There was a time when travelling alone as a woman in India sounded like a nightmare. Young girls couldn’t even convince their parents to allow them to go on such adventures! There were, and still are, many issues that stood like a giant rock between women and their independence. However, times have changed now. These days, solo trips for women is not something that happens only in Hollywood films. Women not only travel with women travel groups, but they also go on solo trips! For a country as culturally rich as India, travelling alone is a great way to connect personally with the heritage. In fact, there are 100s of destinations that are safe and fun for solo female travel in India. Additionally, if the idea of solo vacations sounds too courageous, there are many solo female travel groups that offer just the security and comfort you are looking for. So, if you are looking for an adventure to go on as a solo female traveller, here is a list of 15 mind-blowingly fun places for Solo female travel in India. Moreover, what is a better way of celebrating your independence and safety, than taking a solo trip? So spread your wings and fly solo!
15 Places for Solo Female Travel in IndiaÂ
1. Udaipur
The city of lakes has much more to offer than grand palaces and wonderful reservoirs. For solo female travel, Udaipur has the best hotels, excellent personal guides and great sightseeing facilities. In act, if you want to explore the city alone, the streets and corners are extremely easy to find and track through google maps. So it can be just you, your cellphone and your will to wander!
2. Pondicherry
There is nothing in Pondicherry that you cannot do alone. You will see many budget-friendly guesthouses that are better than your dreams. Additionally, you will see that you are not actually alone. Women from India, as well as other countries, visit Pondicherry as solo travellers and have a satisfactory experience, exploring the art and the history of the city.
3. Varanasi
Travelling in Varanasi or Banaras as a solo female is actually safer than you think. Since the city gets tourists from all over the world, all year long, travelling alone is a common activity. Just like any other crowded city, you need to be careful of your surroundings and be aware of yourself. Rest you can leave up to God, just like everyone in Varanasi!
4. Shimla
There are many women-only travel groups that target tracking, hiking and sightseeing specifically in and around Shimla. Hiking sounds adventurous yet dangerous to anyone irrespective of gender, but solo female travel groups make it easier and more fun for women to embark on this adventure and overcome their fears. Moreover, what sounds better than women travelling together to break the stereotypes around adventure sports!?
5. Goa
Goa is for everyone. Period. You can go there with your girl gang, you can go there with your squad, or you can just go there alone and have the time of your life. It is true that the whole environment is party-crazy in Goa, but you don’t need to be in a group for that. Moreover, the facilities for tourists in Goa are extremely convenient for women. As a solo female traveller, you can stay in women-only hostels, hire a car or a moped for yourself, and explore the state like it’s nobody’s business!
6. Rishikesh
Many times, women travel along to shut out all the noise and chaos of the world (and personal lives, ugh.). For this motive, Rishikesh is actually the place that will completely live up to their expectations. The main purpose itself of spending time in Rishikesh is to connect with our souls as humans. In Rishikesh, you are just a human with a soul that’s looking for some peace and enlightenment. Therefore, it is an excellent place to go for solo female travel.
7. Ladakh
In the eyes of mother nature, all are equal. So why shouldn’t our modern women explore this beauty the way they want to? These days, a road trip to Ladakh is not a ‘Guys-Only’ thing anymore! A tour of Ladakh is a rather peaceful experience. Most of the time, there is no rush and most of the popular places are well secured. You can find your way around through private vehicles and google maps, or you can get on tour buses. It’s that simple.
8. Shillong
Shillong might sound like an odd-one-out in this list, but really it isn’t. Surprisingly, there are many solo female travel packages available for Shillong in Meghalaya. You can plan a 10-day single-women trip or an only-women trip to see the most popular spots in Shillong. There are shrines, treks, wildlife parks and many more places just waiting to be explored by you in Shillong.
9. Nainital
Nainital is The safest city in Uttarakhand for solo female travel.ÂSince it is close to Delhi and Dehradun, many people opt for local transport to reach there. So, travelling to Nainital for a solo female is fairly easy. People in Nainital are very welcoming to tourists, so you will always feel secure and at home.
10. Bangalore
Funnily and fortunately, the lifestyle of people in Bangalore is so personalized that nobody really cares who comes and goes because everyone is just doing their own thing! Which is just perfect for women who are looking for a peaceful, undisturbed trip. There are more than 50 places that you can visit in Bangalore just by Uber. Plus, there is easy access to everything!
11. Amritsar
Kindness has no gender. Amritsar is popular for The Golden Temple, Sri Harmandir Saheb. Millions of people demonstrate their trust in Humanity by serving other people. The whole aura of the city is inspired by the kindness of this Gurudwara. Therefore, you should definitely take the opportunity of spreading love, kindness and unity by going there.
12. Dharamshala
There is a reason why Dalai Lama chose to live in Dharamshala. It is just so magically peaceful! You will encounter many Tibetan refugees who are just so warm and welcoming. The localities are bound to put a smile on your face and provide you with words of encouragement. This is why it is almost effortless to tour around Dharamshala. Everyone is so helpful!
13. Nagaland (Yes, the entire state!)
Nagaland is the safest place for solo female travel in India. According to the national crimes Record Bureau, Nagaland ranked lowest in women-related crimes in 2020. In fact, Nagaland ranks lowest in crimes overall. So go on and climb those heavenly mountains as much as you want. You’ll be completely safe.
14. Varkala
The beautifully simplistic environment of Varkala will steal your heart away. The town is underrated and offbeat, absolutely perfect for enjoying some personal time for solo women travellers. Apart from beaches, temples, forts and spas, Varkala is home to one of the best earth centres in India, the Jatayu Earth Centre. The unique blend of art, history culture and nature, is everything you can ask for in a beach town.
15. Hampi
For cultured women who are interested in Indian mythology, Hampi feels like the best version of a History book. There are many ancient temples that you can explore throughout your trip. You can either voyage on foot, or you can hire a vehicle. In Hampi, it is fine if you haven’t come with a to-do list. You will find your way to the best places if you just talk to a few locals.
Top 5 Tips for Solo Female Travelers
Naturally, there are many trips for solo female travellers that are meant specifically for them. You will find the safest hotels to stay in, the safest cab rides to go with, and the nicest travel guides to show you around. However, there are still some tips that can help with enhancing your experience as a solo female traveller so that you don’t have a shadow of a doubt while going on your journey.
Tip#1 Do Your researchÂ
Before even leaving your house, make sure you know the most about the places you are going to visit. Keep a list of places you want to visit and know the time it is going to take to cover all of them. If you are planning to explore during the nighttime, make sure you are aware of the environment and surroundings of that place. Additionally, read online reviews written by women about your destinations.
Tip#2 Pre-bookings do the trick
You are bound to end up in an unknown place if you have not researched and booked your hotels and transportation before arriving. Also, take some time out and enquire about the surveillance and security systems of the hotels you are planning to stay at.
Tip#3 Google is your travel buddy
Since you will be travelling alone, you need to google and double-check literally everything. Google the roads you will take, the restaurants you will eat at, and the tourist population of your destination. In general, the more, the merrier.
Tip#4 Be traceableÂ
Always, always, always turn on your location on your mobile phone. Carry power banks if it drains your battery. Make sure that someone in your family or your friend circle knows where you are at all times.
Tip#5 Be safe and confident
The most important factor of travelling alone as a woman is making sure you are safe. However, your confidence should also be at its best. Let the world know that you know what you’re doing. Being anxious every minute is neither fun nor useful to you on your solo trip.
FAQs
Where should a single woman travel to alone?
Canada, Finland, New Zealand and Belgium are a few of the safest countries for women to travel alone. In India, cities like Udaipur, Bangalore, Nainital etc., are mostly safe for women.
Is Solo safe for women Travellers?
Solo trips are absolutely safe for women travellers when they have done enough research and preparations. Most of the tourist places are safe but you should still have constant awareness at all times. Make sure to have exact information of the nearest hospitals and police stations for your safety. Always carry pepper spray in the most easily reachable pocket of your bag.
Where should I travel when single?
Countries like Spain, Iceland, New Zealand, the Netherlands and a few more European countries are perfect for solo travellers.
