Solo Travel India

India is a country where solo travel is much enthusiastic. You have to go with the flow and surrender to different culture of the country. There is vast diversity in geographical, customs and food culture. You won’t struggle for communication being an English speaker.

^{Gingee King Fort}

In India, people protect you more if you are a girl traveller. In case things go wrong, take pictures of the person harassing and directly send them to the police and also shout it to the perpetrator, he will walk away soon. It’s better to be accompanied by any partners if possible. Every solo woman traveller has her own strategy for the success of the backpacking. Keep your phone charged and handy always, dress conservatively, keep pepper spray in your bag in case someone tries molesting.

^{Image by Sasank, at Rock Beach, Pondicherry, India}

India is a country with sparkling faces and traditions, even if you do a decade of travel you would explore minute part of India cause you will get differences in every nook and corner of the country. India should be in the last of the itinerary cause no place will give these new diverged unique culture and getaway to other destination would be a dull job.

^{Image by Maheswari, Mumbai, India}

Solo Travel can be economical when the itinerary is planned ahead. According to a study, there is a 133% increase in solo travel booking at Oyo in the year 2018 comparing the figure with 2017. Often people decide to travel alone when the friends are not free in their off days. The frustrated mind takes up backpacking alone. There are certain companies such as solotravelindia.com to assist the solo travellers in India whether Indian or foreigners. Better to check the travel dates of co-solo traveller in the websites or these companies arrange the same for you. Travel is one of the million ways to find your true potential.

^{Image by Amal, Munnar, Kerala, India}

Tips on Solo Travel

Following are some of the tips beneficial in solo backpacking to any continents of the world.

1. Learn the local languages if possible at least a few greeting words it will pave a lovely impression in the mind locals.

2. Dress up a bit conservatively unlike covering head to toe but wearing cotton lose dress will save from sunburn. Carry a scarf to use in any circumstance.

3. Get an ally in the destination ahead landing and also a reputed hotel for relaxing the day you reach.

4. Book a recommended place to ensure safety, the matter is not saving of money but safety.

5. Get a local Sim Card for better connectivity, be in touch with your family members or friends. A What’s App text or Facebook post will keep people informed about you.

6. Try to get into your homestay before dark, if not possible tell one of the hotel staffs to meet you outside.

7. Say no to the second passenger in the cab or auto-rickshaw to the driver if he does not agree, take another taxi.

8. Dial 100 the woman safety number works across the country, the police stations and tourism departments constantly ensure woman safety in the country.

Places for Solo Travel in India

Starting alone for India will be tussle less if began from south India for low traffic and the meagre crowd. The suggestion will be to visit Kerala or Goa first in solo travel India journey.

1.Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

^{Image by Prithviraj Mahanta}

The southernmost point of India is Kanyakumari. The three ocean on the edge of the Indian peninsula confluence here. You can see both sunrise and sunset on the beach of Kanyakumari. Among other Tamil Nadu districts, Kanyakumari ranks high in literacy. The distance is 3667 km between Kashmir and Kanyakumari.

2.Hampi, Karnataka

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Solo travellers friendly Hampi the UNESCO heritage site is situated at the north Karnataka. The serenity of the atmosphere, architecture and historical designs flocks many fans to Hampi Karnataka. Stone boulders and rock formation in 500 plus monuments are intriguing. The Vijayanagar king’s remnant build-ups, Muslim officers’ quarters, temples are situated ar a few miles from each other. Tungabhadra river, boats and stone hills are an addition to its beauty. Hospet is the closest town and Hubli Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 160 km from Hampi. Lots of hotels, resorts and also luxury ones with ayurvedic massage for relaxation.

Best Time to Travel: During winter when the temperature is not below 12 degrees. Spend at least 2-3 days in Hampi.

3.Pondicherry

^{Image by Sasanka, Auroville, Pondicherry, India}

Pondicherry will give you a spectacular picturesque of Bay of Bengal beaches. Pondicherry known as Puducherry means New Village in Tamil is tiny France in India. The French architectural styles of building, cafes, roads, food, and the foreign people will take you a ride of France within India. Pondicherry is another Goa in India.

The people who are visiting this Union Territory may not be aware of the weather condition. The climate in Pondicherry is almost same throughout the year; hot and humid so be prepared. The cost of living is cheaper than other destination of India yet public transportation available 5 am to 9 pm will save your money at a greater extends

4.Munnar, Kerala

^{Image by Anju, Munnar, Kerala}

Munnar is a getaway town in the hills of Kerala. There are many honeymoon destinations in South India but this one is the most adorable. You can spend time with your loved ones, friends and family with a hot sip of tea or coffee enjoying the aura around you in Munnar.

Munnar is situated in Idukki district of Kerala, 1600 above the mean sea level. Munnar is the Kashmir of South India.

Plan to visit Munnar in between October and November & January and May to get the refreshing air and scenic beauty of Munnar for the pleasing weather of mild cool air and occasional rain.

5.Mysore, Karnataka

^{Image by Chetan, Mysore, Karnataka}

Mysore is the cultural capital and third populated city of Karnataka. Mysore Located on the Chamundi Foothills is one of the cleanest cities in the state. The city has historical benchmarks of Wodeyar dynasty King. Visit Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo, Lalitha Mahal, St. Philomena’s Church - famous places in Mysore, bought famous beautiful silk saree, handcraft, tasted sweets, Mysore Masala Dosa and prettiest would be the GRS water park ride.

It is all time tourism-friendly but I would suggest you set it next end during winter and Dussehra for elegant light decoration when dusk falls for 10 days of Celebration. Anyway check Mysore weather report and be ready. Dussehra is the best time to visit Mysore for the festive mood of the city. You can not have a night outing and party in Mysore so be ready to spend time in hotels or family residence at night.

6.Gangtok, Sikkim

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Sikkim is a state at the border of India and Bhutan. The topography of this region is full of high peaks making it perfect for trekking. Kanchanjunga is visible from its top hills. Take local transport and reach Gangtok

The best time to visit Gangtok is from September to June

7.Ladakh

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This place will give a thrilling adventure for peace in Buddhist monasteries, stony terrain, snow-clad mountains, unique culture and sparkling lakes. The adventurous activities you can enjoy are trekking, mountain biking, quad biking, rifting in rivers. You can spot snow leopard only visible at a certain part of the planet. You can stay in any of the monasteries in Ladakh and find peace. Those ready to push themselves to their maximum are ready for Ladakh backpacking.

8.Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

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You can have a rapid personal transformation in India. It is one of the holiest places in the country, the Hindu culture of sandalwood burning smoke, garland and saree on lively markets of Varanasi. The city is also known for yoga, music workshops and massage, any skill you want to pick up to your home.

9.Zero Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

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Zero Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the captivating places in India for the rich flora and fauna, pine groves and orchids. Revitalize your soul with mountain air and sights of streams. You can trek at Dolo Mando. The best time to travel the spot is February to October. Music lovers should travel in September. Tejpur’s station is the closest railway station to Zero Valley. You should spend at least 4 days to avail of the beauty of the place.

Location: At Subarnashiri District of Arunachal Pradesh

Dos and Dont’s in Solo Travel

• Don’t check in with same people continuously while travelling alone.

• Do get a BSNL Sim Card for the network at places known for less signal.

• Get an extra pair of shocks while travelling to a cold area, as most of the time you start shivering in the cold wearing the woollen cloth. You can wear them in hands. It’s okay if you fall sick once the journey is over but you should not fall sick during travel.

• Back Packing fewer clothes is advisable for less weight cause you will be carrying that whole day so you should not get tired.