To embark on a journey within is the greatest path you will ever choose. Solo trips are not just a medium to step out of your comfort zone, but a chance to embrace new perspectives on life molded by your experiences and encounters. A recent study by Apex India suggests that 84% Indians are planning to travel Solo this year. Every passing year, the number of people embarking on solo trips in India is increasing 3 fold, shedding more light on the importance of self care and rejuvenation.
While planning to travel solo, we are bombarded with a million different questions like – “Would it be safe? Will I be able to make friends? What are some important things to keep in mind etc.” And to answer these questions, we have jotted down a few tips and tricks for solo travelers that will help you have a seamless journey to your favorite destinations!
Choose the most Convenient Mode of Transportation
This is your ticket to freedom, so it is advised that you lock your seats in advance! From Flights to Trains, Buses to Taxis, pre-booking your ticket ensures safe, unhurried travel and peace of mind.
Trains –
- Know the nearest Station
- Reserve your to & fro journey in advance
- Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart
- Be vigilant about your belongings
Flights –
- For lowest prices book 3 Months Advance
- Check nearest Airport for your destination
- Get yourself a Window Se
- Use connecting flights to save on budget
Buses –
- Choose a Govt Bus or Volvo with good reviews
- Take the Sleeper Option for Long Journey
- Carry Hygiene Essentials for the Road Journey
- Keep ample water and snack healthy
Pick the Perfect Crash-pad
Whether you want to pre-book or explore and then choose, make sure your hotel/homestay or camp has good Google Reviews. While planning your solo trip in India, you can also talk to fellow travelers or locals and get an honest opinion of your stay.
Hostels –
- Select a renowned hostel that’s safe
- Become a part of the Community
- Choose Bunk Beds for Budget Traveling
- Interact with like-minded travelers
Hotels –
- Find Budget Hotels that are safe
- Book a Single Room for yourself
- Choose Hotels with Breakfast Inclusion
- Select a Hotel that’s at a prime spot
Camps –
- Choose Swiss/Alpine/ Dome Camps according to location
- Make sure the camp is equipped with Sleeping Bag or Blankets
- Don’t Litter around the Campsite
- Carry Toiletries, Torch, Power Bank etc.
Homestay –
- Ensure that the Homestay is safe and comfortable
- Choose a prime location for your stay
- Respect the privacy of your Hosts
Your Safety is always the Top Most Priority
When planning to go on a solo trip in India, dive deep into researching your destination, know all about the routes, culture, people etc. It is also advisable to keep someone informed about your whereabouts and to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Carry an Extra Sim Card
- Keep Pepper Spray / Swiss Knife handy
- Travel during the Day
- Stay Connected to Friends / Family
- Inform someone about your whereabouts
Learn to Navigate like a Pro
It’s always fun to explore offbeat places and embark on unplanned adventures, however, make sure you have GPS, a physical map or a genuinely great idea of the trails you are treading upon! Be wild and free, but safely.
- Always have GPS on your phone
- Carry a Physical Map
- Research well about the Routes and Trails
- Don’t trek to restricted areas
- Let Locals guide you
- Carry a Torch Light and Compass
Indulge in Community Bonding
The beauty of choosing to go on solo trips in India is in both the people you meet and the moments you spend alone with yourself. Align activities that match with your interests and if you get lonely, don’t hesitate to mingle with locals and other travelers.
- Indulge in Community Activities
- Bond with like-minded Travelers
- Take Tips from Locals
- Align Activities that suit you
- Attend Festivals, Shows, Get-togethers etc
- Go on Food Walks
Pack Light & Dress Right
Never forget to carry an extra power bank, medicines and first aid, extra shoes, a map, hygiene essentials and most of all, lots of courage. Every beautiful journey starts with one step, might as well take it today.
- Rucksack for ease and comfort
- Medicines & First Aid
- Power Bank, Sim Card, Charger
- Day Pack for Hikes and Outings
- Warm Clothes, Socks, Extra Shoes
- Bottle, Luggage Organizer, Toiletries
Best Places in India for Solo Travelers
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Renowned as the Yoga Capital of the World and one of India’s oldest, most sacred cities, Rishikesh is a hub for activities, yogic practices and also starting point for many treks. You can find hundreds of foreigners roaming wild and free, along with strict security at almost all major areas ensuring your safety.
Things to do in Rishikesh –
- Take a Holy Dip at the Goa Beach
- Visit the iconic Beatles Ashram
- Enjoy River Rafting, Rishikesh’s most fabled activity
- Be a part of the sacred Ganga Aarti
- Go cafe hopping and explore the local culture
Other places you can explore near Rishikesh – Dehradun & Mussoorie, Chopta – Tungnath, Nag Tibba etc
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh
Perched high up in the trans-himalayan region, Ladakh’s culture is mostly based on the idea of peace and harmony. Considered as one of the most thrilling destinations to embark on, Ladakh might seem difficult but is actually one of the safest places to be. With almost 0% crime rate, do not even think twice while planning your solo trip to Ladakh!
Things to do in Ladakh –
- Embark on a Bike & Backpacking full-circuit trip
- Explore Leh Town’s iconic gems
- Visit Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso & more
- Drive on the Highest Motorable Roads in the World
- Visit Srinagar via Drass & Zoji La
Other similar places you can visit – Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Kasol, Parvati Valley
Considered as the hippie haven of India, Parvati Valley exudes a different charm of its own. With its accepting culture and warm hospitality of people, we would rate Kasol as one of the safest solo trip destinations in India.
Things to do in Kasol :
- Go on Hikes to Kalga, Chalal and Tosh
- Trek to Kheerganga, Bun Buni, Sar Pass etc
- Indulge in cafe hopping by the river
- Try out local Israeli Cuisines
- Camp at view-points and hill tops
Other places you can visit near Kasol – Manali & Sissu Valley, Jibhi – Tirthan Valley, Shangarh, Tirthan Valley, Prashar Lake Trek
Goa
Considered as the party hub of India, Goa is famous for its pristine beaches, eccentric ocean side vibes and adventure activities. However, beyond the party and chill, Goa has dense forests, backwaters and unexplored islands that pose as the perfect offbeat getaway. Considering its ultra chill vibes, it should definitely be on the top of your list when jotting down best solo trip destinations in India.
- Explore North & South Goa
- Go on a Work Vacation
- Hike to Butterfly Beach
- Indulge in sailing, paragliding & more
- Hike to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Other places you can visit near Goa : Lonavala, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Gokarna, Coorg etc.
Meghalaya
Unlike any other state in India, Meghalaya believes and practices Matriarchy. This state has not only proven itself as a safe haven for the locals but has also been welcoming of Indian and foreign travelers.
Things to do in Meghalaya
- Camp by the glistening Shnongpedeng
- Go boating on the crystal clear waters of Dawki River
- Explore iconic Waterfalls like Krang Suri, Nohkalikai, Seven Sister falls etc.
- Witness a beautiful sunrise at Laitlum Canyon
- Head to Kaziranga for an enthralling Jeep Safari
Best Treks for Solo Travelers :
Leave the roads, hit the trails! Trekking is indeed one of the best ways to embrace the beauty of travel. As you trek, you experience the might of nature first-hand which we today call “nature therapy.” It let’s you detach from the chaos of the outside world while showing you how to be content with minimalism. Here are some of the Best Treks in India you can embark on –
- Hampta Pass, Himachal Pradesh
- Ali Bedni Bugyal, Uttarakhand
- Har Ki Dun, Uttarakhand
- Kheerganga, Parvati Valley
- Sar Pass, Parvati Valley
Other places you can visit in the North East – Tawang Arunachal Pradesh, Kaziranga National Park, Ziro, Dzukou Valley
So if you planning to embark on a solo trip in India, worry no more, because we got you! Pack your bags, gather up all the courage and take that leap! This is your call to unfurl your wings and chase your dreams!