Traveling solo is a great opportunity to find meaningful experiences alone as well as form connections with new people. However, in many countries, the lone traveler must choose between remote solitude and zealous interaction. India, being one of the top destinations in the world for solo travelers, offers visitors the best of both worlds.

Safety When Traveling Solo

Traveling alone can be scary, so the first thing a prospective solo traveler should consider is safety. India is a conglomeration of over one thousand distinct cultures and ethnicities. Although there are some states where crime is especially prevalent, a little knowledge of local customs and adequate precaution makes the majority of the country perfectly safe to travel alone. One of the best ways to get oriented as a first-time traveler is by consulting with seasoned tourists. Since India is safe, cheap, and inexplicably magnetic, there is an entire community of travelers from all over the world who return time and time again, unable to resist the nation of noise and silence. This is best described in a quote from Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.

"This is not like any other place. This is India. Everyone who comes here falls in love - most of us fall in love many times over."

Certain destinations such as Manali, Rishikesh, and Pushkar are hotspots for repeat visitors and long-term tourists. Every tourist was once there for the first time, so most of them are more than happy to help and advise newcomers with empathy and goodwill.

Beyond fellow tourists, the locals are known for being selflessly hospitable and helpful. It is not uncommon to hear of local families feeding and housing the occasional lost and confused tourist.

Related: Safety Hacks All Female Travelers Should Know

Additionally, there are several guesthouses and hostels that specialize in providing a safe living experience. Popular with solo travelers, the Moustache Hostel in Rishikesh offers women-only dorms and has a robust reputation for safety and comfort.

  • Nightly cost: $11/night with breakfast included in an 8-bed female dormitory room.
  • Amenities: Free parking, free WiFi, private bathroom, shared lounge and terrace, laundry, restaurant on-site, pool
  • Nearby attractions: 500 m from Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, mountain views

Solo Activities For Travelers In India

In many tourist-facing destinations, there is a distinct lack of activities for the solo traveler. This can be a big drawback, especially if every attraction is geared towards families or couples. No one wants to stand out as the only solo party at a hotel, restaurant, or attraction. In India, this is not a big problem. In fact, many travelers who visit India find that the tourist industry is optimized for solo experiences in many ways, from the wide availability of single beds and dorms to the culture of spiritual individualism. Locals and fellow tourists will generally not treat a solo traveler differently than they would a group.

What’s more, India is famous for its yoga retreats. Varanasi is considered the spiritual capital of India and happens to be a classic destination for solo travelers.

In northern Varanasi, The Sarnath Vipassana Centre provides single, en-suite facilities for students who participate in one of their multi-day courses. Overwhelmingly attended by solo tourists, the course requires participants to choose whether they would like to attend a class for men or women. Applications can only be done through their website and must be completed well in advance as there are limited spots.

  • Cost: The courses are non-commercialized and rely on donations from past students
  • Location: The retreat is located in Sarnath, Varanasi, in close proximity to the Buddhist sacred site, Dhammedka stupa
  • Hours: Days begin at 4 AM and end at 9 AM

Related: Why Everyone Should Visit India (And What To Watch Out For)

Solo Traveler Costs

Oftentimes, tight budgets can inhibit the prospective traveler from flying solo. It is true that, depending on the destination, splitting bills with a partner or group can slash costs significantly. In India, a tight budget will rarely get in the way.

Even if a traveler prefers a private room with comfortable amenities such as hot water, Western toilets, and clean beds, prices can be more than affordable as long as one is flexible. The general rule is: the more remote the city, the cheaper the cost of living. If the city has an airport, it will inevitably be more expensive. Therefore, if a solo traveler wants affordability, their best course of action is to take a bus or train out of the city they landed in as soon as possible.

Domestic travel is safe, cheap, and accessible. Landing in Delhi, one can escape to the golden city of Jaisalmer with minimal cost, and save money on a hotel by sleeping on the train. All trains in India have sleeping bunkers with pillows and blankets provided. Tickets can be bought in person at the stations or online. There are also low-cost travel agents with offices in every city.

  • Route: Delhi to Jaisalmer
  • Time: 17 hours and 15 minutes
  • Cost: Ranging from $8 in Sleeper class to $40 in First class, with several options in between

A solo traveler in India can do it all: find solitude, meet new people, and engage with the culture, all in relative safety and with the comfort of affordability.

Next: These Are The Must-Have Apps To Guide Newcomers Through India For The First Time