Have you Strolled through the Best Walkable Cities in India yet?

A vibrant diaspora on its own, India holds a story in every nook and corner. These lanes feature historical masterpieces, ancient houses, and vibrant displays that can be explored best on foot, making each region a great walkable city, meaning a city which prioritises pedestrians and encourages walking as a primary mode of transportation and recreation. These places usually feature design elements that enhance safety, convenience, and enjoyment for pedestrians. Here's a compilation of the best walkable cities in India.

Chennai 

Chennai makes it to the list of best walkable cities in India with its natural landscape and the space it offers. The city has several traffic-free walking trails, including a 2-kilometer stretch in Velachery with a track for runners and walkers and a 4-kilometer stretch on 11th Avenue in Ashok Nagar, known for its health and connection. The Chennai Smart City Limited has also established a pedestrian plaza at Sir Thyagaraya Nagar with the aim of utilising the additional road space to incorporate all essential pedestrian amenities and to create a traffic-free social space for the citizens.

Jaipur

If you are in Rajasthan, you will encounter a lot of narrow lanes, which are ideal for exploring the state's heritage. Especially when you are in Jaipur, you will get the experience of the rich history of the city just by casually walking on the streets. You can take a stroll in the Walled City, a UNESCO Heritage Site in the city, for its well-planned structure by Sawai Jai Singh II. 

Puducherry

We are sure you might have seen those vibrant houses of Puducherry on the internet. The colourful scapes, compact roads, and scenic roads make this city an ideal walking destination. The city boasts well-maintained roads and pavements, making it a pleasant experience to walk around, especially in the White Town area, sea-facing promenade and French Quarter. 

Kolkata

Kolkata is considered a great city for walking due to its compact layout, rich history, and vibrant culture. The region is known for its vibrant markets and cultural attractions, which are best explored by walking and soaking in the atmosphere. A 50-metre stretch on Street no. 25, from Infinity Benchmark to RDB Boulevard buildings, has been turned into a pedestrian plaza, free from vehicles for the city people.  

Chandigarh

Chandigarh has a green landscape, planned walkways and paths for residents and tourists alike. The city offers designated pedestrian pathways, making it easier and safer for people to walk around. Chandigarh's main pedestrian plaza is located in Sector 17, also known as Sector 17 Plaza or City Centre, a tree-lined area with fountains, stores, and entertainment options

Varanasi 

This spiritual city can be explored best on foot. The ancient temples, serene Ganga ghats and grid-like lanes are perfect for walking past the heritage and natural beauty of the city. Also, the expanse of the city is limited, which can be explored neatly on foot. Along with the scenic trails, the city's markets and street food stalls offer a sensory experience, with the opportunity to sample local delicacies and browse traditional crafts.

Shimla 

Shimla is also known as a great walkable city due to its pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and the absence of motorised traffic in many areas. The city is designed with pedestrians in mind, featuring walkways, subways, and widening of roads to enhance the walking experience. The breathtaking sites and nature-laden visuals make it even more enjoyable to walk on foot. Mall Road is one of the pedestrian-friendly streets bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Kochi 

Kochi is also becoming a significant walkable city in India. The government is taking initiatives to further enhance its infrastructure. One of the prime examples is the “Walkable Kochi" project, aiming to improve pedestrian infrastructure and safety, making it easier and more enjoyable to navigate the city on foot.