Solo Travelers Destinations
What are the benefits of travelling solo ?
When you are
accompanied by the diversified nature, vibrant culture and rich heritage
you don’t always need to have someone else with you. The bracing
mountain air and undulating landscape, dunes of the desert, serene
seashore, exuberant culture, fusion of dance and music, mouthful
cuisine, myths behind temples and life behind ancient forts and palaces…
everything has got something to tell you. Chances are high to miss the
best of travelling when you are in a group. Often you are in a gossip
mood when you are travelling with your friends or family and there
something goes out of your sight… that may be the glimpse of a snow clad
peak at dawn OR the mast of a ship at the horizon from the shore. But
when you travel solo you get a better opportunity to focus and capture
the unusual to the finest sights and bring home a rare collection of
scenes. Travelling solo exempts you from various obstacles… usually
those that arise when you are travelling with your family and friends.
You see taste matters. You actually want to go for the Bhrigu Lake trek
(take for example) on your four days trip to Manali
but your LAZY FRIEND tells you, “Boss… I came here to relax. We can go
for shopping today, local sightseeing tomorrow and may be Solang Valley
day after tomorrow.” So, travelling solo is a much better option than
travelling in a group. In addition, when we are travelling alone we also
get the opportunity to discover ourselves… know what we actually are.
How much popular is solo travelling in India?
Well…
I can’t give you an accurate figure on solo travellers exploring India
from the Himalayan region to seashore but this much I’m sure that you
will come across 10 solo travellers out of 100. International travellers
are much more stirred towards it… although nowadays domestic (Indian)
travellers are also being impatient. On the other hand, travelling solo
in India is tough and it’s challenging. Sometimes it can wash you up if
you are not aware about people, travel and culture of India. But if you
are smart enough to adjust to the diversified culture – religion,
people, languages and food – you are surely going accompany the
traveller in you. From my own experience, travelling in India alone is
stunning, magical, awesomely confusing, and jaw dropping. The popularity
of solo travelling in India has led to the growth of several backpacking tours in India; these backpacking tours include trekking in the Indian Himalayan region, Ayurvedic & Spa massage and yoga & meditation retreat, cultural tours and adventure tours. International travellers, who are visiting India for the first time
and travelling alone, are recommended to stay sane and sharp while on
the road and look for an authorized and experienced tourist guide.
Top 20 destinations in India where you can travel solo
Manali
Wrapped
in nature… towering peaks peeking behind lush green mountains, Manali
at an altitude of 2,050 meters has always been regarded as one of the popular hill stations in India
for backpackers. The mighty hill station tucked in the Himachal
Himalayan region is an ideal retreat for solo travellers looking for a
getaway to revive their spirits after a heartrending life OR an easy and
rejuvenating escape from the clamour of a city. The hill station offers
spectacular views of the Kullu Valley and the farfetched Pir Panjal
Range. Further, travellers seeking for some adventure sports have
options like River Rafting in Beas River, paragliding in Solang Valley
and skiing during the winter at the slopes of Rohtang Pass and Solang
Valley. Moreover, the Beas Kund Trek and Bhrigu Lake Trek are two short
and easy treks that commence from Manali AND Malana Valley Trek, which
is one of the alpine treks in Himachal Pradesh… are some good picks for
solo travellers heading for a trekking holiday in the Indian Himalayan
region.
Sangla
At an altitude ranging from 2,500 meters to 3,000 meters in the Baspa
Valley of Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh, Sangla is one of the off
the beaten track villages where tranquility is preserved within
forested slopes and high mountains. A solo traveller if seeking for a
peaceful break far away from the madding tourist rush…Sangla is a
promising getaway. Nonetheless, your days in the midst of apple
orchards, apricot, Wall-nut, Cedar trees, and glacial streams AND
distinct culture of the Kinnauri people will simply take you through a
nostalgic journey and acquaint you with your concealed nature. Some
other remote villages encircling Sangla are Chitkul, Rakcham, Batseri,
Themgarang, Kamru, and Sapni, which are easily accessible by road OR one
can even go for a trek.
Gulmarg
Rated as one of the best Ski destination in the world, Gulmarg in Kashmir
region at an elevation of 2,690 meters is a heartland for several
backpackers from all over the world. During the peak adventure season
(winter) even a traveller travelling alone will be accompanied by
several likeminded people. Further, activities like camping, hiking and
golfing on a leisure trip offers solo travellers immense pleasure during
the summer season.
Leh
Now if the solo traveller is looking for an escapade and wants to
indulge in some strenuous activities like mountain biking and high
altitude treks, Leh in Ladakh region at an altitude of 3,500 meters is a
smart pick. With the indigenous Indo- Tibetan culture and host of
ancient monasteries … Leh springs up as a prominent tourist destination
that attracts both the leisurescapers and adventurers. The Pangong Lake,
which is an ideal destination for camping, is approximately a 6 hours
drive from Leh and attracts lots of backpackers who are touring the
ladakh region. Motor biking in Leh—Ladakh region
that passes over the Khardung La at 5,360 meters is one of the most
striking activities undertaken by solo travellers. Further, Leh being
the base of several treks in the Ladakh region –
namely Markha valley trek, Tsomoriri Lake Trek and Lamayuru to Darcha
Trek – is packed with several trekking tours for solo travellers.
Rishikesh
One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Rishikesh is
located on the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan region. Best known for
white water river rafting in the Ganges,
Rishikesh is an ideal hub for backpackers that also gives an
opportunity for a yoga and meditation holiday as well as Spa &
Ayurvedic. Some other notable adventure activities for solo travellers
are cliff diving, bungee jumping, kayaking, rappelling and rock
climbing.
Auli
Another popular skiing destination in India, Auli that is set at an altitude of 3,049 meters in the Garhwal Himalayan
region is also a perfect getaway for solo travellers. Providing a
pleasing environment during the summer for camping and hiking and tricky
snowy slopes during the winter for skiing, Auli remains a good pick for
both leisure and adventure seeking solo travellers.
Gangtok
Located in the midst of a vast ecosphere in the Sikkim Himalayan
region, Gangtok at a height of 1,600 meters is another popular hill
station in India that attracts large number of solo travellers
from all over the world. The mighty town is notable for hosting several
Buddhist monasteries and the distinct culture of the Nepali, Lepchas and
Bhutia. With the development of Sikkim tourism, Gangtok
has emerged as a hill town that attracts hippies. The meandering
streets arrays a lot of multi cuisine restaurants, bars and lounges and
thus the hill station may not be boring for travellers travelling alone.
Also attractions like Changu Lake at an altitude of 3,780 meters and
Nathu La at 4,310 meters… trekking opportunities like the Green Lake trek and Goecha La Trek simply excite the solo travellers to participate
in a group.
Tawang
Tucked at an elevation of 3,048 meters in the North-Eastern Himalayan
region in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is yet another least explored place
in the Indian Himalayan region. Today the lofty hill town is a heartland
for several back packers and solo travellers as it offers an untouched
nature with snowcapped mountains, streams and lakes and allows several
trekking and camping opportunities. The Tawang Monastery, which is the
largest monastery in India, is another major attraction. Further, the
Sela Pass, Sela Lake and the distinct culture of the Monpa people are
the prominent attractions that bumps the mind of backpackers.
Majuli
Although Majuli in Assam is the largest river island in the world, but I
wonder how many of you have thought about exploring it. Located in the
Brahmaputra River, Majuli offers an extensive wetland that houses rare
and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in
the winter season. A solo traveller who wants to break through a
distinct rural ambiance and biodiversity… Majuli will be one of the best
recommendations then. The island is inhabited by the Mising, Deori and
Sonowal Kacharis tribes and thus the indigenous culture of the tribal
folk is yet another attraction.
Shillong
It’s all about to seek the tribal folklore. Yup!!! A solo traveller who is travelling to Shillong
will truly admire the indigenous culture of the tribes dwelling in the
midst of vast natural diversity. Shillong, which is perched at a height
of 1,525 meters on the East Khasi Hills in the North Eastern Indian
state of Meghalaya, is a popular hill station in India that showcases
several tourist attractions including mountains, waterfalls, natural
caves, lakes and museums. For a solo traveller who is having a freaking
adventurous nature… have the option to go for spelunking as Shillong has
several explored and unexplored caves.
Jaisalmer
Far-famed as one of the ideal honeymoon destinations in India for the
tranquility preserved amid the shifting sand dunes of the Thar Desert…
Jaisalmer can also be an exotic location for a solo traveller. Other
than exploring the fort city and ruins of Kuldhara village… camping and
camel safari in the SAM Dunes are the major activities. Further,
travelling to Jaisalmer during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, which is usually held in February, allows you to seize the cultural aspects of the folk.
Goa
Babes in Bikinis, herd of hippies, boogieing sea shore, trance dance
and music, rave parties, shower of exotic liquors, Casinos and mouthful
cuisine… just tell me, how can be Goa a boredom even for a traveller
travelling alone? In addition, a host of beach activities such as
surfing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, boogie boarding, scuba diving,
water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing keeps a solo
traveller busy. Nonetheless, one who is seeking for a peaceful holiday in Goa…
the destination is filled with numerous unexplored and private beaches
and Spa & Ayurvedic resorts where one can spend ideal refreshing
hours.
Kutch
Camping in the middle of the vast shallow wetland of Kutch in Gujarat,
which is home to several endangered animal species, has become one of
the favorite activities for backpackers. Further, if you are travelling
during the Rann Utsav… you have an opportunity to seek the local
culture of the people of Kutch. Kutch also houses several wildlife
reserves, historical and Jain pilgrimage sites.
Pondicherry
Displaying the quaint flavour of French colony, Pondicherry is one of
the best leisure holiday retreats in India for solo travellers. With a
host of tranquil beaches and ancient churches and temples, Pondicherry
is far famed as a Yoga and Meditation holiday destination in India.
Agra
Conserving the golden era of the Mughal Empire and rich traditions over
the centuries, today Agra is one of the popular international tourist
destination in India. It is home to one of the wonders of the world and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Taj Mahal,
and also houses several other historical sites like the Agra Fort,
Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Moti
Masjid, Sikandra Fort and many more. For a solo traveller… holidaying in
Agra is hence like revisiting and capturing the medieval era
profoundly.
Alleppey
Yet another honeymoon destination in India
that is located in Kerala, Alleppey whizzes the mind of backpackers
seeking a calm and pleasant holiday in India. The picturesque canals,
backwaters, beaches, and lagoons… backwater cruise in the Kettuvallam,
rich culture of the folk that includes dance, music, festivals and
food, pilgrimage and numerous resorts that offers varieties of Spa and
Ayurvedic treatments make Alleppey one of the exotic holiday
destinations in India for solo travellers.
Coorg
Evolved as one of the eco-tourist destinations in India, Coorg is well
known for its coffee plantations and Kodagu culture. For a solo
traveller, a holiday in Coorg is as refreshing and charming as it is for
a honeymoon couple. Perched in the Western Ghats… some of the notable
tourist attractions in Coorg are Talakaveri, Bhagamandala, Nisargadhama,
Abbey Falls, Dubare, Nagarahole National Park, Iruppu Falls, and the
Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple.
Munnar
For a solo traveller looking for a hike in the Western Ghats in the
middle of a rich bed of flora and fauna, Munnar in Kerala at an altitude
of 1,700 meters is the perfect getaway. Munnar is noted for housing
several threatened and endemic species and thus the destination pulls in
several wildlife enthusiast and nature lovers.
Aamby Valley
Now that’s something different you are going to indulge in when you are
travelling alone in India… and that is Skydiving, which is one of the
adventure sports in India. Aamby Valley in Maharashtra is one of the
destinations where you can go for Skydiving in India.
Mumbai
The liveliest, craziest and busiest city
in India that is also dubbed as “the city that never sleeps”… Mumbai
represents the whole of India. Along with the glamour of Bollywood chics
to the clamour of the Stock Exchange, the city also houses several
heritage sites, pilgrimage, beaches and night clubs. The bottom-line is
that you will never feel lonely or bored in this city!
