Taking a ladies only trip and that too in India? Ask any girl and expect epic reactions. Are women safe in India is a daunting question and therefore it can be a daunting place to travel, but one shouldn’t forget the rich culture and heritage that this place has in store for its visitors. Be it an adventure seeker or a foodie, couples or a female solo traveler, you will find India in every traveling group's bucket list. Trips for solo women? Yes! You heard me right. India can be a tough place to travel but there are places that are safe for female solo travelers. Actually, India is a lovely place to travel solo. People speak good English, you will find a variety of cuisine and almost all the places are well connected by different means of transport. Therefore, we present you with 10 safest destinations for ladies only travel in India:
1. Munnar, Kerala
Located in the state of Kerala, this place is known for its breathtaking beauty and surreal landscapes along with Tea Plantations. The lush green landscape becomes even more surreal and majestic during the monsoon season. Owing to the honest and hard-working nature of the people there, Munnar is considered a very safe place for traveling alone. An array of resorts around this place offer amazing options to people looking to travel solo to this place.
2. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Get down from the bus and you will realize you have entered a completely different realm. With Tibetan flags adorning the streets, it’s a place to fall in love with! McLeodganj is the residence in-exile of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Enjoy the Tibetan cuisine and shop like there is no tomorrow. Get adventurous and trek the four hours up to the mighty Triund. Most of the cafes and hotels can only be accessed by foot. Because of its small size and popularity with tourists, McLeod Ganj is a safe place for women to head alone. There is a strong community feel there, especially with traveling groups, when you hang out at the cafés, bars or partake in one of the volunteering opportunities.
Sitting on the banks of Parvati river, this small town is a backpacker’s paradise as a lot of treks like Kheerganga, Sar Pass and Malana start from here. Also known as the ‘Mini Israel of India’, Kasol is dotted with n number of Italian and Israeli cafes where one can find authentic Italian and Israeli food respectively. Take a walk along the banks of River Parvati and the picturesque landscape will leave you in awe. Kasol is increasingly becoming popular with solo female travelers due to honest and generous nature of the locals. Wear whatever you want, do whatever you want to do – you won’t be getting those “creepy” looks!
4. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Known as the yoga capital of the world, this place is super safe for solo travelling women! Be it a yoga retreat or adventure activities like white river rafting and bungee jumping, you can have it all here. Rishikesh is home to world-renowned ashrams and meditation centers. Let the spiritual vibes help you awaken your inner conscience. The fact that Rishikesh is relatively untouched makes it to the bucket list of all the girls traveling solo in India.
5. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Identified with the peace-loving father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the nation), Ahmedabad is undoubtedly the safest city in India. Ahmedabad is famous for the Sabarmati Ashram. Sitting on the banks of River Sabarmati, the ashram stands as a witness to the struggles which contributed to India’s independence from the British rule. The locals are extremely warm and their honesty is unmatched. One will certainly not hear cases of tourists getting scammed or the girls travelling solo to be bothered in Ahmedabad!
6. Hampi, Karnataka
A certified UNESCO World Heritage Site, this small town is famous for its rich and colossal ruins. Hospitable, friendly, and culturally wealthy people are what you are likely to encounter here. This place is quite popular with backpackers from all around the world, which gives you a chance to meet new people from different countries and be friends for life. Hampi offers cheap accommodation and is very tourist-friendly. Explore the fascinating archaeological ruins and let your heart skip a beat – because, it is worth it!
7. Sikkim
The “Chota Packet, Bada Dhamaka” (Small packet, Big Surprise) phrase fits just right in the description of this state. Where half of the country is struggling with the patriarchal norms of the society, Sikkim is leading the way by maintaining its matriarchal norms. Visit Sikkim to not only see, but also experience the real meaning of women empowerment. It is here where one will find a splendid blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. With pristine alpine forests and lofty mountains all around, Sikkim is home to one of the scenic treks in India. Also, the nightlife of Gangtok is quite happening. Wink, Wink!
The organic food and tribal vibes will detoxify you and the sheer warmth of the locals will make you feel at home.
8. Gokarna, Karnataka
If Kasol is the Hippie capital of North India then Gokarna is the hippie capital of South India. Take a long stroll and you will find typical Brahmins reading English Newspapers in their medieval huts. English Newspapers? Yes, you heard it right! A secluded town, Gokarna has managed to retain its distinct earthy vibes in this age of industrialization. The place is a beautiful amalgamation of traditions and advancement. It is here that you will truly find the best of both worlds. If you are a beach person and Goa isn’t the place for you, then no fikar (no worries) because Gokarna is here!
9. Darjeeling, West Bengal
While the rest of Bengal can be quite notorious, this place is an absolute heaven for female solo travelers. Sitting on the foothills of the eastern part of Himalayas, Darjeeling is an ideal destination if you want to explore the North-East – alone! The town can be easily explored on foot and locals are generally helpful and kind. Stay in home-stays to experience the unforgettable hospitality of the locals. Do I need to say anything about the cool and misty climate of Darjeeling?
10. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Imagine girls wearing shorts, sitting along the coastline, and chatting, that too - at 2 am! It might be a next to impossible scenario for girls living in Delhi but my fellow women, this is a regular sight in Mumbai, and, it is completely normal! We can certainly imagine Delhi Aunties getting shocked but this just shows how safe Mumbai is for girls. You will get a variety of mouth-watering food that will leave you asking for more. Visit the famous Siddhivinayak Temple at 5 am in the morning and just experience how the positive vibes help you attain inner peace. Owe it to the Maharashtrian culture or not, but you won’t hear cases of molestation or even eve-teasing out here. The locals are very warm, kind, honest and generous. Believe me when I say this, these words are just not enough to describe them!
Mumbai is a much safer alternative for girls travelling solo as compared to Delhi. Yes it is somewhat far from Jaipur & Agra but there are cheap internal flights which helps you to travel India and still avoid the uncomfortable stares & advances from Delhi men.
So c’mon Ladies! What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, include these places in your itinerary, and get the best of both worlds!
If you think we have missed your favorite destination and you can advocate it is indeed safe, we would happy to include in this list; let us know in comments!
For girls traveling alone or traveling solo in India can be challenging and for some people irrespective of gender solo travel might be daunting, that's where Wander Womaniya comes in. We provide travel groups for women and mixes groups to serve the interests of all!
