Solo holidays are becoming increasingly common in India. If you’re craving some time away but can’t sync up plans with loved ones, travelling solo is your ticket. Especially for young travellers, going alone is also something group tours often can’t replicate: freedom. When to wake up? If you want, sleep in. Where to eat? Decide yourself. What to skip? You’re the boss. And when to people-watch on a park bench? Anytime you want.
Short-term, flexible travel is another trend on the rise in 2026, and interest in domestic stays over the monsoon season have seen a steep increase this year.
If you’ve been Googling, “Should I travel alone?” here are seven Indian destinations to help you start saying yes.
1.Goa
You can’t go wrong starting with Goa. Head to South Goa if you’re looking for quieter beaches—Palolem, Agonda, and Benaulim are all worth considering. Indie cafes, beach shacks, group activities, and long walks at sunset are a few of your daytime options. Goa’s hostels and guesthouses are also great ways to meet other travellers.
2. Rishikesh
Balancing spiritual, wellness and adventure pursuits, Rishikesh is great for travelers who like to keep their options open. Try a yoga class, wander by the Ganga, or stop by one of the many serene ashrams. You can also go white-water rafting or hike one of the many trails around town. Spend daytime hours meeting fellow travellers at social cafes and in backpacker hostels, then retreat to your private room when you want to be alone.
3. McLeod Ganj
Ask any traveller where they loved solo travel and you’ll likely hear some combination of mountain views, tasty food, and friendly locals. For first-timers, McLeod Ganj really checks all those boxes. Tibetan Buddhist culture, cafes, and walking trails attract tons of solo travellers and backpackers who seek a quieter pace.
4.Udaipur
Famous for its lakes, stunning palaces, and rooftop restaurants.Udaipur allows for a slower pace of sightseeing. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola, wander the winding streets of the old city, and sip on coffee at a lakeside café while you watch the sunset.
5.Varkala
Beach gets combined with wellness and stunning views in Varkala, Kerala. Known for its cliffside cafes and relaxed pace, Varkala is ideal for solo travellers looking to unwind. Spend your days at the beach, learn yoga, or discover boutique cafes. As with any beach town, try to stick to popular areas during daylight hours, follow locals’ dress and access advisories, and stay in registered accommodations.
6. Puducherry
Browse French-inspired streets and waterfront cafés, wander local beaches, and explore several walkable neighbourhoods on your own accord in Puducherry. Rent a bike to ride along window-lined streets, spend an afternoon shopping in White Town, or relax with a journal by the water. It’s ideal for an easy solo weekend getaway.
7. Hampi
If history, architecture, and photography are more your style, consider Hampi for your first solo voyage. Ancient temples, dramatic rock formations, and sprawling riverside villages give Hampi an otherworldly feel. Hire a guide to learn more about select monuments, and be mindful of your surroundings after dark and in remote areas.
Travel Tips
Let a family member or friend know your itinerary, keep emergency contacts on hand, only use verified transportation services, and don’t share your housing information with strangers. Book a two- or three-day getaway to begin with, trust your gut, and don’t forget travel insurance.
