Solo Travel in India

Once a centre of French colonial life, in this charming seaside town you can stroll among the ochre-coloured buildings through shady tree-lined roads, and enjoy a drink in one of the cafés along the promenade beside the Bay of Bengal. For something livelier, nearby Serenity Beach offers excellent surfing.

Situated next to the Ganges in the foothills of the Himalayas, the river and mountains made Rishikesh a centre for yogic life. Raised to international prominence when the Beatles visited it, ashrams and temples still abound.

This city of lakes is famed for its extensive collection of royal palaces; explore them at your leisure. Take a trip to Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, for a respite from the heat and to enjoy the views over the plains below.

A popular stop for backpackers, Goa is a great place to meet like-minded solo travellers. Known for its hippie feel, Arambol is one of the best places to stay and also puts on excellent sunset beach parties. To enjoy the beach scene at its best and avoid the monsoon rains, plan your trip between October and March.

As India's largest city, there is so much to see and do that you will never be bored. You will not want to miss the most famous heritage sites, like the Gateway of India, but make sure you also make time for one of the beaches overlooking the Arabian Sea. Versova Beach offers stupendous views, while Juhu Beach is lively and fun. If you are lucky, you might even spot a film set for the latest Bollywood blockbuster.