India, one of the beautiful country in the world and the wonderful destination for the tourists people due to rich culture, natural beauty, mountains, forts, temple and many more. However, you might have heard that India is not the safe country for “Solo Female Travel” from various sources of news.
I would say that this is partially true because thee are many safe destination as well for solo travel in India. This can not be denied that it is challenging to travel India without proper guidance. This article will provide you the ultimate guide to travel In India and explore the things safely whether you are solo or planning in guide.
Is India safe for Solo Female Travel
As far as I have heard, safety is the major concern in India for travelers especially for women. Not all but there are many kind and helpful people in India. This is the fact that the foreigner get huge attention from Indian but make sure you do not believe on everyone around yourself. Avoid travelling alone in night and the places that are too crowded.
But there are many safe destinations to travel in night as well. It is highly recommended not to go at peaceful destinations with strangers. Many destinations are suggested for female solo travellers.
Safe Destinations for Female Solo Traveler
Below is the list of the safest place that you may visit as a solo female in India attracting many tourister throughout the world.
1) Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is one of the most visited hill stations in Karnataka, also known as “Scotland of India”. Apart from safest place, it is one of the cheaper place to travel in India. It is a home to three wildlife sanctuaries, a beautiful place to relax in the nature, surrounded by many hill stations.
The places you must visit in Coorg are Abbi fall, Tadiandamol peak, Omkareshwara Temple, Raja’s Tomb. All of these characteristic make it the perfect place for Solo Female Travel.
How to Reach
By Air:- The nearest airport is Bangalore and Mangalore.
By Train:- The nearest railway station is Mysore.
2) Rishikesh, Uttrakhand
Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world and the famous hub for adventure sports like white-water rafting, ziplining and bungee jumping. It is the popular destination for the people searching for peaceful environment, spiritual and nature.
Geeta Bhavan, Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Ram Jhula are the spots in the Rishikesh that you should not miss. This beautiful attract many solo female throughout the country and the world. Many hotels, guesthouse are easily available and accessible at this place. Do not forget to add this spot in your solo female travel bucket list.
How to Reach
By Air:- The nearest airport is Dehradun 20 Km from Rishikesh.
By Train:- RishiKesh is 25 km away from Haridwar Junction.
3) Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur also known as “The city of lake” or “the white city of Rajasthan“, the place where different Indian’s culture can be explored, the people of Udaipur are very friendly and helpful. You can enjoy the boat ride of Lake Pichola through which you can also have a view of Aravali Hill.
The popular places in Udaipur attracting many tourist people are Ambrai ghat, Saheliyon ki Bari, Vintage car Museum, Jagdish Temple, city Palace and Bagore KI Haveli.
How to Reach
By Air:- Maharana Pratap Airport is the nearest one.
By Train:- Udaipur Railway Station is the nearest one.
4) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, the most popular hill station of North India is beautiful destination surrounded by vallies which is also known as “Queen of Hills”. Many people prefer to visit here during the summer months as it is the colder place. The Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, The Ridge and Christ Church are the most renowned place to visit in Shimla.
You can experience many joyful activities such as watching snowfall, ice skating and Shimla walk. There are local restaurants there as well where you can have your meal. Another popular activity that you can enjoy is take a train ride from Kalka to Shimla for a view of the mountains.
How to Reach
By Air:- Shimla Airport is the nearest one.
By Train:- Kalka Station is the nearest one.
5) Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi which was the capital of Vijayanagara Temple, one was the safest and the best place for solo female and to learn about history. There are more than 1600 monuments which includes palaces, temples and statues having the beautiful architecture designs. The beauty of this small village will surely makw you fall in love with Hampi.
The food served here in restaurant is so delicious and you can easily the accomodation. The people here are friendly and kind hearted. Vijaya Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Hazaar Rama temple, Ganesha Temple, Hampi Bazaar and Ugra Narasimha Temple are some of the important places to visit in Hampi. Do not forget to add this place in your list of Solo Female Travel.
How to Reach
By Air:- Bangalore Airport is the nearest International airport and then you can take overnight bus to reach Hampi.
By Train:- Hospet is the nearest Railway station which is 13 km away from Hampi.
6) Shillong, Meghalaya
As per mysimplesojourn Shillong is situated in Khasi Hills where matriarchal culture is followed, under this culture after the marriage the man shifts to women home. Now you have idea that this is the safe destination for solo female in India.
Shillong is naturally beautiful surrounded by waterfalls, crystal clear skies, and massive mountains. Umami lake, Elephant falls, Shillong viewpoint, Don Bosco Museum, Lady Hydari Park are the main attractions in Shillong. You will find the restaurants serving the delicious food with kindness and the rock music culture is so popular. All of these characteristic make it the safe and the beautiful destination for solo female travel.
How to Reach
By Air:- The nearest airport is Guwahati which is 100 km away from Shillong but it is well connected by Bus Service.
By Train:- The nearest railway station is Guwahati which is 104 km away from Shillong but it is well connected by Meghalaya Transportation Corporation(Bus service).
7) Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a beautiful destination for solo female travel, located in the eastern coast of India. A place where the South Indian and the French culture blend together. The cafes and restaurants here served the both french and indian food and other deicious dishes. Since it is surrounded by beaches and temples you are going to get a beautiful view of nature at this spot.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Promenade beach, Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus and French memorial are some of the best destinations that cannot be ignored in Pondicherry. But you should not miss White town which is going to give you joyful experience of French quarter.
How to Reach
By Air:- The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport.
By Train:- The nearest railway station is Villupuram Junction(37 away from pondicherry).
8) Sikkim
Sikkim nestled in Himalaya is a heart touching destination due to attractive nature which includes forests, snow capped mountains, winding rivers. Many sprituals are also found here such as ancient monasteries and meditation retreats. The locals of sikkim are so friendly that they treat the touristors with the hospitality.
Apart from this, Sikkim is the best location are those who love adventurous activities such as hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, skydiving and mountain climbing. There are many cafes and restaurants which are available there which serve the tasty food with hospitalit. Ravangla and Pelling, Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers) & Lachung are the main attractions in Sikkim.
How to Reach
By air:- Pakyong Airport is the nearest airport which is around 35 km away from Sikkim.
By Train:- Siliguri is 146 km away from Sikkim.
9) Nainital, Uttrakhand
The destination which can make you fall in love i.e Nainital which is surrounded by Himalayan mountains, having amazing waterfall and beautiful wildlife. This spot is one of the most famous destination among travellers and touristers due to its natural beauty.
Naini Lake, Eco Cave Gardens, Naina Devi Temple are the some of most visited place in Nainital. There are many restaurants and cafes available here. Apart from this there are many malls and shop where you can buy woollen clothes, wooden crafts and candles etc. Apart from this it is one of the safest place to travel in India for solo female. Do not forget to add Nainital in your Solo Female travel in bucket list.
How to Reach
By Air:- The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH) which is 70 km away from Nainital.
By Train:- The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (KGM) which is 34-35 km away from Nainital.
10) Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling also known as “Queen of Hill” is also the one of the perfect location for solo female travel in eastern Himalayas. Kanchenjunga, world’s third highest peak is visible from here and considered as the main attraction of this destination. There are several activities that you can enjoy here such as Cable Car Ride, riding the historic Toy Train, paragliding or trekking.
How to Reach
By Air:- The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is around 70 km away from Darjeeling.
By Train:- The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is around 43 km away from Darjeeling.
Selfies in India
It has been observed that Indian people give too much attention foreigner traveling in India and are very curious to take selfies with them. It is safe until they behave properly with you, if you believe that you are feeling unsafe around them then you can deny them for selfie. At some spots this can be annoying but at the tourists destinations selfies will less likely to occur.
Also Read:- Chhaterpur Temple Delhi detailed guide
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel
If you are a foreigner then you must keep these safety tips in your minds so that you enjoy your solo travel journey in India safely
- Dress Appropriately:- India is a still developing and religious country country, it is true that Indians are adopting the western culture but the mindset of people has not changed till now. Especially at the rural side and the old people judge the people by their clothes. Keep in mind that it is mandatory to wear traditional clothes in temples.
- Carry Cash:- At some place you may find the network issues, for your suitability you should carry cash. It will also be helpful during the bargaining.
- Look Confident:- Even if you are not you should look confident in the front of peoples so that they may not chase you. I will recommend you to not get friendly easily with the strangers because it can be hard deal for you.
- Avoid Travelling at Night:- It is recommended to avoid travelling at night at some places they are not considered as safe for female at night. It is highly recommended to not go at deserted roads during the night witht the strangers.
- Use Online apps to book Cabs:- You must download the app such as Uber, Rapido, Ixigo Train. You may get fool by local taxis driver so you can book online cabs online. If you have good bargaining skills then you can prefer local taxis as well.
Food in India
In india, almost all varieties of food are available as India is a diverse country. But there is the fact that the food does not suit to the health of some foreigner people who visit in India, some get the vomiting from eating the meal. You need to search the food that suit to your health. There are many restaurants and I am sure that you will be able to find the taste in any of the restaurants and cafes.
Conclusions
India is the beautiful country where you will find the mixed culture is followed and most popular for touristers. India is a safe country for solo female travel if you follow the safety tips that has been mentioned above. You just need to use your common sense and make sure you are alert everytime.
There are vast activities that you can enjoy here such as shopping, eating, trekking, bike riding at mountains and the diffrent types of weather at the different destinations.
