New Delhi: Solo trips are soul-stirring and should be done at least once in a lifetime. Solo trips are liberating and it’s even better when the places chosen invoke that sentiment.
India is one place where every visitor can have a myriad of experiences. There are so many destinations for the first solo trip to India, that you are spoilt with options. Solo travel is a quest to discover oneself along with spiritual rejuvenation and adventures.
To ensure that your first solo trip is a good one, here is the list of best solo travel destinations.
Ladakh
Ladakh is in order. Rugged terrain, icy glaciers, snow-clad mountains, sparkling lakes, unique culture, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and great swaths of serenity make this land of high passes a must-visit for solo travellers looking for adventure and peace. You can indulge in adventure activities, like trekking, mountain biking, quad biking, river rafting – and go for a safari on the Bactrian camels. The highlight of the visit will be spotting a snow leopard, which can be seen in only a few locations across the world. Those seeking peace and quiet can stay at one of the many monasteries in Ladakh and partake in the spiritual retreats to find your inner peace. You will be pushing your boundaries and challenging your limits in this wondrous destination.
Varkala, Kerela
Varkala is a laid-back beach town, ideal for soul-searchers who want to be close to nature, sun, sea, sand, and serenity. The best part is it is not touristy compared to other beach towns in India, like Goa. So, you get to experience all that Varkala has to offer, sans bumping into other fellow travellers – it’s a win-win situation.
You can relax and sunbathe on the Varkala beach (also known as Papnasam beach), soak in the beautiful sunset vistas, indulge in water sports on the beach, enjoy boating in the picturesque Kappil Lake, marvel at the historical Anjengo Fort, and visit one of the many religious centres and temples. Make sure you see the cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea – it’s a sight to behold.
Hampi
Situated in North Karnataka, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty of draws for solo travellers. Architecture and history fans flock here to explore the remnants of the ancient edifices that date back to the Vijaynagara Empire and marvel at the intricate carvings, intriguing rock formations and stone boulders; while nature and spiritual lovers adore the scenic landscape and serene atmosphere.
Kasol
For quiet contemplation and to be at one with nature, Kasol is the perfect destination. The breathtakingly beautiful scenery around every bend will nourish your eyes and soul, while a plethora of treks and treads around (like Kheerganga, Sar Pass, Pin Parbati Pass, and Yanker Pass) will satiate the thrill-seeker in you. Also, this tiny hamlet is full of backpackers and international tourists, who are warm and welcoming, so you’re sure to make a few friends.
Gangtok
Nestled in the Sikkim Himalayan region, Gangtok is packed with some spectacular landscapes that anyone who loves immersing in nature shouldn’t pass up. Also, being home to different ethnic groups, this place offers a refreshing and unique cultural experience. Adventure lovers can go for cable rides and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the city, or go trekking, mountain biking, paragliding, and river rafting on River Teesta. For an unforgettable experience of the city, do take a yak safari along its rugged terrain and soak in the beauty of the picturesque locations along the way. If you’re a history and architecture lover, take a tour of the monasteries – Rumtek monastery, Tsuk La Khang monastery, and Pemayangtse monastery, all exude a spiritual vibe and boast some of the world’s finest architecture.
Everything in Gangtok is relatively affordable, from staying at hilltop hotels to exploring its attractions, so you don’t have to fret about breaking the bank while travelling solo. Plus, no matter when you visit, the weather is pleasant. Don’t miss out on sampling the local cuisine – momos and thukpa.
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