15 Best Indian Places for Solo Female Travel
The best part about solo travelling to India is that you can visit the country during any month and you will not be disappointed. While you can visit any place in any season, I would recommend that you make a plan, weigh the pros and cons and then decide which place to travel to in which season. If you find all of this to be a chore, I have a trick that will save you from the work of doing this all by yourself.
There are more than fifty cities in India that have a population of over one million. It might sound cliché to say that these are the best places to visit, but it doesn’t mean that other places aren’t worth visiting. In this blog, I have listed the 15 best places for solo female travel that you must visit on your trip to India. Read on.
1. Delhi – the Capital city
The capital city tops my list for the best place to travel for solo female travellers. It has everything that makes it interesting – rich culture, history, unique accommodations, great food, and amazing people. While all of that is great, I would like to let you know that some people do not consider Delhi to be one of the safest places for female travellers. And it is partially true, but nothing to worry about if you are cautious enough. I have visited Delhi multiple times, and I have never had a bad experience, so it gets a green flag from my side.
The best part is that you will never run out of things to do in Delhi. Divided into New Delhi and Old Delhi, there is more to do and see here than you can think. It is famous for its shopping centers, and you can find almost everything you can ever imagine. The Delhi food is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it is damn tasty (I mean, very tasty!). But on the other, the infamous Delhi belly can wreak havoc inside your body.
2. Ooty – Queen of the Nilgiris
Located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is a popular hill station that attracts travellers from around the globe. It is a relatively cool place and doesn’t get hot during summers either. It receives quite a lot of rainfall, and the weather is pleasant all year round. A major chunk of the economy is based on tourism in Ooty, so you can travel here without having a second thought.
The best part about Ooty is the picturesque beauty of this place. It offers tea gardens, parks, waterfalls, lakes, forests, museums, and some historical buildings as well. And the scenic views of the mountains are perfect for your Instagram-worthy posts.
3. Rajasthan – the land of Kings
The remains of the royal kings and queens are quite noticeable here in the palaces and forts. It is a big state in terms of size, similar to the country of the Philippines. The rich history and culture of the state are famous worldwide. The architecture of buildings, forts, palaces, and temples is so mesmerising that it feels like you are on a movie set. Apart from all of the famous ones, there are a lot of hidden gems too!
When it comes to visiting places in Rajasthan, you have a lot of choices. Other than just history and culture, Rajasthan boasts its modernisation as well. When it comes to the must-visit places, here are some of my favourites.
| Name of the place | What’s special about it? |
| Jaipur | Pink City – modernised amid history; most populous |
| Udaipur | The City of Lakes – known for history, culture, scenic locations |
| Jodhpur | Blue City – the capital of Kingdom of Marwar; palaces, forts, temples |
| Jaisalmer | Golden City – desert experience, Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli |
4. Auli – the picturesque hill station
Located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, Auli is a popular destination for newlyweds. But, wait! That doesn’t mean solo female travellers like you and me can’t go there. It is a beautiful and clean place that is known for skiing. I would suggest that you try it out at least once. Even if you do not wish to ski in Auli, it is a wonderful place, nonetheless.
Some other things that you can try out in Auli are cable car riding which will send chills up your spine, but the views are totally worth it! You can also walk around Chattrakund Lake, which is a beautiful little lake. Simply sitting there on a sunny day will lighten your mood and make you feel much better. All in all, if you wish to travel to a cool beautiful place, then Auli is the right pick for you.
5. Goa – the ultimate tourist destination
Goa is known for its beaches, party life, and the like. But, there’s a lot more to explore than that. I would say that everyone should visit Goa at least once in their life to experience everything that this place has to offer. I have travelled to Goa numerous times, and it has become like a second home to me.
The Goa beaches are world-famous, and you will find them to be jampacked most of the time. But the Goan food does not get enough credit. It is a blend of Indian and Portuguese cuisines, and I must say, it’s enjoyable!
The famous walking food tour, Anjuna, Baga and Calangute beaches, the party life, churches, history, Portuguese architecture, great hospitality and hotels, amazing wildlife, and I’m tired already! I highly recommend that you pack your bags and go explore Goa.
6. Darjeeling – the Queen of Hills
Located 2,000 metres above sea level, Darjeeling is another beautiful hill station. It is known for its tea industry and the world’s third-highest mountain, Kangchenjunga. It is also home to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the toy train, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take the two-hour ride and feel like a child again while enjoying all the amazing views.
Besides riding the toy train, you can also arrange a mountain trek or mountain biking if you love adventures. Alternatively, you can also indulge in sightseeing in places like Nightingale Park, Rock Garden, Peace Pagoda, and Ghoom Monastery. Darjeeling must be on your bucket list of places to visit for sure!
7. Coorg – the Scotland of India
Officially known as Kodagu, Coorg is a major tourist hotspot in India. It is primarily known for its coffee, which I must say, is some of the best that I have ever tasted! Almost every tourist that ever visits Coorg takes home a packet of Kodagu coffee beans or coffee powder. Other than the coffee, the rich history and culture of this place are also an attraction.
Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Park, Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, and Namdroling Monastery are my top suggestions that one must visit during their solo trip. The greenery and natural beauty of Coorg are mesmerising, and it looks unreal. The weather is chill with a cool breeze all year round, just another reason for you to visit Coorg.
8. Pondicherry – India’s Little France
Pondicherry’s history is still seen in the beautiful architecture, restaurants, cafes, and churches. This is because it was colonised by the Dutch, French, and British in the 17th and 18th centuries. Out of those, the French flair is the most noticeable. I must say, it is one of the best places for solo female travellers, one that is light on the pocket and enjoyable.
The locals’ inclination towards spirituality and meditation is one of the reasons that make this place worth visiting. Along with that, the beauty of nature, the serenity of the lakes, and the welcoming attitude of the locals are just the cherries on top of the cake. If you cannot wait to travel to Pondicherry, you can check out my solo travel guide, which will ease your troubles of planning your trip.
9. Mumbai – the City of Dreams
Mumbai needs no introduction. You will have heard of it several times if you are not living under a rock. It is the second-most populous city in India after Delhi and the seventh-most in the world, with a population of 20 million (that’s a lot of humans!). It is home to millionaires, billionaires, film stars, entrepreneurs, and people like you and me too.
Travelling on a Mumbai local train, experiencing the rain, visiting Marine drive, checking out the Gateway of India are the simple things that can make you experience the lives of Mumbaikars. If you wish to explore the history and visit some touristy places, I would recommend that you check out Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites and totally worth visiting.
10. Shimla – the British summer capital
Once declared as the summer capital of British-colonised India, Shimla is a famous destination for all kinds of travellers. It is a blend of the scenic beauty of nature, historical architecture, and technology. It is one of the most famous hill stations in India, which acts as a perfect escape from the hot and humid Indian climate.
The Kalka-Shimla railway, built in the early 19th century, is known for its views of the hills and villages. It was recently added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. If you wish to relax for a few days and rejuvenate yourself from all the stress of your life, Shimla is the place to be at!
11. Gulmarg – The Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir
Many famous Bollywood movies like Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Highway, Phantom, Haider, and others were filmed here, which has added to the popularity of the lesser-known Gulmarg. While some people fear safety, there is nothing to worry about, and it is not affected in times of unrest in Srinagar.
The Gondola rides are the highlights of Gulmarg, and I suggest that you can even take a day out solely for these rides. Without this, your trip to Gulmarg is going to be missing a piece – the Gondola rides. Other sports like snowboarding and skiing are also available for the majority of the year, something that you can experience if you love adventures.
12. Varanasi – the City of Temples
Earlier known as ‘Banaras,’ it is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is also known as the spiritual capital of India and is considered to be the holiest place in the country. You can see people bathe in the Ganges, which is believed to wash away their sins, and the ashes of the dead are also released in the river. I must say, there is probably no other place in the world that is as spiritual as Varanasi!
If you wish to learn about Indian history and the earliest human civilizations, Varanasi is the place to be at. There is not another place that will teach you about India as much as Varanasi will. You can also take a boat ride here and enjoy the sunrise, which is the best picturesque thing you can ever do!
13. Kolkata – the City of Joy
The most important city during the British period, Kolkata, is also known as the ‘cultural capital of India.’ And without surprise, people here are very spiritual and love their Bengali culture. The famous festival – Durga Puja is one of the highlights of Kolkata. There is something special about Kolkata as by simply walking on the streets and looking around, you will see the highs and lows of life, the rich and the poor.
There is a street where people of all ages play chess in the evening. A bridge above, traffic around, and people playing chess – it’s a wonderful sight. Even if you don’t like to play chess, I would suggest that you visit the place and have a look at the sight. Other places that you must explore are Park Street, Eden Gardens, Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial Hall, and Mother House.
14. Agra – the Taj city
Agra is one of the most visited places in India. It is mainly known for the Taj Mahal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the world. While Taj Mahal is not the only thing that Agra has to offer, I would highly recommend that you visit it. If you want to learn more about the Taj Mahal, click here.
The history and beauty of Mughal monuments is the primary reason that attracts the tourists. Other than the Taj Mahal, you can explore the Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah and Akbar’s Tomb too. Agra is the perfect place that has a blend of beauty and royalty, which makes it worthy if you wish to explore such places.
15. Munnar – Kashmir of South India
Munnar is a hill station in Kerala and is a cool place (literally!). It is quite cold in the summers as well, so if you do not like to visit hot places, Munnar is the best to be at. The cool breeze all year round is one of the many reasons that a lot of tourists visit Munnar every year. If you want to explore other beautiful places around Munnar, Kerala has it all.
Munnar is known for its tea plantations, beautiful lakes, impressive valleys, and thick forests – the perfect blend for solo travelling. If you wish to, you can take a tour of the tea plantations and learn more about them. Otherwise, you can explore the valley and forests too.
Where will you be travelling for your next solo travel adventure?
Those were some of the best places that I would recommend you for your next solo trip to India. So, pack your bags and get going because you will cherish this experience for the rest of your life!