India is a colourful country, abundant in heritage and diversity. From the beach to sands and tropical rainforests, India has a rich climate. Having only scratched the surface of the country and visited Delhi, Mumbai, Agra and Rishikesh, there is so much more for me to see. For this post, I’ve created a wish list of places to see in India for future trips!
If you are planning a trip to India, here is a list of the best solo travel destinations in India to inspire you to visit this fascinating country.
Best solo travel destinations India
1. Shimla – Active GatG
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its green hills capped with snow. Surrounding nature are structures from the colonial era, which provide some breathtaking views. The best time to visit Shimla is between April to August. It is one of the best solo travel destinations in December and January. If you love to trek, then this area is perfect for hiking. You can even camp here, allowing for a budget solo trip in India to really enjoy the serene beauty for longer than a day.
2. Coorg – Active & Nature GatG
Known as “The Scotland of India” this dream destination known as Coorg (or Kodagu) has hills and forests of sandalwood and teak. It’s perfect for nature lovers with acres of tea plantations, and if you love adventure, then Coorg has plenty of outdoor activities such as trekking and white-water rafting or river rafting. You could even try your hand at fishing too.
3. Jaipur – Cultural GatG
Rajasthan’s Unesco World Heritage City is one of the most colourful cities known worldwide. It was an important place in Indian history for the royal families, and its royal structures signify the importance of this city in ancient times. People in Jaipur often wear traditional ethnic dresses or colourful sarees.
Magnificent old palaces have been turned into hotels so you can feel like a royal amongst the Mughal-Rajasthani architecture. With royal spas and palaces, the pink city of Jaipur is meant to be a stunning city to visit.
4. Goa – Beach GatG
Goa is one of the best places to travel in India for beach lovers. When you want to enjoy the sunshine, Goa is the place to go. But it’s not all just beaches here as historical churches and convents have been declared World Heritage sites and add an extra element to the known sunbathing destination. I received some travel tips that Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park are worth visiting. The food here is apparently some of the best in the country, so make sure you sample the seafood and Goan cuisine.
5. Kerala – Wildlife GatG
Kerala is one of the best solo travel destinations in South India. With the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 metres high in the east, Kerala is a diverse destination that is networked by 44 rivers.
You’ll find plenty of wildlife within its tropical rainforests as well as lush paddy fields, waterfalls and historic and cultural monuments. To add to its diversity Kerala also has a unique cuisine. Stay in a houseboat and time your stay with one of Kerala’s festivals for a true cultural experience.
6. Chopta – Active GatG
Known as a “mini Switzerland” Chopta is a small village situated in an evergreen part of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand state. It’s in the Himalayas and is the trekking base of the Tungnath temple near Chandrashila.
You can see more than 40 peaks within this picturesque village. The Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila trek is quite famous amongst trekkers and is also known for its wildlife, jungles, and grasslands.
7. Varanasi – Spiritual GatG
Hindus consider Varanasi as one of the holiest cities in India, and it is said that if you die here, you will immediately be liberated from the endless cycle of death and rebirth. Millions of Indians make a pilgrimage here either to bathe in the sacred Ganges, upon which the city is perched, or to cremate a family member.
See the chaotic old city along the river banks in Varanasi and wander through its ghats (steps leading down to the Ganges). You can organize boat tours onto the Ganges, and Varanasi’s daily evening ceremonies – complete with music, dance, and all manner of holy men – are amazing.
My trip to Rishikesh in India
Self-Guided Tours
Embarking on a South India tour offers an exquisite tapestry of landscapes, from the bustling temples of Tamil Nadu to the serene backwaters of Kerala. Among the myriad travel destinations in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as a beacon of spirituality, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike to witness the divine Ganga Aarti, a spectacle that transforms the ghats of Varanasi into a celestial arena of light and devotion. For those seeking guidance, a comprehensive travel guide is indispensable, offering travel tips and curated tour packages designed to enhance the exploration of India’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
The Golden Triangle, encompassing Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, is a cornerstone of India travel, offering a glimpse into the country’s majestic past and vibrant present. Meanwhile, the national parks in Madhya Pradesh and the untouched beauty of Arunachal Pradesh in the North East beckon nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
The convenience of railway stations across the country ensures seamless connectivity between regions, making travel packages more appealing by including diverse experiences over several nights. Whether it’s the allure of exploring the Golden Triangle, the spiritual journey to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or the natural wonders of the national parks and the unique culture of the North East, India offers an array of travel destinations to suit every inclination. These self-guided tour packages are not just trips; they are gateways to understanding the myriad facets of India, promising unforgettable experiences and insights.
Indian Visa
So there you have it, safe solo female travel destinations in India. I hope that this post has inspired you to go to India. There is, of course, the Taj Mahal and Rishikesh to add to this list. You can find out more about solo travel in India in my solo guide.
India is so vast, but you need more than one visit to really explore this country. If you do want to go to India, depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter. Brits definitely need a visa. * Find out about Indian visas here
India Tours
If you are feeling apprehensive about travelling solo to India, sometimes taking a tour for part or all of your trip can give you the confidence you need before travelling India alone. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female-friendly company. Most tours have an average of 10 people and no upper age limit. Once you book your trip, you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.
G Adventures India tours range from a 3 day Varanasi Independent Adventure to a 33 day Kolkata to Kochi by Rail tour, seeing the best of India. One of their most popular tours for solos is the 15 day Rajasthan Adventure, which includes the Taj Mahal, a visit to the City Palace in Udaipur, and a sunset camel ride in Pushkar. If you have 21 days, they also offer a 3 week tour of India from the north to the south.
* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates
- Is India good for solo travel? Yes, India is great for solo travellers. You can have unique experiences while feeling safe.
- Where can I go for a solo trip in India? Jaipur, Goa and Kerala are some of the best destinations for solo travelers in India.
- Is India friendly to foreigners? Yes, Indian people are very welcoming towards tourists.
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