India, a place of amazing diversity, rich cultures, and stunning landscapes, tends to be on every traveler’s wish list. For solo travelers, the desire to experience India may be accompanied by budget and safety concerns. The best news is that with proper planning and a planned budget the solo journey in India is entirely possible, and numerous places have a safe and rewarding experience to offer.
Want to pack your bags and go for a budget solo trip to Indian places to experience? Below are 10 amazing and safe places to travel in India that will deliver an adventure of a lifetime without exceeding your budget.
Why Solo Travel in India is More Accessible Than You Think
General worries regarding solo female travel in India or solo travel would be safety, cost, etc. But with India’s increasing number of hostels, the cheap public transport, and the innate hospitality in most parts of the country, it is actually very friendly to backpacking India on a budget. And with some preparation and the follow-up of some elementary safety precautions, your solo discovery can be very gratifying.
Your 10 Go-To Destinations for an Affordable & Safe Solo Trip
Here’s where to find adventure, peace, and cultural immersion on a budget:
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ Rishikesh offers a serene, spiritual vibe. It’s incredibly safe, with a calm atmosphere and a strong backpacker community.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Abundant budget hostels, ashrams offering cheap stays with food, and free yoga/meditation sessions by the Ganges.
- Safety Tips: Stick to well-lit areas after dark, especially around the bridges.
- Key Points: Yoga & meditation retreats; Ganges Aarti; spiritual ambiance; adventure sports (rafting, bungee).
2. Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: The ‘City of Lakes’ exudes romantic charm but is very welcoming to solo travelers. It’s clean, relatively compact for walking, and has a relaxed pace.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Charming guesthouses, rooftop cafes with lake views, free strolls around lakes and bustling markets.
- Safety Tips: Generally very safe, but common sense precautions apply in crowded bazaars.
- Key Points: Lake Pichola; City Palace; Jagdish Temple; vibrant markets; boat rides.
3. Hampi, Karnataka
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi offers a mesmerizing landscape of ancient ruins and giant boulders. It’s incredibly laid-back, with a chill vibe popular among backpackers.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Budget guesthouses and huts across the river, cheap bicycle rentals to explore ruins, free sunset views from Matanga Hill.
- Safety Tips: Roads can be uneven; be cautious if exploring isolated areas alone after sunset.
- Key Points: Virupaksha Temple; Vittala Temple (stone chariot); boulder-strewn landscapes; Hippie Island.
4. McLeod Ganj (Dharamshala), Himachal Pradesh
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: Home to the Dalai Lama, this hill station offers a unique Tibetan culture amidst stunning Himalayan views. It’s a very peaceful and secure environment for solo exploration.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Numerous budget guesthouses, cheap Tibetan food, free monasteries, and accessible short treks.
- Safety Tips: Mountain trails require caution; research routes if trekking solo.
- Key Points: Dalai Lama Temple; Tibetan monasteries; Bhagsu Falls; trekking trails; vibrant cafes.
Must Visit: Bankhandi Baglamukhi Mata Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
5. Puducherry (Pondicherry), Tamil Nadu
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: A charming blend of French colonial heritage and Tamil culture. The French Quarter is particularly safe and walkable, ideal for solo female travelers.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Budget guesthouses, Aurobindo Ashram (free entry), leisurely beach walks, and charming cafes.
- Safety Tips: Beaches are generally safe, but avoid isolated spots at night.
- Key Points: French Quarter architecture; Promenade Beach; Aurobindo Ashram; botanical garden.
6. Gokarna, Karnataka
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: A more relaxed and less commercial alternative to Goa, Gokarna offers beautiful, serene beaches. It’s known for its chill vibe and spiritual essence.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Beach shacks and guesthouses are budget-friendly. Enjoy beach hopping, sunsets, and local seafood at low prices.
- Safety Tips: Beaches are mostly safe, but be aware of your belongings and avoid venturing too far off the main paths at night.
- Key Points: Om Beach; Kudle Beach; Mahabaleshwar Temple; serene atmosphere.
7. Pushkar, Rajasthan
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: A holy town built around a sacred lake, Pushkar offers a unique spiritual and bohemian atmosphere. It’s small, walkable, and very welcoming to travelers.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Numerous budget guesthouses around the lake, camel safaris (negotiate prices), and exploring the Brahma Temple (free entry).
- Safety Tips: Be mindful of touts around the ghats offering ‘pujas’; politely decline if not interested.
- Key Points: Pushkar Lake; Brahma Temple; camel safaris; vibrant bazaars.
Must Read: Pushkar Travel Guide: A Town of 500-Sacred Temples & Vibrant Culture That Will Captivate Your Soul
8. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: The spiritual heart of India, Varanasi offers an intense and raw cultural experience. While bustling, it’s generally safe for solo travelers who are aware of their surroundings.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Plenty of budget hostels near the ghats, free Ganga Aarti ceremonies, and walking tours of the narrow lanes.
- Safety Tips: Be cautious of crowded ghats, watch your belongings, and dress modestly. Stick to main areas, especially after dark.
- Key Points: Ganges Ghats; Dashashwamedh Aarti; boat rides on the Ganges; ancient temples.
9. Amritsar, Punjab
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: Amritsar is a vibrant city known for its warm people and delicious food. And the most famous Golden Temple, you’ll be safe and welcomed by all hospitable locals.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: The Golden Temple offers free stay for pilgrims at the temple and feeds them for free at their langar (community kitchen). For fun, check out Jallianwala Bagh free of charge.
- Safety Tips : Very safe, especially around the Golden Temple complex.
- Key Points: Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib); Jallianwala Bagh; Wagah Border ceremony; authentic Punjabi food.
Must Read: Pilgrimage to Sacred Places of Amritsar
10. Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala
- Why It’s Perfect for Solo & Budget Travelers: The ‘Venice of the East’ is known for the backwaters and calm. Although houseboats can be expensive, affordable homestays on the backwaters and local canoes makes it more tranquil.
- Affordable Stays & Activities: Homestays on the backwaters, cheap and effective local ferry rides, and visiting the calmer village area of Alleppey via boat, canoe hire, or kayak.
- Safety Tips : The backwater locals are very calm and safe in all more rural locations.
- Key Points: Backwater cruises; homestay experiences; local village life; quiet canals.
Must Read: Munnar Best Monsoon Tourist Spots A Waterlogged Paradise in Kerala
Essential Tips for Your Budget Solo Trip in India
- Accommodation: Consider hostels with dorms, guesthouses, or home stays. Look for ones with great reviews for solo travelers.
- Food: Go for local restaurants (or street food from safe vendors). It’s great and very cheap.
- Transportation: Indian Railways (for long distance). Auto-rickshaws (negotiate the fare or use Ola or Uber when applicable) or public buses (normally fun).
- Safety First: Always follow your instincts; tell someone at home about your travel plans; and be modestly dressed, especially around religious sites. Don’t walk alone at night in secluded areas.
- Bargain Fairly: Bargaining politely is a part of the shopping experience in local markets.
- Drink Water: Always carry a reusable water bottle to replenish.
- Travel Insurance: Always a great investment; even more so when traveling solo.
Embark on Your Solo Indian Adventure!
There is no travel experience like traveling solo in India. Traveling solo in India is such freedom, and a rare opportunity for self-exploration and self-discovery. These solo travel destinations are the icing on the cake of what India has to offer. If you have planned well and prepared your heart, your inexpensive solo trip in India will be timeless! Happy travel!
