The wonderments of Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur even historic Delhi are calling. It's time to forget the chains of fear, self-doubt, and apathy that bind you. Today, being differently-abled, visually impaired, or even a senior citizens, thanks to the fantastic advancements of new technology, is no longer the kind of challenge it was considered in these past decades.

Shed your inhibitions about reshaping your worldview as your wheelchair finds new avenues for you to embrace the excitement of discovery. There are so many new destinations to explore and enjoy as you mingle with the locals to pull back the wraps on their history, heritage, and fiercely protected cultural roots…

Adding to your comfort is the fact that arrangements can be made for one assistant to push your wheelchair if required. Furthermore, if you are looking to hire a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp, it can be arranged to accompany you for the entire tour. This van is equipped with a manually foldable ramp needing manual assistance to push the wheelchair in and out of the vehicle.

First off, Delhi, India’s national capital unspools riveting narratives associated with not only the popular tourist sites as a multi-layered imperial city dating back to the times of Indraprastha in the epic era of the Mahabharata …but even lesser-known spots. Bet you didn’t know that it’s so much fun now to visit the 13th century Qutab Minar, 16th century Humayun's Tomb, or the 17th century Red Fort, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are now all wheelchair-accessible. You can also pay your respects to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, in the serene environs of Raj Ghat, his last resting place. A visit to the calming environs of the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple, opens up a window to this inclusive faith which welcomes all people. Spend many healing moments in the lap of Nature in the wheelchair-accessible historic Lodi Gardens dotted with of 15th and 16th-century historical monuments. One can enter from Gate 1 because there are no steps here or through the Gate 3 entry, as it’s got a ramp facility alongside the stairs. Both these gates are also closest to the ruins.

Also on this journey of discovery are Agra and Jaipur, which are wedded to India’s iconic Golden Triangle, of which Delhi has been our first destination. What makes this entire trip so memorable is that one gets to visit local bazaars, and spiritual hubs and even share a meal with a local family for a deep dive into the community culture.

A special bonus is a visit to the desert outpost of Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City’, which is the old bastion of the rulers of Rajasthan’s Marwar region.

And so, to Agra, we will go. Not just renowned for the Taj Mahal, that stunning monument of love of a king for his beloved queen, but also as the city from where the Mughals established their over 200-year rule over India. The Mughal posturings of empirical rule are amply evident amidst the hustle and bustle of this historic city, nestled by the holy Yamuna River.

The full-day laidback explorations of a full-day tour tending to wheelchair travellers, or those with limited mobility, also hold the promise of a fresh outlook on Mughal history in India. As you explore the UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage Sites of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, it’s no longer just about keeping tabs on dates and battles and victories…It's also about discovering the wonders of the Mughals' delight in the creative world of architecture and design, crafts and art, religious monuments and landscaped gardens.

You can cash in on the opportunity to visit some unique local artisans of Agra who continue to pursue their ancestral skills of Pacchikari or Pietra Dura (marble inlay) work so gorgeously showcased in the Taj Mahal.

The city of Jaipur is a multi-faceted global holiday hub. It is much beloved for its art and architecture, its lively bazaars, and its wealth of handicrafts and festival pageantry. The local people are warm and friendly. They are justly proud of the rich heritage and history, dating to the times it was first established by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II, by which they are surrounded.

You will get to explore firsthand some of the iconic hotspots scattered across town. You will travel to where Jaipur’s story took birth. This is the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Amer Fort, the old bastion of the Kachwaha rulers. It was here that Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II conceived of building a new capital from where he would henceforth rule. This was Jaipur, the first well-planned city, built in 1726 along the auspicious principles of the Hindu Vedic treatises, the Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra.

You can discover many more gems of Jaipur’s history and heritage at the beautiful City Palace Museum, located in the palatial residence of the Jaipur rulers. At the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory you will understand another trait of Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II, an avid student of the movement of the celestial bodies. You can also visit the famous Hindu shrine of Govind Dev ji, which is now wheelchair accessible. You will love the opportunity to enjoy the bazaar scene, which could, back in the day, be viewed in privacy by the ladies of the harem, from the famous Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds located in the Old Quarter. Jaipur has long been a nucleus for the arts and crafts and one can get to see up-close skilled artisans creating magic in jewellery, enamel work, metalwork, fabric and textiles, and stone and marble carving.

The historic ‘Blue City’, Jodhpur, transports you to another world altogether. It opens up a window to a life lived in proximity to India’s Thar Desert. This historic city was situated on the old caravan route from Central Asia, so you will love the bustle and vibrancy that still colour the bazaar scene in town. Established 1459 by Rao Jodha, after whom it takes its name Jodhpur is a huge draw for its cultural richness. It might interest you to learn that the stunning Meherangarh Fort, which rears high about the city skyline, is home to Umaid Bhawan Palace–one of the world’s largest private residences. It was built as a work-in-progress by Maharaja Umaid Singh to give his subjects work during a big famine in the 1920s which lasted over three years.

Warm welcomes await on your wanderings through the Old Quarter, as locals regale you with stories of why Jodhpur is called the “Blue City’. Soak in the frenetic vibes of the bazaars and the tranquillity of the temples. It will delight you to know that now you have partial wheelchair access to iconic Mehrangarh Fort; you can also explore parts of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, residence for the Jodhpur royals, now partially an uber luxury hotel. You can visit the elegant Jaswant Thada, a marble edifice that serves as a memorial to the 19th-century ruler Jaswant Singh II. Enjoy access now to the verdant expanses of the landscaped pleasure gardens of Mandore, with its scattering of several cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s rulers. Later scope out the treasure trove, which is the lively bazaar wrapped around the Clock Tower area.

Abandon yourself to this discovery of many new places as your wheelchair can no longer be a reason to remain in your comfort zone. There’s a whole new world waiting for you out there. So, grab those opportunities, with friends, family, or even as a singleton— because being differently abled is no excuse not to live life king-size when it comes to exploring India your way.