Calling out to all the solo women travelers! Here are some of the places in India which should definitely top your list if you love to travel solo. After all, why should boys have all the fun? Isn't it !!
1. Puducherry
Puducherry is the perfect place for if you are in search of complete serenity. Lined with yellow colonial-style houses and clean air, this well maintained union territory gives you a feel of being in a French city. You can see the French influence in almost everything – food, clothing, culture, and language. This small but beautiful place is one of the most ideal locations for solo women travelers who are looking for a change. Not just peace, Puducherry offers you much more. Puducherry is a great place for shopping, experiencing delicious French cuisine, laying in the pristine white beaches and getting beer at cheap price.
You can also learn integral yoga at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, get a head pat by an Elephant at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and massage at the Ayurveda Holistic Healing Center.
Attractions: 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.
2. Sikkim
Sikkim gives you the notion that you have become Alice in her own wonderland. It’s one of the most peaceful places which give you the feel that you are born to be loved by Mother Nature. Northeast India is blessed with extraordinary pristine beauty which you as solo women travelers must not miss at any cost. The sky-kissing mountains, gorgeous valleys, rhododendron-strewn trails, patches of rice terraces and the graceful Buddhist monasteries make up most of Sikkim. And the rich tradition and hospitality that Sikkim possesses is just WOW!
There is lot to do at Sikkim. Some of the main activities that you can try out here include trekking, buying tea, taking an helicopter ride to catch an eye view of the state, witness the Bum Chu festival etc.
Attractions: 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.
3. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Solo women travelers who seek to explore the beauty of various places, Ladakh should definitely top their list. Not just the beauty that a traveler can explore here, but also the rich culture of the locals. They may be poor in terms of cash but definitely not in terms of hospitality. Ladakhis have got a golden heart and you can see it for yourself by staying at the home of one of the locals. The magnificent Buddhist Monastries of the Gompas have contributed immensely to the rich culture and history of Ladakh. You just need to stand amidst the valleys and you will start feeling the echo of love. The beauty of Ladakh will just compel the philosophical side of your brain to hunt the history of the creation of Earth!
If you are an adventure lover, then my friend, nothing can be better. At Ladakh, you can try mountain biking, motor biking, river rafting, go for trekking expeditions, have Italian coffee at Lala’s Art Café and soothe yourself by meditating at Mahabodhi center.
Attractions: 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.
4. Munnar, Kerala
Undulating hills covered all throughout with tea plantations are a characteristic to Munnar. The beauty of Munnar is just more than enough to leave someone speechless and one cannot simply describe this place with mere words. The best part is it gives you an opportunity to click some of the most amazing photos of your life. With every turn that you take, you start experiencing how diverse its beauty is and the charm will make you forget the hustle bustle of everyday life. You will just want to get consumed in its beauty! Kerala is one of the safest places for solo women travelers which welcome them with wide open heart. Munnar is also a great place to go trekking, hiking and cycling.
Attractions: Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Tea Museum.
5. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
One of the most picturesque places in India, Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh should be visited at least once in a lifetime. Lush greenery, careening rice-fields and snaking rivulets and rustic habitats add to its beauty. While here, you get to experience nature in its most untapped form with an added advantage of exploring the tradition and culture of the popular Apatani Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. One attractive feature of the tribe here is their lifestyle. Members are mostly seen with facial tattoos and nose plugs. If you are planning to visit the valley properly, do not forget to take a guide. Most of the times, you may face unwelcoming people if you are all alone as the tribes have stayed secluded from the world for over generations.
You can trek in the Talley Valley and Midey or even try out staying at one of the local’s place. This will give you even better opportunities to know them.
Attractions: 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.
Come on solo travelers, pack your bags, get set go !!