10 Unique Places In India for Your Retirement Bucket List

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Unique Places In India for your Retirement Bucket List

Why is retirement travel so important? It is the time that you unwind after a lifetime of toil and struggles. It is time you can take your mind off saving for the future or being parsimonious; it is time you can snatch the things you missed out and to clear off the bucket list. Here is a list of 10 Unique Places In India for your retirement bucket list where you can have an idyllic retirement escapade.

10 Unique Places In India for your Retirement Bucket List

Why is retirement travel so important? It is the time that you unwind after a lifetime of toil and struggles. It is time you can take your mind off saving for the future or being parsimonious; it is time you can snatch the things you missed out and to clear off the bucket list. Here is a list of travel destinations where you can have an idyllic retirement escapade.

1. Chandigarh

Out of the unique places in India, Mohali and Panchkula flank the City Beautiful or tri-city Chandigarh on either side are known as a “senior citizen’s haven”. This beautifully planned city lies close to the capital New Delhi, it is well connected by road and rail to all the major highways of the country, and the international airport can be accessed easily from any corner of the place.

The favourable climate, low crime rate, availability of excellent medical institutions, and relatively pollution-free environment make the place favourable for senior citizens and retirees.

All the attractions and shopping facilities are in small circumference that the retirees need not travel much between destinations. Chandigarh Rose garden, Sukhna Lake, Japanese garden, Terrace garden, Butterfly Park, and Chandigarh botanical garden are some attractions of the place.

But the greatest attraction of all is ‘The rock garden of Chandigarh’ that exhibits creations solely made from naturally occurring stones. The place has an abundance of gardens and parks that the elderly can take evening walks and strolls whenever they feel like. Visit the place in spring, when the gardens are in bloom, and the place is in a festive mood.

2. Goa

Goa is not just about water sports, partying, and clubbing. There are a lot of less discussed attractions in Goa that can be enjoyed by the elderly. The retirees can visit the place to rekindle their youth, energy and excitement. The infectious spirit of the place has charmed many a visitor into seeking the shores of it. The place has serene beaches, beautiful palm-laden grasslands, and many quaint churches offering tranquility.

The list of sparkly beaches includes Baga beach, Querim beach, Arambol beach, Mandrem beach, Morjim beach, Chapora beach, Vagator beach, Arjuna beach, Calangute Beach, Candolim beach and the list goes on.

Apart from parties, beaches and everything Goa is one of the unique places in India for the churches and convents of the place can offer absolute delight and serenity to the elderly. The churches are a reminiscence of Portuguese rule in Goa, and each of them has historical, cultural and social noteworthiness.

The main tourist pulling churches of Goa includes Bom Jesus Basilica, Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Church of St. Cajetan, Chapel of St. Catherine, Church of Lady of Rosary, Monte Hill, and Chapel of St. Francis Xavier.

3. Pondicherry

If it is peace and tranquillity that you seek after retirement, then Pondicherry is the right destination for you. The picturesque French to town offers a unique experience with the concoction of spiritual culture and modern heritage. It is ranked in the most unique places in India because of its predominantly historical background, Pondicherry transcends you centuries back in time; to the colourful streets of French hamlets.

The laid back lifestyle, the calm beaches, the ashrams and monasteries offering, and the ambience devoid of noise and pollution; all set the stage ideally for a post-retirement vacation.

Apart from all the attractions, the other factors that make Pondicherry senior-citizen friendly are the friendly locals and the availability of numerous retirement homes catering to the needs of elderly for a sojourn as well as long stay. Aishwaryam, Covai, and Serene Pelican are such retirement homes where a comfortable shelter, healthy food, and unconditional love and care are extended to senior citizens.

The paradise beach, Auroville Ashram, Seaside promenade, Chunnambar boat house, Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Arikamedu, Pondicherry beach, Aurobindo Ashram, Botanical garden, The French war memorial, Pondicherry Museum, Jawahar toy museum, and the Statue of Dupleix are some of the tourist attractions of Pondicherry.

4. Mysore

Mysore ranks 4th in our list of unique places in India because of its beautiful landscapes, land of royal grandeur, and blooming gardens are one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. The place is a destination of solace, a place to unwind away from the hustles and bustles of nearby cities. Mysore is mostly explored only by the demography of South India because of the geographic proximity, but it withholds the perfect holiday charm for the elderly. The place is a hub for wildlife, nature, and adventure lovers.

The senior citizens can walk through the lanes of the cultural and royal splendour, explore nature’s hidden beauty in its untouched form, indulge in activities that will unleash the adventure side of them, and experience wildlife and nature up close.

You can drop into this ‘all in one; destination and quaff the unlimited fun and experience an array of activities that will surely amaze you. Mysore is a quieter, amicable, cleaner, and affordable destination, which is in-sync with the requirements of retirees.

The major attractions of the place are Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Mysore Zoo, Karanji Lake, St Philomena’s Church, Lalitha Mahal, Railway Museum, Sandalwood oil factory, Silk factory, Bandipur National park, Srirangapatna, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Shivanasamudra Falls, Talakad, Melukote temple, KRS Dam, Brindavan Gardens, and Nagarahole National Park.

5. Alleppey

The Venice of the East should have a place reserved on any travel list. This backwater paradise offers you shimmering waterways, captivating canals, and ravishing rivers and rivulets, Kuttanad is the tourist hub of Alleppey lined by paddy fields and palm shores; the multitude of tourist throng this place to taste the calm country life of Kerala and to experience the glorious houseboat ride.

The peaceful atmosphere, educated and friendly locals, abundance of nature’s beauty, availability of spiritual centres, presence of Ayurvedic centres, and accessibility makes this unique places in India suited for the elderly visit.

The main attractions of Alleppey are Marari beach, Kuttanad backwaters, St. Mary’s Forane Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Alleppey Beach, St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal, Karumadi, Edathua Church, Pathiramanal, and Vembanad Lake.

6. Pune

Pune is the perfect blend of modernity and historicity and is a growing metropolis with its intact history and culture, thus booking its spot in the unique places in India list. This is another ideal location for the retirees as it offers the provisions of the city with the perfect reminiscence of the Maratha Empire and its vestiges. Pune is blessed with the ever-flowing Mutha River on one side, the ambient weather throughout the year, and the delectable cuisine.

One can visit Pune, to gorge on Vada pavs and Pav bhajis. The city is often tagged as the perfect destination for pensioners because of the easy connectivity, salubrious climate, availability of health care facilities and the parameters dotted with a plethora of hill stations, lush green canopy, and beaches. The rich Maratha culture of the city can be by visiting the forts, temples and caves here.

The Jadhavgadh fort, Dagdusheth Halwai Temple, the Sinhagad Fort, Junnar temple and the cave temples at Kamshet is majestic and enticing. Other attractions include Pu La Deshpande Garden, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Parvati Hill, Saras Baug, Vetal Tekdi, Chaturshringi Temple, and Bund garden.

7. Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is also known as the Potpourri of world cultures. This quaint beach town withholds the glorious past of settlements by the French, the Portuguese, the British and the Jews. The sunset at the Fort Kochi is awe-inspiring; the sight of the vermillion sun descending to the Arabian Sea in all its fury and the backdrop of alluring fishnets is a sight to the sore the eyes.

The streets of Fort Kochi are adorned with many multi-cuisine restaurants, European style cafes, and many historic buildings. The main attractions of Fort Kochi are Dutch Palace, Maritime Museum, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Dutch cemetery, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town, and Synagogue.

8. Port Blair

This precious capital city set in the Bay of Bengal is spellbinding. The beautiful city is the doorway to serene beaches, palm-laden shores and the rich expanse of beauty and tranquillity. The retirees vacationing here have a plethora of attractions and activities to experience the array museums, the rich marine life, and verdant flora and fauna.

A take a stroll at the Marina Park, an exciting scuba dive into to the enthralling depths of the sea, a walk past the Japanese bunkers, the excitement of exploring the cliffs and peaks, the enjoyable sweet sea breeze by the shore, and the delectable seafood cuisine are assured of knocking your socks off. It will be an experience of a lifetime to fraternize with the friendly locals and to get familiarized with the land’s rich culture and diversity.

The main attractions of this island city are Jolly Buoy Island, Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Makruzz, Chidiya Tapu, Samudrika Marine Museum, Wandoor Beach, North Bay Island, Anthropological Museum, Corbyn’s cove, Jogger’s park, Red skin island, Ferar beach, Marine park and aquarium, Viper island and Gandhi Park.

9. Rishikesh

Rishikesh, where the majesty of Himalayas meet soul-soothing spiritual encounters and would be perfect for retirees who are spiritually inclined seeking an escapade into the lap of nature. This beautiful Himalayan hamlet is located on foothills of Garhwal Himalayas, by the banks of the pious river Ganga.

The place is a gateway to the pilgrim centres of Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath which are in every older person’s bucket list. The city is a potpourri of temples, ashrams, saints, sadhus, in the backdrop of the picturesque Himalayas and an enchanting Ganga. The holy city of Haridwar and the charming Valley of Flowers are proximal to Rishikesh.

The place is also famous for alternative healing centres and Yoga, which old retirees can find helpful. It is believed that the worship and meditation performed here leads to Salvation. The main attractions of the place include Triveni Ghat, Shivpuri, Kaudiyala, Vashistha Gufa, Kunjapuri Temple, Beatles Ashram, Bharat Mandir, Swarga Ashram, Lakshman Jhula, Rishikund, Ram Jhula, Gita Bhavan, Parmath Niketan Ashram, Neer Gaddu Waterfall, Tera Manzil Temple, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

10. Darjeeling

The captivating town of Darjeeling gets the last stop for the unique places in India since it has attracted young travellers and elderly alike from times immemorial. The town perched in the heights of mist-clad Himalayas sports a quaint colonial ambience. The place is a haven for trekkers, mountaineers, and other adventure sports enthusiasts. But the charm of the place is not just limited to adrenaline junkies; it has something to offer to weary retirees as well.

The refreshing environment packed with evergreen forests, verdant tea estates, and snow-clad mountains make the perfect setting to unwind after a lifetime of toil. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Mall, and Chowrasta, Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, Darjeeling Ropeway, Bengal Natural History Museum, Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Ghoom Monastery, Dali Monastery, Dhirdham Temple, and Shrubbery Nightingale Park.

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