Solo travel is no longer a niche trend; it’s a movement. From young professionals tripping solo for self-discovery to retirees booking singles holidays for over 60s, travelers across age groups are choosing independence, flexibility, and personal growth.
India, often misunderstood, is surprisingly one of the best countries for solo travel when you choose the right destinations. This guide highlights the best places for a solo trip in India, with a strong focus on safety, ease of travel, and community, especially for solo trips for women.
Why India Works for Solo Travelers
India offers something rare: spiritual depth, cultural immersion, affordability, and variety, all within one country. When chosen carefully, it becomes one of the best places to vacation solo, whether you’re planning a reflective journey, an adventure escape, or a slow, meaningful holiday.
This list is curated using:
- Safety perception & traveler feedback
- Walkability and public transport
- Local attitudes toward solo travelers
- Popularity among solo female travelers
- Ease of meeting people (important for friendship holidays for singles)
Safest Cities in India for Solo Travellers
Rishikesh - Spiritual and Safe
Rishikesh is one of the best solo destinations not just in India, but globally for mindful travelers. Nestled along the Ganges and surrounded by the Himalayas, it attracts yoga practitioners, digital nomads, and spiritual seekers year-round.
Why solo travelers love it
- Alcohol-free zones create a calm environment.
- Yoga schools and cafes make meeting people effortless.
- Ideal for the best places to travel alone for females
- Safe daytime and early evenings
Who it’s best for
- First-time solo travelers
- Wellness-focused trips
- Women traveling alone
Best time to visit: October to April
Goa – Social and Easygoing
Goa consistently ranks among the best places for solo travel thanks to its relaxed culture, beach lifestyle, and excellent infrastructure for travelers.
Why does it work so well?
- Solo-friendly hostels and cafes
- Easy scooter rentals and taxis
- Clear divide between party zones and peaceful beaches
Safety tip
Solo women should prefer South Goa or quieter North Goa beaches and avoid excessive late-night partying alone.
Best time to visit: November to February
Puducherry (Pondicherry) – Calm and Walkable
Often called Pondicherry, Puducherry is widely considered one of the best cities for solo travel in India due to its calm pace, walkable streets, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Unlike larger Indian cities, it feels non-intimidating, making it an excellent choice for first-time solo travelers.
Why it’s perfect for solo trips
- Compact, walkable neighborhoods
- Strong café culture where dining alone feels natural
- Low harassment and respectful local attitudes
- Popular with solo women and long-stay travelers
Puducherry is especially well-suited for solo trips for women and those looking for the best solo holidays rather than nightlife-driven travel. The nearby Auroville community also adds a unique wellness and mindfulness element for solo visitors.
Best time to visit: October to March
Udaipur – Elegant and Welcoming
Udaipur is often ranked among the best places to vacation solo in India thanks to its calm atmosphere, compact layout, and strong hospitality culture. Compared to other major cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur feels slower and more manageable, making it ideal for travelers who want culture without sensory overload.
Why does it work well for solo travelers?
- Central areas are walkable and well-lit
- Locals are accustomed to independent travelers.
- Easy to explore cafés, lakesides, and markets alone
- Feels comfortable for solo trips for women
Udaipur is especially popular for reflective travel, photography, and relaxed sightseeing, making it a strong choice for solo holidays and for travelers easing into solo travel.
Best time to visit: September to March
Jaipur – Iconic but Needs Awareness
Jaipur, the Pink City, is one of the best cities for solo travel, especially for travelers interested in history, architecture, and culture. While it is busier than destinations like Udaipur or Puducherry, good planning makes Jaipur a rewarding and manageable solo trip.
Why Jaipur works for solo travelers
- Well-established tourist infrastructure
- Popular attractions are well-policed and organized.
- Easy access to guided tours and day trips
- Suitable for confident solo trips for women with awareness
Staying in central neighborhoods and using trusted transport options helps Jaipur remain one of the best places for a solo trip in Rajasthan, especially for short, experience-rich stays.
Best time to visit: October to March
Hampi – Backpacker Haven
Hampi is often listed among the best places for a solo trip in India, especially for travelers seeking history, open landscapes, and a slow pace. The village-like setting and strong backpacker presence make it feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.
Why Hampi suits solo travelers
- Tight-knit backpacker and hostel community
- Calm, small-town atmosphere
- Easy to explore ruins and cafes alone
- Feels safe and social for solo trips for women
Hampi is ideal for reflective travel and is frequently mentioned among places to visit before you die, making it a standout choice for meaningful solo holidays.
Best time to visit: October to February
Kerala – One of India’s Safest States in India
Kerala is widely regarded as one of the best places to travel solo for women in India due to its high literacy, progressive culture, and strong tourism infrastructure. The state is calm, well-connected, and consistently rated among the best solo female travel destinations.
Why Kerala works so well for solo travelers
- Respectful local attitudes toward women
- Reliable transport and healthcare
- Ideal for slow, nature-focused solo trips
- Comfortable for extended stays and best solo holidays
Kerala is especially popular with travelers looking for peaceful experiences rather than nightlife-heavy travel.
Munnar – Quiet and Refreshing
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Cool climate and scenic tea estates
- Excellent homestays for solo travelers
- Ideal for reflective travel and nature walks
Alappuzha (Alleppey) – Slow Backwater Living
- Calm canals and houseboat stays
- Safe, relaxed environment
- Perfect for mindful solo travel
Why Kerala stands out
- High literacy and progressive culture
- Excellent healthcare and transport
- Consistently rated among the best solo female travel destinations.
Best time to visit: September to March
Sikkim – Quiet and Exceptionally Safe
Sikkim is often regarded as one of the best places to travel solo for women in India, thanks to its low crime rate, respectful culture, and calm mountain towns. The state’s clean streets and organized tourism make it especially appealing for first-time solo travelers.
Why Sikkim suits solo travelers
- Extremely low crime and a high sense of safety
- Friendly, respectful local communities
- Easy to navigate towns like Gangtok
- Ideal for nature-focused best solo holidays
Sikkim is perfect for travelers seeking peace, scenery, and a comfortable solo trip without crowds or chaos.
Best time to visit: March–May, October–December
Meghalaya – Nature and Warmth
Meghalaya is increasingly recognized as one of the best places for a solo trip in Northeast India, known for its lush landscapes and welcoming social environment. The state’s matrilineal culture contributes to a strong sense of respect and safety, especially for women traveling alone.
Why Meghalaya works for solo travelers
- Warm, community-oriented local culture
- Calm towns like Shillong that are easy to navigate
- Low crime perception and friendly interactions
- Suitable for solo trips for women and nature lovers
Meghalaya is ideal for travelers seeking scenic beauty, meaningful interactions, and relaxed solo holidays away from crowded tourist circuits.
Best time to visit: October to April
Ladakh – For the Soulful Explorer
Ladakh is often considered one of the most meaningful and best places for a solo trip in India, offering vast landscapes, silence, and a strong sense of community. Despite its remote location, the region feels safe and supportive for solo travelers who plan carefully.
Why Ladakh suits solo travelers
- Close-knit communities and welcoming locals
- Low crime and strong cultural respect
- Ideal for slow, introspective solo trips
- Popular among experienced solo female travelers
Ladakh is best suited for travelers seeking depth over comfort and is frequently mentioned among places to visit before you die.
Best time to visit: June to September
Practical Safety Tips for Solo Travel in India
Solo travel in India can be deeply rewarding when paired with awareness and smart planning. These practical tips help ensure your solo trip remains safe, comfortable, and enjoyable - especially for solo trips for women and first-time travelers.
Accommodation Selection Tips
Choosing the right stay plays a major role in safety and comfort.
- Stay in central, well-reviewed neighborhoods
- Prefer accommodations with 24/7 reception or hosts on-site
- For solo women, hostels with female-only dorms or family-run homestays are ideal
- Avoid extremely cheap stays with poor or no reviews
Well-chosen accommodation can make India one of the best places to vacation solo.
Transportation Dos and Don’ts
Transport safety is about predictability and trust.
Do
- Use app-based taxis like Uber or Ola
- Book trains through official platforms
- Use prepaid taxis at airports and stations
Don’t
- Accept unsolicited rides or lifts
- Travel overnight by road alone in unfamiliar areas
- Share transport with strangers without verification
These habits significantly improve safety during solo trips.
Clothing and Cultural Awareness
Dressing with cultural awareness helps reduce unwanted attention.
- Opt for modest clothing in smaller towns and religious areas
- Loose-fitting clothes are both respectful and comfortable
- Scarves or shawls are useful and versatile
- Beachwear is fine in coastal destinations but not in inland cities
Respectful dressing helps solo travelers blend in and feel confident.
Night Travel Precautions
India is safest for solo travelers during daylight hours.
- Plan sightseeing and long travel during the day
- Avoid poorly lit or empty areas at night
- Use trusted transport after dark
- Share live location with someone you trust
Being mindful at night makes India safer for the best solo holidays.
Emergency Numbers and Useful Apps
Being prepared adds confidence to your solo trip.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 100
- Women’s Helpline: 181
- National Emergency Helpline: 112
Helpful Apps
- Uber/Ola – verified transport
- Google Maps – navigation and location sharing
- Local state safety apps (varies by region)
Is India a Good Choice for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, when approached thoughtfully. India can be one of the best countries for solo travel, especially for women, if you:
- Choose solo-friendly destinations
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations.
- Use trusted transport options.
- Dress with cultural awareness
Many women rank India among the best places to travel alone for personal growth, spirituality, and cultural depth.
Final Thoughts
A solo trip through India isn’t just a holiday; it’s a perspective shift. From peaceful mountains to coastal towns, India offers some of the best places for solo travel in the world when safety, culture, and community align.
Whether you’re planning:
- Your first solo trip for female travelers
- A reflective journey later in life
- Or meaningful singles holidays for the over-60s
India rewards those who travel mindfully.
