It takes a lot of courage to travel solo, but once you have started your journey, it’s the best start. It helps you to explore the world with a new perspective. Though India is not considered the safest Solo female travel destination, in my experience, it’s not true.
India has a rich culture and a lot of diversity that will excite any traveller. It is a dream destination for many travellers across the Globe. Here I am listing out the Top 10 Solo Female travel destinations in India
SHIMLA
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh is another heaven on earth. Snow-capped hills and scenic cloud views will take your breath away. It is one of the most visited and popular hill stations in India.
You can have fun in the Ice skating rink if you are travelling in the winters of December to February. Enjoy the Kalka-Shimla toy train ride and bring back the child in you. Try the delicious and healthy cuisines available at a reasonable rate. Shimla is one of the famous solo female travel destinations in India.
You can enjoy a polluted-free environment and witness the most beautiful hills. The walkways are surrounded by Pine and oak forests. If you could visit in the mid of December you can see frequent snowfalls. All the places will look as if covered with long snow blankets.
If you love wooden handicrafts, then you must visit Lakkar Bazar. Here you will get all sorts of wooden handicrafts for a cheaper price. Even though the price is less everything is of good quality whether it’s a wooden toy or a tool, they have everything stored up for you.
Don’t miss going to the Ridge, which is the hub for all the cultural activities of Shimla and is parallel to mall road. Al celebrations and cultural activities are held in Ridge.
If you want to add some adventure to your trip, go for River Drafting in Tattapani. This option is available only during April to November, so plan accordingly.
The crime rate in Shimla is very low and you don’t need to worry even to travel late at night. Every place is accessible with public and private transport.
Best time to visit Shimla: May to June, December to January
Nearest Railway Station to Shimla: Kalka Railway Station
Nearest Airport to Shimla: Chandigarh Airport (~120 kms)
AMRITSAR
Amritsar is the largest city in Punjab. It is considered the economical capital of Punjab. It’s near the Pakistan border. The famous Golden Temple which is the major worship place of Sikhs is in Amritsar. It is one of the favourite pilgrim centres for devotees from all over the world to visit this sacred temple.
Amritsar is one of the safest female travel destinations in India. You can enjoy the whole trip without fear. But still, as a general suggestion, it’s better to travel to all the cities during day time when you are travelling alone.
You must visit the Wagah Border Retreat ceremony (India-Pakistan Border), it’s a lifetime experience. You will get thrilled with the whole atmosphere. Enjoy amazingly delicious Punjabi food.
One other spot to visit is Mandir Mata Lal Devi. The replica of all major pilgrim places is there in the Temple. The pathways and sculptures are beautifully crafted. The whole ambience is very peaceful and ideal for meditation also.
You can pay tribute to the lost heroes of India in Jallianwala Bagh, the public garden where thousands of people were brutally massacred by the British. The bullet marks can be still seen on the walls. This garden is preserved as one of the most important historic memorials of India.
Other major attractions of Amritsar are Partition Museum, Khalsa College, Ram Tirath Ashram, Amritsar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Hall Bazaar (famous shopping place), Gobindgarh Fort, etc.
Best time to visit Amritsar: November to March
Nearest Railway Station to Amritsar: Amritsar Junction Railway Station
Nearest Airport to Amritsar: Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport
WAYANAD
If you are fed up with busy city life and want to feel some fresh air and misty mountains, then Wayanad will never let you down. Wayanad is one of the best solo female travel destinations in India. People are very friendly and every face will be welcoming face around. It has a lot of unexplored beauty of forest and mountains which increase the thrill of the trip.
Wayanad is called the Spice Garden of India. You can get the aroma and taste of the real spices as it’s the home for many spices like cardamom, Black pepper, Star Anise, Fenugreek, Black cumin, etc. The only state in Kerala which shares a border with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is Wayanad.
One of the best highlights of this place is its cool temperature throughout the year. India’s Largest Earthen Dam – Banasura Sagar Dam is located in Kalpetta, Wayanad. During Monson season, we can see small reservoirs formed by the heavy water flow. In Kalpetta you can also visit the famous heritage Edakkal Caves, full of ancient inscriptions which give us a glimpse into the ancient life
Wayanad offers many adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, hiking, camping, etc. It has numerous nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural parks which are preserved in their natural habitat. Wayanad is also the location that has the highest number of tribals.
I can assure you that a Trip to Wayanad will be one of the best experiences in your life.
Best time to visit Wayanad: October to May
Nearest Railway Station to Wayanad: Kozhikode Railway Station
Nearest Airport to Wayanad: Calicut International Airport
COORG
Coorg (Officially known as Kodagu) is the most beautiful Hill Station in Karnataka. It is famous for its coffee plantations and exotic greenery. Abbey waterfalls, Golden temple, forest-covered hills, and so on.
There are many attractions to explore. It is little wonder that this region is known as “The Scotland of India” due to the ecstatic sight of coffee plantations stretched across the picturesque hills and blossoming flowers.
It is one of the safest places for female solo travellers with fewer crime records. If you are a coffee lover like me, then don’t miss this place.
For adventure lovers, you have Ziplining, Rappelling, River Drafting, Quad Biking, etc. You can visit the magnificent Buddhist monastery Namdroling Monastery/Golden Temple which is the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world.
Coorg has a rich culture, and the local clan Koduvas are martial arts experts. They are also famous for their hospitality. If you are a foodie, you can try different varieties of food like Bamboo shoot curry, Kadambuttu, Pandi curry, Kuleputtu, etc.
Best time to visit Coorg: October to February
Nearest Railway Station to Coorg: Mysore Railway Station
Nearest Airport to Coorg: Mangalore International Airport
PONDICHERRY/PUDUCHERRY
Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) is the capital city of the Union territory of Puducherry. In 1674 the French East India Company set up a trade centre in Pondicherry which later became the main French settlement in India. This city was once the original headquarters of the French.
Puducherry is also called India’s “Little France”. It still has the residue of the colonial past that France left in India. It has a unique style of architecture and culture. The colonial building, churches, resorts, and amazing beaches make it special in its own way
Enjoy a boat ride in Paradise beach or Chunnambar River with a nice view of green plantations. You can also enjoy Jet Ski, Scuba Diving, Canoeing, boating, kayaking, camping, and other beach activities.
Go for a relaxed meditating experience in Sri Aurobindo ashram and Auroville. If you wish you can volunteer in these ashram activities. In Ashram, you can witness people from different cultures, religions, and nationalities living in harmony.
Pondicherry is a great destination for shopping and delicious exotic cuisines. You can be free in this city as it’s one of the most secure places to travel for solo women travellers. So, girls, just pack and move on.
Best time to visit Pondicherry: October to March
Nearest Railway Station to Pondicherry: Villupuram Junction railway station
Nearest Airport to Pondicherry: Pondicherry Airport
JAIPUR
Jaipur is the first planned City in India. It’s the capital city of Rajasthan. In 1876, Prince Albert (Husband of Queen Victoria) visited Jaipur, welcoming him Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II painted the whole city in pink colour. Thus, it got the name “Pink City”. It attracts many tourists from all over the world because of its beauty. Jaipur has magnificent palaces, forts and historical monuments and belongs to the touristic Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Agra.
There is no limit to the things to explore in Jaipur like Amber Palace, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Ram Bagh Palace, etc. Jaipur is a very peaceful city, people here are very friendly and you can enjoy the Royal Mughal architecture beauty and know the history. The city has lots of gardens and greenery around.
Rajasthan promises to exceed the expectations of all those who choose to visit it. It is home to peculiarities such as the world’s oldest ploughing field, the nation’s largest district, the oldest mountain range, as well as colour-coded cities.
One of the best things is that it’s easily accessible through all means of transportation. Jaipur is also famous for its amazing handicrafts, jewellery and clothes.
Jaipur is very hot in Summer and very cool in Winter. If you can’t withstand a hot climate, it’s better to visit the city during the winter season so that you can enjoy your trip fully.
Best time to visit Jaipur: October to March
Nearest Railway Station to Jaipur: Jaipur Junction Railway Station
Nearest Airport to Jaipur: Sanganer airport (~10 Km from the city)
LADAKH
Ladakh is one of the most beautiful and welcoming places in India. Whether you are a female traveller or a beginner solo traveller, you do not have to worry about safety in Ladakh. The monasteries here will leave you speechless. Some of the famous monasteries to visit are Hemis monastery, Thiksay monastery, Sindhu Darshan, Alchi monastery, etc.
Visit the famous Pangong lake which is spread half in India and half in China. It is nice to see the colour changes of this river throughout the day. Never miss the opportunity to see this lake if you visit Ladakh.
One of the other major attractions is the magnetic mountain where u can witness the movement of vehicles even without any fuel in it. The reason behind this magic is the magnetic property of the mountain.
If you are a motor traveller then I am sure that Khardungla and Chang La Pass will be in your travel list. These two are the highest motorable pass in the world (17,586 feet).
If you love shopping, then have a different level of shopping experience in the Tibetan market which is a must thing to do.
The only thing you must be careful of while travelling to Ladakh is that you may get breathing issues as this place is at a high altitude. Take proper rest before you start your journey and drink plenty of water to avoid any such health issues.
People here are so friendly and welcoming. They will transfer their positivity to us in a short around of time.
Best time to visit Ladakh: April to June, Sept to Oct
Nearest Railway Station to Ladakh: Jammu Tawi railway station
Nearest Airport to Ladakh: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
RISHIKESH
Rishikesh is a beautiful city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the city of yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas”.
If you want to go for pilgrimage-type travel then Rishikesh is the best option. The city is full of temples, ashrams and yoga centres. The famous Hindu pilgrimage circuit “Chota Char Dum” (Chota Char Dham pilgrimage places: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri) travel starts from Rishikesh.
The weather is always pleasant. People across the world come to Rishikesh to learn and know more about yoga and meditation. International Yoga Festival is also conducted every year by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board.
Travellers who want to explore the adventure side also have many options in Rishikesh such as Bungee Jumping, Rafting, Trekking, Giant Swing, Zipline tour, Rock climbing etc.
Rishikesh is well connected with road transport. So, it is very feasible to reach this destination without much hassle.
Best time to visit Rishikesh: April to June, September to October
Nearest Railway Station to Rishikesh: Rishikesh Railway station/Haridwar Railway station
Nearest Airport to Rishikesh: Jolly Grant Airport
LUCKNOW
Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as the “City of Nawabs”. You can witness the blend of modern and old culture in Lucknow. People here are famous for their good manners and hospitality.
Major attractions of Lucknow are Rumi Darwaza (60-feet height Rumi Gate), Hussainabad Imambara (Golden Dome), Bara Imambara (World’s largest unsupported structure), Dewa Sharif, Dr Ambedkar Park, etc.
Lucknow was the administrative and cultural hub of the Nawabs of Avadh. We can see Nawabi’s impact in every monument in Lucknow. The beauty of British architecture makes it more special. Being one of the ancient cities of India, it’s rich in heritage.
Lucknow is also famous for its mouth-watering delicacies like Tundey Kebab, Irdis ki Biryani, Chicken Masala, Malai Makhan, Khasta Kachori, Revdi, Zafrani kheer, etc. Your tummy will have a wonderful treat with a variety of flavours.
Lucknow is safe like any other city, but always follow some basic precautions if you are new to the city especially when you are a solo women traveller.
Best time to visit Lucknow: September to March
Nearest Railway Station to Lucknow: Lucknow Junction Railway Station
Nearest Airport to Lucknow: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport
DARJEELING
Darjeeling is a famous town in West Bengal. The picturesque beauty of the town makes it a favourite place for travellers. Darjeeling is fondly called as “Queen of Hills.” It is one of the safest solo female travel destinations even if you are a beginner.
You can have a complete nature tour if you choose this town in your travel list. If you want to witness the perfect Sunrise, visit Tiger Hills. Nature unwinds its charm to the fullest in this beautiful town. Because of its mesmerising beauty and wonderful climate, it is one of the famous honeymoon destinations in India
Darjeeling is world famous for its tea. Taste their tea from a local tea estate and you will be amazed. The pure natural blend is so different from the artificial tea dust tea we get in modern cities. Tea plantations of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains, make it a more attractive and desirable places to visit. Mt. Kanchenjunga is the world’s third-highest peak. You can get a good variety of tea dust here at a nominal price.
Before Independence Darjeeling used to be the summer capital of British India. The toy train of Darjeeling which was established in 1881 is chosen as one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage. Local lifestyle is inherited from various cultures, you can see the blend of Tibetan, Nepali, Bengali and Gorkha influences.
If you want to learn about mountaineering, Darjeeling is the best place. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in this town is considered one of the best mountaineering institutes in the World. No doubt that aspiring mountaineering from all over the world comes to this institute to polish their skills.
The other major attraction of Darjeeling is Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Rock Garden, Rope way, Nightingale Park, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Observatory Hill, Ghoom Monastery, Happy Valley Tea Estate, etc.
Best time to visit Darjeeling: April to June
Nearest Railway Station to Darjeeling: Siliguri Junction Railway Station
Nearest Airport to Darjeeling: Bagdogra Airport
Travel heals everything, your body and soul. Mindset is more important than the destination. Listen to your inner soul and take the first step. Once its begins… then there is no turning back.
If you are a first-time solo traveller, then do check my Travel Tips which will be useful for your travel planning
All the best for your journey.
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