Solo travel isn’t always about visiting destinations and making memories; it’s much deeper than that. Have you ever heard someone say, Solo travel is the best way to find yourself? I think there is nothing truer than that. The version of yourself that you see when you’re alone in an unknown land might be something you never realised existed. Solo travel in India is the absolute best, as you can put yourself in different landscapes and experience numerous cultures within the country borders. Solo trips have become trending in India, thanks to social media. You might have your own share of questions and confusions. As a solo traveller myself, I will address them all in this guide to solo travel in India.

Best Solo Trip Destinations in India

A solo trip is not a category in itself; anybody can travel alone in India. What sort of traveler you are matters when you choose the spot and the experiences you would like. Let me clear something up first: you don’t always have to be the same kind of traveller. That’s the beauty of travel. You can be a backpacker, but you can also enjoy cultural or luxury tours from time to time. You can just go with your whims when you travel alone.

If backpacking is your style, go for

Spiti Valley: It is a valley in Himachal that stands out from the rest, with the high-altitude deserts, snow-capped peaks, and alpine lakes. The rugged mountains guard the villages and offer some of the best trekking and camping experiences.

Rishikesh: It is beautifully situated on the banks of the Ganges and provides the best adventure, relaxation, and spiritual experiences. The backdrop of the Himalayas and the azure waters make it a perfect spot to explore.

Leh-Ladakh: Their beauty is unlike any other, located at the northern corner of the Indian Himalayas, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The high-altitude lakes, unique treks, and remote villages give an otherworldly touch to your trip.

Varkala: It is a unique spot where the reddish-brown cliff meets the beach, offering stunning views. The cosy little town on the cliff lets you revel in the hippie vibes and the jazz music of random cafes.

Tawang: It is a picturesque town on the Indo-China border that provides limitless possibilities with its high-altitude monasteries, clear lakes, tribal culture, and majestic mountains. The snow-covered mountains are a breathtaking sight in themselves.

If you’re into laid-back exploration, head to

Goa: It is a famous spot known for its tropical climate, exotic beaches, and wonders of nature. It is equally popular for being a party hub. Not just that, one part of Goa is rich with off-beaten hiking trails that take you to spots with breathtaking views.

Alleppey: It is an ideal spot to float through the backwaters of Kerala, soaking in the calm energy and the unbelievable beauty. It is a must-visit place in India to unwind and relax, especially if you are staying in the houseboats.

Coorg: It is a beautiful hill station that is overflowing with coffee plantations and lush greenery. The grassy mountainous landscapes and rich wildlife give it a vibe of relaxing amidst nature with plenty of homestays and hiking trails.

Udaipur: The City of Lakes is an exquisite destination with a distinctive culture in Rajasthan. It is known to be the hub of culture and the arts. The beautiful architecture and the various lakes will forever be etched in your hearts.

Darjeeling: It is a small town in the rolling hills of the Himalayas with mesmerising views and fresh air to breathe in the northeastern part of India. Darjeeling lives up to its title of ‘Queen of Hills’ with the gorgeous tea plantations and clear views of the Kanchenjunga ranges.

Each of these destinations is unique on its own and definitely some of the incredible solo travel destinations in India. Why don’t you add these to your bucket list and take them one at a time?

Planning for a budget travel? Checkout: Indian Destinations Under 20K

Solo Travel with a Group in India

I understand you are wondering why you would need a group when you could travel solo. Travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to be literally alone all the time. You have to remember that when you travel alone, you are not bound to anyone or responsible for anyone, but you get to meet a lot of new people and possibly make friendships for a lifetime. Some of the life lessons I have learnt are from the impressive people I met on my trips. If you are an introvert, you can still be a part of a group and keep to yourself; there is no pressure to be outgoing. If you are considering group travel, you have to know what else is in it for you, right? Here it is.

You don’t have to be worried about safety anymore.
Group travel helps you make your vacation more economical.
You get to meet like-minded travellers with different cultural backgrounds.
Organising the trip is no longer your sole responsibility.

Myths About Solo Travel in India

While frequent solo travellers might not believe it, there are still some prevalent myths about travelling alone in India. Let’s debunk the common myths.

Only extroverts can travel solo: It is not necessarily true. Travelling alone will give you enough time to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings, and it is equally loved by introverts.

Solo travel is unsafe: You can find plenty of people travelling alone without a hassle. You just have to ensure your safety with proper precautions, and there is nothing else to worry about.

You need to speak Hindi to travel solo in India: English is widely spoken across the country, and you might only find it a bit difficult in remote areas. Don’t sweat it; you can still use translators to communicate when necessary.

You can only travel alone if you are young: There isn’t really an age limit for going on a solo trip. If you are older, you actually have the benefits of better skills and experiences to guide your trip.

Taking photos will be difficult: When you think about it, a lot of solo travellers have amazing photos. Although you have the option to ask someone to take your photos, you yourself can capture your moments. A tripod and an app as a remote can do wonders.

Must-Have Apps for Solo Travellers in India

You might be in an unknown place but never alone. Have these buddies with you to ensure your safety and craft a perfect vacation.

Google Maps: To help you navigate your way and find real-time traffic updates.
Maps.me: To access offline maps, especially for areas with poor connectivity.
Ola/Uber: To book taxis and autos for reasonable prices & rent vehicles.
MakeMyTrip/Booking.com: To book stays with great deals and many other perks.
Klook: To book tickets for attractions and activities.
Meetup: To take part in local activities and meet like-minded travellers.
NomadHer: To find other solo female travellers & female-friendly accommodations.
Worldpackers: To meet new people and learn new languages.

Things to Keep in Mind When You Travel in India

Every time you plan a trip, research thoroughly about your destination. Every part of India can be surprisingly different from each other. I have come up with a few things that you might not have heard before.

Never skip your breakfasts in high-altitude spots. If you do, it might affect your blood pressure, and you can also get stomach aches or headaches.
You need Inner Line Permits to visit some places like Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh that are close to the Indian borders. Check for the formalities if you plan your trips to the sensitive zones.
The Aadhaar card is not accepted as an identification proof in some regions, including Sikkim and Nagaland. You will need to use your passport, voter ID, or driving license.
Non-local vehicles are generally not allowed in areas like Ladakh due to security reasons. You have to note that you can’t avail yourself of self-drive rental cars also.
When you travel to remote towns or hill stations, carry enough cash with you, as you might not have good connectivity.

Life becomes interesting when you choose to do what you want to do. If you have never been on a solo trip in India, you have to give it a try. No one can promise you it will be the best, but you will never know unless you give it a try. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. Just take that dream trip of yours but be mindful of the customs of the locals and be a responsible traveller. Don’t let fear hold you back from creating the best memories of your life.