India is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. If you are a solo traveller planning a trip to India, you would be happy to know that you can explore a wide range of terrains in this country. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, the hot desert in Rajasthan, the exotic hills of North-East, sprawling beaches in Goa, and even dense forests, you can find it all. For someone who is unfamiliar with the country, they may find it overwhelming to choose which locations they should visit on their trip. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of 10 locations in India that you must visit if you are planning a solo trip to India.
Tip: Going on a solo trip in a new country can be exciting but also somewhat risky, especially if you do not know the local languages. The chances of getting cheated and swindled are high. The risk of falling sick is also high as you will come into contact with many unfamiliar people. It is best to be well-prepared by getting ‘Solo Trip Insurance’ as well as ‘Accidental Death Insurance’, just in case.
Let’s take a look at the best places for a solo trip in India that you can visit:
Kerala, which is aptly named ‘God’s Own Country’, is home to beautiful coastal backwaters, lakes, beaches, hills, and even forests. There are also plenty of tea and coffee plantations that you can visit and explore. The best time to explore Kerala is around September to December if you want ideal weather conditions. When you do visit Kerala, do not miss out on the experience of a houseboat tour in the backwaters.
Rajasthan is a state with a very rich cultural heritage. There are also tons of old castles, forts, temples, Havelis, and other old structures built by kings hundreds of years ago that are absolutely worth exploring. Authentic Rajasthani food is also one important reason why you should visit this culturally rich place. You can also take a safari through the famed Thar desert or even camp there for a few days. It’s one of the best places for a solo trip in India.
Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this beautiful state every year. Goa is home to expansive beautiful beaches, old Portuguese architecture, backwaters, etc. There are also many events and festivals that happen throughout the year. You will also get to experience a wide variety of delicious local cuisines in Goa. The best time to visit Goa is between the months of November to February.
Ladakh in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is one of the most remote regions in the whole world but contains some of the most scenic landscapes. Ladakh is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan mountains which contain some of the highest peaks in the world. The beautiful landscape and the gigantic glaciers are a sight to behold. If you are planning a solo trip to India, remember to put Ladakh on your bucket list.
Manali is one of India’s most iconic hill stations located in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh. Manali gets plenty of snow during the winters and you can experience snow sports like skiing, ice-skating, snowboarding, etc. During the summers, you can explore the hills by trekking and camping. There are also many old temples and monasteries nearby that you can visit. You can also get to experience natural hot springs in Manali.
Located in Karnataka, Hampi is an old historic town where the ruins of past civilisations still remain. Hampi has been classified as a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ and attracts thousands of visitors every year. You can explore the ruins of historic monuments, temples, and other structures that were built hundreds of years ago during the time of the Vijayanagar Empire. If you are a history enthusiast, Hampi should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
Darjeeling is another exquisite hill station located in the North-East that has plenty to offer for visitors and tourists. The hill station is filled with beautiful tea gardens, old architectural buildings and mansions. You can decide to trek through the hills to explore the various attractions that Darjeeling has to offer. In fact, you can even view the third-highest mountain peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling.
Varanasi is one of the oldest places not only in India but around the whole world. The city of Varanasi, built on the shores of the Ganges river, has a very rich cultural history. When in Varanasi, you should visit the old temples, attend religious festivals, and walk through the ghats of the Ganges river. The local Varanasi food is also an experience you do not want to miss.
Mumbai, popularly known as the home of Bollywood and the financial capital of India, is one of the best cities you can visit. Mumbai is also a very old city with dozens of historic venues that you can visit, such as the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, the Fort area, Marine Drive, and more. Mumbai is also a bustling hotspot of people from all over India, so you can get to experience all of the country’s cultural diversity in one place. There are also many surrounding hill stations near Mumbai that are ideal to visit during the rainy season.
The Bandhavgarh National Park is a large deciduous forest in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The national park is mainly famous for its large tiger population but is also home to dozens of other exotic wild animals and birds. You can plan a forest safari to the Bandhavgarh National Park to get a rare glimpse of the majestic tigers and other wild animals. This forest is the perfect destination for wildlife photographers and people who wish to explore natural forests.
With the above list, you can get a pretty good idea of which places you should plan to visit if you are coming on a solo trip to India. However, travelling alone can be somewhat dangerous especially if you do not know any locals and are not familiar with how things work. It is best to remain cautious by getting a ‘Solo Traveller Insurance’, or an ‘Accidental Death Insurance’.
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The best places for a solo trip in India are as follows:
Manali
Goa
Kerala
Rajasthan
Mumbai
Yes, most tourist destinations and big cities are relatively safe, but you should avoid visiting shady areas or remote locations on your own.
You can buy a ‘Solo Traveller Insurance’ online on Bajaj Markets.
Here are recommendations for solo travel places in India for history enthusiasts:
Rajasthan
Varanasi
Hampi
Taj Mahal, Agra
Red Fort, Delhi
The best places in India for solo trips for nature lovers are:
Himachal Pradesh
Kashmir
Darjeeling
Kerala
Ooty