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25 Places Every Woman Must Visit in India

25 Places Every Woman Must Visit in India
Last Updated: September 9, 2019

It gets so annoying sometimes that as a woman travellers you can’t visit some places because they are just not ‘SAFE’ for you. AND we all know, India is one such destination where travelling for women comes with harsh challenges and lot of raised eyebrows. But it will be so disheartening if we curb our curiosity of exploring this diverse country which has innumerable flavours to offer only because few men stare, try groping or attempt other shameful acts. Of course there is an urgent need for providing more safety to women travellers in India but it is also necessary for female travellers to be determined to explore the varied aspects of this extraordinary country. This blog answers your question of the best places that woman travellers must see in India and trust me the further you go in this list, the better it gets!

Goa

Goa Can you ever doubt Goa when it comes to Indian Tourism? I don’t think so. This mother of all beach destinations in India is not only the most fun place to visit but is also one of the safest places for women travellers. You get to wear whatever you like, you can choose your hours of the day to travel around and can party and enjoy watersports just like anywhere else in the world. Off lately, it has become quite an ideal place for hen’s party as well, though, you and your girlfriends can also hang out here for the simple reason of doing nothing. Relax and relish the clean beaches, Portuguese influenced architecture and swaying palm trees, scrumptious seafood, cheap alcohol and the friendly and heart warming environ.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Umaid Bhawan Palace If I have to ditch traffic over a weekend and go to some closeby place where I can spend time amidst scenery as well as fine architecture, I would choose Jodhpur blindly! This is such kind of a place that everyone must visit since it offers a blend that we miss out at many places around the world. It is peaceful unlike Jaipur and has a decent gentry as well, though slight eve-teasing is still a possibility. Jodhpur has a large fort, Mehrangarh and other pretty monuments like Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan and Mandore Gardens. The city is stippled with lakes and temples and you can also expect some great local food and beverages here along with panoramic views from the vantage points like Masuriya Hills.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Bungee Jumping Rishikesh On the bank of emerald flowing river, Ganga, Rishikesh is nothing less than a dream. This surreal city is practically on every youngsters bucket list due to its lucrative offer of white water rafting and other adventure activities. However, if like me, adventure is not your priority even then Rishikesh will not disappoint you. In fact, Rishikesh can be one of the best travel destinations for women as it holds piles of things to enjoy and be happy about. Camping is cool, it really brings one close to nature, especially to River Ganga. Apart from it, yoga and ayurvedic spa are other ways to enjoy in Rishikesh. Also, witnessing evening aarti and soaking in the tranquility beside the river is something every woman should look forward to.

Puducherry

Puducherry

Photo: https://goo.gl/hYFYSF

Everything they say about Puducherry is true, indeed it looks like a part of Europe, a mini France to be precise and yes it is safe as well. On the East Coast Road, Puducherry is something every woman should visit in India to enjoy some really good time! Book your stay at the White Town area that is fringed by Rock Beach or Mahatma Gandhi Beach; keep an entire day for visiting Auroville (make sure you book in advance as well); and to enjoy the beach life, head to Paradise Beach. Ladies, trust me, you need no man to enjoy this place, Puducherry is complete and by visiting it, you will also feel complete.

Thekkady, Kerala

Thekkady

Photo: https://goo.gl/bjhRcA

Nestled in the Western Ghat, Thekkady in Kerala is amongst the finest places for women travellers to visit in India. Seated in the lush green district of Idukki, Thekkady boasts being the place of utmost beauty; somewhere you can roll in the grass just like during the childhood days. It is in fact the location of one of the most pretty national parks in India, Periyar. Thekkady is home to large population of elephants, tigers and deer. Boating in Periyar Lake and rafting on a bamboo raft are two things that you would enjoy along with the beauty of this place. Even if you don’t feel too adventurous a simple safari around the park is enough to proof why this place made to this list of destinations every woman traveller must visit in India.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

The-Ziro-Valley Sometimes it seems fit to run off really really far, you know just to let things go. Amidst nature’s beauty where you can have some peaceful time to yourself. In Arunachal, there is such a place for us loners and it is called Ziro Valley. In Lower Subansiri district, this picturesque valley is a place to converse with the nature. Although it is getting popular amongst tourists but it still remain quite an offbeat destination in terms of visitors footfall. At Ziro, you have the chance to camp under the sky, walk through the tall grass and meet the beautiful Apatani tribe. Keep yourself open to visit Talley Valley National Park, Meghna Cave Temples, Tarnish Fish Farm and few other attractions. Apart from these, linger in the rice fields, stroll through the pine and bamboo groves, and enjoy sitting on top of hillocks and savour the panoramic views.

Ladakh Region, Jammu & Kashmir

Ladakh(1) One of the must see places in India, Ladakh is something that you alone or with your BFFs should visit. Good thing that it is easily accessible now but even if it wasn’t it would be worth the effort. Just like the Grade second kids’ nature’s painting, Ladakh is everything that you can imagine it to be, brown treeless mountains, unspoilt places, high passes, azure lakes and white streams…Ah! I want to plan my trip again! Any kind of holiday in Ladakh is worth every penny you spend and time you invest. Though the major places include Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, I urge you to go beyond and explore more about this amazing land.

Kumarakom, Kerala

Kumarakom This little beautiful place is tucked close to prime Kerala tourism attraction, Alleppey. Geographically, it is a village that is situated on the Vembanad Lake and is a bird’s lover paradise. The place is equally exotic like Alleppey but in a way is perfect for luxury travellers seeking some tranquility . It is laced with canals and an array of houseboats that make it look quite heavenly. You can expect a lovely lazy backwater holiday in Kumarakom that Kerala is rightly famous for.

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi Karnataka Ladies for an out-of-the-box experience in India, you must visit Hampi in the state of Karnataka. An overnight journey away from Bengaluru, Hampi is dotted with ancient ruins. Exploring this place is a bit of challenge, as this carefully constructed ancient town has structures spread in an area of 25 sq km and over hillocks, on land patches amidst water and on rugged terrains as well. Flows through Hampi is the beautiful River Tungabhadra that with its beauty adds to the charm of this historic place. One can witness magnificent stone temples here, enjoy coracle rides and sitting by the river.

Amritsar, Punjab

Golden Temple Amritsar Gosh, why do I smell food here suddenly? Oh, Hi Amritsar, you little gem you! Women with appetite, this is your gastronomic paradise and if you haven’t checked this place out in India, then you certainly are missing on something big. Though the major landmark of Amritsar is the Golden Temple, the Sikh place of worship but the delicious food is the reason the streets of the city are aromatized. Amritsar is also the home of Phulkari embroidery work, lacquered sandalwood work and the Punjabi Jutis (shoes). So good enough reason for shopaholics to visit here. Those who like to add to their experience of Amritsar, there is Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border waiting to be explored. Whatever you do here, don’t miss to visit the Golden Temple firstly, secondly, try the amazing food and gulp it down with a tall glass of Lassi and thirdly, please fetch a pair of Phulkari Pants for me!

Sundarbans, West Bengal

sundarban national park While compiling this list, my colleague and dear friend Latika (check her blogs here) tried her best convincing me that Sunderbans is a dangerous place and that if I will visit it, a tiger will come and drag me with him in the water. Guess she has been reading ‘The Spell of a Tiger: The Man-eating Tigers of Sundarbans’ too much! LOL. Though no matter how bizarre the imagination sounds, it is unlikely for me to not to call this place a bit risky. However, I believe it is more of an experience to be at Sundarbans. Being world’s largest delta (divided by border between India and Bangladesh), it is indeed a place you should not miss to visit in India. I believe every woman traveller should opt for something similarly interesting like this at some point of time because the thrill that such places offer can never be forgotten. Expect to explore wildlife by riding a boat and sailing through thick mangrove. Wait! did I see the head of the tiger emerge from the water? Eh?

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling If I was asked to give one reason why I want to visit Darjeeling, it would be the view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling is most famous for its tea estates, toy train rides and as a summer destination in India but what most people adore about this beautiful place is the view it provides of the two of the most high mountains in the world. Darjeeling is perfect for a slow paced yet fun holiday in India. You get to hike as well as be lazy, binge as well as be cozy and be happy as well as be satisfied in dreamlike Darjeeling.

Andaman

Andaman Nicobar Island There is not even a single reason as to why you should not see Andaman, except if you hate white sand or crystal clear water or the thrill of sighting of underwater sea life or swaying palms and coconut ORRR may be lying in hammock while sipping on beverage of your choice! Other than these reasons, you cannot simply afford to miss out on visiting Andaman Islands. While couples stay quite allured by the islands, it is indeed a good idea to visit this place either alone or with your BFFs. Andaman is going to fulfill your dream of perfect sun, sand and beach holiday.

Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu

Dhanushkodi

Photo: https://goo.gl/BNWhzP

Also known as Ghost Town, Dhanushkodi is ideal to explore something new and bizarre. In 1964 cyclone, Dhanushkodi was destroyed, it is said about 800 people died here and the town then was abandoned by its residents. Lately the place has caught the eyes of travellers, compelled by their instincts to explore something new, this place came into limelight for adding an extra edge to Rameswaram tourism that is seated close to this town. The abandoned buildings, ruins and queer calmness fascinate the explorers who are allowed here only during the day time. That is why I consider this an incredible place for women travellers to explore. Not only it adds a new destination in their list but also offers a feel of exploring something unique and thrilling.

Sanchi-Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh

Bhimbetka Caves No, they are not situated next to each other, in fact they are in opposite directions but are accessible via Bhopal. Where Sanchi is the place to relish the architecture of 2nd Century BC or Ashokan era and find peerless peace of mind, Bhimbetka on the other hand takes you 30000 years back when homo sapiens resided in the rock shelters and caves. At Sanchi you can lose yourself in the history that exudes from its edifices and ruins whereas in Bhimbetka, you get to walk back in history and postulate the life of ancient human race that took refuge under these massive rock shelters. The wall art is amazing and keeps you engaged all through your visit here. The two places are perfect for female travellers to see a different aspect of Indian tourism.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Ward's Lake Shillong It is one of those places where you can ditch your heels and be a sneaker girl forever. OR you can even choose to go barefoot and relax in your cozy colonial style hotel catching panoramic views from your room’s window. Shillong is lovely, it is green, it is scenic, the people are nice, the music scene is cool and so is the drinking scene AND you get to savour a lot of momos. As a female traveller you would find Shillong to be safe and somewhat like a home away from home.

Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok

Photo: https://goo.gl/F47ZnH

A beautiful city of Northeast, Gangtok is unmissable! This capital of Sikkim boasts being an ideal destination for holiday in India. From Gangtok, you have the access to other attractive destinations of Sikkim. However, I would want you to stay here at Gangtok and enjoy the exquisite blend of modern and rustic. The city also offers the amazing view of Mt Kanchenjunga and opportunity to ride a cable car, savour delicious food, shop for handicrafts and meet some of the most hospitable people. Gangtok is well connected and that is why you will face no commutation problem.

Uttar Kannada, Karnataka

Karwar beach

Photo: https://goo.gl/g4Jh8A

A tropical paradise, Uttar Kannada is yet another must see destination for women travellers in India. Uttara Kannada or North Karnataka is a strip of land between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, so obviously the region is absolutely scenic. You can witness natural luxuriance hugging solace tightly here. Uttara Kannada is blessed with about 24 beaches and amongst the top would be Karwar, apart from it the region boasts of thick forest cover, lofty monolithic rocks and picturesque valleys. It is a perfect place even if you are planning solo travelling. However, visiting here with your group of girlfriends would inflate fun and thrill to great extent.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer Fort Yes, we all have been denoting desert as a place for couples where they get ample privacy and a romantic ambiance to revel in their relationship. But I think the place is worth exploring without partner as well and this of course goes for both men and women. Since this blog is for women travellers, let’s cut the crap and say, ladies you must see this amazing desert city as it is beautiful and you deserve to see everything pretty! Jaisalmer’s main attraction is its still inhabited fort which turns to the shade of golden when the rays of sun touch it. Apart from the fort, the mighty Thar Desert makes the major highlight of Jaisalmer. It is here that you can enjoy traditional camel safari and modern day adventure activities like jeep safari and dune bashing along with night camping at the desert.

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Kasol The ‘Mini Israel’ is something that is worth visiting for all kinds of travellers. Why? Because even though it is a small place, Kasol offers several flavours that interest visitors. Mostly known for ‘You know What,’ this village is perfect if you are a woman traveller as well. Many here travel solo and then befriend other travellers to enjoy the vibe this place has to offer, so even if you are a solo woman traveller here, you are practically not alone. Since there isn’t much to do in Kasol, you can either opt for hanging out in the cafes that serve Indian and Italian food or sitting by the River Parvati that flows through this village. A short distance away is a Sikh place of worship, Manikaran which should be visited and some more kilometers from there is Tosh, a true reflection of Himachal’s beauty. You can trek here and enjoy the bounty of nature. Another amazing trekking option around Kasol would be Kheerganga where a hot water pond is situated. Not only the trek is gorgeous but the destination is mind blowing as well.

Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

Yumthang Valley North Sikkim You will love Yumthang Valley, if you are a nature buff like me. Situated in North Sikkim at an altitude of 3596m, Yumthang is also known as the Valley of Flowers and the reason is obvious. In its spring season, this place witnesses a riot of flowers and it is just magical to be here then. The valley also flaunts lush meadows, dense pine and silver fir forests along with orchards of primulas and rhododendron. The lofty mountains surrounding the valley makes Yumthang a surreal place. Now, is there any reason that you should not visit this place in India?

Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir

Pahalgam Golf Course Part of heavenly Kashmir, Pahalgam is certainly one of the prettiest slices of this paradise. Known for it apple orchards and scenic nature’s beauty, Pahalgam is just flawless! Situated closely are Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, which are enough to make one fall in love with Kashmir. The alpine lakes stipple the region around Pahalgam giving you reasons to stay here and forget your anxieties. The beautiful River Lidder on the other hand gives you the opportunity to relish white water rafting and indeed adds more fun to this picture perfect destination.

Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

loktak-lake Seen beaches, mountains, meadows, desert and rivers, here’s something else that will change the way you see India. In the northeast corner of India lies a floating national park in the state of Manipur and you must witness it! Yes, Keibul Lamjao has been designated as one of its kind floating national park in the world. No, it doesn’t float but appears so due to its specific vegetation called Phumdi or floating marshes. The park is also the home to India’s largest freshwater lake, Loktak and of endangered species like brown-antler deer or sangai. Truly worth the effort, Keibul Lamjao is a must see place in India.

Majuli Island, Assam

majuli They say that Majuli Island is one of those places in the world that should be seen before perishing. It is reckoned to be the largest river island in world, which in itself is a matter of pride for India. Majuli Island located in River Brahmaputra in Assam was formed by Kherkutia Xuti and River Subansiri in the north joined Brahmaputra in the south. The island is mainly known for its 22 Vaishnava Satras. However, it has also stayed the culture hub of Assam as well. You can arrange yourself a homestay here in order to explore this place better and hurry and make a plan before this place disappears!

Mana Village, Uttarakhand

Mana Village

Photo: https://goo.gl/pQVxSw

This one is on my bucketlist as well. Mana Village is believed to be the last Indian inhabited village on Indo-Tibet/China border and I guess I don’t have to further explain why you have to be here. Trekking is one of the most important activities that you can enjoy here as many gorgeous trekking trails pass through this village. Apart from it, at Mana you have the chance to shop for authentic woollens made of sheep wool. The village is only 3kms from Badrinath, the famous Hindu pilgrimage, hence a visit to the sacred temple is a must. From Mana you can also enjoy the view of Mt Neelkanth (6597m) and that of Chaukhamba Hills.

There is honestly no place in India that you cannot travel as a female traveller. I have been doing it and that is why I urge you to do it too. Stay alert, plan wisely, read thoroughly about the place that you are visiting, dress discreetly and book hotels in advance and you will be good to go! I know I have missed many places in this list but we can do another blog about more places that women travellers should explore in India again. So, drop us your suggestions for the next list and your experiences of the place as well. If in case you liked what I wrote, don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE the blog. Also, if you think we can help you plan a holiday in India, then you can give us a call at +91-9212553106/07 or drop us an email at info@tourmyindia.com. At Tour My India we offer great India travel packages that are as per your interest and budget as well.

Published: 14 Nov, 2016
Nidhi Singh

About

From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

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