15 Places To Enjoy Holidays After 60 In India
By: Priyanka Maheshwari Sat, 04 June 2022 5:53:10
If that’s sounds perfect for your after-retirement travel plan, then why not give it a shot? Afterall, it’s never too late to fulfil your dream – that’s what at least I believe in. From Gladys Burrill – the woman who did her first marathon at the age of 86 to the three Indian travellers/grandmas Pratibha Sabarwal, Monica Chanana and Neeru Gandhi, have followed their dreams in the second and should I say better half of their lives. All these people have clearly set an example that age is nothing but a number.
So, if your dream to travel is still pending to be fulfilled then why not follow it like these people. And to help you achieve that, I have compiled a list of top travel destinations in India for 60+ travellers. The blog basically proffers some amazing holiday ideas at various senior-citizen friendly travel destinations in India. Scroll down to know more!
* Embark on a Pious Chota Char Dham Yatra
In the northern state of Uttarakhand, Chota Char Dham is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. Chota Char Dham consists of four holy sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, each located at a height of more than 3000 meters. The journey for Chota Charm begins from Yamunotri then proceeds to Gangotri and further to Kedarnath and Badrinath. It’s not just the pilgrimage, the scenic beauty that is widely visible during the entire journey is also worth mentioning.
Being the major Hindu sacred sites in India, all the four shrines of Chota Char Dham have different historical past and mythology which obviously can’t be explained here. However, if you do want to know more about these sacred sites in detail, you can check out a dedicated blog on Chota Char Dham history.
* Mystery of Adam’s Bridge at Rameshwaram
We all are familiar with the epic of Ramayana and it is the town of Rameshwaram on Pamban Island that boasts an important connection with it. It is the place where the monkey army of Lord Rama built a bridge of floating stones to reach Sri Lanka. It today is known by the names of Adam’s Bridge and Ram Setu.
Rameshwaram is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in India which is primarily known for its gorgeous temples and for the tiny fishing villages, picturesque beaches and nature. Performing pilgrimage in the 17th-century Ramanathaswamy Temple is the best thing to do in India for travellers above the age of 60. Apart from this, Hanuman Temple and Dhanushkodi Temple are some other popular pilgrimage sites in Rameshwaram that are also worth a visit.
* Savour Spiritual Bliss at Varanasi
Whether you call it Banaras or Kashi, Varanasi doesn’t lose the charm attached to it. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is reckoned to be one of the oldest cities in the world. Such is the charm of this beaut city that even if you are not so religiously inclined, a visit to Varanasi becomes a must because of its ambiance and historical grandeur. Giving a treat to the travelling spirit is the evening scenic sights of Ganga Ghats in the older part of the city.
There are nearly 100 ghats where priests perform the Ganga Aarti to appease Lord Shiva, Goddess Ganga and Fire and Sun Gods. It’s truly magical! Apart from this, there are also a number of popular Hindu temples in Varanasi that add a unique charm in your religious trip to Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Durga Kund Mandir, Maa Annapurna Mandir, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Nepali Hindu Temple and Vishalakshi Mandir are some popular names in the list of popular temples in Varanasi.
* Relish a Must-Have Spiritual Experience at Haridwar
One of the most holy cities in India, Haridwar proffers opportunities to plan your spiritual holiday in the Himalayas. The serene ambiance and scenic landscape together with the spiritual aura truly offers an unforgettable holiday experience. On your spiritual and religious tour in Haridwar, you can expect to get some amazing sights and experiences at every nook and corner of this holy city.
Of those sights, one is the evening Ganga Aarti. Being a part of this evening aarti is a magical experience in its own sense. The biggest Ganga Aarti is observed on the day of Dussehra which is celebrated in the month of September/October. The city is also dotted with countless temples that remain flocked with devotees. Besides, there are numerous other places to visit in Haridwar that are also worth visiting.
* Soak in the Divinity of Puri
In the eastern state of Odisha, Puri is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. For international senior travellers who wish to explore the cultural side of India, Puri is the best place to be. Just to let you know, Puri’s Jagannath Temple is one of the four Hindu pilgrimages. The city is home to numerous Hindu shrines like Gundicha Temple, Astachandi Temple, Panchatirtha Temple, Loknath Temple, Daria Mahavir Temple and more, but the Jagannath Puri Temple is the major attraction of the pilgrimage scene of Puri. The temple is known to host one of the world’s largest religious procession in the form of Rath Yatra. If you are planning to visit Puri make sure to plan it during the time of the Rath Yatra as being part of this procession is the most sublime experience. As per the beliefs, participation in the event sets oneself free from the vicious cycle of birth and death.
* Seek Blessings of the Almighty at Tirupati
Tirupati is probably the most talked-about tourist destinations whenever it comes to pilgrimages in India. In the Chittoor district of the state, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is known for the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vari Temple also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple. Like almost all the major cities of South India, Tirupati tourism also comes with a treat of exploring various shrines. Apart from performing pilgrimage in Tirupati, one can visit a plethora of Hindu temples. Srikalahasti Temple, Sri Padmavathi Devi Temple, Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple, Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple and Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple are some popular religious sites in Tirupati.
* Try Your Luck to Spot Tigers at Corbett National Park
Nothing fascinates a senior traveller more than a jungle safari. You on a wildlife safari with binoculars in hand, quietly exploring the wildlife and looking for a chance to capture the surreal sight of the Royal Bengal Tiger, wow, it does seem to be a great holiday idea! Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is undoubtedly one of the best places if you are looking for an ultimate jungle safari experience in India. Along with its opulent wildlife, it’s the scenic backdrops that draw your attention here. Adding a different experience in the entire wildlife safari scene at Jim Corbett are high-end resorts and forest houses. These resorts and forest houses boast commendable services and comfort that you are looking for.
* Camping in Sundarbans
Arguably, Sundarbans is the most sublime travel destination in India for tourists above the age of 60. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just about waterways and tangled mangroves, the wildlife here is one of the most attractive things. If you are lucky enough, you can expect to get the chance to capture the sights of Royal Bengal Tiger, dolphins, crocodile, turtles, wild boars, spotted deer and more wild species. But above that, what makes your Sundarbans trip an adventurous one is the camping experience.
* Adventure Capital of India, Manali
Are you ready to relive your young days? What if I tell you that this hill town in Himachal Pradesh is not just an ideal destination for young travellers but for those above the age of 60? Yes, you have to believe me that Manali is one of the top adventure destinations in India for senior citizens. While vacationing here, you have all the opportunity to indulge in various activities that are ideal for any adventurous senior citizen traveller. You can either go for camping or can conquer your fear of height by taking a cable car ride in Solang Valley or it would be even more fun to get the experience of both. You can also go for angling. If you are physically fit and able to take some more challenges, trekking and kayaking would also be the activities that you can opt in Manali.
* Ooty
In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is one of the most alluring getaways. Nestled in the Nilgiris, Ooty is the the best vacation spot in India for retirees with pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, blue mountains on offer. Besides nature, it’s the heritage buildings and bungalows that reflect the rich colonial past of this hill town which was once the ‘Summer Retreat for the British. Ooty Lake, Pykara Waterfalls, Doddabetta Peak, Fernhills Palace. Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Deer Park and Kalhatty Waterfalls are the top attractions to see in Ooty.
* Rekindle Romance in Goa
How about spending some quality time with your partner in Goa? I mean, just imagine the feeling of being with your lovely wife/husband, taking a romantic stroll on a beach, going on a dinner under the stars-lit sky – everything being so perfect and surreal just like in the young days. A coastal retreat, Goa is one of the best vacation destinations in India for world’s senior citizen as the place is adorned with pristine nature, scenic ambiance and beautiful beach life. Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Grand Island, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Fort Aguada, Candolim Beach, Arambol Beach, Chapora Fort, Basilica de Born Jesus and Ancestral Goa Museum are some popular places to visit while vacationing in Goa.
* Find Solace at Munnar
After all those years of running around, there would be a dire need for all the older people to unwind, finally. And for that, Munnar can be your best bet. Located in the state of Kerala, the hill town of Munnar is a real heaven of tranquility and peace. Offering from winding lanes to exotic tea gardens to gorgeous waterfalls to enthralling wildlife, Munnar makes for one of the best holiday travel destinations in India or senior citizens. The place is known for its attractions like Attukal Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, TATA Tea Museum, Chokramudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, Kundale Lake, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Meesapulimala and Rose Garden.
* Spend Few Days Amidst a Scenic Setting in Jaisalmer
Experience an exotic stay amidst the desert in a camp at Jaisalmer! Sounds fascinating, right? Such is the charm of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan that the city is not only flocked with local travellers but is an ideal place to plan a vacation for international tourists. From forts, palaces and museum to temples, lake and sand dunes, the tourism in Jaisalmer is flourishing with varied attractions. Besides all the tourist attractions in Jaisalmer, it’s the unforgettable experience of desert camping that make the city one of the best senior-citizen friendly locations in India for a luxurious holiday. Another not to miss things in the city is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival that brings the vibrant culture of Rajasthan, the traditional fares and tribal dance performances under one roof.
* Vacation in Shillong
Doesn’t matter how many pictures and videos of Shillong you have seen till now, the fact is that the beauty of this place can’t be portrayed in a frame. This Meghalayan hill station comfortably lies amidst Khasi and Garo Hills. Shillong is known for its affluent nature which includes gorgeous waterfalls, beautiful lakes and striking gardens. Apart from this, it’s the culture that will catch your attention at this ideal tourist destination in India for elderly people. From sightseeing to trekking to camping to golfing to relaxing, there are a number of must things to do in Shillong.
* Scenic Destinations in Andaman Islands
If you don’t want Goa to be your holiday destination, then Andaman Islands can be the place you’re looking for. White sands, coastline fringed by palm trees and azure water invite you to a destination that is nothing less than a paradise. From cruises to go on, to delectable seafood to taste, to museums to visit, to water sports to indulge, there are lots of things to do in Andaman. However, the tourism in Andaman is not just restricted to sea activities, you can explore the ruins of Ross Island, can go for a picnic at Neils Cove or can head for a nature walk through the Mongluton Rubber Plantations. Get a brief overview of sightseeing in the region through these travel videos of Andaman!