Check out these disabled-friendly places in India
What's the story
Differently-abled people face many problems when traveling in India. It is challenging to maneuver in a society that wasn't designed with individuals with special needs in mind, whether one is elderly, wheelchair-bound, or otherwise disabled. However, with increasing awareness, the tourism industry is well on its way to becoming welcoming and accessible. Here is a list of places in India that are disabled-friendly.
Place 1
Kochi
In 2016, Fort Kochi became India's first tourist destination to be designated handicapped-accessible. The addition of specifically designed ramps and non-slip tiles makes it easier for the elderly and others with disabilities to move about. The place also has amenities for those with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments. Eventually, Kerala Tourism started introducing self-operating ramps, special hotel restrooms, and unique houseboats across Kochi.
Place 2
Delhi
Delhi has many landmarks with accessibility features. The local and central governments have worked together to make many metro stations and railway stations wheelchair-accessible. The Red Fort, a famous heritage landmark, includes ramps at all of its key points. Even Janpath, Akshardham Temple, and Connaught Place are accessible to wheelchair users.
Place 3
Bhopal
The Buddhist Sanchi Stupa complex in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh is an accessible tourist destination in the state in all senses. The popular monument has been made accessible to the disabled with a tactile pathway, braille boards, braille maps, and wheelchairs. Additionally, the staff and guides at the monument have also been trained to assist tourists with any disabilities.
Place 4
Puri
Golden Beach, Puri in Odisha is a blue flag-certified beach for its cleanliness and is also accessible to the physically challenged. Other tourist attractions such as temples in Odisha tend to remain crowded, making it difficult for wheelchair users to operate. However, Odisha's Jagannath Temple has facilities for the elderly and differently-abled devotees to do parikrama (walking around the temple) in a wheelchair.
Place 5
Agra
Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, is another destination where you can see the facilities for disabled travelers. The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort have ramps erected by the government to make them accessible to people with disabilities. Fatehpur Sikri is another monument in Agra that has ramps, braille signage, dedicated toilets, and ticket counters with a designated route and a dedicated parking area.