Palakshi Meharwal shares her many safe Indian destinations that solo women travelers can enjoy.
Traveling alone as a woman can be an incredible experience, it gives you a chance to explore places on your own without anyone’s rules, you can embrace your independence and most importantly discover aspects of yourself that you didn’t even know existed. But when it comes to travelling alone safety should be first and foremost priority. There are a lot of places that prioritize the safety of female travelers while also offering enriching experiences.
Here is a list of places that are recommended to women if you are traveling alone.
Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful place nested in the Western ghats of Kerala. It is a popular hill station famous for its tea plantations and mist-covered hills. It is a perfect destination for solo female travelers. The solo travelers can immerse themselves in this region’s culture by visiting the tea plantations, you will get to witness the whale tea picking process and you can even try the freshly brewed tea while enjoying the scenic beauty around you. There is a Tata tea museum here which will provide insight into Munnar’s tea industry.
If you want to do something a bit more adventurous then don’t worry Munnar has something to offer to the adventure seekers as well. There are a lot of outdoor activities that solo travelers can enjoy here like rock climbing, mountain biking, offroading, or you can even trek the Anamudi Peak which is the highest peak in the entire South India.
The climate here is ideal for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of life. You can engage in yoga or just sit back and relax. Munnar is therefore a perfect destination for female solo travellers because the locals will welcome you with open arms. It is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, natural beauty, and relaxation. Munnar is a promising place that will leave you behind with nothing but memories that will last for a lifetime. So get ready to embark on an adventure in God’s own country!
Hampi
Hampi is located in the state of Karnataka and is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for its history, ancient temples, ruins of palaces, and beautiful landscape. This place offers an enriching and unique experience to solo female travelers. Hampi has a lot of temples and sacred sites. You can explore the Virupaksha temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the famous Vittala temple which is popular for its stone chariot and musical pillars, the lotus mahal, Mahanavami Dibba and a lot of other sites.
Solo female travelers can go for a hike to points like the Matanga hills, you can explore the nearby villages and rice paddies. Hampi is considered a safe place especially for female travellers because of the welcoming environment the locals create. Hampi is a perfect blend of culture , spirituality, history, and nature’s beauty.
Ooty
Ooty is a really beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu which is very famous for its tea estates, rolling hills, and forests. The major attraction here is the botanical garden which covers almost 55 acres. You should also visit the Ooty Lake, go boating, and sit back and relax. Ooty offers various adventure activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and horse riding.
Kanyakumari
This is the southernmost part of India, in the state of Kerala also known as “God’s own Country”. This is where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. Vivekananda rock memorial is one of the major attractions here. You can visit the Kanyakumari temple which is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi and enjoy a sunset or sunrise here.
Jaipur
Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. This place is famous for its stunning architecture and vibrant bazaars. The solo travelers can explore the bustling markets of Johari, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and what not. The friendly locals and the bright and vibrant atmosphere makes Jaipur one of the safe and culturally immersive travel destinations.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a spiritual tourist destination as well as a yoga hub. It is known for its serenity and the famous Ganga River. This place is located in the foothills of Himalaya, in Uttarakhand. It offers pristine natural beauty, temples with rich history and culture, and a blend of adventurous activities. It is one of the most renowned Hindu spiritual destinations.
The town offers numerous temples, ashrams, and meditation places. This is a perfect destination for solo women travelers. Rishikesh has numerous temples that resonate with centuries-old spirituality. You can visit shrines such as the Neelkanth Mahadev temple which is a Shiva temple, the Kunjapuri Devi temple, etc.
Another adventure that you shouldn’t miss out on is bungee jumping. Bungee jumping involves jumping off from a cliff, where your ankles and body will be secured with a rope. When you fall off the cliff, what you feel during that is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After a while, the rope will coil back and bring you to the land. This is a very popular activity in Rishikesh.
Varanasi
Varanasi or Banaras is one of the oldest cities in the world. This is a spiritual destination and is considered as the spiritual capital of India. There are almost 80 ghats in Varanasi and each one has its own significance. It is a very safe place especially for solo women travellers.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is only popular because of its French-inspired culture or its Parisian cafes, it is also famous for its beaches and peaceful atmosphere. You can relax by the shore of the beach, go cycling, visit ashrams, and explore the pubs and cafes. There are a lot of fun and incredible experiences that women travelers can explore and indulge in.
You can visit any time of the year and Pondicherry will have something or the other to offer you. Some of the must-see sights here are the White Beach, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Aurobindo ashram, French war memorial, Auroville, and Matrimandir along with the innumerable places here.
Agra
Agra is also referred to as the epitome of Love and architectural splendor. It is approximately 233 kilometers away from Delhi. Agra is home to the great and iconic monument – Taj Mahal which is one of the 7 wonders of the world.
This iconic monument was built by the emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument is popular for its craftsmanship, intricate detail images, and its symmetrical gardens. The visitors can enjoy a nice sunset and soak in the beauty of this place and monument. Apart from the Taj Mahal there are a lot of other monuments here which showcase the heritage of our country and it is a testament to the city’s rich Mughal heritage.
Kasol
Kasol is located in the enchanting Parvati Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh and stands as a testament to the beauty of nature and the adventurous spirit of travelers. Kasol is surrounded by mountains, lush greenery and the gushing Parvati river. This place is roughly 36 kilometers away from Bhuntar and 3.5 kilometers from Manikaran Sahib. Kasol has a rich blend of local culture and a hint of Israeli influence.it is also known as the ‘mini Israel of India’ because of the increasing number of Israelis who live here. Kasol is also home to a lot of nomads, hippies, and solo travelers who want to explore the serenity within a budget.
Kasol is the base camp for several breathtaking treks which offers unique perspectives of the Himalaya. The Kheerganga trek is one of the most popular treks known for its picturesque landscapes, hot springs and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Other trekking options include the Sar pass trek, Pin parvati pass trek, Tosh valley trek etc. these trek offers its own challenges along with rewards for trekkers. You can also camp here, explore the village, explore the culture, go paragliding and what not. This is a very peaceful place with warm and hospitable locals hence is one of the popular destinations among solo female travellers.
Kolkata
It is known as the “Cultural capital of India” and is a must visit place for sure. Kolkata is also home to many Nobel laureates like Amartya Sen and Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata has a very vibrant and rich culture with numerous art galleries and music venues. If you are someone who loves art and literature then this is the perfect destination for you.
Ziro valley
The Ziro valley is located in Arunachal Pradesh. This is a destination which not a lot of people know about but it is a destination which is worth visiting and it is a perfect destination for solo female travellers. This valley is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and hills with rice fields and dense green forests. The solo travellers can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the place. You can go for a hike and camp under the starry sky, soak in the views of this amazing valley.
Goa
Camping in Goa is a delightful experience, a perfect blend of sun, sand, and sea. Beachside camping is one of the popular activities in Goa. A lot of beaches here allow travelers to set up their tents and a lot of them offer camping facilities. Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves and to a perfect sunrise. Goa is in fact known for its sunrises and sunsets and camping provides the perfect opportunity to witness this.
Kochi
Kochi is a district in the state of Kerala. This place is rich in culture and history. Some of the must visit places in Koch are Fort Kochi, the beaches here like Cherai etc and you should definitely visit the backwaters here like Kadamakudy where you can even witness blue luminescence at times.
Ladakh
This place is often referred to as the “Land of High Passes” and is famous for its rugged terrains and cultural heritage. Ladakh is characterized by its snow-capped mountains, barren land etc. Camping amidst this nature’s beauty is a surreal experience. There are a lot of camping sites in Ladakh but most of them are in secluded places far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Wayanad
Wayanad located amidst the Western Ghats of Kerala is an immersive experience. Wayanad is known for its forests, tranquil surroundings, and landscapes. Camping amidst the picturesque surroundings gives you a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life and technology. Wayanad also offers a lot of adventure options like exploring caves, ziplining, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. You can visit the wildlife sanctuaries and go on safaris.
Some other places include:
- Udaipur
- Pune
- Darjeeling
- Pushkar, Rajasthan
Traveling solo as a woman can be a very rewarding experience that offers multiple opportunities for self-growth, adventure, and most importantly personal growth. The world is full of exciting adventures and the female solo travellers can embark on their unforgettable journeys which leave behind nothing but memories for a lifetime. So, get ready to pack your bags to explore the world on your own terms!
What did you think of this list of safe Indian destinations?
Have you visited India as a solo female traveler before? Would you add other safe Indian destinations to this list? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.