Just only 10 or 20 years ago, solo travelling was an alien concept in India, especially for women. But not anymore! And surprisingly more than 40% of solo travellers in India are women. Summing up all the cultural diversity and heritage sites that India possesses, it is a great country to soak up your ‘tripping’ soul with. However, not all places of India are that great to travel alone. Some places have linguistic problems, and some have safety problems. So, what to do?

Well, it is not time to scratch your head in confusion because we have a list just ready for you. It is perfectly valid for both men and women. All you have to do is to gather enough courage to lift your backpack up and step a foot outside of your comfort zone. Let’s go!

1. Manali

Manali is one of the best places to travel solo in India; especially if you are an amateur. Thick pine forest, majestic gushing river and dreamy mountains– just a few hours away from Delhi; Manali will make your blood rush like an adventure. Manali has many cheap guest houses, hostels and a transportation system to avail. Also, this hill station has the perfect amount of adventure sports to make your solo travelling a big hit. From paragliding, river rafting to temples, hot springs and monasteries, Manali is undeniable.

2. Puducherry

Do you want to sprinkle a little French in your solo journey? In that case, Puducherry is the best place to go. The then French colony of India, Puducherry inevitably resemble in so many ways with France. This city is perfectly safe with a serene environment. It is ideally a suitable place to have a little French culinary experience. You can easily drive your way to Puducherry from Chennai. October to February is the best time to have this solo journey.

3. Udaipur

If you want to experience rich heritage and cultural history of any place, Udaipur could be the perfect example. The city of Lakes has lots of things to offer you. From a cheap hospitality to beautiful sight-seeing places, Udaipur is also safe to travel solo as well. The Havelies, forts, places are enough to woo you into your decision. The best time to visit Udaipur is from October to February.

4. Meghalaya

The ‘Abode of Clouds’ or Meghalaya is just an excuse to initiate a solo expedition. With Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram on the list, Meghalaya is at her best during April to June or December to February. It is best to avoid Meghalaya during the rainy season, given the heavy rainfall in there. Also, as a solo traveller you can easily find cheap hostels or guest houses to spend your nights peacefully. This place is well connected to Guwahati but you can also travel by roads or air.

5. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

If you want to make your stay a peaceful one surrounded by age-old heritage sites, Khajuraho is the best option. However, it is a little hard to reach to, especially for a solo traveller, but this place surely worth it. As much as the erotic sculptures of the temples attract people across the world, this place preserves its own cultural diversity along with a safe environment. October to February is the best time to visit this place.

6. Hampi, Karnataka

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site on this list, Hampi is surely a must-visit place if you love a vivid combination of art and culture. The monuments scattered through this place and the ruins of Vijayanagara Temple are something that pleases the eyes of an artist. And with Tungabhadra River by its side, Hampi is a full package for a solo traveller.

7. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Not a lot of people know about this place but Orchha is one of the best places if you want a touch of history and nature at the same time. The beautiful architecture of the Orchha fort is something extraordinary, combined with the abandoned temples at the outskirt of the city life. The Orchha Bird Sanctuary across the Betwa River will surely give you a different experience altogether. And if you visit this place during the monsoon season, you might be lucky enough to have an adventurous Betwa River Rafting.

8. Mahabalipuram

Just only a 2 hours drive away from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is surely an undeniable attraction as a solo traveller. Serene and calm, Mahabalipuram is a small temple town that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Along with ancient heritage sites, Mahabalipuram has a hidden natural beauty to offer you with as well. Go for village biking in Mahabalipuram and you will remember the day till the last day of your travelling. Also, you will not face any problem finding hotels in here as well. You can find plenty cheap hotels and guest houses there as well.

9. Kasol

If you are a solo trekker, Kasol should on your bucket list. Also known as the ‘Goa of Hills’, Kasol is a small village by the side of Parvati river that preserves the hippie culture. So, if you are in search of something different, you might find that in Kasol. And never forget the river rafting! March to May is the best time to visit this place.

10. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

If you have always dreamt of getting lost in the midst of sand dunes, Jaisalmer can provide you with the perfect framework. With ‘Thor’ dessert and Rajasthani forts in the background, this city is an abode of travellers. It is perfectly safe to travel there alone and it can provide you with lots of cheap hotels to stay at as well. But choose the time wisely, avoid summers and winters.

Solo travelling is the best kind of travelling there is if you can execute it properly. You don’t have to do much, trust your instincts and follow the trails of your dreams because the journey is more important than the destination anyway!