Page 26 - Seniorstoday February 2024 Issue

The elegant charm of Shillong goes far km from Shillong. Upon arrival at either
beyond the picture frame. Its wow factor
lies in its lively culture and abundant
nature. Those ever ready to lace up their
trekking boots, allowing nature to lead the
way, are in for a spectacular scenic surprise
at the Khasi Hills trek.
The roaring Elephant Falls is another
must-visit in Shillong, yet its three-level
stairway can be a bit much for seniors.
While accessing the first level is relatively
easy, evaluating your physical fitness
before venturing further below is advisable.
Shillong’s quaint local markets display
versatile textiles and handicrafts you can
take home as souvenirs, and the peaceful
Umiam Lake sits smack in the middle of
towering hills. You can walk along the
bank, go boating, or engage in thrilling
water sports.
Best time to visit: The optimal seasons
for visiting Shillong are summer (March
to June) and winter (October to February),
both providing delightful weather
conditions
Precautions for seniors: When travelling
in summer, it’s advisable to pack light
clothes. Conversely, ensure you have
warm woollen clothes, gloves, socks, and
other essentials for winter trips. Always
carry an umbrella, as rain showers are
unpredictable. While the waterfalls are
stunning, remember they can also be
slippery, so exercise caution. Booking a
private cab is the only viable choice since
public transport options are limited.
Best way to get to Shillong: Shillong
Airport, situated 35 km away in Umroii,
connects the hill station with Kolkata
through Air India regional flights.
Travelers can also consider landing at
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International
Airport in Guwahati, approximately 130
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airport, you’ll find taxis readily available.
7. Bodh Gaya (Bihar): A Spiritual
Awakening
This one’s for the spiritual seekers looking
to intensify their longing at a culturally
significant and strategic location where
Lord Buddha himself is believed to
have attained enlightenment. There are
numerous temples and monasteries to visit.
The Mahabodhi temple, well-known as the
“Great Awakening Temple,” depicts Lord
Buddha’s life through detailed motifs and
beautifully carved sculptures. As you close
in on the space, a calming silence permeates
the area, allowing your mind to enter deep
meditative states.
Other religious sites include the
Vishnupad temple, Mangala Gowri
temple, Jal mandir, Mithila Shakti Peeth,
Dungeshwari cave temple, and the list goes
on. Discussing spirituality is one matter,
but living it is a narrative that is difficult to
weave into words. Such is the vibrance of
Bodh Gaya; it leaves you speechless, quite
literally.
Best time to visit: The best months to visit
Bodh Gaya are October to March, with
temperatures ranging from 4 to 28°C.
Precautions for seniors: It’s best to carry
warm clothes as Bihar can be pretty
chilly from December to February. The