Sikkim decides to lift inter-state travel curbs

The state of Sikkim has decided to lift curbs for inter-state travel. This means that travellers are not required to show COVID negative test reports, or even vaccination certificates at the state border. All check posts of Sikkim will henceforth remove restrictions, as per directed by the Sikkim home department. The state has seen an improvement in the recent weeks, with the positivity rate coming down.
The travel restrictions were in place in order to help curb the spread of the virus. Sikkim is currently the first state in India to have the highest vaccinated population. Moreover, it is being widely reported that the state has administered the first vaccination to 100 percent of its population, but this is unverified information.

One of the most popular destinations in the country, Sikkim is seeing a steady growth in tourism since the lockdown got lifted. There has been a steady increase in tourism even in the surrounding areas, such as in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, among others. Tourism is the most important contributor to the economy of Sikkim, and the lockdown was especially hard on the state.
Tourists too lost out on many wonderful experiences, such as the Khagyad Chaam, which is a traditional mask dance that was not organised in 2020 for the first time since the 1800s. The festival is organised by the Nynmapa and the Khagyu sects.

The state is once more seeing a growth in tourism, especially during the Durga Puja holidays that is widely celebrated in the neighbouring state of West Bengal.