10 Best Destinations for Solo Travel in India

source: treebo

Solo travelling is an eye-opening experience everyone must have. So, if you have always been dreaming about travelling alone, consider this blog as a sign to take that leap. Travelling on your own can be extremely challenging but refreshing and rejuvenating as well.

Below mentioned are the ten best places for a solo trip in India. This blog will also help you plan your budget, time of the visit and places to visit. In short, this can be your one-stop solution for planning your first solo getaway.

You will get everything from ancient towns and monuments to diverse wildlife and snow-capped mountains. Continue reading to find your perfect solo trip destination in India.

1. Rajasthan

source: travelandleisureindia

Bordered by the states of Punjab and Haryana, Rajasthan is one of India's most visited tourist destinations. The ‘land of kings’ is known for its colourful, ethnic and rustic vibe. There are a number of places to explore, from forts, palaces, museums, religious places, forests, lakes etc.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February

• Things to Do: Participate in fairs and local festivals, stay at heritage properties, shop at local stores, jungle safari, desert safari, elephant ride to Amer fort, boating in Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake

• How to Reach: 

By Air - Every major city is connected to Rajasthan via direct flights to its prominent cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

By Train - Major railway stations in Rajasthan are Jaipur, Kota, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Udaipur, Abu Road and Jodhpur.

By Road - There are 20 national highways that cross through the state connecting the metro cities.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 650 - ₹ 900 per day

2. Goa

source: hindustantimes

Most people visit Goa to experience the craze of parties and luxury stays, and they often miss the other part of the place. Goa has some of the finest beaches in India, exclusive cafes and beautiful views. So, if you are someone who wants to have a laid back holiday by sunbathing and enjoying the sea, you must come here.

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-November to Mid-February

• Things to Do: Mountain bike tours, explore islands, participate in heritage walks, visit Portuguese churches, explore the beaches, forts and waterfalls

• How to Reach:

By Air - Dabolim Airport is located just 29 km from the capital and connected with every major city.

By Train - Madgaon and Thivim are the two major railway junctions in Goa, which are connected by trains from all over the country.

By Road - Several public and government buses are available for inter-city and intra-city conveyance.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 650 - ₹ 1050 per day

3. Kerala

source: hindustantimes

Kerala is among the most scenic and safest solo travel places in India. There are innumerable options for you to explore in Kerala. Temples, hill stations, safaris, sea beaches, waterfalls, lakes, you will be spoiled with choices. What you can do is choose one thing that excites you the most.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March

• Things to Do: Tea tasting, stay in a houseboat, explore spice, coffee and tea plantations, swimming, watch Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances and boat safari in Periyar.

• How to Reach:

By Air - There are four airports in Kerala, Trivandrum, Cochin, Kozhikode and Kannur Airports. Each of these airports is connected to the major cities.

By Train - Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Kottayam and Ernakulam are the popular railway stops of the Konkan line.

By Road - Four NHS, namely 17, 44, 47 and 49, connect Kerala with the rest of the countries in India.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 600 - ₹ 850 per day

4. Ladakh

source: assettype

Ladakh is located at 2750 - 7672 m above sea level, surrounded by mesmerising mountains, gompas, lakes, and arid mountains. Although people have made it now one of the best places for a solo trip in India, its majority is left unexplored. 

• Best Time to Visit: April to July

• Things to Do: Participate in the Hemis festival, spot snow leopard, try camel safari, visit the highest café in the world, visit monasteries, explore the Leh Palace, and go camping.

• How to Reach:

By Air - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport, which is located just 4km from Leh city.

By Train - Train Connectivity is not available here.

By Road - Road connectivity is only available from Manali or Srinagar.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 530 - ₹ 1130 per day

5. Manali

source: kullumanali.org

Manali is among the best places for solo travel in India. It is a beautiful town located in the Beas River valley. This place is famously known as a gift from the Himalayas. It is ideal for those who have been looking for opportunities to break through their mundane lifestyle and find peace among nature.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Things to Do: Trek through the valley, stroll around the mall, relish local and continental cuisine, roller skating, go-karting, river crossing

• How to Reach: 

By Air - Nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is around 50 km from Manali.

By Train - Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station that connects with several major cities of India. Chandigarh and Ambala are other options to reach Manali.

By Road - Private and government-owned bus services are available from different cities in India.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 480 - ₹ 1187 per day

6. Hampi

source: karnatakatourism

Another popular solo trip destination in India is Hampi. Situated on the banks of Tungabhadra, Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagara. This ancient city is now one of the recognised UNESCO world heritage sites and also the world's largest open-air museum. Those who have a knack for archaeology, yoga and photography should plan a longer stay at Hampi.

• Best Time to Visit: November to January

• Things to Do: Bicycle ride across the ancient city, explore the temple and ruins, visit Anjaneya hill, rock climbing, coracle ride, cliff jumping

• How to Reach:

By Air - Bellary is the nearest airport located about 60 km from Hampi, and Bengaluru is the nearest international airport from Hampi.

By Train - Hospet is the closest railway station, located around 13 km from the city.

By Road - Bus services and car rental services are quite popular around this city. 

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹500-₹1000 per day

7. Darjeeling

source: illsindia

If you want to start with a hill station, Darjeeling is one of the best places for a solo trip in India. Located in the north of West Bengal, this place has eye-soothing tea estates, brimming springs flowing through the hills and many more unique landscape features. 

• Best Time to Visit: April to June

• Things to Do: Explore tea gardens, stroll at the mall, visit the zoo, hike at Lamahatta, watch the sunrise at Tiger hill, rafting, ride a toy train, eat at Keventers and Glenary's

• How to Reach:

By Air - Bagdogra is the nearest airport from Darjeeling.

By Train - New Jalpaiguri near Siliguri is the nearest railway station.

By Road - From Kolkata, the distance is 651 km, Gangtok 100 km, and Kalimpong 51 km.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 880 - ₹ 1000 per day

8. Lahaul

source: toiimg

Lahaul has the most fascinating scenic beauty; snowy mountains, huge glaciers, rivers and high passes. Visiting this place remains incomplete if you do not explore its other half, Spiti valley. Lahaul also falls under the list of best destinations for a solo trip in India.

If you have not visited these places before, you must visit them to discover yourself amidst nature. Here you will find Buddhist monasteries that are still functioning and have also preserved ancient murals, thangkas, wood carvings, etc.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October

• Things to Do: Off-road driving, visit gramphu, monasteries, and Hindu temples, and try local delicacies like ken, shod and gongal. 

• How to Reach:

By Air - Kullu airport is the nearest.

By Train - Shimla is the closest railway station connected to every major city.

By Road - Private and state buses are available from nearby cities that connect to Lahaul-Spiti valley.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 480 - ₹ 1200 per day

9. Puducherry

source: toiimg

Puducherry is undoubtedly one of the most charming places for a solo trip in India. If you visit here, you will experience a modern city that has evolved from its past but carefully preserved the same. This union territory is bordered by a quaint coastline, where you can engage in fun activities. 

• Best Time to Visit: October to February

• Things to Do: walk or sunbathe on the beaches, explore French architecture and archaeology, visit Auroville, and eat at local restaurants and cafés.

• How to Reach: 

By Air - Chennai international airport is the most convenient way as it connects every city. 

By Train - Villupuram is the nearest railway station at 35 km. It is interconnected to Trichy, Madurai and Chennai.

By Road - Bus and car rentals are easily available from nearby cities.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 750 - ₹ 1000 per day

10. Bandhavgarh National Park

source: i4utravels

Situated at the heart of the country and spread across the Vindhya range. Here the topography varies from tall grasslands to thick Sal forests. This is why it is the habitat for different flora and fauna. 

In addition, this national park is popularly known for the highest tiger population in India. For those who love wildlife and prefer visiting forests, Bandhavgarh National Park can be the best destination for a solo trip in India.

• Best Time to Visit: April-May

• Things to Do: Jeep safari, explore Baiga community, visit local villages and temples, trekking.

• How to Reach:

By Air - Jabalpur is the nearest airport, located 200 km away.

By Train - Closest railway station is at Umaria, 32 km from the city.

By Road - State-owned buses and car rental services are abundantly available from Madhya Pradesh for inter-city and intra-city travel purposes.

• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹ 250 - ₹ 600 per day

Travelling alone is definitely thrilling and exciting, but you should never forget about your safety and security. Below mentioned are some useful precautionary tips you can follow to avoid certain situations. Wherever you go, these security measures remain constant everywhere.

• Camouflage with the people around you.
• Never stand at the cliff or any river edge, it can be deadly.
• Follow your intuition.
• Plan your trips properly so that you do not just wander around.
• Research about your accommodation, prefer hostels over hotels.
• Always stay confident.
• Keep your documents and IDs with yourself.
• Make sure your close ones are aware of your itinerary.
• Carry sufficient cash as there are places where cashless payment is not allowed.
• Do not carry valuables.
• Stay aware of your environment.
• Ensure to have a backup plan in case anything happens.

All set for your solo trip, let us now make a checklist of things you must carry for your safety.

• An extra place for hiding the cash.
• Clothes that have hidden pockets to avoid pickpocketing.
• Carry an extra sack that is waterproof for an emergency.
• Portable water purifier.
• First-aid kit with necessary medicines, antiseptic solution, band-aids, cotton swabs etc.
• Keep your cards in a hard-shell cover to avoid skimming.
• Pepper spray is also essential to carry.
• Toilet seat sanitiser spray, because you do not know what kinds of washrooms you have to encounter.
• VPN on all your devices.

Since you have read so far, you now have a better idea about the best places for a solo trip in India. Therefore, your next step should be to sort and choose your ideal destination, research and plan your trip. It is important to carefully plan every aspect of your solo trip to avoid unnecessary expenses.