Amazing Destinations for Your First Solo Trip

Chamba
Chamba

Finally you have decided to travel alone and chosen India for your first solo trip. Travelling alone needs a lot of planning, especially, if you are a woman traveller. Since one attaches paramount importance to safety. booking travel tickets and arranging accommodation are factors considered long before one begins the journey. Given the diverse options in India, a traveller is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a destination for a perfect solo trip.

To make it easier for you, here is the list of some amazing destinations in India.

Read further to decide where you want to go –

Chamba
Chamba

 Chamba  is a tiny and serene hamlet in Himachal Pradesh where you get oodles of tranquility. The beauty of snow-capped mountain is overwhelming, to say the least. You will also be amazed to see the simplicity and warmth of the locals. Chamba is famous for its temples, apple orchards and picturesque mountains. Summer is a perfect time to visit this village when temperature ranges between 25 and 38 Degree Celsius.

Safety is hardly a concern as the crime rate in Chamba is almost negligible.

Why visit Chamba?

Famous Chamba Temples

When you are visiting Chamba you cannot miss temples. The most popular one is Laxmi Narayan temple built in the 10th century by Sahil Verman in Shikara style.

Once the architectural grandeur and the stories of yesteryears cast a spell on you, it is difficult to shy away from visiting Champavati Temple, Vijeshwari Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Hari Rai Temple and Bansi Gopal Temple.

Other Places of Interest

Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhuri Singh Museum, Rang Mahal and Akhand Chandi Palace are other popular places in Chamba.

For those uninitiated, Dharamshala is the gateway to several trekking trails that would take you to upper Ravi Valley and Chamba district. The journey through forests and the experience of beholding streams, rivers, lake waterfall and glacier will leave an indelible impression on your mind. The place is famous for Tibetan community.

The region is divided into Lower and Upper Dharamsala. The latter one is also known as McLeod Ganj. The place is very close to a traveller’s heart owing to its buzzing markets where one can shop for handicraft items and enjoy Tibetan food.

Why visit Dharamsala?

  1. You can navigate the entire McLeod Ganj on foot or hire auto-rickshaws or taxi.
  2. Visit Naam Art Gallery (Sidhbari, Chamunda Rd), Tsuglagkhang Complex (Temple Rd), Tibet Museum (opp. Tsuglagkhang), Tibetan Library, Bhagsunag Fall (approximately 11 km from the Dharamshala), Kunal Pathari (approximately 3 km from the Dharamshala), Dharamkot (approximately 14 km form Dharamshala) and Peak Art Gallery (Temple Rd, Mcleod Ganj).
  3. Get fantastic views of nature by visiting Dal Lake; visit the Dalai Lama’s residence in Tsuglagkhang Complex and enjoy scenic beauty of Bhagsunag Waterfall.

May and June is the best time to visit McLeod Ganj.

The small town has many restaurants and hotels so dining and accommodation is not a problem.

sangla-valley

Sangla Valley is located in the lower Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. This scenic valley comprises small towns that exude an otherworldy charm. Chitkul is considered the last inhabited Indian village on the Indo-Tibet border and Rakcham is known for its dramatically different landscape with Sangla Valley on one side and Baspa River (a tributary of the Sutlej) on the other. The ideal time to visit Sangla Valley is summer. The valley remains closed from December to May because of heavy snowfall.

If you want to enter Kinnaur from Lahaul and Spiti, you will have to cross Malling Nullah near Nako (road between Tabo and Rekong Peo). This area is prone to frequent landslides. Be extra cautious if you are driving your own vehicle as roads can be dangerous at times.

Why visit Sangla Valley?

  1. It is a breathtaking valley on the banks of River Baspa.
  2. Rakcham is relatively a less commercialised place located between Sangla and Chitkul. The beauty of this village is inexplicable. The village has no post office, no police station, no Internet or modern communication facilities. Hence, Rakcham bridges the gap between you and nature.

Tips for Travelling to Himachal Pradesh

  1. Most of the travellers feel that people of Himachal Pradesh are very simple and hospitable. Hence,geting around most of the areas is not a problem for a solo female traveler.
  2. Try getting accommodation in Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels spread across the state. These are more reliable and easily available. Depending on your budget you can go for a Premium hotel, Deluxe hotel or a Budget hotel.
  3. Try travelling in buses run by the state transport corporation rather than Volvo or AC buses for a long distance.
  4. Do not travel in winters as intense cold grips all over Himachal Pradesh.
  5. Do not let your fellow passengers or locals click your photograph.
Gokarna
Gokarna

Gokarna offers surprisingly beautiful view of sunset from its beaches. This small coastal town in Karnataka is fast becoming a must-visit destination with each passing year. Gokarna in Sanskrit means cow’s ear (go=cow, karna=ear). This place of pilgrimage is ideal for those who would want to have some solitary moments spent in introspection. Those who are restless to discover the beauty of this place, generally go for trekking and visit the famous Mahabhaleshwara Temple.

Though Gokarna is the most popular beach, yet it is not that clean. Do not expect much of water activity. To get the most out of Gokarna, come closer to the Gangavalli River. You can visit lesser known beaches which are much cleaner and secluded than famous Gokarna beach.

Why visit Gokarna?

  1. Visit Gokarna for five beaches i.e. Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, Om beach, Half-moon beach and Paradise beach.
  2. Visit Mahabaleshwara Temple, Maha Ganapathi Temple, Uma Maheshwara Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Tamra Gauri Temple, Venkataramana Temple etc.
  3. Enjoy community festival – Mahashivaratri and Kartika mahotsava

Tips for Travelling to Karnataka

  1. Respect local traditions like removing shoes before entering temples.
  2. Extortion by corrupt police officers is very high. Keep safe distance.
  3. Do not smoke in public places as you may end up paying a heavy fine.
  4. Do not go very close to the water or swim without taking permission.
  5. Book your stay in advance, especially during the peak season

Precautions while travelling alone:

  1. Dress according to the sensibilities of the place and try to become part of a crowd.
  2. Back at home, give your family members a complete detail of your trip including names, addresses, contact number, ticket number, itinerary details, etc.
  3. Do not share any information related to your accommodation with stranger and do not tell anyone that you are traveling alone.
  4. Try travelling in coaches reserved for women.
  5. Always carry pepper spray, knife and other such self-defence items while traveling alone.

India never ceases to amaze travellers by offering something new every time. For spiritual experience, visit Haridwar, Rameshwaram, Tirupati, etc. Travel back in time by visiting yesteryear palaces and architecture in Udaipur and Jaipur. Those who are in a mood to frolic, can explore Goa, Pondi and Kovalam. If mountains catch your fancy, Leh, Mussoorie, Coorg, Manali, are some the best places to visit.