With the rallying suggestions and requests from the experts, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for late July, can stand canceled. The Saudi authorities already canceled Umrah in March. They are expected to suspend Hajj as well, owing to the ongoing health crisis that has gripped a large part of the world’s population.

Hajj is just one example. Millions of people go on religious tours every year worldwide. India, too, has its own share of pilgrimages, attracting people from around the globe. Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, Tirupati, Rameswaram, Ajmer, Mathura, and more.

Of course, for as long coronavirus lasts in the country, these places are likely to remain shut. But even after that, a host of measures must be placed considering the large crowd that these places swarm with and how that can possibly risk another wave of contagion. While the local governments and authorities would be tasked to ensure social distancing and adequate arrangements for the public’s health safety, it’s also essential for each pilgrim to be on alert, follow the basic guidelines and protocols, and decide for their own wellbeing before venturing out.

So, have you been looking to go on any religious tour in India, even after the country is done with coronavirus, you must heed to different aspects of the trip concerning your health. Especially if you’re above 55 years of age, despite the nod from the authorities, the trip demand extra precautions, care, and thorough planning.

For the starters, you want to avoid peak season when these religious destinations get the most footfalls. Stay as away from crowds as possible. In that, also pick religious destinations that don’t usually get very crowded. India is blessed with many pilgrimages. So, you will have options.

Forward, always keep an eye on the advisories of the central and state government, as well as the authorities who manage these religious places. Listen to what they have to say. If they are advising against this visit, cancel the trip. If they are asking you to follow health guidelines, follow those guidelines. In case if they leave the visit solely on your discretion, consider various other factors and decide on it thoughtfully.

Instead of planning and booking this religious trip all by yourself, it would do well to work along with a travel agency. Not only will they book your transportations and hotels, but they would also ensure your safety. Having an experienced travel agent by your side to assist yourself will make planning a safe and satisfying religious tour so much easier. They will extend their expertise, suggesting what’s safe and not, what you should do and avoid, and so forth.

In the post-coronavirus world, religious trips might not be what they once used to be. A lot would change in how these trips are held, arranged, and enjoyed. If you’re planning to visit any pilgrimage in India in the near future, it’s essential that you accommodate these changes and redefine your expectations.