Is India a Good Choice for a Solo Holiday?
India is a beautiful country, bursting with a vibrant culture and rich history. It’s a land of contradictions, offering a little bit of everything – jungles and deserts, mountains and beaches, ancient architecture and modern, bustling cities. As with visiting any country, doing thorough research and planning well is key to a successful holiday in India. But is India a good choice for a solo traveller? Let’s take a look.
Is India a Good Choice for a Solo Holiday?
We Say Yes! And here’s why …
Tamil Nadu Photo by Gowtham AGM
Endless Beauty to Discover
India is iconic for its natural beauty, from the lush greenery of its inner landscapes to the glistening beaches of its shores. Teeming with breathtaking temples set amidst picturesque backdrops and the majestic architecture of the cities, there are plenty of sights to please history buffs and nature lovers alike. Many travel here for the country’s spiritual and romantic qualities, but you don’t need to be religious to appreciate the views.
Rishikesh and Goa offer everything you need to ease yourself in and begin enjoying the wonders of India, where the atmosphere is calm and safe. Whilst these are popular tourist locations, there are still plenty of authentic dining opportunities and chances to immerse yourself in the local culture, from musical story experiences to bustling flea markets.
Further Reading: Top 21 Things to See and Do in Bengaluru (Bangalore) India
Janki setu bridge in Rishikesh. ‘ Janki Setu’, the 346 meter long foot suspension bridge over Ganga River in Muni ki Reti Rishikesh. Photo by Praveen kumar
Rishikesh
Known as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is one of the best places to travel as a solo explorer in India. Situated at the base of the Himalayas, the Ganges River runs down from the mountains and offers supposed healing powers to those who gather to bathe in its waters.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also enjoy rafting in the rapids, with a daring 20ft leap into open water optional at the end of the journey. Be sure to take some time to explore the many stunning temples in this holy city, as well as visiting the astrology centre for a personal palm reading and horoscope experience.
Further Reading: Exploring India – Top Five Things to See and Do in Shimla
Cabo de Rama Beach, Goa Photo by Avin CP
Goa
Goa is a true travellers paradise, with golden beaches and turquoise waters, plus plenty of locals and tourists to be found enjoying the sun together. The area is perfect for snorkelling, and is a good place to try your hand at an array of exciting water sports. There are boat trips to see dolphins and even dinner cruises which offer stunning views as you dine upon the Arabian Sea.
Inland, you can trek to the Dudhsagar Falls, enjoy an aromatic tour of a spice plantation or visit the wildlife sanctuary. Goa is popular with younger travellers and as such often hosts exhilarating beach parties, where you can dance the night away and make new friends. Be sure to visit the night market in Arpora, where numerous stalls offering street food, novelty trinkets, clothing and locally made treasures bring a colourful scene to the warm evenings every Saturday.
Further Reading: Five Fabulous Reasons to Visit Goa, India
Dudhsagar Falls, Railway Tunnel, Goa Photo by Hemanth Kumar L
Join a Tour
If you are apprehensive about travelling solo, joining up with a tour or group is a brilliant way to gain confidence and to also negate the risk of falling victim to petty crime. Scams, theft and harassment are the biggest things to watch out for when travelling alone in any country, and as India is home to over a billion people, it can be reassuring to have a few around you that you can trust.
Escorted tours take the stress out of travelling, by planning secure and safe accommodation, giving you access to the best attractions and providing you with a crew of like-minded people to explore with.
Is India a Good Choice for a Solo Holiday?
It’s Well Worth a Visit
We’d say India is definitely worth visiting, even as a solo traveller. Begin by heading to popular destinations where you won’t be far from amenities and are sure to bump into others to help you experience all the wonders of this magical country.
Remember when travelling anywhere in the world – always put your safety at the forefront of your mind – gut instinct is a wonderful thing!
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