Not everyone in the world can ‘see’ the breathtaking mountains, ‘hear’ the mighty roar of the waves or ‘walk’ through the misty forests. As they are enabled differently, travelling for them is different too. The numerous tourist spots in India get travellers from all across the globe. In many of these locations, state governments and private entities have launched a slew of facilities like clean washrooms, drinking water, kid-friendly zones, restrooms and arrangements for elderly people, among others. And over the last few years, several prominent cities are introducing measures for disabled-friendly travellers as well to cater to their special needs. So, which are the disabled-friendly cities in India? Here are 6 options:
1. Delhi
Delhi has introduced disabled-friendly measures in prominent tourist spots like Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and Red Fort, among others. To make travel easier for these people, the lifts at Delhi Metro have Braille facilities too. The metro authorities have made provisions for wheelchairs as well. At places where levels are changing, there are provisions of ramps. The metro stations also have extra-wide flap gates for travellers on wheelchairs. This Delhi NGO Is Helping The Intellectually Disabled Earn A Living With Their Homemade Snacks & Gifts
2. Kochi
The Kochi Fort in Kerala had become India’s first disabled-friendly heritage site in 2016. The fort has the provision of wheelchairs and ramps for the disabled-friendly. Over 28,000 government offices in Kerala’s Kannur have become free from barriers. Under the ‘Barrier-free Kerala Tourism Project’, Kerala became the first elderly and disabled-friendly state in India in 2019 after the provision of facilities for the disabled in over 100 tourism centres.
3. Agra
The seventh wonder of the world in Agra, the Taj Mahal, is equipped with disabled-friendly facilities. Other forts in the historic city like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri also have similar facilities. Wheelchairs and golf carts at Agra Fort can carry disabled tourists to Diwan-e-Aam. Fatehpur Sikri has Braille boards, dedicated toilets and other facilities.
4. Odisha
The Golden Beach, Puri in Odisha is a Blue Flag Certified beach for its cleanliness and it is disabled-friendly as well. Odisha High Court has filed a writ petition in the state government to make other tourist spots in Odisha too accessible by travellers with special needs.
5. Bangalore
The summer palace in Tipu Sultan was declared the first ASI heritage site in Bangalore to become disabled-friendly with facilities like Braile brochure and signboards. Some malls in the city also have facilities for the differently-abled. 16 Best Disabled Friendly Restaurants In Bangalore For 2020.
6. Bhopal
The Buddhist complex Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal was made disabled-friendly with tactile walkway, Braille boards, Braille maps and wheelchairs. It is a barrier-free tourist spot in the state.
