Golden Years Retreats: 7 Best Cities to Retire in India

Gone are the days when people used to settle down at the same place where they have spent their whole life working or where they have their kids and family. The option of choosing a retirement home may still sound alien to many but with the increase in disposable income and an open mindset, people are exploring the option of planning their retirement in a place of their choice and on their own terms. The most important factors to look for when choosing a city are flexible weather, safety, easy availability of quality healthcare & effortless access to basic amenities. Retires from abroad, both NRI and foreigners look at India as an interesting option to settle.

Though the choice of city will defer from person to person for a vast country like India, here is “The Suitcase” list of 7 cities to settle after retirement.

1. Goa

Fine climate round the year, multi-ethnic culture and laid back charm makes the state of Goa the most preferred choice. Known for exotic landscape, beautiful beaches and rich heritage, it is flocked by hundreds of thousands of tourists from India and worldwide. Goa is home to growing number of Indians, Europeans and Indian expats.

2. Pune

It has a diverse population and several leading companies in software and IT are based here making it an ideal place for job hunters as well. It’s proximity to Mumbai and other metropolitan cities make it a perfect choice, as the cost of living is less than those mentioned. Pune is surrounded by many popular hill stations like Lonavala, Khandala etc and is also one of the largest cities in Maharashtra.

Image Source: Wikipedia

3. Chandigarh

Claimed to be the first ever planned city in India, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is one of the favourites amongst the retires. It has India’s highest per capita income and offers the best medical facilities. Chandigarh’s immediacy to Himachal Pradesh gives an option of quick getaway to the hills. It has everything from greenery to finely designed roads to best of the brands and all the entertainment.

Image Source: Wikipedia

4. Coimbatore

Coimbatore is in the middle of the captivating mountain ranges including the Nilgiris and very close to one of the most beautiful hill stations – Ooty! Always been a preferred destination for retired defence personnel, it is now attracting more and more retires. It is modern yet has strong historic importance, scenic geography and tranquil environment. This small city of Tamil Nadu scores on low cost of living, less pollution, good climate round the year and one of the best infrastructure and healthcare facilities.

Image Source: Wikipedia

5. Dehradun

Located between the two sacred rivers – Yamuna and Ganga, on the base of Himalayas, lies the city of Dehradun. It’s closeness to the holy cities of Rishikesh & Haridwar and the beautiful hill station of Mussorie makes it an idyllic choice for retirement. Dehradun has many top educational institutes and superior plantation of rice, tea & lychee. It offers good healthcare facilities and connection to top hill stations of Uttrakhand.

Image Source: Wikipedia

6. Kurseong

Home to some of the most expensive teas in the world, this lesser known city of West Bengal is 32 kms from the serene hill station of Darjeeling. It is also known as land of white orchids and is fast growing to be a favourite of retirees as it is away from the hustle bustle of the world. The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is connected to all major states of India and the famous toy train of Darjeeling passes from Kurseong.

Image Source: Wikipedia

7. Kerala

One of the most loved tourist destinations by Indians and foreigners, Kerala is known for tropical forest, lush green landscape and backwaters. Kerala ayurveda is known worldwide and Kerala has one of the best educational institutes. The major cities are Trivandrum and Kochi along with many popular towns of Kozikode, Varkala and Munnar. Expats are investing here and coming back to settle in their home town.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Go Pandal Hopping this Durga Puja: Where to go in these 5 cities?

Festivity is in the air. The colours, the lights, the cheerful mood and the craze for loads of food and shopping makes this month a much awaited time in the whole year. Durga Puja is celebrated in whole of India with a lot of gaiety and grandeur. Larger than life idols of Durga, uniquely decorated Pandals, music and performances will take over all the cities.

So, where to go for the Puja fun this time of the year? We bring a list of 3 Pandals each from the following 5 cities, where you can explore the essence of Durga Puja in 2015.

Delhi

1. Chittarnjan Park (C.R Park)

Delhi’s very own “Mini Kolkata” in South Delhi, is host to some of the best Pandals. The ambience, authentic food, costume, music, language - everything will make you feel you are in Kolkata. It has multiple Pandals and you can hop from one to another in a day.

2. Kashmere Gate

The oldest Durga Puja Pandal in Delhi, which is happening since 1909, the celebrations here are more traditional. Situated in the North Delhi, go hear for classic Bengali cuisines and religious activities.

3.  New Delhi Kali Bari

In the heart of Delhi, the celebrations started in 1925 which continues till date. The Mandir Marg Kali Bari is known of its Dhaaki(Dholak) performance during the evening anjali(aarti) for which spectators come from all across India and abroad.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Kolkata

1. Suruchi Sangha (New Alipore)

It is the award winning Pandal in the “City of Joy” on two occasions for the “most well decorated Pandals”. Known for its creativity, the uniqueness lies in depicting the idol as different state theme symbolizing different cultures in India. They have already done Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, this year the theme state is Tamil Nadu.

2.  Jodhpur Park (Jadhavpur Thana)

The Pandals here are famous for wide variety of culture themes. The huge magnitude at which it is done, makes it “Not to miss” every year. The first of its kind idol made on a 3D printer out of biodegradable materials was the highlight in 2014.

3. Bagbazaar (Bagbazaar launch ghat)

In an era, when lakhs and crores are being spent on the decorations of the Pandals, the Bagbazaar Pandal is still known for its minimalism and lack of grandiose decorations. A visit to this Pandal will take you back in the time when the only thing that mattered was simplicity.

Mumbai

1. North Mumbai Sarbojanin Durgotsav (Juhu)

In its 68^th year now, it was founded by the “Mukherjee” family and hence the Pandal is famous for the celebrity quotient. Friends and family of Bollywood’s beloved Kajol, Rani Mukherjee etc. attend the feast. It is a 5 days celebration at the Tulip Star hotel (from 18^th Oct) and witness many celebrity performances so, if you want to spot your favourite superstar along with being spiritual, then head to Juhu.

2. Shivaji Park (Dadar)

For over 80 years old, in the oldest Pandal in Mumbai, the highlight is the food court. You can pick a wide range of things from Bengali food & sweets to Bengali Sarees and Artefacts even though the Pandal is not too big or ostentatious but have a unique theme each year. This year the Pandal is modelled on the famous Kalighat temple in Kolkata.

3. Ramkrishna Mission Puja (Khar)

The traditional kumara puja is performed here, in which a 8 year old girl is dressed as Goddess Durga on Ashtmi and is made to sit on the throne. Thousands of people worship her with flowers and seek her blessings. Authentic bhog is served here in the afternoon.

Image Source: Rediff

Bangalore

1. Sri Sri Durga Puja (RBANM School ground, Sivanchetti Gardens)

In its 66^th year, the Puja organised by Bengalee Association Bangalore, this one is not just the biggest in the city but amongst the top 5 in India. With the expected footfall of over 25,000 people every day, it is going to be a splendid affair.

2. Sammad 2015 (Mangala Kalyana Mantapa, South Bangalore)

5 days of non-stop music, dance and band performances, this is going to be the most pleasurable Puja Pandal. Along with mouth-watering food and majestic idols, who minds some entertainment.

3. UTSAV Durgapuja (JP Nagar)

The major attraction is the cultural program. Utsav team comes up with innovative programs which are amalgamations of Bengali culture with Indian and Global culture to celebrate the arrival of goddess amongst people from all religions, regions and walks of life.

Image source: www.urbanbinge.com

Pune

1. .Kali Bari (Khadki)

The first puja was held in 1940s and the Kali Bari Samiti was established in 1980 and since then the puja is held in the temple. Every year artists from Kolkata work on the Durga idols. A lot of hard work is put in for a variety of Bengali cuisines and numerous performances.

2. .Nandanik Kalyani Nagar Puja (Koregaon Park)

Nandanik is a group of like-minded people united by the common cause of community building and supporting the physically challenged. Aarti, pushpanjali, bhojan and culture programs will be the highlights from 18^th – 23^rd October followed by Laksmi Puja on 26^th October.

3. Banga Bharati Durga Puja (Pimpri)

Established in 1976, Banga Bharati is association of people across Pimpri Chinchwad. From Panchmi (18^th October) to Sindoor Utsav (23^rd October), there will be daily dose of culture programs with bhog and aarti. Look forward to the delicacies from Bengal being served here.

Image Source: http://punedurgapujas.blogspot.in/