The 13th Century Sun Temple at Konark, which has been closed since March 15, reopened for tourists on Tuesday.

However, tourists need to adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines like wearing masks and maintaining social distance while entering and moving around in the temple premises. Only 2,500 tourists will be allowed to enter the premises on any given day.

ASI (Bhubaneswar circle) chief Arun Mallik said, “There has been a good response. Some tourists visited the temple after thermal screening. We are hopeful that more and more tourists visiting the temple in the coming days.”

According to the guidelines, there will be designated routes for entry and exit and movement within the monument. “As per the guidelines, there are mandatory hand hygiene and thermal screening provisions to be followed at the time of entry. An entry ticket is issued by e-mode only,” Mallik said.

Though the Sun Temple opened to tourists on Tuesday, the 12th century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is yet to allow devotees. All the religious institutions will remain closed in the state till September 30. Even the famous cremation ground, Swargadwara in Puri, will remain shut down for the outsiders till September end, according to the order of the district administration.