15 Best Solo Travelling Destinations in India

When I started travelling solo in 2018, it often took me a while to figure out where I wanted to go next. With the mountains of the north, beaches of the south, the jungles of central India and unique cultures of the west and northeast India, it always took a lot of brainstorming for where to go. As much as I wanted to explore my country (a whole subcontinent, for that matter) – I wasn’t sure how many of these places were actually the best solo travelling destinations in India. As someone who had just started travelling solo, I needed someplace safe, somewhere I could meet and interact with fellow travellers while also getting to explore the natural beauty and the culture of the said place. And getting all boxes ticked at once – well, let’s just say it wasn’t an easy task!

Depending on where you live and how far you’re willing to travel, I think it suffices to say that the best solo travelling destinations in India are waiting for you right around the corner. So in case you’re new at this whole solo travelling shebang yourself and unsure of where to go next – here is a “best solo travelling destinations in India” guide compiled with pro solo travellers from India and abroad!

Tirthan Valley

For those looking to visit a relatively lesser-explored region of Himachal Pradesh and yet have enough fellow travellers to interact with, Tirthan Valley is the place to go. Tirthan Valley is lined with charming villages which are all unique in their own ways. Of the many places one can go here, Chehni village is a beautiful place to go to, with an old-world charm with its rustic pahadi houses and the massive Chehni Kothi temple tower. The Blue Sheep Hostel in Banjar is one of the most popular places to stay in Tirthan Valley. The Valley abounds with short day hikes one can do, including Serolsar Lake, Raghupur Fort, Great Himalayan National Park and many others.

Suggested Read: “Best Day Hikes to do in Tirthan Valley“

Jibhi is also one of the many popular villages in Tirthan Valley. It has a lot of great cafes like Reverberate Cafe. There are also several hostels including Mudhouse Hostel for solo travellers. Another good place to stay is The Hosteller in Shojha village.

Udaipur

By Anjali Wadhwa of Cheerful Trails

Udaipur is an absolutely amazing city that brings together the splendour of royal palaces, cultural indulgence and natural beauty that are all very easy to navigate. Popularly known as the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur is one of the safest solo travelling destinations in India. The people of Udaipur are friendly and there are a lot of things to explore around. Udaipur is also undoubtedly one of the best solo trip destinations in India for girls. A boat ride on the serene waters of Lake Pichola takes you through the mesmerizing views of the surrounding Aravalli hills, the gorgeous Jagmandir Palace and the City Palace. To relish the Rajasthani charm, stay near Lake Pichola. I stayed at Jaiwana Haveli and the views from the rooms were blissful. This place has all the major attractions of Udaipur, such as Bagore ki Haveli, City Palace, Jagmandir, Jagdish Temple and Ambrai Ghat. You can explore these places at a walkable pace. This area is full of restaurants and cafes that also offer outdoor seating. One of my favourites is the Ambrai Restaurant. You will find many interesting local shops here too. Lake Fatehsagar is also a gorgeous lake in Udaipur. You can take a boat ride on the lake or spend time on the banks of the lake while sipping in hot coffee or having delicious snacks from the nearby food stalls. Make a visit to the admirable Saheliyon-ki-Bari. It is a lush garden filled with lots of greeneries, well-paved walkways, fountains, and a lovely lotus pool. Visit the Monsoon Palace that is perched at an altitude. It offers amazing panoramic views of the skyline. The best time to visit Udaipur is the cooler months which fall between October and March, making it one of the best solo trip destinations in India in December. Plan a trip to Udaipur for at least a weekend and you will fall in love with the city in no time.

Also read: “Best Offbeat Things to Do in Jaisalmer“

Amritsar

By Ellie of Soul Travel India

Tucked away in the far northwestern corner of Punjab state in northern India, Amritsar is famous for the stunning ‘Golden Temple’, its border crossing and ceremony (into Pakistan), its delicious food, and its colourful fashions. It’s one of the best places in India for solo female travellers (both international and local) thanks to its laid back attitude, no-hassle and plenty of things to see and do – making it one of the best solo travelling destinations in India. I travelled here solo for several days in 2017 and hope to return soon.

You’ll find enough to fill several days in Amritsar, so having 2-3 days here is a great start. Try to get two visits to the Harmandir Sahib (the famous Sikh Golden Temple) at different times of the day so you can see the temple in different lights – if you’re into photography, early mornings and evenings are best. Do not miss the opportunity to taste langar in one of the langar halls which serve over 100,000 people a day for both lunch and dinner. Food is served throughout the afternoon, but the main meal times are 12-2 pm and 7-9 pm.

Once you’ve seen the Golden Temple, there are a host of other historic sites to see in Amritsar itself, including the new Partition Museum which was opened in 2017 to commemorate 70 years since Partition, the Jallianwala Bagh memorial, and the streets of old Amritsar. If shopping is your thing, then the Lahori Gate Bazaar is a good place to haggle for Amritsari dupattas (scarves) or buy fabric to have a Punjabi suit made. The best way to get around in Amritsar is through rickshaws but with so much to do in and around, it is also one of the best places for solo bike trip in India.

Most of the accommodation in the old city of Amritsar is budget, and more upmarket hotels can be found around the city. If you’re short on time I recommend staying in the old city, or if you want somewhere mid-scale that’s a bit more relaxed you can consider somewhere like the Bougainvillea B&B which is a charming homestay just north of the old city. While you’re here, don’t forget to enjoy all of the Amritsari delicacies including Lassi, Amritsar Kulcha, Chhole (chickpea curry) and more, which you can find around town. 

Suggested Read: 26 Amazing Experiences to Have in Delhi

BR Hills

By Raksha Prasad of Solo Passport

BR Hills is a short form for Biligiriranga Betta, which is a hill range located in the Karnataka state of India. The area is a wildlife sanctuary and a tiger reserve. BR Hills is a corridor between the Western and the Eastern Ghats. Just around 170 kilometres from Bangalore city, it is a convenient getaway from the hustling busy city. Even though there are local buses to reach BR Hills, the best way is to drive into the forest area via Mysore Road. The best time to visit BR Hills is between the months of October and March as they provide a great time to view the wildlife, making it one of the best solo trip destinations in India in December.

BR Hills has only two resorts, one governed by the government called Jungle Lodges and the other managed by the local tribe called Gorukana Eco Resort. Both these resorts are very comfortable and are great places to stay. The number one thing to do when visiting BR Hills is to take the jeep safari. The forest of BR Hills is popular for spotting Indian Gaurs, giant squirrels, tigers, sloth bears and has the largest population of Asian wild elephants. It is also an amazing place for bird watching as it has been recorded that the forest has more than 250 species of birds.

BR Hills is surely one of the safest and most offbeat places in India for solo travel. The staff at the resorts and the people of the local tribe are very friendly and warm. However, as it is a forest area, it is advisable to stay within the limits of the resorts and go into the forests only with allocated guides.

Vadodara

By Mayuri Patel of Fernweh Rahee

If you are visiting India, don’t skip Gujarat and its cities. Vadodara in Gujarat is one of the best places to explore the culture as the city is named as culture city of Gujarat. Vadodara is famously known for its huge Laxmi Vilas Palace. The Palace is twice in size as the Buckingham Palace of Britain. The city is one of the safest places to travel solo in India as I have travelled numerous times even arrived early morning and late at night, haven’t experienced any issues! Vadodara is famous for the Big and Grand Navratri festival- the united way of Baroda where more than 1 lac people gathers to play Garba. The city is one of my favourite places to visit during the weekend and I have explored it at my own pace. There are so many things to do in Vadodara which may require 3-4 days, but if you are short on time, just stroll around M.S University, visit old Bazaars and can hop on street food tours. You can see the architecture of Gayakwads to date. If you are visiting Baroda don’t miss the famous Mahakali Sev Usal and Duliram’s Peda. And don’t forget to pack Jagdish Chevda for souvenirs! If you are travelling solo, you can travel around by auto and bus. It has a well-connected public transport system which takes you around. The city also has lots of budget places to stay from hostels such as Shiv Sai Dormitory, In&Out Dormitory and Saara Guest House, to luxurious hotels like the Surya Palace.

Gokarna

Gokarna is one of my most favourite places in India. The first time I went to this West Coast paradise was in 2019 and then lived there for 2 months in 2020. Each time my experience has been better than the last. Middle Beach is my favourite beach there which is the cleanest and most peaceful. I spent my days in Gokarna hopping cafes and then swimming in the sea till sunset. Bhagvan Cafe and Lagoon cafe are my top two cafes here. Other popular areas to visit in Gokarna include Kudle and Om Beach. Trippr Hostel and Sunset Cafe are two great places to stay here for solo travellers.

There are also several day trips one can do from Gokarna including Vibhooti Falls, Apsarakonda Waterfall and Yana Caves. Hiking to Half Moon Beach, the Kumta to Gokarna Trek and watching the sunset at Kudle Hill Top are also some things worth considering, making Gokarana definitely one of the best solo travelling destinations in India.

Also read: “A Complete Travel to Gokarna“

Lahaul

By Jitaditya Narzary of The Travelling Slacker

The opening of the Atal Tunnel has suddenly changed the fortunes of Lahaul. Earlier only battle-hardened travellers took the effort to visit it and most people did not even know the difference between Lahaul and Spiti. However, now it has become popular with easy accessibility, making it one of the best solo travelling destinations in India.

I’ve spent days in Keylong hiking to its numerous medieval monasteries, trekking through the infinite plains of Miyar Valley, offering my respects to Trilokinath Ji, and witnessing the birth of Chandrabhaga from the hilltop at Tandi. These are only a few of the things that you can try in Lahaul.

Suggested Read: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Lahaul Valley.

Keylong is full of hotels and homestays but it can also be more crowded. But you can also find options around Sissu, Gondhla, Tandi and many other villages. Even a backpacker hostel has come up in Pattan Valley of late. Phone connectivity was another issue earlier but it has gradually improved too. In short, it is one of the best solo trip destinations in India because there’s enough to see and do, there’s good bus connectivity, and affordable homestays at most of the places.

Kohima

By Joydeep Phukan of The Gypsy Chiring

Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland is located at about 1444 meters above sea level in the northeastern part of India. A beautiful town surrounded by green hills and mountains; it is one of the least known hill stations in the Northeast. One of the best solo travelling destinations in India, Kohima will introduce you to the rich cultural diversity, folklores, and natural beauty of Nagaland. Kohima is also where the allied forces defeated the Japanese during World War II. The Kohima War Memorial is dedicated to martyrs of both foreign and Indian origin.

Also read: “Why I Left Khonoma Earlier Than Planned“.

During my solo backpacking trip to Kohima followed by the trek to Mount Japfu – the second highest peak of Nagaland – I stayed at Morung Lodge and Homestay for a night. Maintained by Nino Zhasa of Xplore Nagaland provides an affordable stay and the best view of the city. The Morung Kitchen Restaurant attached to the homestay opposite the Oking Hospital serves both traditional Naga cuisines and North-Indian Dishes.

One may visit Kohima all year round. The best time to visit is however from May to September for the seasonal flowers and greenery and December if you wish to attend the Hornbill Festival. If you wish to do the Mt. Japfu or Dzukou Valley trek in the winter, you might experience snowfall as well!

The nearest railway station to Kohima is in Dimapur which is about 70 kilometres away. Dimapur also has a small airport that has decent connectivity to the cities in mainland India. You can also find shared sumos, public buses and rented cars for Kohima at the railway station itself, definitely making it one of the best solo travel places in India.

Parvati Valley

By Samantha of Intentional Detours

One of the best places in India for solo female travel is undoubtedly the magical Parvati Valley. The valley, which is located in Himachal Pradesh, is a Mecca for travellers from throughout India as well all over the world. As such, it’s extremely easy to meet people – easily making it one of the best solo travelling destinations in India!

There are tons of solo traveller friendly spots throughout Parvati, and frequent psytrance parties where you can let loose and dance the night away. Locals in this region are very friendly and lowkey and harassment is rare, making it a perfect stop on your India itinerary!

Parvati Valley is full of picturesque villages and more greenery than you’d know what to do with. Some of the many villages of Parvati Valley include Rasol, Chalal, Tosh, Kalga, Shilha and many others. Come Almost everywhere in the area is either walkable or bus-able, and meeting other travellers is as easy as heading to the nearest cafe of which there are many!

Safe, quiet and filled with great views and interesting people, it’s no surprise Parvati Valley is one of the best places for solo female travel in India as far as I’m concerned. It’s also easily accessible from New Delhi by overnight bus to Kasol.

Pondicherry

By Ummi Nadrah of Ummi Goes Where

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry or Pondy, is a French colonial town in Tamil Nadu. Its unique blend of South Indian and French cultures is sure to amaze you as you walk along the tree-lined boulevards and look at the pink-coloured mini Notre Dame. I have travelled alone to several destinations in India and I find Pondicherry to be a very safe place, making it one of the best solo trip destinations in India for girl.

The most common way to get there is by local bus from Chennai (Koyambedu Bus Stand), which is about 160 kilometres away. The journey should take around 3 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops to pick up and drop off passengers. Once you get to Pondicherry, you can get around on foot, by auto-rickshaw, or by renting a bike – which is by far, one of the most convenient options.

Some of the best things you can do in Pondicherry include chilling out at Rock Beach, exploring the French Quarter, checking out the cute cafes and bakeries, getting yourself blessed by the elephant (yes, a real elephant!) at the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, admiring the street art, and going on a day trip to Auroville – an experimental city with no race, religion, government, or nationality. Don’t forget to take a photo at Cafe Des Arts, a bohemian cafe set in one of the iconic yellow buildings with vintage French decor. With so many things to do in and around Pondicherry, it is definitely one of the best solo travelling destinations in India.

I stayed for two nights at Droid Hostel in Pondicherry and one night at Time Travellers’ Hostel in Auroville. South Indian heat can be debilitating during summer, so try to time your visit between October and March. Needless to say, Pondicherry is one of the best places for solo trip in south India.

Jaipur

By Divyakshi Gupta of Quirky Wanderer

One of the safest cities for solo travel in India is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. I have been visiting Jaipur since childhood and would have visited this city at least a dozen times and I have always felt the city is safe for women. Be it the historic monuments or hotels or the crowded markets, the city is always abuzz with activity. Needless to say, it is one of the best solo trip destinations in India for girl.

This vibrant, bustling city has friendly, warm and hospitable locals. With history seeped into the city and the legacy of royalty ensures that locals treat their guests with the utmost respect and this is seen in the way they welcome visitors, making it one of the best solo travelling destinations in India. My safety tips would include always join a group walking tour instead of a personal guide. I personally recommend Neeraj who is the owner of Heritage Water Walks, if you want to do something unique in Jaipur. He conducts Heritage water walks in the two iconic forts of Jaipur.

Suggested read: “Travel Guide and Camping at Sambhar Lake“

Crowded markets are the safest, especially during the day and if you wish to visit monuments alone, you can do so with ease by yourself in the day. Venturing out at night is safe but just to be sure, you can do it with a trusted local. If you are staying in the heart of the city, be rest assured that you are in a safe zone! With several forts to visit and day trips to take around Jaipur, it is one of the best solo travel destinations in India.

Bir

Having lived in Bir for 6 months, trust me when I say – Bir is by far one of the best solo travelling destinations in India ever. There is so much to do in this little mountains village and needless to say, the top thing to do here is try paragliding. It is a thrilling experience, something you will remember for a lifetime. But if flying in the air attached to a glider is not really your thing, there are several cafes you can try out here. My most favourite cafes in Bir include Silver Linings and Bhoomi Cafe but for a comprehensive guide to eating around Bir, you can check out this post.

There are also a bunch of day hikes one can try when in Bir. Some of my most favourite trails include the Gunehar Waterfall and the Mata Maheshwari Temple trail. Around Bir, there are also a bunch of tiny hamlets that are worth exploring for some quiet time. Check out Gunehar village, Bari village and also the tea estates in Keori village. Watching the sunset at the paragliding landing site in Bir is also something worth checking out because the sunsets in Bir are on a whole other level!

There are several backpacking hostels to choose from on your visit to Bir, one of the best places for solo travelling in India. Bunker Hostel and Trippy Tribe are a few of the many places to stay in Bir. The best time to visit Bir is from October to April but monsoons also have a whole different charm here (although paragliding won’t be possible during the rainy season).

Varanasi

By Haley of Haley Blackall Travels

Varanasi, located in the northern plains of India, is one of the holiest cities in the country, famous due to the river Ganga bathing ghats. Hindu pilgrims visit the ghats to wash themselves of their sins by taking a holy dip. The daily evening aarti ceremony is a major reason to visit the city of Varanasi and is a sight to behold.  

Stay at least 2-3 nights to properly explore the city and watch the evening ceremony and take a boat ride on the Ganga in the morning if you’re interested in witnessing the cremation rituals. The city can be a bit rough around the edges but is generally safe if you keep common sense. It is also one of the best places for a budget solo trip in India.

Solo travellers should stay at International Traveller’s Hostel, which has stylish yet authentic digs. The hostel has some really friendly and helpful staff and it also offers delicious food on site. They have a number of accommodation options – from a tent in the backyard, to dormitory rooms, (they also have female-only dorms!) to private double and even triple rooms. 

Pop into the famous Blue Lassi shop to taste one of the best lassi desserts in India (the pistachio saffron was delicious!). For lunch or dinner, try Aadha-Aadha Cafe for authentic north Indian cuisine with a hip vibe. If you are jonesing for a good chai, stop by Lakshmi Chai Wala and devour the local breakfast of toast with butter and a hot steaming chai tea. 

The best time to visit Varanasi is in the months of November through February. The weather during this time can be mild, even chilly, perfect for exploring the holy city. You can reach Varanasi directly from New Delhi by a 1.5-hour plane ride, a 5-hour train from Lucknow or a 14-hour sleeper bus from Agra. Varanasi is definitely one of the best solo travelling destinations in India.

Fort Kochi

By Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers

Fort Kochi in Kerala is one of the best solo travelling destinations in India. The relaxed atmosphere of Fort Kochi is perfect for a week or two vacation but if it is part of a larger Kerala itinerary, make sure you at least get a couple of days to take it all in. There are a lot of great Ayurveda centres in town that you should try out when you are there. Whether you do a one-time treatment or massage, or you do a one-week treatment, it is absolutely worth it while travelling to one of the best destinations for solo trip in India. The best Ayurveda schools are all in Kerala, so you will find top-notch places here. But there are a lot of other things to do in Fort Kochi too. Walk the esplanade and check out the Chinese Fishing nets that the city is famous for. These days they are not used for more than a tourist attraction, but taking a guided tour is a unique way of learning more about Kochi’s fishing history. Princess Street is a great place to base yourself with a few hotels and close to the beach and promenade as well as the mesmerizing sunsets as a backdrop of the Chinese Fishing Nets. This area is also good for cute cafés. It’s generally easy to travel solo in Fort Kochi compared to other parts of India. People are usually very friendly and helpful – though there’s always someone that won’t let you alone. You are in India after all!

Hampi

By Ellis of Backpack Adventures

Hampi was once one of the largest and richest cities in the world. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara empire, the last Hindu kingdom of India. Nowadays the ancient ruins are a delight for anyone with just a little bit of interest in history. There are over 1600 historical monuments including palaces, elephant stables, statues and temples. 

But that is not the only reason to visit Hampi. Hampi is one of the best solo travelling destinations in India. Besides temples and ruins, Hampi also has great food and scenic landscapes. Lush and green paddy fields are interspersed by strange rock formations and boulders that are the result of years of volcanic activity and erosion. 

It is, therefore, no surprise that Hampi is so popular. As a solo traveller, it is easy to meet others here and there is plenty of choices if it comes to restaurants and accommodation. People in Hampi are used to seeing tourists from all over the world including women travelling alone. There are a lot of backpackers around and in general, Hampi feels very safe, which is why it is one of the best places in India for solo trip.

To see the most impressive Hampi ruins you need at least 3 days. Add another day or two to simply relax. You can watch the beautiful Hampi sunsets, go on a coral ride on the Tungabhadra river or visit Sanapur lake. It is easy to reach Hampi by train from either Bangalore or Mumbai. If you want to escape the backpacker crowds I can recommend staying in one of the small scale homestays.

Also read: A Complete Travel Guide to Hippie Island, Hampi

Best Solo Travelling Destinations in India – FAQs

Which place is best for a solo trip?

The country is full of wonderful and best places for solo travelling in India. In the north, try checking out Amritsar, Varanasi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer. Gujarat is a great place to visit in the west. Some of the best places for solo trip in south India include Gokarna, Varkala, Kodaikanal and Fort Kochi. In northeast India, places like Nagaland and Meghalaya are worth a visit.

Where can I find solo Travellers in India?

Staying in backpacker hostels is the best way to meet fellow solo travellers while on a solo trip in India. These hostels often have dorms, private rooms and even tents for accommodations. Most hostels also have an in-house cafe for meals. Hostels are a great way to meet and interact with travellers. You can even decide to rent a bike and explore the place with friends you make at the hostel! This is how I went on a bike trip to Nubra Valley with three other solo travellers like me!

Is India good for solo travelling?

India is definitely one of the best countries to travel solo to. Wherever you go, you meet a whole lot of fellow solo travellers, as well as friendly and helpful locals. The culture of solo travelling in India is very popular and you won’t feel alone doing it! Of course, it’s important to keep basic safety precautions in mind and you’re good to go!

How can I plan a solo trip to India?

Solo Travelling in India does not require a lot of pre-planning. Apart from finalizing the destinations and figuring out the travel route, you can easily find places to stay and places to eat almost everywhere in India without the need for prior booking. You can always come back to this guide on the best solo travelling destinations in India for inspiration!

Can a girl travel alone in India?

Female solo travelling in India is not the most common but is definitely picking up pace and gaining popularity. India sees a lot of international solo female travellers every year, but Indian solo female travellers are still fewer in comparison (but they definitely do exist – I’m a living, breathing example!) A lot of times it can get tricky while travelling solo as a woman in India, but with basic safety precautions in mind, it is definitely possible!

For more solo travelling tips and more, follow me on Instagram!