Best Solo Trip Destinations in India You Must Visit Alone
Best Solo Trip Destinations in India You Must Visit Alone: Do you love travelling but don’t have anyone to go with? Or do you have travel companions but prefer going solo? I can relate to both scenarios. When I was 20 years old, I took an overnight bus to Himachal to experience solo travelling. Since then, I have traveled to over 15 cities in India all by myself. I had to convince my parents that it is safe. Safety is always a top priority when travelling, which is why I want to share my list of the top five places in India that are easy and safe to get started with solo travelling.
Rishikesh
First on my list is Rishikesh, a city I fell in love with during my visit in May. It is a popular destination for solo travellers, and for good reason. The locals are friendly, and it is a safe place to travel alone. The closest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, only 35 km away from Rishikesh. Alternatively, you can travel by rail through Haridwar. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, such as Go Stops, which is located in Laxman Jhula, or Tapovan, the epicenter of everything.
As for things to do in Rishikesh, it’s known as the Adventure Capital of India and the Yoga Capital of the World, so you have both extremes to choose from. I highly recommend trying India’s highest bungee jumping spot, which also happens to be in Rishikesh. It was one hell of a plunge, but definitely worth the experience. So pack your bags and head to Rishikesh for an unforgettable solo travel experience.
Goa
Moving on to the next destination on my list, we have the beautiful state of Goa. There are many reasons to visit Goa; it’s a popular tourist destination, there’s plenty to do, and you’re likely to find other solo travelers to connect with. The easiest way to reach Goa is by bus if you’re in Mumbai or take a train which should take no more than 12 hours.
Accommodation options range from hostels to homestays, service apartments, and Airbnb. During your trip, you can stay at a hostel which cost under ₹700 per night. While in Goa, there are plenty of conventional things to do like visiting beaches, but you can venture into the deep forests of Goa, swam in secluded turquoise blue waters, and tasted local food like never before.
One of the most memorable experiences will visit a beautiful waterfall that is about 15 feet deep, where you can swim, climb, and cliff jump. The water was crystal clear, and it almost felt like a dream.
Pondicherry
Now, let’s move on to our next destination, Pondicherry. Pondicherry is a safe and tourist-friendly place that’s pretty aesthetic, with calm and helpful people. If you visit Auroville, it’s a unique experience. The best way to reach Pondicherry is by coming directly via flight or landing at Chennai airport and then taking a roughly three-hour journey to Pondy by bus, either via Koyambedu or Guindy bus stop.
Travel tip: opt for the Guindy metro since it’s cheaper and takes less time. Unfortunately, there are only a few hostel options, like Micasa and Nomad House. Instead, Pondicherry has heritage hotels and villas that you can stay at, charging anywhere between ₹1000-₹5000, or even ₹7000 per night.
There’s plenty to do in Pondi, like visiting White Town, exploring the cafes and beaches, and trying scuba diving at Temple Adventures. Scuba diving is not like intoxication, but it is like meditation.” Swimming with fish will make you respect marine life even more.
Hampi
It’s true that around 80% of solo travelers start their journey in Hampi. It’s a budget-friendly, simplistic, and safe destination that attracts a young crowd, including many solo travellers from overseas. Hampi is a remote village, which means it doesn’t have an airport or railway station.
However, the closest bus stop or railway station is at Hospet, from where you can take a bus or rickshaw to reach Hampi in about 30 minutes. As far as accommodation goes, there aren’t many hostels in Hampi that are still functional, but you can find homestays and other budget-friendly options.
Whispering Rocks is a homestay, which cost ₹999 per night. When it comes to things to do in Hampi, you can explore the ruins, which will take up your entire day, or admire the natural beauty of the place by cliff jumping or riding in a coracle. However, the best and my favorite activity was bouldering, an adventure sport that involves rock climbing without any harness or support.
Since there are so many boulders around, Hampi is the perfect place to try this activity, which requires you to use your hand, core, and leg strength to climb up. Of course, there’s a mattress below in case you fall, and some powder on your hands for a better grip. All in all, bouldering is a must-do thing in Hampi, given its ample opportunities for this activity.
Gokarna
Why Gokarna? Well, it’s safe, quiet, calm, and secluded. During my month-long stay in Gokarna, I felt safe enough to step out at any time, but of course, I avoided doing so when traveling alone. Gokarna is about a 3-hour drive from Goa, and you can either travel via Goa or take a train to Gokarna Road Railway Station. Alternatively, you can take an overnight sleeper bus from Mumbai or Bangalore, like I did. When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of options to choose from, including hostels, homestays, camps, and resorts. My personal favorite is Zostel, which costs anywhere between ₹700 – ₹1000 per night.
As for things to do, Gokarna offers a variety of activities. You can explore the many beaches in Gokarna, try water sports at Kudle Beach, and witness breathtaking sunsets. Additionally, you can visit other destinations like the Yana Caves, Mirjan Fort, and Honey Beach, which are located near Gokarna. Moreover, Gokarna has some amazing cafes, which offer multiple cuisines.
One of my favorite things about solo traveling is the ability to try different cuisines and have a unique dining experience. Going to restaurants and movies alone is a great way to become more comfortable in your own company.
In conclusion, this is my list of the Best Solo Trip Destinations in India that you should try for solo traveling. If you’re looking to travel solo, don’t look anywhere else. Take this as a sign to embark on your solo
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