Page 25 - Seniorstoday February 2024 Issue
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off on everyone’s bucket list, and what If you’re up for wildlife spotting, you must
could possibly be better than boarding stop at the Amabady Estate—a gorgeous
the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway? valley home to various species of deer, the
This adorable yet powerful locomotive giant squirrel, a striking parade of colourful
built between 1879 and 1881, runs daily birds, and diverse flora and fauna.
between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, You cannot visit Kerala without spending
transporting tea and passengers. a night (or plenty) aboard a luxurious
Another enchanting sight to behold is the houseboat. They offer all the amenities
evening prayer session in West Bengal’s seniors seek, from rejuvenating Ayurvedic
largest Buddhist monastery. All the monks therapies and spacious rooms to mouth-
come together before the Budhha statue, watering traditional cuisines and a spot-
playing different instruments, from bells on setting to relax and introspect. Most
and trumpets to cymbals. houseboats also have wheelchair access,
Best time to visit: You can visit during and a friendly staff is always at your
spring (March to May) or autumn (October service.
to November). Winters in Darjeeling are The population of Kerala boasts the
extremely cold and not recommended for highest life expectancy and literacy rates
older adults. in the country, while people of various
Precautions for seniors: Carry heavy religions coexist harmoniously.
woollens if visiting in autumn or early God’s own country? It might as well be.
winter, and ensure your hotel has a sound Best time to visit: For minimum humidity
heating system. and pleasant winds, you should visit
Best way to get to Darjeeling: You’ll need between September and March.
to take a flight to Bagdogra Airport, then Precautions for seniors: Getting around
embark on a three-hour uphill drive. Kerala is relatively convenient for seniors.
The transportation network is robust, and
5. Kerala: The Land of Enchanting most accommodations offer wheelchair
Backwaters facilities.
Image courtesy: theindependent.co.uk from the three airports in Kerala—
Best way to get to Kerala: Depending
on your destination, you can select
Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, and Calicut.
6. Shillong (Meghalaya): Unparalleled
Scenic Beauty
Kerala, or God’s own country, is a
paradise in its own right, with the all-
encompassing Western Ghats, sprawling
spice plantations, beautiful Malabar Coast,
pristine beaches, and cascading waterfalls.
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #56 | FEBRUARY 2024 25
