Top 10 Indian Cities safe for Solo Women Travellers
India has a massive population of 1.38 billion, an ancient culture, and rapidly changing attitudes combined to create one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. But, is India safe for female travellers? Searching for a safe destination for Solo Women Travellers itself says a lot about the anxieties and insecurities women have while travelling.
Guys around us are travelling every now and then. But when it comes to women travelling, there's always a question, is it safe for women?
Here's a list of 10 cities safe for Solo Women Travellers:
Pondicherry: Pondicherry is famous for its peaceful ambience, picturesque beaches, French-inspired culture, its Parisian cafes, colourful houses and names of several streets, which are in French. Relaxing on its shores, visiting ashrams, cycling tours and pub hopping are some incredible experiences awaiting women travellers in Pondicherry. The best places to visit here are the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Rock Beach, Paradise Beach, Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville and Matrimandir, Serenity Beach, White Town, French War Memorial, Botanical Gardens and Promenade Beach. You can travel here all year round.
Udaipur: Udaipur is truly a royal place in the treasure chest of Rajasthan. Be it by the local folk’s attire or the many imperial structures, a trip to Udaipur is perfect for any woman who has a bent towards history. The best places to visit here are Lake Palace, City Palace, Lake Pichola, Monsoon Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagmandir, Vintage Car Museum, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple, Ahar Cenotaphs and Haldighati. The best time to visit here is from October to March.
Varanasi: Varanasi is one of the holiest places of India, hugely popular with spiritual persons and also those who just want a glimpse into the rich Indian culture. Here you should not miss the famous Ganga aarti and the flavourful Banarasi paan. The best places to visit here are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Gyanvapi Mosque, Bharat Mata Mandir, Ramnagar Fort and Jantar Mantar. The best time to visit here is from February to March and October to November.
Munnar: An unusual hill town in the Western Ghats where tea gardens stretch to as far as the eye can see with shimmering lakes that would make you want to take a dip, hiking experiences, pleasant weather and endemic wildlife. The best places to visit here are Eravikulam National Park, Devikulam, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station, Tata Tea Museum, Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm and Anamudi. The best time to visit Munnar is October to May.
Shimla: Shimla is among the best winter destinations in India. Snowy weather, snow games, vibrant culture, colonial architecture and easy access from cities like Delhi and Chandigarh are some of its highlights that draw solo women travellers in groups. The best places to visit here are Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Bantony Castle, Jakhoo Hill and Temple, Naldehra, Viceregal Lodge, Annandale, Summer Hill, Shimla State Museum, Lakkar Bazaar, Gaiety Theatre. The best time to visit here is from October to May.
Shillong: Shillong is a place popular for experiencing biking, nature and metals. It has amazing natural vistas, ethnic tribal villages and mouth-watering foods. The best places to visit here are Umiam Lake, Mawlynnong, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Police Bazaar, Mawsynram, Don Bosco Museum, Ward’s Lake and Lady Hydari Park. The best time to visit here is from October to March.
Mysore: Mysore has been home to the mighty Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali. It is unanimously hailed as the cultural capital of Karnataka. Apart from the rich culture and loads of places to visit, women travelling to the city have another thing to look forward to and that is the best selection of Mysore silk saree. The best places to visit here are Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Chamunda Hill, Chamundeshwari Temple, Jayalakshmi Vilas, Philomena’s Cathedral, Rail Museum, Srirangapatna, Chennakeshava Temple (Somnathpur), Melody Wax Museum, Karanji Lake, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens and Brindavan Gardens. The best time to visit Mysore is from October to March.
Nainital: Nainital is a destination for every season be it summer or winter. Cool-weather, the beautiful lake and many other things to do make it a scenic beauty. Reaching here is quite easy as numerous buses and trains connect Kathgodam to Delhi. The best places to visit here are Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Snow View, China Peak, Naina Devi Temple, GB Pant High Altitude Zoo, Tibetan Market, Mall Road, Bada Bazaar and Eco Cave Garden. The best time to visit here is from October to May.
Kovalam: Kovalam is a serene beach town in Kerala, known for its scenic ocean, delicious seafood, lots of historical sites and luxurious resorts. The best places to visit here are Lighthouse Beach, Halcyon Castle, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, Vellayani Lake, Neyyar Dam, and Vizhinjam Village. The best time to visit here is from October to March.
Manali: Manali is another name on the list of solo travelling destinations for women in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Beas Valley. Enjoying rafting on the river, exploring the older part of the town, going on treks, visiting its many temples and relaxing in the Vashisht hot springs are some of the must-do's here. The best places to visit here are Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Manali Sanctuary, Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Kullu, and Pandoh Dam. The best time to visit here is from October to March.