Every once in a while we all desire to run away from our day-to-day routines of existence and from people around us to find ourselves in the middle of the lovely nature. Even after having some of the best folks in our life, it is important to devote some time for ourselves. For such frame of mind, there is nothing enhanced than taking a solo travel trip. Solo travel is one of most therapeutic experiences on the earth, there are, however, considerations to be taken into account, especially if youre a female solo traveller. As a woman, determining to take a voyage on your own can be frightening. Its very easy and very common to be overwhelmed by doubts and uncertainties; from the minute you disclose your plans of your solo trip to your family and friends, to the moment you reach your particular destination. Statistic as it remains, most people cut a figure of India as a precarious place for female travellers, which is moderately true, but it can by no means block the other fact that all parts of India are unsafe, and all men in India are eve-teasers. India is one remarkably beautiful destination and the trick is to explore well before setting out for a trip and trail some easy rules. According to a recent study, solo female travel is on the escalation with one in six people having travelled on their own on their holidays. There are now even committed apps specially made for single females to bond with one other on the road. More toting to the splendor, seemingly many single female travellers, these days are coming forward and sharing their travel experiences, advices and tricks for a harmless and trouble free journey around the country. Therefore, lets concentrate on the noble part and embrace some unpretentious understanding. To help out the first-timers, here are eight of the safest destinations for solo female travellers to visit-

Shimla

Dear ladies, topping the chart is Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. This hill station is seamless for solo female travellers for the naive fact that they are trifling in size and people generally know each other. Sanctified with picturesque beauty and soothing climate in summer, one can expect heavy snowfall in winters. Shimla also has safe lodging options and eateries and hence finding good accommodations and food is an easy victory. The main attractions in the city include the Mall, the Ridge, Christ Church, Jakhu Temple, Himalayan Bird Park and Kufri which remains jam-packed with tourist throughout the year; so even if you are holidaying alone, you are in a way not alone. The toy train is another one of the major attractions in Shimla. If you are into adventure sports then you can also try paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting. Touted as the safest hill stations of all, it is charming and gives you the most picturesque and artistic views you may have never seen before.

Best time to Visit: March to June

Goa

Goa is one of the benign places in India for solo woman travellers. You dont need a person to celebrate each and every event or party hard to be in Goa; the place will give you masses of alternatives. Whether it is walking around the unmapped beaches, off beating trekking, water sports, fashionable and stylish flea markets, cruise, or casinos everything is just worth trying. You just cant get enough of this place.

Best Time to Visit: Nov -Feb

Udaipur

If you have got love for culture then Udaipur is probably the best place that you need to explore alone. Udaipur is one of those cities in Rajasthan that is evidently safe for women; furthermore extremely welcoming. People are friendly and that is why one has the comfort of wandering without restrictions in the city. It is not just the architectural magnificence of the city that makes it a must visit place of India. But, the appetizing cuisines, the traditional art, music, and literature and the beautiful handiworks that Udaipur has got, will make any female traveller go gaga over the place. Not just Udaipur, you can count Pushkar, Jaipur and Jaisalmer also as the best places to travel solo.

Best time to Visit: September, October, November, December, February and March.

Rishikesh

Be it for a yoga refuge, or the adventure sports or simply the serenity of Rishikesh, you have got to be at this place at least once as a solo traveller. Not only river rafting but the chance for a cluster of adventure activities likes bungee jumping and cliff jumping makes the place ever so fascinating. If adventure is not, you might like to try and learn the art of yoga and meditation so that you have a bit of something really noble to take back home. Apart from the much known exquisiteness of the Ganges and Garhwal Himalayas, you will meet here best kind of people who will give you the best experiences of life. Rishikesh is super safe for girls, hence making it an ultimate destination in India for female travellers.

Best time to Visit: Early March – April to first week of May

For River Rafting: Late September – October to mid November

Hampi

Hampi will transform all your perceptions about travelling solo in India. Situated near Hospet in Karnataka, Hampi is yet one more place that has been accepted as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are a rambler kind of person, you are certainly going to love this place as it offers economical lodging, bounces the chance to come across people from diverse countries and seemingly makes you feel at liberty without the distress of safety. This small village destination has so much to convey to its urban counterparts. Friendly and socially prosperous people are what you are expected to encounter here. Some of the best places to visit include Hemakuta Hill, Queens Bath and Royal Centre, Nandi Statue, Elephant Stables, Sule Bazaar etc.

Best Time to Visit: Cooler months of October to March

Pondicherry

Pondicherry is an unobtrusive bantam place with amiable people and friendly environment and is preferably the best place for solo women travellers. Acknowledged for its French architecture and attractive beaches, Pondicherry in South India; is also home to broadminded people who mind their own business. Pondicherry has its own charisma: pleasantly paved roads ruled with yellow majestic style houses and clean air. It is a great place for shopping, trying some mouthwatering French cuisine and taking a turn on the beautiful beachside. The fact that Pondicherry is a land of pacific heaven may end up creating it your impeccable refuge.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Ladakh

For the love of scenery, culture and generosity, Ladakh has been on the list of every traveller. The landscape is impeccable and feel of standing amidst it is truly out of the world. Prevalently called as The Little Tibet, Ladakh has been inviting tourists for years with its snow plugged mountains and uncontaminated azure and has become a favorite among trekking and mountaineering aficionados. The outstanding Buddhist Monastries of the Gompas have added enormously to the opulent culture and history of Ladakh. Leh Palace, Pangong Lake, Lake Tsomoriri, Nubra Valley, Zanskar Valley, Markha Valley, Lamayuru Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Tso Kar, Alchi Monastery are some of the major attractions. Beautiful Ladakh is a fantasy of all and in this attempt why should boys have all the fun!

Best Time to Visit: Ladakh in summer: April till July

Ladakh in Monsoon: July till September.

Ladakh in winter: From October till March

Nainital

Colonized by the Kumaoni people, who are known for their sincere smiles and helping nature makes this destination a safe place for single female traveller. It is popularly known as Lake City. Nainital is known for its pristine waters, extravagant looking boats, delicious food and historic topics of importance. Apart from that, Nainital offers plenty of arenas; you can walk around on your own. Main attractions are Snow View, Tiffin Top, China Peak, Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal, Saattal, Lovers Point, Himalaya Darshan, Ropeway (Cable Car), Nanda Devi Temple, Jama Masjid, Pangot, Corbett National Park, Cave Garden, Boat House Club. Tibetan Market sells cutting edge, contemporary clothing line at reasonable prices, so you should keep your alternatives open for shopping in Nainital.

Best Time to Visit: March to June

Few points to keep in mind while travelling alone-

Most Importantly, Plan what you’re doing in advance, so you can look and feel confident.

Carry a single bag and wear it on your back. This way, you can keep your hands free. Bags with cross-body straps are an inordinate idea.

When youre roaming with your bag packed, carry all valuables like your passport and money. Dont leave it in your backpack.

Never carry more money than your requirement. As an alternative, you can wear a thin money belt with concealed sections that fits underneath your clothes.

Only take registered taxis. Carry the phone number of a taxi firm with you.

If you’re going to less developed areas, tampons and thin sanitary towels can be difficult to find. Take a stock from home.

Consider doing a ‘self-defense for women’ course before you go.

If you are lost, and you dont feel safe, walk into a café or restaurant and assertively ask for information. Look confident and assured, (even if youre petrified on the inside).

Solo travelling is something that one should experience at least once in their lives, so girl, go out into the world and nourish your desires, magnify your possibilities, discover yourself and jump out of your comfort zone. Just some cautious preparation, and planning; and you are all set to have an exhilarating and exciting journey.

Bon Voyage!

Author(s)

  • Prachi is a fashion designer by profession. Apart from designing she loves writing and in her spare time, takes freelance writing projects. She writes for various health, fashionlifestyle and home decor websites. She also writes for a published magazine.