Page 24 - Seniorstoday February 2024 Issue

weather conditions. must. For three days in February, this event
Best way to get to Ooty: The nearest
airport is in Coimbatore city. From there,
you’ll need to book a taxi, and the ride
typically spans around two hours.
3. Jaisalmer (Rajasthan):
The Glistening City of Golden Sands
Image courtesy: wanderon
Shimmering in an ethereal golden light,
the desert city of Jaisalmer could have been
plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Such
magnificence exudes from its winding
streets, ornate temples, and majestic forts.
The Jaisalmer Fort, which is the pulsing
hub of the city, gives off a simultaneous
serene and tumultuous vibe. If you deeply
love history and architecture, you’d be
remiss skipping this destination. Even the
city’s magnificent havelis draw visitors in
with their meticulously detailed carvings
and elaborate balconies.
A testament to architectural brilliance,
each of the seven Jain temples displays
carvings so intricate that it’s a challenge for
your eyes to take it all in. And while dune
bashing at Thar—a 20-minute drive away—
isn’t for the faint-hearted (and those with
back issues), seniors would thoroughly
enjoy relaxing camel safaris, dining beneath
the stars, grooving to Rajasthani folk music,
and luxury camping.
Witnessing the Annual Desert Festival in
Jaisalmer at least once in your lifetime is a
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celebrates Rajasthan’s rich culture with
a vibrant showcase of music, cuisine, and
tradition.
Best time to visit: The city is at its optimal
pleasantness in the colder months of
November to February.
Precautions for seniors: Taxi service is
widely available, so seniors won’t have
much walking to do. But depending on your
physical strength, you’ll want to confirm
participating in more adventurous activities
with your healthcare provider before
like quad biking and dune bashing.
Best way to get to Jaisalmer: The nearest
airport to Jaisalmer is Jodhpur Airport, but
drive thereafter.
brace yourself for a four-and-a-half-hour
4. Darjeeling (West Bengal): A Tea-
Centric Hill Town
Image courtesy: nomadicweekends.com
While most of us have heard of Darjeeling
tea or probably even have a packet stowed
away at home, only a handful have set
foot in eastern India to marvel at the
breathtaking town it originated from. The
60-uppers who love themselves a cup
of warm, comforting chai must visit one
of the many tea factories in Darjeeling
to experience first-hand the intense
tea packaging process before it reaches
different corners of the globe.
A toy train experience should be ticked