India is a country with diversified cultural, landscape, and historical diversities. There are many options for a solo traveller to travel across this nation. While Goa, Jaipur, and Agra may be the mainstream tourist destination places, there are places unknown to many which offer solitude, peace, and adventure for the traveller who wants to get off the beaten track. If you are a solo traveller looking for an offbeat destination that will give a mix of adventure, culture, nature, and tranquil secrets, then here is your list of 10 offbeat destinations in India to take your perfect solo adventure.
1.Tirthan Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
Tirthan Valley is a quiet and picturesque destination in the Himachal Pradesh region, often bypassed by mainstream tourists. It is near the Great Himalayan National Park, with scenic landscapes, clear rivers, lush green valleys, and traditional villages. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and those who enjoy trekking, fishing, and camping.
Best Time to Visit: March to June for pleasant weather, or in winter for snow.
Things to Do: Trek to the Great Himalayan National Park, fishing in the Tirthan River, camping, and nature walks.
How to Reach:The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (50 km away), or you can take a bus or taxi from Delhi.
2.Ziro Valley (Arunachal Pradesh)
Ziro Valley is a hidden and peaceful destination located in the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, famous for its rice fields and the traditional Apatani tribal villages. This destination has not been too commercialized with tourism and is a great place for solo travellers to find peace, culture, and nature. The valley has pine-clad mountains and is an excellent place for hiking, bird watching, and studying indigenous cultures.
Best Time to Visit: March to October.
Things to Do: Explore the Apatani tribal villages, trek through the rice fields, visit the Ziro Festival of Music if you’re around in September.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Lilabari (Assam), from where you can drive to Ziro (around 100 km).
3.Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
Spiti Valley, abode of one of the most surreal and offbeat solo travel destinations in India, is often known as “The Middle Land.” The cold desert mountain valley boasts barren landscapes, ancient monasteries, and strong influences of Tibetan culture. It is perfect for those who seek peace, adventure, and spiritual tranquillity away from crowds. Whether it is trekking to Chandratal Lake or visiting the historical Key Monastery, Spiti valley is certainly an experience that will be remained in memory for a long time.
Best time to visit: May to September (for road access).
Things to Do: Trek to Chandratal Lake; monasteries like Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, star gazing and cultural exploration.
How to Reach: Nearest airport Bhuntar (Kullu), 245 km. You can also drive from Manali (12 hours) or Shimla (10 hours).
4.Majuli Island (Assam)
Majuli Island is the world’s largest river island, a perfect destination for solo travellers to experience nature, culture, and spirituality in one destination. Situated on the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is home to vibrant Assamese culture, monasteries, and the unique Satriya dance. The peaceful environment, beautiful river views, and local hospitality make it an excellent spot for solo exploration.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Things to Do: See the monasteries, attend the Satriya dance performance, boat cruise on Brahmaputra, village sightseeing.
How to Reach: Nearest airport is Jorhat (20 km away). Take a ferry from Jorhat to Majuli.
5.Mawlynnong Village (Meghalaya)
Often referred to as the “cleanest village in Asia,” Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is a perfect destination for solo travellers who are keen to explore rural India. The village offers a refreshing experience of village life, surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls, and caves. Mawlynnong is not only clean but also sustainable, with residents using eco-friendly practices.
Best Time to Visit: October to April.
Things to Do: Visit the Living Root Bridge, trek to the Dawki River, explore the nearby waterfalls and caves.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Shillong (about 80 km away). From Shillong, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mawlynnong.
6.Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
Tawang is a snowy-capped mountain range place having the remoteness of Arunachal Pradesh in its extreme northeast state. India’s biggest monasteries, beautiful Tawang scenery with Tibetan hint culture is attractive in this small town. A remote place surrounded by beautiful silence and an apt destination for any spiritual and adventurous soul.
Best Time to Visit: March to Sept.
Things to Do: In Tawang Monastery, trek to Sela Pass, visit Madhuri Lake, and participate in local festivals.
How to Reach: Airports are available at Guwahati, Tezpur. From here one needs to use a bus or taxi to reach Tawang, which is 340 km.
7.Coorg (Karnataka)
Coorg is also referred to as Kodagu. It is a hill station in the southern state of Karnataka. This place is popular for its coffee plantations, rolling hills, lush forests, and waterfalls. Coorg is an ideal destination for solitary travellers as well, offering activities like trekking, coffee tasting, and wildlife spotting. The rich culture and hospitality of the Kodava people add a unique charm to the destination.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Things to Do: Visit coffee plantations, trek to Tadiandamol Peak, visit Abbey Falls, and Namdroling Monastery.
How to Reach: Nearest airport is Mangalore (160 km). Bus facility or driving distance from Bangalore takes about 5-6 hours.
8.Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
Rishikesh is often referred to as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” with many solo travellers visiting for peace, spirituality, and adventure. The location is situated along the banks of the Ganges River, offering yoga retreats, meditation, spiritual teachings, and exciting activities such as white-water rafting and trekking. It is a mixture of adventure and spirituality, making it suitable for both.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November.
Things to Do: Attend yoga retreats, visit Triveni Ghat for the evening Aarti, indulge in white-water rafting, explore temples, and trek to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Dehradun (35 km). Rishikesh is also well connected by road and train from Delhi (240 km).
9.Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Kanha National Park is a wild haven in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This park presents an offbeat and quite time out to the nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. In this park, one can watch several species of birds, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, etc. A single trip to Kanha national park offers you the facility of wild life safaris, nature walks, and silence of the woods.
Best Season: November-June.
Things to do: Wildlife Safari Visit the Kanha Museum Explore zones of Kanha and Kisli.
How to reach: Nearest airport is Jabalpur 170 kms away. You can also get to Jabalpur or Gondia by train and get into the destination from there.
10.Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a small coastal town in Karnataka, not as renowned as Goa but has become famous in recent years among independent travellers. It’s quiet, laid back, and peaceful with pristine beaches, temples, and trekking trails, in contrast to the bustling town of Goa. The town offers a fine balance of spirituality and adventure with purity, which will appeal to the soul seeking refuge from metropolitan chaos.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Things to do: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, Mirjan Fort trekking, and so on, apart from temples and local markets.
How to Reach: The nearest airport from here is Dabolim (Goa), which is 140km away. Reaching Gokarna Road on train and further hiring a taxi or auto from that place also is very convenient.
This is a land of different experiences, and these offbeat places are great for the lone wanderer seeking unusual landscapes, cultures, and activities far removed from the ordinary tourist throngs. Be it adventure or spirituality, loneliness or adventure, there’s something in these secret treasures for every kind of lone wanderer. So, pack your bags with Outdoorkeeda, forget the ordinary, and step out into this uncharted Indian landscape!
