Best Places For Solo Travel in India

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Karnataka, this place is a must-visit especially if you love some art and history. There are more than 500 monuments to see here, strewn across the gorgeous backdrop of hills, so make sure you devote enough time to this trip! The political, royal centre of the Vijayanagara empire, temples and even the quarters of Muslim officers in the royal army are all here in a harmonious setting, located just a few miles from each other. The river Tungabhadra also adds to the beauty of Hampi, with coracle boats and stone-hills.

Getting There: The closest town to Hampi is Hospet and you can take a train here and then a short bus ride. If you want to fly down, Hubli is the closest airport located about 160 kms from here.
Where and How Long to Stay: Winter is the best time to visit Hampi with the temperature not dropping below 12 degrees. There are a lot of nice guest houses to stay at here and also some hotels if you want a luxurious trip. There are also heritage resorts with Ayurvedic massages to offer. An ideal trip should be of 2-3 days to really see what Hampi has to offer.

Best Time: October to March

31 Hampi Attractions

Known For : Manikaran Sahib Malana

Could be called 'Goa of the Hills', Kasol is a destination that is on every trekker's list. Catering to a lot of hippies, it's a small village on the banks of Parvati River in the valley. The river being replete with trout is ideal for fishing but you need a permit from the forest department. It's also a great destination for rafting and water sports.

Getting There: Buses and trains are well connected to this region. The best time to visit is from March to May.
Where and How Long to Stay: There are quite a few cottages and hotels to stay at in the old and new parts of Karol. This can be a two day trip with one day for trekking and two days for chilling.

Best Time: October to June

25 Kasol Attractions

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

If you want to go to France but don't have the money yet, go to Puducherry instead! With French influence in its architecture, this sleepy little place is perfect for a serene, beach getaway. The food has a lot of French influence too and beer is cheap, making it a place to if you want a real culinary experience. The Auroville temple is a place to visit if you want to reconnect with your spiritual side.

Getting There: You can get here by driving down from Chennai on one of the most scenic rides in India. While there, you can walk around town and explore. It's also famous for its incense at the Aurobindo Ashram shops. October to February is the best time to visit with the minimum temperature not going below 17 degrees.
Where and How Long to Stay: Staying in one of the colonial establishments converted into hotels is the best thing to do here. This can be a three-four day trip, ideally.

Best Time: October to March

48 Pondicherry Attractions

Known For : Water Sports in Varkala Varkala Beach Edava Beach

A peaceful cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala is a coastal town in Kerala. Ponnumthuruthu Island, Papasnanam Beach, Kapil Lake, Janardhan Swami temple are some of the sights to see here. You could also just lie down at the beach in a hammock and watch the day go by because the place is that beautiful. Ayurvedic spas and massages are also famous here.

Getting There: You can get here by train to the Varkala station or a drive from the Trivandrum International Airport. December to March is the best time to visit especially if you need a respite from the cold climate you live in.
Where and How Long to Stay: Three-four days here will be good to explore the temples, beaches and water sports.

Best Time: Throughout the year

25 Varkala Attractions

Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna

If a chilled out beach experience is what you're looking for then Gokarna is your destination. Even though it's a temple town, the beaches here have some insane bonfire nights and parties for all. All the beaches are in quick succession of one another, each being even more beautiful than the previous.

Getting There: The best time to visit is from October to March. Well connected with buses and rails, you should experience the drive to this place rather than flying down. Otherwise, the closest airport is Dabolim in Goa.
Where and How Long to Stay: There are cottages and guest houses where you can live like a real backpacker, chilling on hammocks and enjoying the balmy weather. This can be a four-five day trip.

Best Time: Throughout the year

20 Gokarna Attractions

Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas along with the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga River, Rishikesh is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes and as the "Yoga Capital of the World". With whitewater rafting industry growing and varied camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.

Getting There: Rishikesh is well connected by Rail and Road. Buses are available from Delhi, Dehradun and other towns of Uttarakhand
Where and How Long to Stay: There are many youth hostels in Rishikesh. You can choose to stay there for 2-3 days.

Best Time: Throughout the year

53 Rishikesh Attractions

Known For : City Palace, Udaipur Lake Pichola Sajjangarh Palace

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This 'Venice of the East' has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India.  A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola will be enough to prove to you why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan.

Getting There: The Maharana Pratap Airport is nearly 24km from the main city. The city is well connected by rail and road. Udaipur is 5 hours by road from Ahmedabad, 6 hours from Jaipur and 4 hours from Kota.
Where and How Long to Stay: There are youth hostels and traditional havelis that have been converted into hotels and homestays. Udaipur is great for a weekend getaway. If you are driving down from Jaipur, you can choose to make a stop at Chittorgarh Fort too.

Best Time: October to March

43 Udaipur Attractions

Known For : Pushkar Lake Brahma Temple Savitri Temple

Pushkar is located amid Aravali ranges. Known for the world's only dedicated Brahma temple, Pushkar is primarily a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Spend some evenings sitting at the ghats while sipping chai or taking a stroll through narrow alleys while listening to the chants from temples surrounding the ghats. A delight for street-shopping lovers, Pushkar has shops in the main street selling everything from silver oxidised jewellery to merchandise swaddled in various colours.

Getting There: Pushkar is well connected by road. One can get local buses easily from the nearest cities of Ajmer and Jaipur. The nearest railway station is Ajmer which is 15 km from Pushkar.
Where and How Long to Stay: There are many youth hostels in Pushkar. You can choose to stay there for 2-3 days.

Best Time: October to March

21 Pushkar Attractions

Known For : Elephant Falls Shillong Peak Umiam Lake

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’.

Getting There: The nearest railway station is in Guwahati and the Shillong airport at Umroi has direct flights from Kolkata. One can get a bus from Guwahati to reach Shillong.
Where and How Long to Stay: Homestays, Campsites, Boutique Hotels are great in Shillong. Shillong is great for a 3 days trip.

Best Time: September to May

33 Shillong Attractions

Known For : Tarin Fish Farm - Paddy cultivation Kile Pakho Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

The number of reasons for stopping you from visiting Ziro is zero. Located in lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro valley is another captivating destination for solo travellers. With enriched flora and fauna, this place is filled with pine groves and mesmerising orchids. The rivulets and streams and the crisp mountain air, will not fail to revitalize your tired soul. Dolo Mando is a trek to undertake here. There is also the Ziro Music Festival, which is ideal, amidst the hills for listening to some great music.

Getting There: The best time to visit would be from February to October and for the music festival in September. Tezpur is the closest location to get here by train or air.
Where and How Long to Stay: Spend four days here to soak in the beautiful topography that this part of the country has to offer.

Best Time: Throughout the year

8 Ziro Attractions

Known For : Amer Fort Chokhi Dhani Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur

Jaipur is a vibrant amalgamation of the old and the new. Also called the Pink City, The capital of the royal state of Rajasthan, Jaipur has been ruled by Rajput kingdoms for many centuries and developed as a planned city in the 17th century AD. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the Golden Triangle, one of the most famous tourist circuits of the country. It's one of the best places for women travellers.

Getting There: Jaipur is well connected by rail and air from all parts of the country. It is 5 hours by road from Delhi.
Where and How Long to Stay: Backpacker Hostels, Business Hotels, Homestays, Luxury Hotels, there are a lot of options. You can choose to stay in Jaipur for 2-3 days.

Best Time: October to March

67 Jaipur Attractions

Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall

Old and new are both beautiful when it comes to visiting Manali. Thick pine forests and a gushing river make it seem like you've stepped into a perfect world that only exists in books and imaginations. Manali is also a starting point for many while going to Spiti and Leh. Having two major seasons of summer and winter, you can take your pick of which season you want to visit in to experience Manali in a different way. If you go in February, the Tibetian New Year and Lossar Festival happen then which is an extravagant affair. Temples, hot springs, monasteries, German bakeries are just some of the places to visit.

Getting There: You can either fly to Bhuntar which is 10 kms from Manali or take a bus or train if you want a longer, more scenic path along the rivers.
Where and How Long to Stay: Lots of hotels and hostels are there, depending on your budget. Keep five-six days aside to visit Manali, especially if you're going in winter since the snow will make your drive there more treacherous.

Best Time: October to June

53 Manali Attractions

Known For : Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ganga Aarti, Varanasi Dashashwamedh Ghat

Whether you want to go to Varanasi, Kashi or Benaras, you will land up at the same place. Regarded as one of the holiest cities for Hindus, it is known for more than just the Benarasi silk. It is replete with ghats and temples, making it hard to imagine that a lot of them were destroyed in the middle ages. The most intimate rituals of death take place in the open so it is not a destination for the faint of heart.

Getting There: The best time to visit is from October to March. You can fly here with the Lal Bahadur Shastri airport being 24 km away from the town, or take a bus or car directly.
Where and How Long to Stay: Spending three days here is sufficient to explore the city and what it has to offer. Most of the budget hotels are located at the banks of the Ganges River. One can also stay at one of the many backpacker's hostels that have sprung up.

Best Time: October to March

38 Varanasi Attractions

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

A scenic drive from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a small temple-town. A major sea-port of the Pallava Kingdom, it is also a World Heritage Site. The architecture of the rock-cut temples is beautiful, which everyone goes to see. There are also local craftsmen who keep the art alive of carving idols out of a single stone.

Getting There: 2 hours away from Chennai by a car or bus, it's a town that can be explored by foot or a bicycle.
Where and How Long to Stay: Guesthouses and hotels are plenty here to stay but you can also cover it in one day while on a tour of the South where you can additionally go to Chennai and Pudducherry and make a longer trip of it. This can be a trip of just a day or two if you want to extend it.

Best Time: November to February

23 Mahabalipuram Attractions

Known For : Triund Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Namgyal Monastery, Mcleodganj

Home to the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, Dharamsala also has the monastery of the Dalai Lama. The upper part of Dharamsala, known as Mcleodganj is the one more famous with travellers. Bir is located southeast of Dharamsala and Biling is on the way to Thamsar Pass. It's a trek of 14kms which can be done on foot from Bir to Biling. Biling is also a paragliding destination with some of the best services in the world. Kareri lake, which is a high altitude fresh water lake, is in the northwest of Dharamsala and a trek can be made out of going there.

Getting There: Easiest to reach by a flight to Dharamshala, taking a bus or train is a better option to get a feel of your trip. The hotels are cheap with the best time of visit being March to October. It's ideal even for a weekend getaway.
Where and How Long to Stay: There are lots of budget and luxury hotels and cottages to choose from. Spend two days here and combine it with a trip to Dalhousie or McLeodganj for another two days to make it a longer one.

Best Time: October to June

38 Dharamsala Attractions

Known For : Kovalam Beach Halcyon Castle Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple

Kovalam is an idyllic coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Famous for its three adjacent crescent-shaped shallow water and low tidal beaches, Kovalam is dotted with resorts and ayurvedic massage centres.

Getting There: Trivandrum has both the nearest airport and railway station. Regular buses connect Kovalam to various cities.
Where and How Long to Stay: Homestays and beach resorts are great in Kovalam. You can choose to stay there for 2-3 days.

Best Time: September to March

28 Kovalam Attractions

Known For : Calangute Beach Fort Aguada Cruise in Goa

Lying on the west coast, Goa is one of the smallest states in India known for its brilliant beaches, scrumptious food and Portuguese heritage. With a coastline stretching for over 100 kilometres, Goa has numerous beaches that attract millions of visitors. Goa is well known for its nightlife.

Getting There: Goa is well connected by air, rail and road from all parts of the country. There are buses from major cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.
Where and How Long to Stay: There are many options for hostels, homestays and beach resorts in Goa. A minimum of 4 days should be good for a trip to Goa.

Best Time: October to March

197 Goa Attractions

Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital

The gem of Uttarakhand - Nainital is a charming hill station that sits prettily at the green foothills of the Kumaon ranges in the Himalayas. Located at an elevation of around 1938 metres, the epicentre of the town’s popularity and beauty lies within the gorgeous Naini Lake, after which the town is named. Founded by the British due to its resemblance to the Cumbrian Lake District, Nainital brims with elegant colonial structures that amplify the beauty of this place. It is a perfect weekend getaway from the Indian capital of Delhi.

Getting There: There is no direct connectivity to Nainital, except by Road. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, some 35 km. from Nainital. However, there are direct buses from Delhi that takes about 7 hours to reach.

Best Time: Throughout the year

33 Nainital Attractions

Often referred to as a mesmerising "hamlet" situated amidst the lush green forests and surrounded by variegated mountain, Jibhi is just the right place to relax and spend some peaceful moments with your loved ones. An offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh, Jibhi is untouched by industrialization and surrounded by nature. The dense pine forests, tranquil freshwater lakes and pristine temples make this place worth visiting. You will be spellbound after visiting this place and would not want to leave it. The cosy Victorian-style cottages in which you can stay are an added bonus that makes you feel as if you are living in the Victorian Period. So enjoy a cup of chai breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sweet chirpings of the birds in the lap of nature.

Getting There: The nearest railway station is in Shimla which is about 150 km away from Jibhi. From there rental cars are available easily that will take you to Jibhi. Buses from Delhi are available in regular intervals that will drop you at Aut. From Aut direct buses to Jibhi are available.

Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in the country. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in the state of Karnataka, and its rich cultural heritage draws millions of tourists all year round.

Getting There: Although Mysore has its own airport, it is not fully functional hence tourists can access this city through the Bangalore airport (170km). Getting on a train to the Mysore railway station is a very convenient way of travel as daily trains ply here. Bus services are also regularly running from Bangalore and finding a seat is never a problem.

Where and How Long to Stay: There are many options for hotels, homestays, hostels in Mysore. The place is great for a two days trip.

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Mysore Attractions

While Kasol gets the spotlight amongst the villages of the Parvati Valley, one can enjoy the true serenity of the magical Himachal Pradesh by trekking a little further from this major town to the quaint little village of Chalal. Situated at an altitude of over 5300 feet and a 30-minute trek away from the tourist hub of Kasol, Chalal has managed to retain its old world mountain village rustic charm. Set in the beautiful Parvati Valley of the Himalayas, with a grand view of snow-capped mountains and majestic pine trees, this quaint town has been nicknamed as the "Isreal of Himachal Pradesh", and rightfully so!