Travelling Tips

AI Generated Image By Anushika SinghalLiving with Muscular Dystrophy for 10 years Visiting Ayodhya, the holy city of Shri Ram, was always a dream for me. Living with Muscular Dystrophy for the past 10 years has made walking fast, climbing stairs, and standing for long hours a real challenge. However, to my pleasant surprise, thanks to the excellent wheelchair accessibility in Ayodhya, especially at the newly built Ram Mandir, my dream visit became a comfortable realityHere’s my detailed experience, hoping it helps others with mobility challenges too. Wheelchair Accessibility in Ayodhya: Parking and Transportation We parked our private vehicle at the Arundhati Bhawan Multi-Level Parking, which is located a short distance from Ram Mandir.This parking facility is well-equipped for wheelchair users, offering: A lift (elevator) for easy movement between floors. Proper ramps for smooth wheelchair access. Sufficient space for easy maneuvering. From there, E-rickshaws are readily available to take you closer to the Ram Mandir entrance — a huge relief because walking even short distances in crowds can be exhausting when you have Muscular Dystrophy. Reaching Ram Mandir: Renting a Wheelchair At the entrance of Ram Mandir, on the left side, the Ram Mandir Trust provides wheelchair rental services.You can also request a puller, someone who will assist you in pushing the wheelchair if needed — which was a great help for me. Wheelchair rental price: Only Rs. 200, which is very reasonable. Tip: No need to bring your own wheelchair if you don’t want to — the temple management has made sure to arrange everything comfortably. Sugam Darshan Pass for Ram Mandir: A Blessing for Mobility Challenges For an even smoother experience, I highly recommend applying for the Sugam Darshan Pass.You can get it from the official website: https://online.srjbtkshetra.org/#/login Important: Apply at least 15 days before your planned darshan date. This special pass provides: Separate, faster entry lanes for wheelchair users and elderly. Less crowd pressure — so you don’t have to struggle in long queues. It made my visit much more peaceful and hassle-free. Ram Mandir Wheelchair Facilities: Full Access to Sanctum The best part? Ram Mandir is fully accessible by wheelchair!Here’s what impressed me the most: Well-designed ramps all the way till the sanctum (Garbhagriha). No need to leave your wheelchair at any point during darshan. Smooth flooring to prevent any wheelchair jerks or obstacles. For someone like me, who struggles with steps and standing, this thoughtful infrastructure was truly heartwarming. I could perform darshan without stress, anxiety, or physical strain. Important Note: Hanuman Garhi Temple is Not Accessible While Ram Mandir is excellent for wheelchair users, Hanuman Garhi Temple unfortunately isn’t. It has a long, steep flight of stairs. No ramps or lifts are available. Not recommended for people with severe mobility challenges. I personally skipped Hanuman Garhi because climbing those many stairs would have been impossible for me. Visiting the New Saryu Ghat After visiting Ram Mandir, we also went to the new Saryu Ghat — another beautiful spot that is also wheelchair accessible! Low-floor Golf Carts are available from Ram Mandir to Saryu Ghat. The Ghat area has ramps and smooth pathways for easy wheelchair movement. It’s a peaceful place to sit by the river and soak in the divine atmosphere. FAQs About Wheelchair Accessibility in Ayodhya 1. Where can I park my private vehicle near Ram Mandir? You can park at the Arundhati Bhawan Multi-Level Parking, which has lifts, ramps, and is wheelchair-friendly. From there, E-rickshaws are available to reach Ram Mandir easily. 2. Is wheelchair rental available at Ram Mandir? Yes, wheelchairs and pullers are available for rent at the left side of the Ram Mandir entrance, provided by the Ram Mandir Trust. Rental cost: Only Rs. 200, which is very affordable. 3. How can I make my darshan easier if I have mobility issues? Apply for the Sugam Darshan Pass from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra’s official website at least 15 days prior to your darshan date. This allows you faster entry through a separate lane. 4. Is Ram Mandir fully accessible by wheelchair? Yes, Ram Mandir has ramps up to the sanctum and smooth pathways throughout. You do not need to leave your wheelchair at any point inside the temple. 5. Can disabled visitors go to Hanuman Garhi Temple? Unfortunately, Hanuman Garhi Temple is not wheelchair accessible due to long, steep stairs and no lift or ramp facility. 6. Is Saryu Ghat wheelchair accessible? Yes! The new Saryu Ghat is wheelchair-friendly. Low-floor golf carts are available from Ram Mandir to Saryu Ghat for easy transportation. 7. Do I need to bring my own wheelchair? Not necessary. You can rent a wheelchair at the Ram Mandir entrance for just Rs. 200, but if you feel more comfortable with your personal wheelchair, you can bring it too.

My Accessible Travel Experience to the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort – By Anshuli Singhal Hi, I’m someone who has been living with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD 2A) for over 15 years. I rely on a wheelchair during my travels, and I love exploring India’s beautiful cultural heritage—while also helping fellow wheelchair users understand what to expect at popular destinations. In this blog, I’m sharing my experience of exploring Agra in a wheelchair, home to the iconic Taj Mahal and the magnificent Agra Fort. Travel to Agra We traveled from Lucknow to Agra by private car, which gave us flexibility and comfort throughout the journey. The drive is smooth and scenic, making it a great option for those who prefer to travel at their own pace, especially with accessibility needs in mind. Where I Stayed We stayed at the Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra. It’s a highly recommended hotel for wheelchair users—spacious rooms, accessible entrances, and supportive staff. However, Agra also offers several budget-friendly accommodations, and some of them may have basic accessibility features. If you’re booking online, make sure to call the hotel in advance to confirm wheelchair-friendly facilities. Visiting the Taj Mahal in a Wheelchair The Taj Mahal is one of the most wheelchair-accessible monuments I’ve visited so far. The government has done an excellent job ensuring inclusivity in the experience. From Parking to Entry From the parking area, golf carts are available to take you close to the Taj premises. Near the drop-off point, you’ll find private wheelchair vendors offering manual wheelchairs with a puller/assistant to help you navigate the grounds. Charges are typically around ₹500, and the helpers are quite familiar with the layout and tourist flow. Inside the Taj Mahal Almost all areas of the Taj Mahal complex are equipped with ramps and slopes, making it easy to move around in a wheelchair or even with electric wheelchairs. The main sanctum area, where the tombs are, is not wheelchair accessible due to a flight of stairs. However, the rest of the complex is very accessible, and you can enjoy the stunning view of the monument from the beautifully maintained gardens and platforms. Big shoutout to the Archaeological Survey of India and other authorities for the thoughtful accessibility planning here. Exploring Agra Fort in a Wheelchair Just like the Taj, Agra Fort is also quite wheelchair-friendly. You’ll find private wheelchair pullers outside who will quote you around ₹500—though I highly recommend negotiating, as the prices can be inflated for tourists. The fort has slopes built throughout most of the key areas, so wheelchair users can explore large parts of the fort with ease. Some sections that are at a higher elevation may not be accessible, but that doesn’t take away from the grandeur and history of the place. It’s absolutely worth a visit to get a feel of how the Mughals lived—a truly majestic experience. Tips for Wheelchair Users in Agra Crowds: Weekends and cooler months bring big crowds, but both Taj Mahal and Agra Fort are open and spacious, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming even during busy hours. Tickets & Guides:   Ticket counters are well organized. Licensed guides have fixed prices, but many guides near parking areas overcharge. Wait until you’re closer to the entrance where prices are more reasonable. Wheelchair Pullers: At both monuments, private services are available. Carry some cash and always negotiate. Food & Drinks:   Cold drinks and food are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal. Only water bottles are permitted. After your visit, there are many eateries outside the monuments where you can enjoy local snacks and meals. Other Experiences & Recommendations Photography: There are many professional photographers inside both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. They usually offer printed copies or digital transfers on the spot—worth considering for a memorable keepsake. Shopping: While we didn’t do a lot of shopping this time, Agra is famous for marble handicrafts, leather goods, and souvenirs—you’ll find shops near the Taj entrance and in the main markets. Final Thoughts Agra surprised me with how thoughtfully accessible it is. From the historical richness of the Taj Mahal to the royal charm of Agra Fort, I could experience most of it comfortably in a wheelchair. If you’re a traveler with limited mobility or traveling with someone who has a disability, exploring Agra in a wheelchair is absolutely doable and enjoyable with just a bit of planning.

By Anshuli Singhal I’m someone who has been living with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD 2A) for over 15 years. I rely on a wheelchair while traveling, and over time, I’ve learned how to navigate different places with limited accessibility. In this blog, I want to share my experience visiting Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, with a focus on wheelchair accessibility, darshan experience, and travel tips for people with mobility challenges. About Omkareshwar Temple Omkareshwar Temple is located on Mandhata Island in the sacred Narmada River, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The island itself is shaped like the symbol “ॐ” (Om), making it a spiritually significant destination. Devotees from all over the country visit this temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and experience the serene surroundings. How to Reach Omkareshwar From Indore From Ujjain We chose to travel by private car, which gave us the flexibility to manage accessibility needs with ease. Parking & Wheelchair Rental Upon reaching Omkareshwar, we found that the main parking area is a bit far from the temple. However, after we explained the accessibility concern, the local police allowed us to park near the temple entrance, which made things much easier. There are no government-provided wheelchairs at the temple. But we were able to rent a private wheelchair for ₹500, along with a wheelchair puller who assisted me throughout the visit. Their help was incredibly valuable for navigating the area smoothly. Crossing the Jhula Pul (Suspension Bridge) To reach the temple premises, we had to cross the Jhula Pul, a suspension bridge over the Narmada River. While slightly bumpy in a wheelchair, it’s manageable with a puller or companion. Wheelchair users are given access through a return lane, which helps bypass long queues. This path is also used for VIP darshan, and access is limited to: ⚠️ If you’re traveling with more people, they must book Special Darshan tickets separately. Special Darshan Booking Details Darshan Experience at Omkareshwar Once you reach near the Garbha Griha (inner sanctum): Even though these final steps were a little challenging, the darshan of Lord Shiva was an emotionally uplifting and spiritually powerful experience. Other Nearby Spots to Explore While you’re in Omkareshwar, consider exploring these nearby attractions: 1. Mamleshwar Temple Located just across the river from Omkareshwar, Mamleshwar is considered the mirror Jyotirlinga. It’s peaceful and not very crowded, ideal for a calm spiritual experience. 2. Scenic Narmada Views The Jhula Pul offers beautiful views of the Narmada River — perfect for photography and soaking in the natural beauty. 3. Local Street Shopping The walkways are lined with shops selling religious souvenirs, local crafts, and snacks. Great for picking up something to remember the trip by. 4. Restaurants & Eateries You’ll find many vegetarian restaurants and street food stalls near the temple to enjoy local flavors. Final Tips for Wheelchair Travelers Visiting Omkareshwar Temple was a fulfilling experience, both spiritually and personally. Despite a few challenges, the accessibility and assistance available make it possible for wheelchair users like me to enjoy this holy place with dignity and comfort.

Written By Anshuli Singhal As someone living with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD 2A) for over 15 years, I’ve come to understand the importance of accessibility in every aspect of life—especially while traveling. I rely on a wheelchair to explore new places, and spiritual destinations are no exception. In this blog, I want to share my experience visiting Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas in India, focusing on accessibility for wheelchair users. Getting There: Ujjain from Indore Ujjain is located about 55 kilometers from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. You can reach the city comfortably via:   Private car or taxi Train from Indore Junction Intercity buses The drive takes around 1.5 hours, and the roads are mostly smooth and convenient. First Steps: Parking and Reaching the Entrance Once we reached the temple parking area, the real accessibility test began. From the parking spot to the main temple entrance, you have a few options:   Own wheelchair (Highly recommended) Electric rickshaw (can take you near the entrance but not right up to the wheelchair counter) On foot (not advisable for those with mobility issues due to crowds and uneven pathways) Even though e-rickshaws can get close to the entrance, there’s still about 300 meters of walking required to reach the point where temple wheelchairs are available. That’s why carrying your own wheelchair is a much better choice. Temple Wheelchairs and Puller Assistance The temple provides wheelchairs free of cost, along with a wheelchair puller to assist with navigation. This was a thoughtful gesture that made moving through the temple smoother. However, the location of these government wheelchairs is far from the parking area, and there are no private vendors nearby, so bringing your own wheelchair is strongly advised. Which Gate to Use? Important Note on Accessibility During our visit in August 2024, most people directed us to Gate No. 4 (commonly referred to as the VIP entrance), but it involved a long flight of stairs, making it completely unsuitable for wheelchair users. After some struggle, we found that Gate No. 1 is the most accessible gate for wheelchair users and VIP entry (as of August 2024). This gate has proper ramps and sloped paths, and the staff guides wheelchair users through a separate, designated entry path. Note: Gate designations may change. Always confirm at the temple premises before proceeding. VIP Darshan from Balcony for Wheelchair Users The VIP darshan:   Is free for one wheelchair user and one assistant Costs ₹250 per person for others using the same entrance Is accessible via Gate No. 1 After entering through Gate No. 1, it takes about 5–10 minutes to reach the balcony area, from where wheelchair users can have darshan of Lord Mahakal. There is a glass partition, and the view is clear and unobstructed. Though you are not in the sanctum, the peaceful view and proximity to the deity make for a spiritually powerful moment. You are allowed to sit for 2–3 minutes, which is more than enough to absorb the divine presence. Pro Tip: Book Sheeghra Darshan in Advance To avoid any last-minute confusion, it’s best to book the Sheeghra Darshan pass online at ₹250 per person (for accompanying members). Here’s the official site: https://shrimahakaleshwar.com/sheeghra-darshan This will ensure a smoother and more organized experience. Where to Stay: Accessible Hotel Suggestions If you’re planning to stay in Ujjain, here are a couple of wheelchair-friendly hotels to consider: Budget Option   Hotel Shriram, Ujjain – Offers basic amenities and accessibility at an affordable rate. Luxury Option   Hotel Anjushree, Ujjain – A premium hotel with excellent services, spacious rooms, and wheelchair accessibility. Alternatively, since Indore is well-connected and offers more choices, you can stay in one of the many accessible hotels there and plan a day trip to Ujjain. Final Thoughts Visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple was a truly moving experience, one that reaffirmed my belief that with preparation and the right information, spiritual travel can be accessible for all. Quick Recap:   Carry your own wheelchair if possible Use Gate No. 1 (and confirm before visiting) Book VIP darshan in advance for accompanying members Stay in a hotel that supports your mobility needs With a bit of research and planning, you too can enjoy this spiritually powerful journey with ease and dignity.