10 Best Places to Visit in India for Elderly Travellers
Taking a vacation with your spouse or a large group of friends is something that the elderly consider doing. This is mainly due to the fact travelling is a recreational activity that not only brings relief from the stress of everyday life but also opens your mind to new things and concepts. As dynamic as our country is, visiting the best tourist places in India can broaden your horizons.
Despite what others might tell you, age is genuinely just a number when it comes to travelling! So, do not hold yourself back. Of course, it is important to consider certain things such as emergency medical care, safe transportation, elderly-friendly facilities, and the likes. For this purpose, you can always research on the internet before planning your visits to the most popular places in India. Another suggestion for senior citizens to take note of is that a good travel company should be chosen for your vacation. This will ensure that you have a well-planned itinerary that can be easily customised according to your preferences. Now that you are hooked, mentioned below:
Top 10 tourist places in India for elderly travellers
1. Haridwar
Haridwar is regarded as one of the most visited places in India by senior citizens since it is a major religious centre for Hindus. This ancient city is famous for its Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri that is performed every single day. For the elderly, this city is ideal for vacationing as it is well-connected by road, air, railways. Senior citizens who like to keep their trips impromptu can even hire a taxi from Haridwar and visit Rishikesh, one of the most beautiful places to visit in India.
2. Varanasi
Speaking of the top religious places to visit in India, Varanasi, situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is a destination that can be easily reached by elderly travellers. Lovingly still known as Banaras, this particular city has won over the hearts of millions of people owing to its breath-taking Ganga Aarti performed at the Ghats. Besides this, there are several Hindu temples located here such as Durga Kund Mandir, Sankat Hanuman Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the like. Well-trusted hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical support is available all over the city, so your vacation will be a secure one.
3. Puri
Odisha is a unique state in our country with a rich cultural heritage that senior citizens with a keen interest in history are quite aware of. Puri, a coastal city in this state, is among the top 10 places to visit in India as it is home to the most visited pilgrimage sites, the Jagannath Puri Temple. The Rath Yatra that takes place at this temple is a sight to behold. Elderly travellers who are keen on visiting this city should consider making their bookings in advance as most hotels are sold out during the peak season. There are various travel companies that provide accessible tour packages in Puri that you can choose from.
4. Rameshwaram
Senior citizens who have a special place in their hearts for the epic, Ramayana, would be familiar with Rameshwaram. This particular city is located on the Pamban Island in the southern state of Tamil Nadu where Lord Hanuman’s army of monkeys built a bridge of “floating” stones in order to reach Sri Lanka. Keeping this in mind, this city happens to be one of the top tourist places in India without a doubt. There are several temples, fishing villages, and leisure activities that can be enjoyed by senior citizens. If you visit this city between December and March, then spotting flamingos and other migratory birds at the Arichamunai Bird Sanctuary is something that should not be missed out on.
5. Jaipur
A list of the best places to visit in India for the elderly, young or anyone in between cannot be complete without mentioning Jaipur. This capital city of Rajasthan is seen as one of the most famous tourist places in India because of its historical background, friendly people, and mouth-watering delicacies. Planning a vacation for an elderly couple or large groups of senior citizens is very easy in this city because it has the best facilities, transportation, and places to stay. You can enjoy a larger-than-life vacation or even a budget-friendly trip, according to your convenience. Be it religious spots, monuments, lively markets or street food joints, Jaipur offers you everything on a platter!
6. Ooty
Ooty is considered to be one of the best places to visit for senior citizens in India simply due to its relaxed vibe and pollution-free air. Surrounded by the majestic Niligiri hills, this particular tourist destination is ideal for senior citizens who wish to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Coimbatore’s airport is the closest to this hill station located only 100 km away while Mettupalayam Railway Station is 60 km of distance. Hiring a private taxi can be done with the help of your hotel concierge or travel agent without any hassles.
7. Munnar
Munnar has to be listed among the best places to visit in India because there is literally no other tourist destination quite like this one. Elderly travellers can enjoy the peaceful environment of this quaint town in Kerala all year round. As a matter of fact, the entire state is so elderly-friendly that every tourist spot, religious centre, and recreational space are designed or re-structured in order to accommodate people with special needs. Making it an ideal vacation spot, Munnar is one of the safest places to visit for senior citizens in our country.
8. Goa
Goa happens to fall in the category of the must-visit places in India for its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm people. It is a preferred place of vacation for a lot of people because the state is adorned with recreational activities for the young, luxurious resorts for couples, and therapeutic massages for the elderly. You will find that several hotels in Goa have wellness centres that cater to senior citizens. So, it is suggested that you find out about these places and pay a visit to the one that appeals to you the most. Travelling around the state is an easy task because there are hundreds of transportation companies providing private taxis, cars, scooters, and even jeeps!
9. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is also one of the best vacation spots for senior citizens in India as the city is well-organised and offers elderly-friendly facilities. The French influence can be observed in every little nook and corner here which brings about a refreshing experience. Cathedrals, cafes, and boulevards make Pondicherry one of the most beautiful places in India that the elderly can visit. To relive your childhood days, hiring a bicycle is an activity that is highly recommended. However, senior citizens with health problems should only consider after consulting with their physician.
10. Darjeeling
When we are discussing the best vacation places in India, then Darjeeling cannot be left out whatsoever. A hill station nestled in West Bengal is the hub for senior citizens during the summer months. This is simply due to the fact that it provides them respite from the scorching heat. The uninterrupted supply of freshly prepared chai is just a cherry on top of the cake! The train ride from Kolkata to Darjeeling is an experience that will make you nostalgic about the good old days.
Still procrastinating? All we can say is, these are some of the best places to visit in India that you must experience in person. At Emoha, the work we do isn’t just about the services we offer; it is about building an ecosystem where elders find a sense of community and being cared for. For us, it is always #EldersFirst