Top Destinations for Solo Female Travellers in India
It is a widely deemed fact that the wisest individuals among us are those who are the most well-travelled. And well, why shouldn’t it be? At the core of human existence, lies our ability to perceive varying experiences, and draw our observations from them in the process. And nothing other than the act of travelling holds the ability to conjure such diverse experiences for us. If you’re a woman who has been bitten by the travel bug, the importance of a solo female trip is most certainly not lost on you. Not only is it an opportunity for you to experience myriad cultures and destinations but also a chance to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Listed below, thus, is a list of curated destinations that should definitely feature on your map if you are a solo female adventurer in India.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is the perfect getaway destination for anyone wishing to escape the mundane din of their everyday life and get in touch with their spiritual self. Its French-inspired composite culture coupled with its serene beaches and vibrant colonies instantly endears it to travellers all across the globe. If it is your first solo trip, then Pondicherry should be your go-to destination. The quaint French colonial settlement that defines itself between the indulging banter of its Parisian cafes and the reflective serenity of the ashrams at Auroville promises to give you an experience like none other. Additionally, the French culture pervades into the cuisine of the city as well, making it home to some of the most cherished delicacies out there.
Sikkim
Entrenched in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas and replete with the inimitable splendour of its lofty, snow-capped peaks, Sikkim has rightly earned itself the epithet of “Abode of the Gods”. If anyone’s looking to whip up the motivation for solo trip, a simple Google search of Sikkim on the world wide web should suffice. The region’s rich Buddhist culture joins hands with its untampered forests and mesmerizing waterfalls to announce itself as one of the most prime travel destinations within the country. Additionally, the ethnic Nepali cuisine of the place gives your roving taste buds the experience of a lifetime.
Munnar
As a travel destination, Munnar is as popular among university students and college graduates, as it is among families and solo travellers. A substantial portion of it has to do with the scope of safe travel experience that one gets to avail here, thanks to the cheery nature of its hard-working and honest inhabitants. Located in God’s Own Country, Kerala, the lush greenery of Munnar coupled with its majestic landscape and tea plantations serves as a welcome change of sight for anyone who’s grown increasingly tired from the hubbub of the concrete jungles. Monsoon should be your season of choice, should you wish to witness Munnar at the peak of its grace and glory.
Mysore
Widely regarded as the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore abounds in awe-inspiring places of heritage and architectural marvels of palaces which adds generously to the timeliness aura of the region. It is noted mostly for attracting tourists in flocks at the time of the epochal Mysore Dasara, a 10-day festival celebrated annually during the occasion of Navratri, that transforms the otherwise peaceful city into a spectacle of endless merrymaking and indulgence. The highly famous Mysore silk sarees, along with its diverse coterie of other handicrafts and artifacts, is another very compelling reason for solo female travellers to narrow in on Mysore as their destination of choice.
Varanasi
Hailed as the spiritual and religious capital of India, Varanasi has over time carved a reputation for itself for according its guests the opportunity of seeking out new beginnings in familiar endings. Punctuated with temples and transcendental ghats, a single trip to the city is more than enough to arm you with a whole new perspective of the world around you. The beauty of the city lies in the fact that at no time does it labour to let go of its small-city charm even as it seamlessly embraces the nuances of its composite culture that finds equal refuge in the city on account of its bustling population of visitors from the western part of the world.
Mcleod Ganj
Home to the Namgyal Monastery, residence-in-exile of none other than the Dalai Lama, a visit to Mcleod Ganj offers you an insight into a whole different realm altogether. Known as “Little Lhasa” or “Dhasa” owing to its sizable Tibetan population, one can see Tibetan flags waving proudly throughout the streets of Mcleod Ganj. As a result, visitors get to experience from close angles the acute cadences of Tibetan cuisine and partake in the cultural activities that are prevalent in the region. Even though Mcleod Ganj is known for its prompt indulgence of adventure seekers, it is a safe haven for tourists of all kinds owing to the strong sense of community that flourishes in the region.
Rishikesh
The Yoga capital of the world, along with its numerous ashrams and meditation centres, is also quite well recognized for its wide repertoire of adventure sports, including the likes of bungee jumping and river rafting. Rishikesh thus falls among the ranks of those select few travel destinations, that provide one with the right mix of spirit and soul. What else can one ask for? Unwind at a yoga retreat at the break of the day, and proceed to take an adrenaline-fueled dive, where you are hanging by a thread, quite literally! Compared to other tourist destinations, Rishikesh is relatively unexplored and less frequented, which makes it a safe spot for solo female travellers as well. Additionally, Rishikesh is also the perfect destination for all trekking enthusiasts out there.
Nainital
Nainital has consistently managed to make its count among the most frequented hill stations in the country, owing to its incredibly scenic landscapes and its chilly weather. Of course, no description of Nainital can ever be complete without a mention of the visually arresting Naini Lake, which on its own is perhaps responsible for half the tourist traffic in the region. Additionally, Nainital also abounds in multiple picturesque temples that are as effective for unwinding as they are for sight-seeing. Shopaholics can help themselves to a wide variety of souvenirs at the local Tibetan
Darjeeling
Noted worldwide for its distinguished tea industry, Darjeeling also plays host to a variety of other attractions that feature it among the most sought after travel destinations in the country. Fondly referred to as the “Land of the Celestial Thunderbolt”, the visual poetry of the region coupled with its exceedingly pleasant weather allows Darjeeling to offer an exceptionally charming hill station experience to tourists. The spiritual nerve of Darjeeling endears it among solo travellers for it accords them the opportunity to tap into their inner conscience sans any inhibitions.
Shimla
Formerly known as the summer capital of British India, Shimla continues to find mention among the most cherished tourist destinations in India. Home to a horde of adventure sports, Shimla also boasts of Asia’s only open-air ice skating rink. The breathtaking spectrum of the region’s flora and fauna makes the region a sight to behold for sore eyes. It makes it the perfect escape destination for travellers and soul-searchers alike.
Tips for Solo Female Travellers:
- Exercise care while narrowing in on your destination of choice, and make a prior note of all safety cautions that it entails.
- Plan your itinerary attentively, keeping in mind the entire duration of the travel time to the destination.
- Travelling solo gives you the liberty of not sticking to any schedule as such. Make the most of this opportunity and proceed with the plan by visualizing only the basic necessities that your trip requires.
- Make sure that you pack light to avoid ruining your solo trip by carrying unnecessary accessories.
- Share details of your accommodation only with your family and trusted relatives to keep all unwanted nuisances at bay.
- While there are no restraints when it comes to entertaining your spirit of adventure, always stay prepared for the worst. Carry a handy medical kit with you at all times that can take care of your fundamental first aid needs.
- At all times, stay highly vigilant of the whereabouts of your cards, cash, and other important documents that you might be carrying.
- Try and get familiar with everyone in and around the hotel and your neighbouring community without resorting to oversharing.
- Take a break from your electronic gadgets and submit yourself to the attractions of your travel destination.
- Rather than surfing the web for recommendations, get in touch with localities to get handy tips regarding nearby restaurants, malls, and other such things.
