India has a rich cultural and religious diversity, with over 81% of citizens claiming religious beliefs. Many feel a deep urge to visit religious destinations for spiritual devotion, regardless of age or disability. However, most sacred sites are located in mountainous terrain with steep steps and slopes, failing to accommodate those with disabilities or reduced mobility. While elderly and disabled people wish to travel for solace, a lack of accessibility prevents their full participation. Accessibility is critical to ensure religious sites are inclusive for all devotees, including disabled and elderly populations, so they do not feel isolated. The paper aims to examine two prominent religious sites in India's Himalayan region and suggest improvements to enhance accessibility while maintaining each location's intrinsic value.

1. Accessibility as the missing link in religious tourism
Dr. Lalita Sen, Ph.D, Texas Southern University, USA (presenter); Ms. Abha Negi,
Svayam, New Delhi, India (co-author)
Being one of the most ancient civilizations of the world, India provides a rich
kaleidoscope of cultural and religious diversity and is home to several indigenous
faiths and beliefs. India has been ranked the 18th most religious country in the world
with over 81 percent citizens claiming to have religious beliefs, according to a latest
survey.
Due to deep rooted faith and spiritual devotion, there is always an urge among
people to visit religious destinations for seeking divine blessings, irrespective of their
age and disability. As most of the sacred places in India are located in
mountainous/uneven terrain coupled with steep steps, slopes and irregular paths,
these often fail to welcome visitors with diverse needs.
Elderly and persons with disabilities are keen to travel to religious sites in their quest
for solace and harmony even at the cost of personal discomfort. Lack of access
provisions and enabling environment at religious places prevents people with
reduced mobility from participating to the extent that they desire.
Accessibility is critical in bringing the religious/pilgrimage sites within the reach of the
disabled and ageing population to ensure they do not feel isolated from the
mainstream. Efforts should be made to provide an inclusive environment to enable all
who come as devotees for the once in lifetime trip.
The paper aims to highlight two case studies of prominent religious sites in
Himalayan region of India and suggest possible access improvements that need to
be undertaken while maintaining the intrinsic value of each location.