Retired & Want To Travel Post COVID? We Will Take You Places!
Often people see retirement as the end of their life, but it is a beginning of a new, exciting phase instead. You can now do things you have always wanted to do but never found time and courage for. Be it reading books, cooking meals, working out, or even a passion business. Also, you can fulfil your dream of travelling. So, we have prepared a list of tourist destinations in the beautiful country of India, which is among the cheapest countries to travel to for senior citizens who are looking to explore the world.
Best Holiday Destinations for the Senior Couple in India
Retirement also means more time with your spouse, and it is a new phase in your relationship. Gone are the days when only religious places were considered holiday destinations for elderly couples. These beautiful places in Southern India will help you rekindle the romance in your relationship.
1. Backwaters and Beaches, Kerala
Kerala is a perfect location for your first honeymoon after retirement. It is one the best places to visit in winter. The beautiful backwaters of Kumarakom and Allepy will compel you to stay in a nice houseboat with your spouse. The beautiful hills of Munnar will leave you spellbound. Kerala is full of surprises every few hundred kilometres, with stunning sunsets on beaches, ever-so-green hills, peaceful backwaters, and a wide range of exquisite flora and fauna. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world to travel. Let Kerala be your romantic escapade.
2. Alluring Hills of Ooty
Nestled in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is one of the most blissful vacation places to go with your spouse. The lush green mountains, huge pastures of tea estates, and picturesque waterfalls make it very beautiful. The place was also trendy among the British for their summer retreats, and that is why you will find a lot of buildings and bungalows with older architecture from British colonial rule in India. Rich with history, this place gives enough reasons to be on your travel bucket list after retirement.
Best Places to Visit with Elderly Parents in India
It is safe to travel to pilgrimage places with old parents in India. It is a secular country that is home to many religions and therefore, it houses the world’s oldest pilgrimages or ‘yatras’. Often people desire to go to their religious centres to connect with God post-retirement. Here is the list of religious destinations in India for our senior citizens that are also known for their beauty and scenery.
1. Vaishno Devi
A temple of Hindu Goddesses set amidst the majestic Himalayas is one of the most visited shrines in India. It holds a lot of significance in Hindu culture, but unlike other Hindu temples, it does not have any deity or sculpture of God. It is a fourteen-kilometre trek from the town of Katra, but regular helicopter services are also available. The shrine is open all around the year, but it is one of the best places to visit in June.
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
When you think of Goa, you do not think of it as a pilgrimage place, but it is considered one of the vacation places. However, Goa has so many significant churches that it is a pilgrim tourist destination for Christians. One such church is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the place is a tomb where you find the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier resting in peace. Besides the religious significance, the site is a perfect blend of baroque architecture and Portuguese Colonial architecture in India.
3. Dargah Hazratbal, Jammu & Kashmir
While Kashmir is the best destination for a honeymoon, it also houses one of India’s most important Islamic religious places. It is significant because there is a strand of the hair of the Prophet Mohammad. What sets it apart from other pilgrimages is that it is built near the beautiful Dal Lake of Srinagar. Even its architecture of pristine white marble in the dome shape is different from all the other mosques.
Vacations for Senior Citizens with Limited Mobility in India
Limited Mobility means the place should have proper connectivity and transportation from the country’s major cities. Go back in time to comfortable places. We suggest exploring the areas with regal history by going back in time. Here is a list of heritage-rich places that will mesmerise you with their accounts.
1. Majestic State of Rajasthan
Rajasthan has a lot to offer in royal architecture and unique backstories. Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur are well connected. The places house the best palaces, forts and Havelis that reflect the ancient heritage and unique craftsmanship. Some Havelis and palaces have been renovated and made into beautiful resorts where you can stay and experience the royalty at its best. If you are fond of everything regal, it is one of the most beautiful places to travel. Also, no one expects the city of Lakes in the deserted state of Rajasthan. But Udaipur comes across as a surprise for everyone. The city is one of the best holiday destinations for couples and has so much to offer in terms of romance, from boat rides on Lake Pichola to witnessing stunning sunsets. It will surely leave you wanting more after a mini vacation. It surely is a dream destination for couples – young and old.
2. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The rock-cut caves near Aurangabad are quite popular among tourists interested in history. The caves have beautiful sculptures and paintings from different religions. Separated by 100 km, these caves are a magnificent example of the rich craftsmanship of our ancestors. The Kailash Temple is the single most massive monolithic structure globally. There are lots of vacation spots around, like Elephanta Caves. These Caves in Mumbai are also rock-cut art and architecture of Hindu and Buddhist caves. These caves are like a magical land for someone interested in ancient Indian architecture and sculpture. Make sure you plan the trip in good weather as these are the best places to visit in February.
Places to Visit for Senior Citizens in Delhi
Delhi is ideal for holiday destinations as it has many tourist attractions. It has religious places like Bangla Sahib, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, etc. Historical sites like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas, etc., have so many stories to tell about the regal history of the country. Some different museums and observatories can provide a great learning experience. Also, it is famous for its delicious street food. It would be amazing to check out Moorthal Ke Paranthe, Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandani Chowk Ke Dahi Bhalle and Chole Bhature. It is among the best places to visit in February as it is not very cold or hot.
Senior Citizen Tour Packages in India
While travelling with senior citizens, you need to ensure the package has all the amenities that prioritise their comfort. These are some holiday places that you can specifically consider for travel of people above the age of 60:
1. Amritsar – Golden Temple & Jallianwala Bagh
Amritsar is a beautiful city in the heart of Punjab with great spiritual and historical significance. Harmandir Sahib is an important shrine in Sikhism. You can hear melodious Gurbani and have delicious Langar & Karah Prasad are like a personal meeting with God. You can also volunteer to serve the visitors as a service to God. It looks magical at night when the yellow gold reflection of the sanctum falls on the lake inside. The place also holds a lot of importance in Indian history as it is situated right next to Jallianwala Bagh. The area is full of scars in the form of bullet holes from the holy day of Baisakhi in the year 1919, where thousands of people were shot to death because they were peacefully protesting the arrest of Indian freedom fighters. It is a dark day in the history of our Independence. The memorial was constructed post-independence to commemorate innocents who lost their lives. You can witness a beautiful garden there now. The place is a must-visit to understand the cost of comfortable lives we are living today. It gives you a sense of pride, patriotism and sadness at the same time for those who laid down their lives.
2. Taj Mahal, Agra
Popularly known as the “Monument of Love”, the Taj Mahal is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the perfect holiday destination. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan dedicated the mausoleum of white marble to the love of his life, Mumtaz. Every year millions of people visit the area to witness the undying love of a king for his beloved wife. It is a privilege to see the Taj in the full moonlight with your partner. Agra is also famous for historical places like Mehtab Bagh, Akbar Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and the Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah.
3. Spiritual Experience at Rishikesh
The world’s Yoga capital can turn your life into a beautiful journey. People come to seek peace, spirituality and a connection to God. The evening Ganga Aarti at the Triveni Ghat can be a captivating experience with melodious bhajans, beautiful diyas and ringing bells. The river Ganges has a lot of significance in the Hindu religion; people believe dipping in the holy river, washes off all your sins, purifies your soul and gives you Moksha after death. It is among the best places to visit in June if you want to beat the heat of Indian summer.
4. Tea Estates of Darjeeling
The “Queen of Hills” is a perfect place for a romantic getaway from major cities and the best destination for a second honeymoon. Watching the sunrise from Tiger Hills is a beautiful experience as you can catch a glimpse of majestic Kanchenjunga. Spend your evenings with your spouse sipping the hot tea in the lush green tea estates. And who would not want to sing “Mere Sapno Ki Rani” to his wife in the iconic toy train of Darjeeling? Be Rajesh Khanna of your generation and recreate the beautiful scene from the movie “Aradhana”.
5. Stunning Islands of Andamans
The mainland Indian beaches can often be too crowded if you are looking for something quieter and tranquil. Andamans has a direct flight from most major cities of India and is one of the most popular places to visit for couples in India. If you choose Andaman as your travel destination, pack your bags for a long holiday. The dream destination has so much to offer, from museums to blue water & white sand beaches to water sports to delectable seafood. There are many islands to explore like Havelock, Neil and Ross Islands. These islands are the best places to visit in winter. Choose Andaman and soak your feet in white sands with your spouse while witnessing gorgeous sunsets. Port Blair also has the colonial jail, popularly known as Cellular Jail or “Kala Pani”. Ironic. The freedom fighters were exiled to this isolated jail by the British for protesting against them. The place has some eerie calmness, which is spine-chilling for many. The history showcased is showcased at the light show in the evening, which is bound to leave you tearful and speechless.
Best Places for Senior Citizens to Visit Outside India
If places on your bucket list for India get ticked off, there are many neighbouring countries to travel to. They have a lot to offer in terms of travel and leisure. Bhutan and Nepal are covered with the majestic Himalayas and beautiful monasteries and are the cheapest countries to travel to. Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius can be on your list if you are looking for beach places. Who says you cannot go there in your 60s. Staying in water villas, and grand resorts will be a relaxing experience. Turkey is a great option if you want to see a beautiful amalgamation of two different continents and their rich cultures. Europe has the best countries to visit, with rich histories and proper connectivity.
FAQs
Where should I take my elderly parents on vacation in India?
India has a very diverse land. You can take them to mountains, beaches, or metro cities, depending on their choice.
Where can I travel with the elderly?
India has lots of places that are travel friendly for the elderly. They find religious places and hill stations very calming.
Where should an 80-year-old go on vacation?
You can ask the person for their choice and search for comfort friendly packages in India. You can take them to beaches or national parks where they can explore and learn.
Where can I go with my parents in India?
There are mountains, beaches, lush green parks and many more. Alleppey, Haridwar, Shillong, Jaipur, etc., are great options. You can take your parents to any place of their choice.
