Destinations for 74 year old traveller to chill

Hi there. I'm attempting to complete a itinerary for a 74 year old Yankee friend who visited India in the 70's and 80's and now wants to temporarily settle in his treasured India for six months a year.

He is on medication for back pain (Codeine)and other pills he needs to get through the day so will need to be close to a pharmacy, close to somewhere he can buy well priced spirits, a town that has a few laid back ex-pats, great local food, a good market, an assortment of good value accommodation (around 200-400a night) wifi internet (if possible) a bookshop or library, all within 10 mins walk.

He is quite fit but gets a little breathless. Fiercely independent and wanting to spend some time in a nice small quiet (??) community. He's funny, loves to connect with locals, well-read, a computer tech who has travelled a lot in his youth and now has been travelling, for the past few years and wants to settle somewhere for at least 6 months.

All input gratefully appreciated. I am stumped a little. I favour places like Gokarna. Anywhere that comes to mind PLEASE?
Thanks in anticipation.

lyndy, first ask, where did he spend his time in India that so inspired him to want to go back and spend time there now? Don't want to send him off to Manali when he's a beachboy!

Good question. He can't remember much about his trips!!!!Enough said. He does not like the weather to be too hot or too cold..fussy old codger!

Manali might be a bit too remote I feel. I get the vibe he's looking for any place, beach or mountains but mild climate, and facilities as mentioned. Think Penang, Jogjakarta, quiet areas of Bali, Hates being surrounded by "airhead package tourists"...his words not mine.....a real old hippie but not as numbed as some. Learns languages easily & does read and write a lot. He's a bit of a gem and needs somewhere to heal, I think.

I love Rishikesh, however booze, fish, eggs & meat aren't easy to come by. I just know you're thinking of someplace good! Come on...out with it!! PLEASE! He's talking about arriving in Kolkata mid to late October then heading someplace, probably South. I'm heading north for a few weeks then will meet up with him wherever he can get a train ticket to.

That's why I'm doing some requested planning for him. He'll just end up living in a retiring room for 6 months!

Thanks for replying so fast!

Hi lindy,

I certainly hope that I am just as adventurist when I am 74.

Will your friend be able to get insurance ? Just a thought.

Philip

Mussoorie/Landour from April/May to September/October?

Provided he is ok with the weather (not really too cold, though can get chilly) and with electricity and water issues. Weather included some rain, too.

OK, I'm not his mother and I guess he's already taking codeine & drinking spirits BUT I have to pass this on anyway, even if he doesn't give a crap!

What should I avoid while taking codeine?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with codeine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert."

Now that I've got that said, I wish I had a good suggestion. My first thought was any nice hill station but if he gets out of breathe, any altitude might be a problem.

Maybe one of the nicer less touristed beaches in South Goa?

He seems to need all the things tourists actually need, but without the tourists!

Waiting to see somemore suggestions.

The kind of daily doses for chronic pain should not be a problem with regard to alcohol for someone who has been taking the medication for any length of time. The body quickly desensitises to the effects of opioids. My guess is that an educated urbane senior is across it.

Lesser known beaches in Karnataka or Maharashtra? Will require research to avoid tourists.

I wonder where the man finally landed. I'm his age and am looking for roughly the same features. I'll probably try Goa or Kerala first and see if I can stand the heat. I'm also bringing my small dog. I don't have much money and would like to know the minimum amount I need to rent a small house. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Carol

Thanks to all for your input. My friend is aware of the risks of codeine/alcohol consumption and is very controlled with both.

When you get to 74, and are still functioning pretty darn well, you usually have an idea on how to drink safely & take medication too.

The problem with Goa, is of course, the Goans. Anyone who has lived there for 3-6 months knows how greedy they are. Sorry, but its true so I won't recommend Goa, at all. It's done & overdone but thanks for the input.

Carol, anything really nice in say, Cochin is around 10,000 rupees a month. 2 -3 bedrooms a/c, modern security building. I love Cochin but my friend would think it too big. I can give you some info if you pm me. I've just said goodbye to an Indian friend from there after he's lived in Cochin for a year. Nice town & maybe a good choice for you.

Steven ber out you out there? I need your input, please!

What about Pondicherry........... booze is cheap there. He could stroll along the prom.

Chandigarh will be a great place for him. Cleanest and well designed city of India. Everything is available there. Its in the base of Kasauli Hills. He can anytime go to the mountains in 3-4 hours. Temperature is moderate. Well connected from Punjab, Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Have Multiplexes, Discos, Parks in every sector, a Rose Garden, a famous Rock garden and many more things. Pharmacy shops and everyday markets are available in every sector.

Nearest connected places are Mohali, Panchkula, Chandimandir and Kalka.

Coimbatore or Pondicherry might fit the bill. The big negatives for me w/ both of those are the climate, but if he doesn't mind humidity and heat,...

Many thanks for your responses! Chandigarh is a very expensive city for accommodation, but a good suggestion anyway! I'm thinking Pondicherry may fit the bill. Thanks again, much appreciate the input.

I don't believe there is one city that's perfect weather all year round so if he has to move because one is too hot or humid, or another is too cold, then he can do this.

Hi Lyndy:
I don't know how to "pm" you.

erode in tamilnadu comes to mid, a small town with all the amenities you could dream of, cheap accomodation and a thriving local culture which is impossible not to get caught up in, the tamil barrier would exist though it shouldn't be too severe. its also ideally located 4 hrs from bangalore and close enough to waynad, kanyakumari and rameshwaram, the ideal place to explore the tip of the peninsula . . . it is also mercifully free of tourists!