Palakshi Meharwal shares her many safe Indian destinations that solo women travelers can enjoy.
Traveling alone as a woman can be an incredible experience, it gives you a chance to explore places on your own without anyone’s rules, you can embrace your independence and most importantly discover aspects of yourself that you didn’t even know existed. But when it comes to travelling alone safety should be first and foremost priority. There are a lot of places that prioritize the safety of female travelers while also offering enriching experiences.
Here is a list of places that are recommended to women if you are traveling alone.
Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful place nested in the Western ghats of Kerala. It is a popular hill station famous for its tea plantations and mist-covered hills. It is a perfect destination for solo female travelers. The solo travelers can immerse themselves in this region’s culture by visiting the tea plantations, you will get to witness the whale tea picking process and you can even try the freshly brewed tea while enjoying the scenic beauty around you. There is a Tata tea museum here which will provide insight into Munnar’s tea industry.
If you want to do something a bit more adventurous then don’t worry Munnar has something to offer to the adventure seekers as well. There are a lot of outdoor activities that solo travelers can enjoy here like rock climbing, mountain biking, offroading, or you can even trek the Anamudi Peak which is the highest peak in the entire South India.
The climate here is ideal for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of life. You can engage in yoga or just sit back and relax. Munnar is therefore a perfect destination for female solo travellers because the locals will welcome you with open arms. It is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, natural beauty, and relaxation. Munnar is a promising place that will leave you behind with nothing but memories that will last for a lifetime. So get ready to embark on an adventure in God’s own country!
Hampi
Hampi is located in the state of Karnataka and is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for its history, ancient temples, ruins of palaces, and beautiful landscape. This place offers an enriching and unique experience to solo female travelers. Hampi has a lot of temples and sacred sites. You can explore the Virupaksha temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the famous Vittala temple which is popular for its stone chariot and musical pillars, the lotus mahal, Mahanavami Dibba and a lot of other sites.
Solo female travelers can go for a hike to points like the Matanga hills, you can explore the nearby villages and rice paddies. Hampi is considered a safe place especially for female travellers because of the welcoming environment the locals create. Hampi is a perfect blend of culture , spirituality, history, and nature’s beauty.
Ooty
Ooty is a really beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu which is very famous for its tea estates, rolling hills, and forests. The major attraction here is the botanical garden which covers almost 55 acres. You should also visit the Ooty Lake, go boating, and sit back and relax. Ooty offers various adventure activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and horse riding.
Kanyakumari
This is the southernmost part of India, in the state of Kerala also known as “God’s own Country”. This is where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. Vivekananda rock memorial is one of the major attractions here. You can visit the Kanyakumari temple which is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi and enjoy a sunset or sunrise here.
Jaipur
Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. This place is famous for its stunning architecture and vibrant bazaars. The solo travelers can explore the bustling markets of Johari, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and what not. The friendly locals and the bright and vibrant atmosphere makes Jaipur one of the safe and culturally immersive travel destinations.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a spiritual tourist destination as well as a yoga hub. It is known for its serenity and the famous Ganga River. This place is located in the foothills of Himalaya, in Uttarakhand. It offers pristine natural beauty, temples with rich history and culture, and a blend of adventurous activities. It is one of the most renowned Hindu spiritual destinations.
The town offers numerous temples, ashrams, and meditation places. This is a perfect destination for solo women travelers. Rishikesh has numerous temples that resonate with centuries-old spirituality. You can visit shrines such as the Neelkanth Mahadev temple which is a Shiva temple, the Kunjapuri Devi temple, etc.
Another adventure that you shouldn’t miss out on is bungee jumping. Bungee jumping involves jumping off from a cliff, where your ankles and body will be secured with a rope. When you fall off the cliff, what you feel during that is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After a while, the rope will coil back and bring you to the land. This is a very popular activity in Rishikesh.
Varanasi
Varanasi or Banaras is one of the oldest cities in the world. This is a spiritual destination and is considered as the spiritual capital of India. There are almost 80 ghats in Varanasi and each one has its own significance. It is a very safe place especially for solo women travellers.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is only popular because of its French-inspired culture or its Parisian cafes, it is also famous for its beaches and peaceful atmosphere. You can relax by the shore of the beach, go cycling, visit ashrams, and explore the pubs and cafes. There are a lot of fun and incredible experiences that women travelers can explore and indulge in.
You can visit any time of the year and Pondicherry will have something or the other to offer you. Some of the must-see sights here are the White Beach, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Aurobindo ashram, French war memorial, Auroville, and Matrimandir along with the innumerable places here.
Agra
Agra is also referred to as the epitome of Love and architectural splendor. It is approximately 233 kilometers away from Delhi. Agra is home to the great and iconic monument – Taj Mahal which is one of the 7 wonders of the world.
This iconic monument was built by the emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument is popular for its craftsmanship, intricate detail images, and its symmetrical gardens. The visitors can enjoy a nice sunset and soak in the beauty of this place and monument. Apart from the Taj Mahal there are a lot of other monuments here which showcase the heritage of our country and it is a testament to the city’s rich Mughal heritage.
Kasol
Kasol is located in the enchanting Parvati Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh and stands as a testament to the beauty of nature and the adventurous spirit of travelers. Kasol is surrounded by mountains, lush greenery and the gushing Parvati river. This place is roughly 36 kilometers away from Bhuntar and 3.5 kilometers from Manikaran Sahib. Kasol has a rich blend of local culture and a hint of Israeli influence.it is also known as the ‘mini Israel of India’ because of the increasing number of Israelis who live here. Kasol is also home to a lot of nomads, hippies, and solo travelers who want to explore the serenity within a budget.
Kasol is the base camp for several breathtaking treks which offers unique perspectives of the Himalaya. The Kheerganga trek is one of the most popular treks known for its picturesque landscapes, hot springs and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Other trekking options include the Sar pass trek, Pin parvati pass trek, Tosh valley trek etc. these trek offers its own challenges along with rewards for trekkers. You can also camp here, explore the village, explore the culture, go paragliding and what not. This is a very peaceful place with warm and hospitable locals hence is one of the popular destinations among solo female travellers.
Kolkata
It is known as the “Cultural capital of India” and is a must visit place for sure. Kolkata is also home to many Nobel laureates like Amartya Sen and Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata has a very vibrant and rich culture with numerous art galleries and music venues. If you are someone who loves art and literature then this is the perfect destination for you.
Ziro valley
The Ziro valley is located in Arunachal Pradesh. This is a destination which not a lot of people know about but it is a destination which is worth visiting and it is a perfect destination for solo female travellers. This valley is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and hills with rice fields and dense green forests. The solo travellers can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the place. You can go for a hike and camp under the starry sky, soak in the views of this amazing valley.
Goa
Camping in Goa is a delightful experience, a perfect blend of sun, sand, and sea. Beachside camping is one of the popular activities in Goa. A lot of beaches here allow travelers to set up their tents and a lot of them offer camping facilities. Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves and to a perfect sunrise. Goa is in fact known for its sunrises and sunsets and camping provides the perfect opportunity to witness this.
Kochi
Kochi is a district in the state of Kerala. This place is rich in culture and history. Some of the must visit places in Koch are Fort Kochi, the beaches here like Cherai etc and you should definitely visit the backwaters here like Kadamakudy where you can even witness blue luminescence at times.
Ladakh
This place is often referred to as the “Land of High Passes” and is famous for its rugged terrains and cultural heritage. Ladakh is characterized by its snow-capped mountains, barren land etc. Camping amidst this nature’s beauty is a surreal experience. There are a lot of camping sites in Ladakh but most of them are in secluded places far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Wayanad
Wayanad located amidst the Western Ghats of Kerala is an immersive experience. Wayanad is known for its forests, tranquil surroundings, and landscapes. Camping amidst the picturesque surroundings gives you a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life and technology. Wayanad also offers a lot of adventure options like exploring caves, ziplining, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. You can visit the wildlife sanctuaries and go on safaris.
Some other places include:
- Udaipur
- Pune
- Darjeeling
- Pushkar, Rajasthan
Traveling solo as a woman can be a very rewarding experience that offers multiple opportunities for self-growth, adventure, and most importantly personal growth. The world is full of exciting adventures and the female solo travellers can embark on their unforgettable journeys which leave behind nothing but memories for a lifetime. So, get ready to pack your bags to explore the world on your own terms!
What did you think of this list of safe Indian destinations?
Have you visited India as a solo female traveler before? Would you add other safe Indian destinations to this list? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Palakshi Meharwal
I am Palakshi Meharwal and I am a content writer. I love writing about travel especially about trekking and Camping In India.
This is a wonderful compilation of destinations. I have always been too nervous to travel on my own, and it is nice to have some suggestions of where I can go that is safe.
Jaipur and Goa are dream destinations I would love to visit one day! I’ve been to Kerala (including Munnar and Kochi), and it was so gorgeous there; it was definitely an incredible place to go camping and explore the great outdoors. I would highly recommend a visit!
I am from India and I have been almost to all places you listed above. These are all so beautiful places to visit. And it’s great that females can travel here solo.
I haven’t really had the opportunity to explore the regions in India but I am definitely drawn to visiting Hampi. I have been fascinated with ancient temples and ruins and this UNESCO Heritage Site is a must-visit. Happy to know that the place is safe even for solo female travelers.
I thought it was not too safe to solo travel to India for women, and I was wrong. I have read about most of the amazing places you mentioned above and apparently, they are safe destinations for women traveling alone. Of all the places you suggested, Kasol got my attention the most. It looks so beautiful!
Having grown up in India helps me when I travel to India now, either alone or with friends/family… I still have to explore so many of the places on your list and they have been on my bucket list for a while now
I think India can be a bit exhausting for solo woman and even solo women travelers due to a lot of unwanted male attention. But overall I felt quite safe there. However, there have been a lot of bad reports in the international press of violence and rape against women. So I would understand that solo female travelers are reluctant to travel there.
All the places sound so wonderful, I would love to visit them in the near future. Thanks for sharing
That’s a great pick of destinations. India is relatively safe except some places where maybe venturing out alone is best avoided. Except Hampi, Wayanad and Ziro Valley, have had the pleasure of traveling to all other destinations in your list. And they are all very safe for solo female travelers.
As a solo traveler. it’s important to research and prepare to make sure wherever you are going is safe. Those are some great safe places in India to explore.
This is awesome and I love that you are a solo traveler. I could never cut it though…..I would want people with me but if I did want to travel solo…. I would check these spots out for sure. You have the best travel posts and I appreciate you sharing!
I do travel alone at least once a year and as a woman it is so important to me to know what destinations are safe. I have yet to make it to India but glad that you put together this list so that I know all the safe places as a solo female travel to go to. Will be saving this for future planning and look forward to visiting places like Goa, Agra, Jaipur and others on this list.
Sometimes, we need to travel alone to enjoy some “me-time.” It allows us to discover new places and learn more about ourselves. Safety is crucial, and it’s good to know these destinations prioritize it. Munnar sounds like a perfect mix of nature and adventure, while Hampi offers rich history and beautiful temples. Ooty and Kanyakumari are also on my bucket list for their natural beauty and unique experiences. I hope to visit all these beautiful places someday.
I have been to most of these places. But haven’t done much of south India. Pondicherry and Pune for sure make for good trips. They are nice, cool cities. Jaipur is too much of a hustle, very crowded. Varanasi is way too overloaded and best explored just before dawn. Wayanad and Munnar are high on my ‘to visit’ list.
Ah! I was in India last year, but this makes me want to head back so much. I loved Jaipur and Agra (totally cried at the Taj Mahal), and Varanasi was so interesting. I was in a group, so I felt safe, but I think as a solo traveler, I’d have to be well versed in where I was headed to feel safe in the crowds there alone. Although, I did find that the Indian people were really moral and kind, so it does make sense that it’s safe in many areas.
The scenery in Kasol looks gorgeous! I would also love to visit the tea plantations in Munnar.
WOW, these are some great Indian destinations, I don’t know if I would want to see all this beauty all by myself but if I did a solo trip, I would surely keep all these places in mind. Thanks
Munnar sounds amazing for solo female travelers! The tea plantations and Tata tea museum must offer such a unique experience, and trekking Anamudi Peak sounds thrilling.
With the way the world is these days it is helpful to know the places it is safe to travel to as a solo woman traveller. These all sound like lovely destinations with plenty to see and do.
This is a nice review for the women travelers who are planning to go at India. We can be sure that the places above are safe, thanks for sharing.
I travelled to India on my own several times and I found the places I visited to be in general safe. I’ve seen a few of the cities on your list, such as Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, and had a great time exploring on my own. I found the local quite friendly as well – in Jaipur I even got to drive a tuk tuk courtesy of a local. Agra was one of my favourite places in India – not because of the Taj Mahal though, but because of Agra Fort, Little Taj and the beautiful gardens across the river from the Taj Mahal.
From the list, I’ve only been to Agra! I would love to visit each and every of these locations, they’re wonderful, charming…Soon I hope.
I loved this article on safe destinations for solo female travelers in India! It has great suggestions like Munnar, Hampi, and Goa, each offering unique experiences and cultural highlights. It’s reassuring to see safety prioritized while encouraging adventure and exploration. A perfect read for any woman planning a solo trip to India!
It is good to read about places that are safe for us ladies. As a solo traveler, this is important info.
Wow, these all look like amazing places to visit. I’ve never traveled solo before, but I wouldn’t mind trying it out once.
I have not visited a place as a solo traveler. All I think is about the movie Taken. But these are some beautiful places that I would love to travel to one day.
It has been awhile since I travelled as a single female. So it was good to read about all of the places in India that prioritize safety for female travellers. And that there are so many lovely spots to visit. I expected many of the places to be smaller or more remote. But it was great to know that places like Jaipur and Agra are considered safe for females travellers too. After visiting Mumbai I would not have put that on the list!