Due to fear of coronavirus –COVID 19, the Rajasthan government has closed Ranthambhore National Park for the tourist excursion Jungle safari from morning shift on Wednesday 18 March 2020 till further instructions. Forest Minister Sukhram Vishnoi said that till the next order, the entry of tourists in the sanctuary of the forest department has been banned.
The state government has banned tourists from visiting all the main monuments, temples, forts, wildlife sanctuaries and other places in Rajasthan till further orders. All major tourist places, wildlife sanctuaries and all historical monuments of Rajasthan including Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar have been closed to try to stop the spread of coronavirus at the tourist places.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also closed 224 protected sites in Rajasthan till 30 March. All the famous tourist places have been closed in view of COVID-19. Wildlife safari has been banned till 30 March in Ranthambore National Park, one of the country's major national parks.
The tourism industry has been greatly affected due to coronavirus and it has caused heavy losses to the people associated with tourism. Most hotel bookings have been canceled. Many major events in the country have been postponed. The Rajasthan government has ordered closure of schools, gyms, cinema halls, multiplexes and shopping malls by 30 March.
All types of businesses and industries of the state are suffering from it, especially tourism, there is a visa ban for foreign tourists to India till 15 April and the native people are avoiding traveling. Rajasthan's lockdown has affected the tourism industry. Rajasthan is known for tourism activities in the country and abroad and most of the people here depend on tourism. Reportedly, the tourism sector has been suffering since February when the coronavirus entered the state.
Officials in Ranthambore National Park have banned the entry of tourists into the park from March 18, soon after getting the order. Many destinations in Rajasthan emphasize hospitality and tourism, therefore, they will have to bear the brunt of this official decision until the situation returns to normal. The forest department has banned tourist safaris for Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve and Jhalana Leopard Safari Park.