India is a land of rich cultures, diverse landscapes, and a rich history. From adventure to spirituality, heritage, and nature, India offers its travellers a lot of options to explore. On first sight, India seems dangerous to a solo female traveller, but it is one of the most rewarding destinations for people seeking self-discovery and living an adventure. With some research and preparation, women can explore the beauty of this extraordinary country. Here’s a look at 8 destinations that are perfect for solo women travellers in India.
1.Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World
Rishikesh is a destination located on the banks of Ganges in the state of Uttarakhand and is a haven for spiritual and yoga seekers as well as nature lovers. The ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ is an excellent solo travel destination as this city offers serene environments and a large number of yoga retreats along with meditation centres, making it a perfect destination for solo travellers seeking peace and self-reflection.
Why Great for Solo Women Travelers:
Rishikesh is full of friendly, approachable people making it one of the best destinations for solo female travel. There are several guesthouses, ashrams, and yoga centres which run women only yoga retreats. You could also walk over the nearby hills or sit on the ghats and experience the beautiful Ganga Aarti at sundown-it is truly spiritually enlightening.
Safety Measures
Rishikesh is considered safe for solo women though one should always dress modestly, especially in religious places.
2.Udaipur – The City of Lakes
Udaipur is the city of lakes in Rajasthan. This royal place has calm lakes and marvellous architectures. Udaipur is an ideal sweet romantic destination steeped in history making it perfect for women traveling alone.
Why Great for Solo Women Travelers:
Udaipur brings together culture and history with comfort and relaxation. The beauty of City Palace, the serenity of Lake Pichola while taking a boat ride there, and wondering in the local streets of the old town, it is one of those cities where any solo female traveller can wander on her own. The calm ambience and friendly locals made it a comfortable place for solo women travellers.
Safety Tips:
The city is pretty safe; however, being a tourist destination, always keep alert in crowded areas and watch your belongings. Do not stroll around late night in less populated areas.
3.McLeod Ganj – Heart of Tibetan Culture
Enclosed within the hills of Himachal Pradesh, McLeod Ganj is the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and an enriching experience for solo travelers. The town is well-known for its serene beauty, Tibetan monasteries, and spiritual vibe.
Why it is great for the solo female traveller:
McLeod Ganj is a placid town with a very Tibetan flavour. It is one of the popular destinations for those interested in Buddhism, meditation, and trekking. The lone women traveller can explore the serene monasteries of the town, attend meditation sessions or trek to Triund Hill for breath-taking views of the Dhauladhar mountains.
Safety tips:
The destination is safe for solo travellers at McLeod Ganj. It is a very quiet town and friendly locals, but always careful while trekking or hiking, and never in the wild without proper preparation.
4.Alleppey- The Venice of the East
Alleppey, Kerala is the place for backwaters and houseboat cruises. This is a great destination to experience rural life in Kerala and is a perfect getaway for women who are looking for a peaceful and picturesque retreat.
Why it’s great for solo women travellers:
Backwaters in Kerala provide tranquil and safe travel for single women. It also allows the possibility of hiring a houseboat which assures a tranquil journey drifting into the quiet backwaters under an abundant green canopy, perfect for finding peace of mind, a quiet life away from bustle, like anywhere else on earth.
Safety Guidelines:
Alleppey is very amicable. Though, book the houseboats with a good operator and don’t travel in night.
5.Jaipur – The Pink City
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and a happening place in every sense with a strong history attached to its forte of historic forts and palaces as well as buzzing bazaars. This city is a wonderful place for a taste of Rajasthani culture and hospitality as well.
Jaipur is full of culture, many possessions for solo travellers, including the magnificent Amber Fort, City Palace-the last two named among the above mentioned, as well as a number of others, including shopping areas where colour vivid markets add flavour to their life, sometime even overwhelming it. Jaipur is also a paradise of cafes and restaurants that provide all facilities especially for female solo travellers.
Safety Tips:
Jaipur is not too unsafe, but one might avoid traveling in deserted places at night. One needs to be very conservative about their dressing as the city is pretty culturally very conservative.
6.Coorg- The Scotland of India
Coorg is a place in Karnataka, which has coffee plantations that are green, scenic hills, and a quiet atmosphere. It is often called the “Scotland of India” because it is one of the best places to visit to enjoy nature and peace away from the rush.
Coorg offers a peaceful and serene environment where you can go for long walks in the coffee estates, visit Abbey Falls, or explore the nearby Dubare Elephant Camp. The region is also safe, and its unspoiled beauty makes it perfect for introspection and relaxation.
Safety Tips:
Coorg is relatively very safe for women solo tourists. Just be careful to be cautious while trekking and walking through the remote areas and avoid venturing alone during the evenings.
7.Goa- The Coastal Paradise
Goa is one of the most popular travel destinations in India and offers a perfect mix of beaches, culture, and laid-back vibes. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach or exploring vibrant markets, Goa is a destination that suits all kinds of solo travellers.
Why It’s Great for Solo Women Travelers:
Goa is safe and welcoming place, full of beaches, historical sites, and lively nightlife. The lesser-visited beaches like Palolem and Agonda are pretty lonely and women can sit there. They can walk about and visit the Old Portuguese churches and, if they want to, take lonely walks along the spice plantations. With the cosmopolitan air and international atmosphere, women are pretty safe solo travellers in Goa.
Safety Advice
Goa is relatively safe for solo women travellers. However, always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone on isolated beaches after dark.
8.Tawang – The Hidden Treasure in Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is an exceptional place in northeast India, in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The untouched beauty has scenic monasteries and mountains bordering it, which has made it the ultimate offbeat destination for solitude, adventure, and cultural appreciation among solo women travellers.
Why it’s great for a solo female traveller:
Tawang brings solace beauty to the woman who travels with a mind for solace. One cannot resist visiting the Tawang Monastery that is the biggest in India. Trek up to places like the Madhuri Lake to get the experience of the scintillating pristine landscape that prevails in this place. The amiable nature of the local people adds more warmth to this place.
Safety Measures:
Tawang is, after all one of the safer places; however, the region might be a little bit rugged. Lonely ladies’ travellers, during trek or distance places; will have to make some obligatory arrangements.
India holds this melting point for so many diversities’ places that welcome every need a single woman could seek. Whether taking the enlightening route in Rishikesh or cultural in Jaipur, or just a stroll on Goa’s beaches, India always seems to be up to something for the solo female traveller. India can prove to be a very rewarding destination for solo travellers, but, of course, prepared, alert, and knowledgeable about some basic safety guidelines is always indispensable. This can, in fact, make India quite an adventurous place for the woman if proper preparation in directions toward adventure, cross-cultural understanding, and personal growth to take place simultaneously with the trip.
