India offers solo travelers a captivating range of destinations, from the serene lakes and palaces of Udaipur to the adventure sports and spiritual vibe of Rishikesh and Manali, the cultural beauty of Hampi, the marine wonders of the Andaman Islands, and the French-inspired charm of Pondicherry. Adventurous solo travelers can also discover the unique modern culture of McLeod Ganj, Kerala’s lush landscapes, or the breathtaking scenery of Ladakh. 

Solo Travel through India: A Unique Experience 

India, a country with diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences, has become an increasingly favored destination among solo travelers. Whether you are an adventure seeker, someone seeking a transformative journey, a culture enthusiast, or simply traveling to India alone, the country offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its vast history, natural beauty, and spirituality. 

India has numerous solo travel destinations, making it a challenge when selecting the top destinations for solo travelers visiting the country. However, if you research and are enthusiastic about exploring your freedom as a solo traveler, we recommend some solo travel spots you will find difficult to ignore. Therefore, we recommend you continue reading to embark on a journey that will take you to the top-ranked spots for solo travelers in India. 

Why Choose Solo Travel Destinations of India? 

Solo travel destinations in India offer you the freedom to delve deeply into the country’s diverse cultural experiences without being constrained by the preferences of others. The journey allows you to explore majestic palaces, bustling markets, remote villages, and ancient temples at your own pace. The journey allows for more spontaneous interactions with locals and provides an opportunity to genuinely connect with the culture. 

Autonomy and Flexibility 

When you travel solo, you are free to make your own itinerary, change plans without concern for compromising with your travel companions, choose your own pace, and decide to spend more time at historical sites or choose to have a local delicacy all on your whims and fancies. 

Personal Development and Self-Exploration 

Solo travel allows you to engage in self-discovery by navigating the complexities of a diverse and vast country like India. The country will undoubtedly present you with various challenges to support your personal development. In addition, you will likely discover strengths you previously believed you lacked, including problem-solving skills, confidence, and independence, while acquiring a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. 

Which Are the Top Destinations for Solo Travel in India? 

Every place in India has its unique charm, making it challenging to choose the best destinations. As you travel solo through the country, you will discover that many locations are even more ideal than you might have initially thought. 

If you’re looking for recommendations on the best places for solo travelers in India, consider these five destinations, which are regarded as safe and secure, particularly for women. 

Please note :  below are some things you will notice in these five places that will likely make your solo travel experience in India hassle-free. They are: 

• Cheap hotels and homestays 

• Bike rentals at reasonable prices 

• An opportunity to meet fellow solo travelers and backpackers. 

Below are the five top places for a solo trip in India that will kickstart your journey as a solo traveler. 

1. Hampi 

Hampi is a favorite place of mine to visit in India. I genuinely claim that it is my favorite place because elsewhere in India, you cannot see a landscape as surreal as Hampi. The place almost transports you back in time, making you feel the time difference. 

Karnataka is home to the ancient town of Hampi, which lies amidst the ruins of ancient temples and monuments. If you’re not a history lover, it’s helpful to know about Hampi’s fascinating history. 

Even more interesting for solo travelers is a place called Hippie Island. The island neighbors Hampi is a popular destination for backpackers and solo travelers. 

Therefore, you can enjoy the best of both worlds by enjoying the historical landmarks of Hampi and chilling on Hippie Island after a long day. 

2. Varkala 

On the outskirts of Trivandrum, Kerala, is a beach town called Varkala. It is the sole Cliff Beach in Kerala, making it the only beach in the state that is adjacent to the Arabian Sea and features cliffs around it. 

If you love seafood, you will enjoy this location even more. You can find various types of seafood in Varkala, as it is located near the coast. You can enjoy seafood, including fish, prawns, and crabs. 

As far as activities are concerned, you can chill at the beach in the evening and swim in the water. There are numerous shops in Varkala that sell clothes, ornaments, and handicrafts. While you are in Varkala, do not forget to view the splendid sunrise and sunset from the cliffs. 

3. Gokarna 

If given a choice between Goa and Gokarna, I would choose the latter because it is not commercialized and therefore quieter. Gokarna is your best bet if you love to spend time by the beach in peace. 

Located along the northern coast of Karnataka, Gokarna is a tiny temple town. You will find cliffs in Gokarna, like Varkala, from where you get an aerial view of the Arabian Sea. 

However, unlike Varkala, Gokarna has distinct beaches with their own unique vibes. Om Beach and Kudle Beach are the most popular beaches in Gokarna, apart from Gokarna Beach. 

The Gokarna beach trek, starting from Om Beach, ends at Full Moon Beach and is among the best to accomplish here. The trek is unique, taking you through a combination of beaches and forests. 

4. Pondicherry/Auroville 

Pondicherry is a small union territory located near Chennai. Pondicherry has as many colorful buildings designed in French architecture as it was a former French colony. You can also indulge in surfing and scuba diving in Pondicherry. 

Although Pondicherry is an excellent place to visit, I prefer Auroville for an extended stay. Auroville is a neighboring area that will remind you of Hippie Island due to its vibe. It is the sole place in India where concepts of politics, religion, and money are absent. 

Numerous people of different nationalities have been residing in Auroville for years. You can also volunteer here to participate in various activities occurring every week. 

5. Pushkar 

In Rajasthan, a state that hosts numerous devotees and tourists every year, there exists a basic temple town called Pushkar. The town is one of the holiest and most ancient in the country. 

Every evening around Pushkar Lake, Aarties (a Hindu ritual used in worship) are held with peaceful vibes, making it an excellent place for solo travelers. As a solo traveler, Aarti is not the only excitement in Pushkar, as you can do different things in the town. 

You can take a trip to the Thar Desert, go on a sunrise/sunset trek nearby, or have Middle Eastern delicacies like the falafel to treat your taste buds. The highlight of this city is the Pushkar Camel Fair, a week-long festival held every year from October to November. 

Pushkar city becomes vibrant and comes alive during this time. The locals trade beautifully decorated camels, perform music shows, magical tricks, and other events and exhibitions. 

When searching for the best places to visit alone in India, the list mentioned above is not your only solo option. Below are some alternatives to consider if you are planning a solo trip to India. They are: 

• Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 

Also known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is a spiritual haven situated on the banks of the Holy Ganges. It is perfect for solo travelers in India, as it offers an opportunity to engage in yoga and meditation retreats, explore the nearby Rajaji National Park, or simply reflect at the well-known Triveni Ghat. The peaceful vibes of Rishikesh and the welcoming community make this place an ideal starting point for a solo journey through India. 

• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 

Varanasi, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, should be on your list if you seek profound spiritual experiences. The Ganges River ghats, where pilgrims bathe and offer prayers, are full of spirituality and energy. You can wander through the labyrinth of narrow lanes to visit ancient temples, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and remember to watch the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, which will undoubtedly leave you spellbound. 

When considering solo travel to India, you can choose where to travel based on your specific interests. You don’t need to visit the places we recommend but consider your individual needs to choose places that satisfy your desire. 

For example, if you are traveling to learn about culture and history, you will likely find Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes, perfect for your needs, as it allows you to indulge in boat rides on Lake Pichola or explore its palaces. 

The holy city of Varanasi offers a deep spiritual experience and cultural immersion, making it a unique destination for solo travelers. If you decide on Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage site provides captivating landscapes of ancient ruins, temples, and opportunities to cycle or Boulder in safe environments. 

If you desire adventure and spirituality, consider visiting Rishikesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, for thrilling activities like river rafting on the Ganges and meditation. You can also visit India’s adventure capital, Manali, for its vibrant atmosphere and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Mcleod Ganj, alternatively known as Little Lhasa, provides a glimpse into Tibetan culture and spiritual ambience despite being a small town in Himachal Pradesh. 

Nature and relaxation lovers traveling solo will find Pondicherry, also known as the French Riviera of the East, with its unique blend of Indian and French cultures, providing a relaxing and pleasant solo trip. Ladakh, known as the land of high passes, is ideal for those seeking breathtaking landscapes and a truly adventurous experience. 

How to Plan Your First Solo Trip to India? 

Planning your first solo trip to India may seem challenging, just like any other new experience in life. However, if you follow the steps mentioned below, we are confident you will plan your first solo trip with ease. 

• Choose your travel destination after considering what you’re looking for. For example, if you intend to spend time at a hill station in South India, Ooty (Tamil Nadu) is a suitable option. 

• Research about the places to visit and experience at your destination. Consider reading travel blogs online or watching vlogs on YouTube or other channels to educate yourself. 

• Check out the places to eat at your destination. If you want to learn more about local cuisine at your destination, do not hesitate to eat local food. 

• Make transportation arrangements. When booking flights, ensure you do so one or two months in advance. 

• Arrange for accommodation by choosing a hostel or homestay. Apart from saving costs, it will also give you a homely feeling. 

• Pack lightly before making a move to your destination. Ensure that you reach the airport two hours early if you catch a flight. 

• After checking into your accommodation, determine the local transportation options to enhance your solo travel experience. 

Although we recommend some destinations as top places to visit for solo travelers in India, we appreciate comments from individual travelers on locations they may have visited that are not on our list.