India is full of sunny beaches, cascading waterfalls, mighty mountains, snowy trails, and widespread forests. This country also has manmade wonders like rocky temples, Indo gothic churches, and grand forts. If you’re an avid traveler, you must’ve already explored most of these places with your family and friends.
Ever given a thought to solo travel? It opens a whole new world for you and you start seeing everything from a new perspective. If you’re someone who shies away from visiting the cinemas alone or eating alone at a restaurant, you should definitely challenge yourself to a solo trip. Embark on one and you’ll return with new friends, interesting anecdotes, and lots of memories! Here are some of the best places to visit in India for a solo trip.
Alleppy, Kerala
Calming waters and houseboats gliding majestically on them as the sun sets over the picturesque landscape, that’s Alleppy for you. This city in Kerala is a network of backwater canals and thousands of boats. It’s a destination always on the bucket lists of honeymooners. But that shouldn’t stop you from going to Alleppy for a solo trip, right?
You can pamper yourself with some Kerala Ayurvedic massage that’s done using herbal medicated oils. You can sit for hours and try your hand at fishing. That brings us to the best part about visiting Alleppy, the food! You can indulge in local seafood like Malabar fish curry, shappu meen curry, and grilled shrimp. Many houseboats also offer you a kitchen and an in-house chef who will prepare you the best seafood from fresh catch.
As a solo traveler, there’s a lot to do in Alleppy like witnessing boat races in August or watching rice harvesting between the months of July and November. We’re sure you’ll keep coming back to Alleppy to find your peace!
Reaching Alleppy: The nearest airport to Alleppy is Cochin International Airport, which is about 74 kilometers away. If you’re coming by train, you can get off at Alleppey railway station. In case you’re going by road, Alleppy is 4 hours away from Thiruvananthapuram.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
When you think of a solo trip, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a destination with loads of peace and tranquility. How about Udaipur, the City Of Lakes in Rajasthan? This place has an ethereal charm about it that will bowl you over! Best part? Udaipur has several youth hostels always offering fun company for a solo traveler.
The best time to visit Udaipur is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this time, you can enjoy sightseeing without having to bear the scorching sun. The lakes and palaces here are illuminated at night, making it a picturesque sight. You can spend your ‘me time’ boating on Lake Pichola, feeling like a royal at City Palace, or strolling in the lovely gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari.
You can lose track of time in Udaipur shopping for Rajasthani jackets, mojaris (ethnic shoes), or authentic jewelry. If you’re a solo traveler who loves food, you can hog on some kadhi pakora, laal maas, ghevar, and so on!
Reaching Udaipur: Maharana Pratap Airport is Udaipur’s airport and is around 20 kilometers away from the city. If you’re opting for rail travel, you can get down at Udaipur City railway station. If you’re going to Udaipur from Delhi by road, it’ll take you about 10-11 hours to cover the 662 km distance. Just remember that Delhi to Udaipur by road is a tiring drive due to Rajasthan’s truck traffic.
Pondicherry
This French town in Southern India is often called the ‘French Riviera of the East Coast’. Pondicherry was a former French colony and you can still see the French influence in the architecture and lifestyle here. The beautiful old villas, pink bougainvillea, and quiet lanes of Pondicherry will soothe your senses.
The best way to explore Pondicherry is by renting a scooter or a bike. Accelerate through your way and soak in the sceneries this city has to offer. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, you can go scuba diving at Pondicherry’s beaches, or hop on a toy train in the Botanical Garden.
Pondicherry is brimming with backpackers and solo travelers on the lookout for some real fun; this is proven by Pondicherry’s crazy nightlife! On your last day in Pondicherry, you can go ignite your spiritual flame at Auroville or Sri Aurobindo Ashram. In the end, we’re sure you’ll be charmed by this seaside city just like we are!
Reaching Pondicherry: If you’re traveling to Pondicherry by air, the nearest airport is Chennai International Airport which is around 178 km away. Going by train is also a good idea; you have to alight at Pondicherry Railway Station. Feeling like a road trip? Pondicherry is about 152 km away from Chennai and 360 km away from Bangalore.
Shillong, Meghalaya
If you’re looking for a place that’s off the beaten path, Shillong in Meghalaya is your best bet. This hill station located in Northeast India is known for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere. The people here are warm and hospitable, always ready to help a traveler in need.
You can spend time in Shillong’s cozy cafes meeting fellow travelers or snuggle up with a book in your hotel. You can do fun things in Shillong like kayaking in the Umiam Lake, trekking to the Elephant Falls, or marveling at the colonial-style architecture of the All Saints Cathedral.
If you’re a solo traveler on the quest for off-beat experiences, Shillong has a lot to offer. Go hunt for vintage items at Rebecca’s Thrift Store, get lost in a novel at National Book Agency or explore Shillong’s street food at Police Bazar!
Reaching Shillong: You can reach Shillong by booking a flight to Umroi Airport or Guwahati Airport. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station; it’s around 100 km from Shillong’s city center.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
If there’s one place in India that can give you an eclectic mix of experiences, it’s Varanasi. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, this city is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Pilgrims and tourists visit Varanasi to witness its ancient culture and spiritualism.
The ghats of Varanasi are always buzzing with life. You’ll see sadhus smoking chillums, pilgrims taking a holy dip in the Ganges, locals doing their laundry, and children playing cricket. It’s a scene that will stay with you forever. These ghats light up for Dev Deepavali when thousands of lamps are lit on the ghats and set afloat on the Ganges.
We suggest you take a boat ride on the Ganges at the crack of dawn; it’ll be the peak of your solo travel experience in India. While you’re at it, don’t miss the Subah-e-Banaras Experience. When it’s time for you to leave, you can carry a Banarasi silk saree to remember Varanasi by!
Reaching Varanasi: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. You can also reach Varanasi by train; the city has a railway station that’s well-connected to other parts of India. Varanasi is also well connected by road with Lucknow, Patna, Allahabad, and Ranchi. National Highways 2 and 28 connect Varanasi to Lucknow and the journey takes about 6-7 hours in total.
Gulmarg, Jammu And Kashmir
If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful destination in India, Gulmarg is your answer. This hill station is nestled in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas and is often called “The Meadow of Flowers”. Why this name you ask? Because Gulmarg is full of grassy slopes dotted with wildflowers. It’s said that Emperor Jahangir once collected 21 different varieties of flowers here!
Gulmarg is home to some of the best ski slopes in India. It’s a perfect skiing terrain for both amateur and professional skiers. There’s a lot to explore in Gulmarg like trekking to Alpather Lake, enjoying the views from the second-highest cable car, or having a little solo picnic in the Strawberry Valley.
When you’re not out exploring, you can relax in one of Gulmarg’s many cafes and enjoy a cup of piping hot Kashmiri tea. Take our word and try rogan josh which is one of the famous dishes of Gulmarg. This spicy red lamb-based curry is sure to satiate your tastebuds!
Reaching Gulmarg: You can reach Gulmarg by road, train, or air. The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, which is 52 km away from Gulmarg. The nearest railway station is Jammu Railway Station which is 290 km away. Worry not, you can hire a cab to travel from Jammu Railway Station to Gulmarg. By road, Gulmarg is most accessible from Srinagar and it takes about 1-2 hours to travel between the two places.
Kutch, Gujarat
Kutch is a district in Gujarat that’s known for its intricate handicrafts, vibrant culture, and delicious food. This is one of the most sparsely populated areas in India, which makes it perfect for solo travelers who are looking for some peace and quiet. What makes Kutch interesting is that you get to see both deserts and virgin sea beaches!
One of the best things to do in Kutch is to wander through the villages and admire the traditional mud homes. You can also visit the Aina Mahal, the palace of mirrors, or the Rann of Kutch, which is a vast white desert. If you’re a beach person, head over to the Mandvi beach on a cool winter morning and take a stroll by yourself.
Kutch is also home to some amazing wildlife like the Indian wild ass, blackbuck, and chinkara. To explore more wildlife, you should check out the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary or head over to the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. End your solo trip to Kutch by shopping for bandhani dupatta or exploring some traditional Rogan art!
Reaching Kutch: The nearest airport is Bhuj Airport, which is about 190 km away from the city of Kutch. You can also reach Kutch by road; the district is well-connected to other parts of Gujarat.
Hampi, Karnataka
For solo travelers who wish to explore some beautiful ruins, Hampi is the place to be! This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. What makes Hampi special is that, unlike other ruins, the temples and palaces here are in very good condition. You can easily spend a day wandering through the ruins and taking pictures.
If you’re looking for something more active to do, you can go trekking or cycle around Hampi. Many trip organizers also arrange camping trips to Hampi, so if that’s your thing, you’re in for a treat! While solo traveling around Hampi, take a taxi boat ride to Anegundi where you’ll find a welcoming hippie community. Anegundi has many hostels that conduct fun activities for their guests.
End your solo trip to Hampi by visiting the Virupaksha Temple and watching the Aravalli Hills turn orange at sunset. Don’t leave Hampi without trying the delicious non-veg thali, it’s wholesome!
Reaching Hampi: The nearest airport is Bellary which is 60 km from Hampi. Hampi doesn’t have a railway station, its nearest railway station is at Hospet which is 13 km away. Alternatively, you can also reach Hampi by road; Bangalore to Hampi is a great ride of 340 km.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty makes a solo traveler feel one with nature. This hill station in Tamil Nadu is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. What’s great about Ooty is that it has something for everyone – whether you’re looking to go on hikes or just relax in a pub.
While in Ooty, take a walk around the Botanical Gardens or visit Doddabetta Peak for some amazing views. If you’re an adventure seeker, go trekking in the Nilgiri Hills or cycling down the steep slopes of Ooty. There are also plenty of tea estates and a tea museum in Ooty where you can dive into the origin of tea. When you’re done touring the estates, you can sip hot tea from a roadside vendor. Nothing beats that experience!
If you love the company of books, you can head over to the Higginbothams Book Store. This bookstore is a treasure for bibliophiles and is the oldest bookstore in Ooty. End your solo trip to Ooty by enjoying the toy train ride back to Mettupalayam. You’ll love every bit of the ride!
Reaching Ooty: The easiest way to reach Ooty is by taking the toy train (Nilgiri Express). Hop on this train from the Mettupalayam Railway Station and get off at Udagamandalam Station to reach Ooty. The nearest airport to Ooty is at Coimbatore.
Summing Up
Once you pick a destination, pack your backpack and get going without a second thought! The people you’ll meet, the cultures you’ll experience, and the food you’ll eat on your solo travel will stay with you forever. And that, my friend, is what makes solo travel so special!
FAQs
What Are The Best Indian Destinations For A Solo Trip?
Alleppy in Kerala, Udaipur in Rajasthan, Pondicherry, Shillong in Meghalaya, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, Kutch in Gujarat, Hampi in Karnataka, and Ooty in Tamil Nadu are some of the best Indian destinations for a solo trip.
How To Pack For A Solo Trip In India?
When packing for a solo trip in India, it is important to pack light. Carry clothes that are comfortable and easy to wear. Try to avoid packing too many items of clothing as you will likely not need them all. It is also a good idea to pack some sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the sun.
Is India Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
India is generally safe for solo female travelers. However, it is important to take caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid traveling alone at night, and be aware of scams that may target solo travelers.
What Is The Best Time To Visit India For Solo Traveling?
The best time to visit India for solo traveling is during the winter months (November to February). The weather is cool and most of the tourist destinations are less crowded. However, it is also possible to travel to India during the summer months (March to May) or the monsoon season (June to September). Just be aware that the weather can be very hot and humid during the summer months.
Why Is A Solo Trip Important?
One must have experience of traveling solo at least once, in your lifetime, a solo trip helps you understand yourself better, you learn how to save money, get used to adjusting to new places, ways to navigate to places all on your own, help boost your confidence, getting to know the culture, traditions, and life of the people by conversing with locals.
How Do I Enjoy A Solo Trip?
Enjoying a solo trip can get difficult but there are various options like planning out your days, indulging in self-care, documenting the people and places you have met and been to.
What Are the Disadvantages Of Traveling Alone?
The cons of traveling alone are is carrying your luggage all by yourself, if sick no one to take care of you, feeling scared, can’t try different cuisines, etc.
How Do You Keep Your Money/Valuables Safe When Traveling Solo?
Avoid carrying valuables and money but if it is mandatory then make sure you be careful and keep an eye on your priced possessions.
