Top 20 Indian Destinations 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 20 destinations safe for Solo Women Travellers:
Sikkim: Sikkim is like the ‘abode of God’ with untouched surroundings, pleasant summers, snowy winters, incredible places to visit and rich Buddhist culture. You will need a government permit to visit the northern parts of the state but all of the formalities won’t seem like a hassle when you explore the paradise that is Sikkim. The best places to visit here are 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 and the best time to visit Sikkim is October to May.
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.
Hampi: The UNESCO-listed Hampi is renowned for its incredible rock-cut temples. The remains of this place are a great window into the glorious Vijayanagara Empire that existed between the 14th and 17th centuries. Any woman who wants to get away from the city for a while and simply be in the domain of peace should definitely visit this tiny place in Karnataka. The best places to visit here are Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Archaeological Museum, ruins along the Tungabhadra River, Hippie Island and Queens Bath. You can visit here between October to March for the best experience.
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.
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.
Rishikesh: Rishikesh is perfect for solo women seeking a spiritual escape with ashrams and temples dotting these cities, it will surely connect you with your inner self. Rishikesh is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World and the Adventure Capital of India so you can have contrasting experiences you can have here. The best time to visit here is from February to March and October to November.
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.
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.
Goa: From lazing on beaches, indulging in adventure sports and partying like crazy to exploring its architectural wonders and wildlife and stuffing your mouth with amazing seafood, Goa cannot be ignored by solo travellers. The best places to visit here are Baga Beach, Aguada Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dudhsagar Falls, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Se Cathedral, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Sinquerim Beach. The best time to visit here is from October to March.
Ladakh: Ladakh is quite popular with solo women travellers in India because of its calming silence, unimaginable vistas, historical places and colourful Buddhist culture. Some of the recommended places to visit in the region are Leh, Nubra Valley and Khardung La. The best time to visit here is from June to September.
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.
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.
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.
Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer never fails to enthral female travellers with its many shades of the desert, turbans of villagers, monuments that display intricate craftsmanship and lip-smacking meat dishes. Riding a camel, staying in a camp on the sand and touring a local village are among the recommended activities here. The best places to visit here are Jaisalmer Fort, Thar Desert, Bara Bagh cenotaphs, Patwon Ki Haveli, Kuldhara, Gadisar Lake, Desert National Park, Nathmal Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes and Jain temples. The best time to visit here is from November to March.
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.
Jaipur: Jaipur is a good place for solo travelling but it is not walkable, you need to hire a taxi for a day. It is a busy but safe place for women travellers. The best places to visit here are City Palace, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal and Nahargarh Fort.
Kasol: One of the most famous places for solo travelling, Kasol is located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the old-fashioned little town is popular among soul searchers, hikers, nature lovers and those who like to chill. The best places to visit here are Kheerganga, Tosh, Malana, Pin Parvati Pass, Sar Pass, Manikaran and Tirthan Valley. The best time to visit here is from February to March and October to November.
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.
Dharamshala: Dharamshala is a region in the Himalayas that hardly feels like India at all because of Tibetan influence here. The Tibet Museum and Mcleod Ganj are home to the Dalai Lama. Mcleod Ganj is one of the best places for female travel in India and a complete contrast to the deserts and dusty scenery of Rajasthan. You must visit here in winter.
Mumbai: Mumbai is another great city for solo female travellers which may be crowded and noisy but safe to explore with plenty of cool things to do. Local trains have separate compartments for women and there are also taxicabs with women drivers here. Bandra and the gateway of India are must-visit places here.
References
https://www.wheregoesrose.com/solo-female-travel-india-best-places/