What You Need to Know Before Your Solo Trip to India

India is a land of contrasts – sea, sand, mountains, forests, wildlife, temples, palaces, and whatnot. The diversity in demographics, geographical landscapes, languages, and cultures is a beautiful mayhem.

To understand what I am saying, you have to experience India yourself. And experience it slowly – it is the best way to explore India all year round.

As a solo female traveller, I always say – before planning your solo trip, do your homework. India is no exception. With so many things to do, prioritize experiences as per your itinerary. You can check out my blogs to get insights on the destinations I cover from India to make your solo trip to India a trip of a lifetime.

Things to do in India

Tour the cultural landmarks.
Go for scuba diving in Andaman.
Live like a royal in Udaipur.
Camp under the stars in the Thar Desert.
Immerse yourself in the magical Ganga Aarti in Varanasi.
Explore the salt desert of the Rann of Kutch.
Hike and backpack through the mighty Himalayas.
Attend the Sunburn Festival in Goa.
Experience local festivals like Diwali and Holi.
Savour diverse cuisines from street food of Delhi to seafood of Goa.
Take part in wildlife safaris in National Parks.
Go on an adventure spree like skiing, paragliding, river rafting, etc.
Step into French shoes in Pondicherry’s French Quarter.
Learn kayaking in the backwater lagoons.
Soak in Coorg’s coffee and Darjeeling’s tea plantations.
Seek spiritual rejuvenation in places like Rishikesh or Auroville.

Travel Expenses: What to Budget

Accommodation – Stays in India are quite reasonable. Specifically if you choose to stay in hostels. The cost for a night starts from as low as $6. Besides, you can also secure a room at a budget hotel within $8 – $18.
Food – If you mix and match your meals of a day with street food and local restaurants, you can expect to pay up to $18. Trust me, digging into all the diverse local delicacies is the best way to get a taste of India.
Transport – While domestic flights are a bit costlier, trains in India are too affordable to travel between the cities. You can reserve a sleeper class ticket under $5 for short distances. In case you are exploring the city, you can expect to pay around $6 – $12 a day.

Recommended Daily Budget

If you travel across India on a budget, you can expect to spend around $30 to $45 per day in India. However, as a mid-range budget traveller, you can pay about $50 and above.

Proven and Tested Money-Saving Tricks!

Stay at ashrams or hostels at an affordable cost.
Volunteer in exchange for food and accommodation.
Book everything in advance to avoid a sudden surge in prices.
To travel inter-city, use metros in metropolitan cities.
Carry snacks instead of purchasing at the tourist spot.
Limit your gadgets to avoid paying extra at entrances.
Collect souvenirs tactfully, as every state in India houses unique pieces.
Eat at local and old places to taste the local dishes.
Shop and haggle like a pro.
Always cross-check details to avoid scams.

In a Nutshell, What Awaits You in India?

It is incredible how endless experiences await you in India. No matter in which part you happen to be, there’s something new to do or see. After all, how often do you get to experience a land as diverse as India?

Just shortlist places as per your taste and embrace their culture. Try their food (eat with your hands for the real taste) and immerse yourself in a transformative journey of adventure, spirituality, and discovery on your solo travel across India.