15 Destinations For Solo Women Travellers In India

India has long been touted as unsafe destination for travellers from all over the world. More so in case of the female travellers coming to India. While safety should always be taken seriously it is easy to follow some simple rules and guidelines to keep yourself out of trouble’s way. So ladies, it’s your time to tie your shoes and explore the country like never before!

We have compiled a list of 15 destinations in India which are notable for their undoubted charm but are also safe for the solo women traveller who likes to travel solo. A lot of these destinations are definitely going to be on everyone’s bucket list after you have gone through them.

Nainital

Situated in the serene valleys of Uttarakhand, Nainital is truly the definition of dreamland on earth. Inhabited by local kumaoni people known for their warm nature and friendly smiles, the small town of Nainital is both an incredibly safe and incredibly fun place to explore all by yourself.

Things to do: Snow View, Tiffin Top, China Peak, Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal, Saattal, Lover’s Point, Himalaya Darshan, Ropeway (Cable Car), Nanda Devi Temple, Jama Masjid, Pangot, Corbett National Park
Mysore

The cultural hub of Karnataka is also one of the safest places in the state for a woman to travel alone to. The streets are populated till the sun goes down and while it is advised to not loiter around at night, the city still feels safe at night due to it being a popular tourist destination and people travelling at night. Mysore is a must visit for and lady who has a taste for indian culture and history.

Things to do: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Government House, Rangacharlu, Jubilee Clock, Sri Chamundeswari Temple, Rail Museum.
Shimla

Hill stations, by rule of thumb, are generally safer due to the number of people present at any given time. However, when it comes to hill stations, few can match the beauty and charm of the valleys of Shimla. The hilltop town is an absolute delight and the crown jewel of indian tourism. Shimla also offers lots of attractive and safe lodging options which makes it a very viable destination for a female traveller.

Things to do: Viceregal Lodge, Town Hall, Jakhu Temple, Gaiety Museum, Christ Church, State Museum, Kali Bari Temple, Himalayan Bird Park and Kufri
Khajuraho

Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the temples of Khajuraho are truly a sight to behold. There can be slight reservations about Khajuraho due to the amount of heckling that goes on here but once you learn how to deal with the guides and vendors Khajuraho becomes one of the safest spots in the country to spend a quiet weekend.

Things to do: Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Old Village, Lakshmi Temple, Matangeshwar Mahadev Temple, Parshwanath Temple, Lord Mahavira Temple and Adinath Temple
Udaipur

Rajasthan in general is inhabited by people who are very friendly and helpful in nature, and no city exemplifies this more than the city of Udaipur. The rich culture running through the cities veins is easily seen in every street you set your foot in. The only issue you may face is that Udaipur is generally a couples destination and so travelling alone can sometimes be frustrating, but if your sense of adventure can overcome that instinct you are in for a treat of your life.

Things to do: Lake Palace, City Palace, Lake Pichola, Ahar Museum, Sajjan Garh/ Monsoon Palace, Bagore ki Haveli, Sunset Point
Kaziranga,Assam

Nothing says that a national park should be out of limits for a female traveller, Right? With its abundant population of the one-horned rhino, Kaziranga sure makes a great attraction to see the wildlife up close and personal when travelling alone. The government run park provides private jeep safari and Elephant tours to help the tourists explore the park and we find the tour highly recommendable!

Things to do: One-horned Rhino, Leopard, Fishing Cat, Large Indian Civet, Small Indian Civet, Sambar, Barking deer, Hog deer, Gaur, Hog Badger, Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Assamese Macaque and Rhesus Macaque
Varanasi

The holy city of Varanasi is the religious hub of the northern region of India. The city of temples is known for its large number of ghats built next to the holy Ganges river. The people in Varanasi are very friendly and helpful in nature and will often at times go out of their way to help out a stranger in need. The city thrives on it’s tourism and as such is considered a very safe spot for travellers to soak in the hindu culture.

Things to do: Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Dashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Ramnagar Fort and Museum, Gyan Kupor Well, Tulsi Manas Temple, New Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, Bharat Mata Temple
Puducherry

This union territory provides what a lot of places in the country are sorely lacking, a moment of peace. The calm and serene setting looks more like a French city of time gone by than a modern Indian city. It is a great place for shopping or trying the delicious french cuisine and is certainly full of amiable people who are happy leading their simple lives.

Things to do: Sri Aurobindo Asharam, Churches, Puducherry Museum, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Notre Dame des Anges, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Botanical Garden, Sacred Heart Basilica,Goubert Ave/Beach Road
Sikkim

North east has the power to blow you away and even particularly in north east Sikkim is the most stunning place you will ever visit in the region. Sikkim is made up entirely of high mountains. low valleys and a smattering of buddhist monasteries in between. It also has a very rich culture of hospitality which is always a plus when travelling somewhere alone.

Things to do: Rumtek Gompa, Samdruptse, Norbugang Park, Ganesh Tok, Khecheopalri Lake, Guru Padmasambhava Statue, Rabdentse, Pelling, Hot Water Springs, Dubdi Gompa, Sakyamuni Complex, Old Rumtek Gompa, Tsomgo Lake, Namchi, Yamthang Valley, Golden Stupa, Yuksom, Ravangla
Ladakh

Ladakh is the ultimate holy grail of solo travel. Definitely not for first-timers but also a must visit after you are used to lugging around your own luggage. The serene calm of the valleys weaves its silent magic on men and women alike, and to experience ladakh is to truly experience the beauty of Himalayas itself. If you really want to travel to Ladakh for starters it is advisable to have a group of friends with you who can help you out with pointers.

Things to do: Leh Palace, Pangong Lake, Lake Tsomoriri, Nubra Valley, Zanskar Valley, Markha Valley, Lamayuru Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Tso Kar, Alchi Monastery, Shey Monastery, Phutkal Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Hemis National Park, Stok Palace, Wanla Gompa, Likir Monastery, Sham Valley, Thiksey Gompa, Phyang Monastery, Rizong Monastery, Sar – Zung Temple, Khardung La, Namgyal Stupa
Churu, Rajasthan

As mentioned earlier, the people in Rajasthan are probably the most friendly faces around in the country.Thus, it is very viable to travel to a small city like Churu and get to know the real culture of the rajasthani people inside out. Keep in mind however that this should be a strictly day trip as there is not much to do apart from spending time with the locals. Once you are done soaking up the culture make a short trip to any of the famous cities around to move further in your journey.

Things to do: Mingle with locals,culture,Learn cooking rajasthani food and pottery
Munnar,Kerala

Munnar, though famous for its tea plantations, is also a place of breathtaking beauty and amazing landscapes.The green backdrop to every scenery just adds to the over all charm of the place. Located in the state of Kerala, Munnar is considered a very safe place to travel to, owing to the honest and hardworking nature of the people working here. The variety of resorts around this place also offer some very attractive options to the people who are looking to travel solo to the district.

Things to do: Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Tea Museum
Hampi

Hampi will simply change your mind set about India, as this small village destination has so much to impart to its urban counterparts! Hospitable, friendly and culturally wealthy people are what you are likely to encounter here.Hampi is yet another place that has been recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are a backpacker type of person, you are surely going to love this place as it offers cheap accommodation, gives you the chance to meet with people from different countries and makes you feel free.

Things to do: Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Zenana Enclosure, Sule Bazaar and Achyutaraya Temple, Nandi Statue, Elephant Stables, Hemakuta Hill, Underground Shiva Temple, Queen’s Bath and Royal Centre
Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a destination geared towards the more fun and adventure loving amongst us. With activities like white water rafting, rappelling and fox flying, Rishikesh is an ultimate adventure package which can be enjoyed alone or with a group of your own friends. If adventure is not your cup of tea they also have some nice yoga classes you can try out in the backdrop of the scenic beauty of himalayas.

Things to do: Swarg Niwas Temple, Shri Trayanbakshwar Temple, Swarg Ashram, Lakshman Jhula, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Asharam, Neelkantha Mahadev Temple, Neergarh Waterfall.
Ziro Valley,Arunanchal Pradesh

One of the most picturesque places in India, Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh has to be visited once in a lifetime. A picture perfect place with lush greenery, careening rice-fields and snaking rivulets and rustic habitats, the valley is nothing short of a dreamland. The local tribes indigenous to this place have their own deep culture and traditions which can be studied easily if you spend some time, Ziro valley is one lesser known place that should be on the bucket list of every solo traveller.

Things to do: Hong, Hija, Hari, Bamin, Dutta, Ziro Putu, Tarin Fish Farm, Talley Valley, Tapyo Salt, Dolo Mando, Kile Pakho, Dilopolyang Maniipolyang, Shiva Lingam at Kardo Forest