others will open their doors on July 6. 

The decision to comply with the reopening order has been left to the discretion of individual states, depending upon their COVID-19 situation. All monuments outside  containment zones will welcome visitors beginning Monday. Necessary precautions will be in place, visitors will have to follow strict safety protocols and social distancing guidelines issued by the Health Ministry. A detailed SOP will be issued in the upcoming days. 

The decision came as a part of unlocking of the country in the second phase. Earlier, certain religious places, such as Tirumala Tirupati Balaji in Andhra Pradesh, under the ASI were reopened in June as the first phase of unlocking began.