Posted 3 June 2022

Solo travel places in India - Fly to your solo trip with 5 travel-friendly destinations

Travelling with friends and family is always special, of course, but so is getting out of your comfort zone and going solo! A solo trip is the best remedy for your body, mind and soul. Not just relax, a solo trip helps you reconnect with yourself and rediscover a new perspective towards life. But if you're looking for an inspiration for your next solo trip or planning to take it for the first time, why not take on Indian destinations? From endless attractions to warm hospitality, a solo trip in a country is as beautiful and diverse as India. It is exhilarating, rewarding and offers so much more.

So, here is a list of some top destinations that guarantee you a trip full of memories:

1. Goa

Shortlisting destinations for a solo trip and not considering Goa? Impossible. With sparkling ocean waters, stunning beaches, impressive museums, churches, art galleries, markets and culinary delights, Goa is a mix of sun, sand, seafood, surf and shopping, everything you need for a solo trip!From water sports to sightseeing and partying the night over, this beachy destination has so much to keep you active and occupied. Aguada Fort, Se Cathedral, Bom Jesus Basilica and Reis Magos Fort are the prime tourist attractions in the city. If you're into mythology, a visit to Cabo De Rama Fort is a must. Tito's Street is the epicentre of nightlife; you may have an exotic experience through beach parties. Also, you can try jet skiing, windsurfing and parasailing at various beaches.

Food: While the staple food of Goa is mostly fish curry and rice, there is a lot more to try here. If you want to spice up your trip, you must try the street foods at Candolim Market, Miramar Beach, Betalbatim Beach and Panaji Market. Munch on the finger-licking vada pav, bhel puri, mirchi pakoda, beetroot samosas, beef steak, pork burger, chicken cutlet pao and butter pav bhaji. But if you are dreaming about a superb fine dining experience,live music and delicious delicacies, Fiesta is your take on. Eva Cafe and Waterfalls Cafe are the other good options to enjoy a good meal.
Shopping experiences: When it comes to shopping in Goa, the whole experience is half-done until you have shopped at the famous Anjuna Flea Market or the dazzling Arpora Night Bazaar that opens every Saturday. The bustling markets are filled with stalls displaying clothes, carpets, bags, rugs, artificial jewellery, semi-precious stones, footwear, paintings, books, food, spices and herbs. However, shopping in Goa is not just about its colourful flea markets and night bazaars but so much more. There are several high-end panache stores, designerboutiques and customised shops selling stylish clothes, jewellery and other accessories. You can also buy handicrafts from Kashmir, Rajasthan and Tibet to take home.

2. Shillong

Longing for natural beauty as well as some thrill-seeking adventure on your solo trip? If yes, then Shillong, with its majestic hills, deep gorges, pristine streams and gushing waterfalls, is the perfect place to fulfil your cravings. From paragliding to long treks, adrenaline-rush activities are aplenty! Do not forget to experience the thrill as you walk past the hanging root bridges. Mawlynnong, Asia's cleanest village, with traditional huts and gardens that create a kaleidoscope of colours is the best place to spend some leisure time. Surrounded by cascading beauty and dense vegetation, Umiam Lake, Jakrem and Sweet Falls are truly a treat to your sore eyes.

Food: From food services to hospitality, Shillong never disappoints its visitors. Traditional Khasi snacks like jadoh, putharo and pu-doh are worth trying. Boiled greens, leafy salad along with a portion of meat, fish or pork make-up typical lunch menus here. You may eat pizza and burgers for something contemporary.
Shopping experiences: Shopping can truly be a therapeutic affair and in a green land like Shillong, the joy simply doubles up. There are several malls, local markets and individual stores to shop for your favouritebranded merchandise, artificial jewellery, food items, cosmetics, clothes and handicrafts. You can buy wooden items, sandals and miniature figures from vendors along the streets to take back home as memoirs of your journey. Gokolgre Daily Market, Lew Sohra Bazaar and Dawki Market are the main shopping points here.

3. Jaipur

If you want to witness the real royal charm, vibrant culture and glorious past of India, head straight to the Pink City: Jaipur. Be it the magnificent palaces and alluring lakes or local markets and eating spots, theland of maharajas is an experience you must not miss. Popular for its regal architecture, the city is studded with numerous princely citadels, forts and palaces including Amber Fort, City Palace and the immensely breezy Hawa Mahal. Do not forget to visit Nahargarh Fortoverlooking the entire city that offers enchanting sunset views.

Food: Food is a pivotal factor of every trip, especially if you are a foodie, and Jaipur makes it worthwhile. Aesthetic interiors and breath-taking ambience complementing equally delectable meals, the cityhas some really amazing restaurants and cafes that you need to explore! While Rambagh Palace Restaurant and 1135 AD represent adjectives like regal and royalty, Om Revolving Restaurant and Cinnamon are some elite dining options. Soak in the Jaipur skyline and sip a signature cocktail at Colorbar, a Miami-style rooftop restaurant and bar, for a star-studded evening. You can gorge on dal-baati-churma, mirchi bada, laal maas, keema baati, ker sangria, ghewar and a whole lot of other Rajasthani dishes.
Shopping experiences: Jaipur, undoubtedly, has some remarkable places to enrich your shopping experience and make you want to come back here again. You can shop for pretty handicrafts, flamboyant shoes, perfect sculptures made of stones and wood, turbans, carpets and anything you love. Bapu Bazaar is where you can buy all Jaipuri items such as clothes, footwear and bags. Head to Johari Bazaar for amazing jewellery designs, Tripolia Bazaar for pretty bangles and Chandpole for handmade products.

4. Varanasi

Burbles of gushing waters, the campanology in the temples and uprising rhythm of enchanting bhajans clearly explain the beauty of the divine city of Varanasi. Located on the banks of Holy Ganga, the city is amongst the most sacred places for Hindus and is known as Kashi. Famous for its culture, traditions, history and spirituality, this vibrant city attracts tourists from across the globe. The alluring sight of the Aarti at Assi Ghat will leave you smitten in its charm. If you visit sometime between October and March, you can attend the five-day festival called ‘Ganga Mahotsav’.

Food: There is no tourism without exploring the culinary secrets of any place and Varanasi, definitely, has a lot of it. From stalls in crowded zigzag lanes to expensive rooftop restaurants, you can find overwhelming food anywhere in the city. Canton Royale Restaurant serves a range of Indian and Asian dishes with a touch of Mexican and Mediterranean flavours. With Indian, Chinese and Continental options in its menu, Rooftop Restaurant at Assi Ghat is the best place to witness the beauty of the city as you can enjoy panoramic views of the river along with a delectable meal.
Shopping experiences: Wish to indulge in extensive shopping before leaving the city? If yes, then Varanasi has a lot of places to be explored with Godowlia Market being the busiest place. Visit Banaras Silk Emporium to shop for beautiful silk sarees. Located on Sankat Mochan Road, Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar can be visited for shopping kurta pyjamas, saris, shirts and head-scarves made with handspun fabrics.

5. Srinagar

Rightly described as the 'Paradise on Earth', Srinagar is definitely the best destination to settle upon for taking a solo trip. With shimmering lakes, lush pastures, deep valleys and toweringmountains, the paradisaical city has numerous natural escapades and historical structures that are sure to leave you in awe. Starting with the magnificent Dal Lake, with a crystal-clear reflection of the sky on the lake's surface and lush green mountainscape in the backdrop, the site is pristine in every sense! Hari Parbat is the best place to witness religious unity, with a fort, a Hindu temple, gurudwara and several mosques housed within its walls. Taking a Shikara ride, exploring the conserved wildlife and Mughal architecture, visiting religious sites, strolling in the serene gardens are all worth the price that you are spending on your Srinagar Solo trip. Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh, Char Chinar and Nehru Garden with picturesque surroundings are some picture-perfect sites for your next social media post.

Food: Talking about food, Srinagar has a countless number of regular dhabas, not-so-expensive cafes and five-star restaurants to dine. Treat your buds with authentic Kashmiri cuisines such as rogan josh, gustaba, Kashmiri wazwan and special Naan atMughal Darbar and Ahdoos. Do not forget to try the popular Kashmiri Kahwa. Arabian Barbecue is the perfect place for both vegetarian and non-vegetarians. For upscale dining, you can choose the Chinar at Lalit Grand Palace that ensures an excellent dining experience to the travellers with its quality food and warm hospitality.
Shopping experiences: Travelling to the magical city of Srinagar and not taking any souvenirs to take home? From Pashmina Shawls and carpets to handicrafts and walnut wood products, there is a lot here to fill your bags with! Lined with shops selling woollen garments, silver jewellery, spices and copperware, Lal Chowk is the most popular place to go shopping. The city has several stores that have amazing collections in cashmere, silk and cotton outfits with hand-done embroidery work.

Whether it's about escaping from the crowds or just trying new things, a solo trip always tops the list. A solo trip is about exploring the natural landscapes, food, shopping and a lot more. So, what are you waiting for? Just select the most captivating destination and get going!