Gudalur: With the extension of the Tamil Nadu lockdown with more concessions, permission has been granted to start inter-state services. Buses from Karnataka have started plying to parts of the Nilgiris, including Ooty. Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation has also started bus service to Karnataka.
The buses, which started on Monday morning, had fewer passengers. Services to both sides were suspended due to covid for four months. Services from Kerala are not permitted. At the same time, tourists from states including Kerala and Karnataka were allowed to come. Access will be granted to holders of documents as per covid norms.
Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, and Coonoor Sims Park are also open from Monday. Due to the end of the Muharram and Onam holidays, tourist arrivals are low on Mondays. Permission to visit Theppakkad Elephant Camp at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve will be granted soon, officials said.