This one’s especially for my ladies who’re going to be reading it. Being a woman myself, this seemed like a very important tip for all our female travelers who plan to ride solo.
Traveling, exploration, and adventure appear to have become a driving force for many individuals in today’s day, and we can all agree that solo travel is the first step towards an independent existence for any individual, regardless of who they are, what they do, or where they belong.
Solo travel has been described as an inspiring voyage of self-discovery. In such cases, “why should boys have all the fun?” has become a prominent credo for the girls who have a desire for travel and dream of going alone.
After all, how many women in our midst have ever taken the risk of going on a solo vacation without second-guessing themselves? For a long time, solo travel for women in India was deemed risky, creating a barrier for women who wanted to experience the cities and the nation on their own.
Nonetheless, there is so much to see and experience in our nation. There is so much beauty that no one should miss it.
Hence, I bring for you, the list of India’s safest travel locations for solo travellers, especially for females who want to take their first step of freedom into the world of travel and discovery.
Sikkim
Sikkim, in the simplest words, can be called the true meaning of women’s empowerment as it leads the way by upholding its matriarchal traditions. It is here that one may find a wonderful combination of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Sikkim, with its unsullied and perfect Alpine forests and steep mountains all around, is home to one of India’s most spectacular hikes. Sikkim is known for its lovely summers, snowy winters, fantastic tourist attractions, rich Buddhist culture, and most definitely the nightlife of Gangtok.
To enter the northern areas of the state, you will require a government permit, but all of the formalities will seem trivial when you get to experience Sikkim’s wonderland.
The fresh cuisine and tribal atmosphere are sure to make you feel as though you’ve been cleansed and the purity would instill within your soul. The genuine kindness and compassion of the inhabitants will definitely make you feel at home.
The best time to visit Sikkim often varies with the destination that you target for your vacation. However, the capital city of Gangtok can be visited between the months of October and May.
Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Tsongmo Lake, Yuksom, Nathu La, Gangtok, Pelling, Singalila National Park, Goecha La, Khangchendzonga National Park, Rumtek Monastery, and Do Drul Chorten are some of the nearby places that are a must see while one is on a solo trip to Sikkim.
Shillong
Shillong, another of the safest destinations in India for solo female travelers, is a city full of interesting experiences and discovery. Meghalaya’s capital is popular with female bikers because of its beautiful natural vistas, rich historical sites, lovely towns inhabited by ethnic groups, and scrumptious food.
The “Scotland of the East” gives a spectacular experience for every keen traveller, particularly nature lovers and heavy metal fanatics.
Shillong is a popular tourist destination due to its location in the north-east and ease of access from all directions. The hill station is the best place for travellers to experience the beautiful lakes, lush hills with pine trees, secret waterfalls, and a variety of adventurous activities.
The finest months to visit the tranquil hill station are October to March, and the greatest neighbouring locations in and around Shillong include Umiam Lake, Mawlynnong, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Police Bazaar, Mawsynram, Don Bosco Museum, Ward’s Lake, and Lady Haydari Park. ‘
Shillong is also well-known for its climbing and trekking options for those who appreciate exploring the forest on foot.
Leh Ladakh
Ladakh, a beautiful tourist destination that provides an escape from the heat, displays its interesting traits when you delve deeper. It’s an experience that all lone female travelers should have in the chilly desert, where the hills can almost be heard beckoning.
Its relaxing tranquility, breathtaking scenery, historical sites, and vibrant Buddhist culture are important reasons for its growing popularity among all tourists, particularly bikers and female travellers.
Ladakh’s landscape is diversified and exceedingly tranquil, ranging from white sand dunes and green valleys to high mountain passes and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries.
A journey to Ladakh, however, is not recommended for those who are new to the realm of exploration and adventure because the path to Leh is fairly complex, lengthy, and even dangerous.
Despite the exploitation it has endured at the hands of capitalism, the tranquility of Ladakh is inexplicable, making it an even more appealing destination for visitors.
From the Shanti Stupa to Khardung-La (the highest motorable pass in the world), and from turquoise lakes to river valleys, Ladakh offers numerous astounding monuments that your journey would be incomplete if you did not explore. The months of June through September are ideal for visiting Leh.
The fact that Ladakh is diversely equipped is evident because it is not only the exploration of places in and around Ladakh that interests a traveller, but also the various activities such as hiking, mountaineering, bike tours, monastery visits, rafting on the Indus, snow leopard spotting, and camping that keep the travellers from becoming bored during their stay in Leh.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is another of India’s safest and most laid-back places for solo female travelers who want to explore as well as rest in a calm atmosphere where no one disturbs their tranquility. Pondicherry’s stunning white sandy beaches, ashrams, bike excursions, and bar hopping are just a few of the fantastic activities that await female travelers.
Pondicherry is known not just for its tranquil ambiance and beautiful beaches but also for its French-inspired culture, most notably in its Parisian cafés, colourful architecture, and even streets called in French!
Pondicherry has become the new Goa for many people over the years, but there is still so much more to it that has yet to be explored. The city has no one greatest time or precise ideal season to visit; in fact, it is the finest all year.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Goubert Market, and White Town are among the tourist attractions in and around Pondicherry, as are Auroville Beach, Promenade, and Paradise Beach, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Aurobindo Ashram, Matrimandir, Serenity Beach, White Town, French War Memorial, and Botanical Gardens.
Kovalam, Kerala
Kovalam is a serene beach town in Kerala known for its beautiful ocean, delicious seafood, historical buildings, and lavish resorts. And, of course, no trip to Kerala would be complete without a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.
Kovalam boasts a plethora of activities to keep visitors and travellers interested. It’s almost as though there’s something for everyone here in the heart of Kerala, around 16 kilometres from the popular metropolitan city of Thiruvananthapuram.
Its palm-lined beaches include the stunning Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach for those who want to spend their time resting to the sound of breaking waves.
Anyone with a keen interest in history and culture will be astounded by the history and architecture of the Vizhinjam Juma Masjid mosque. Inland, the Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium displays pearl-producing technology, and scuba diving is a necessity for those who enjoy being in the water.
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The nicest feature about Kovalam’s diving site is that it has calm waters, which makes it a more reachable Scuba Diving destination for its visitors. However, this is not all; there is much more to explore and enjoy in Kovalam than can be expressed in words.
The months of October through March are ideal for visiting the city. Aside from the aforementioned lovely sights in Kovalam, there are a few more places in the surrounding area that should be visited and enjoyed while in the city.
Lighthouse Beach, Halcyon Castle, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, Vellayani Lake, Neyyar Dam, and Vizhinjam Village are among them.
Varkala, Kerala
Varkala, the last on our list but far from the final, is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala’s southern state. Many foreigners used to visit and stay in Varkala for months at a time.
It has long been a backpacker’s paradise, similar to Rishikesh, Kasol, and even Goa. Varkala is the greatest option for those looking for tranquilly and leisure.
Varkala is one of the greatest and safest places in India for female alone travellers. Ayurveda can help people convert their life’s challenges into life’s delights.
The beaches of this coastal city are stunning, nestled against massive cliffs. Wandering thoughts gain speed in these quiet surroundings, and tourists may take in the magnificence of the palm-lined beaches.
Surfing and relaxing Ayurvedic treatments are provided on Varkala’s beaches. Varkala is best visited during the winter season. The weather remains good, making it perfect for visiting the tourist sites in Varkala. The best months to visit are from October to March.
Aside from the Varkala and Edava beaches, there is also a mangrove forest for kayaking, as well as different water sports options in Varkala, the Varkala cliff, Varkala Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala Aquarium, Janardhana swami temple, Odayam and Kappil Beach Varkala, and Ponnumthuruthu.
There are various sites around Varkala that should not be ignored when exploring the beauty of Varkala, such as Kollam, Alleppey, Poovar, Munnar, and others.
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