MUMBAI: Tips for Solo Travel in India
India is a beautiful country of contrasts. Here, the modernity of megacities and new technologies borders with traditionalism and asceticism. Luxury and wealth are next to simplicity and restraint. Traveling alone will give you unique perspectives and an unforgettable experience that cannot be experienced in organized and well-structured trips organized by tour operators. The first thing you can do when planning a trip is to do like many sensible students and ask pay to write my paper MasterPapers.com, where you will get help to compose a document describing all the best places to travel solo in the country.
However, traveling around India alone can be a challenge, especially for beginners.
Being well-prepared to make your journey safe and comfortable is important. If you know where you want to go and where you want to end up while anticipating and being aware of all the things that can happen to you on the trip, the trip will be an exciting quest. The reward will be unforgettable memories of one of the most picturesque and colorful countries in the world.
Preparing for Your Trip
For both domestic and international travelers, the first point in preparing for a trip should be to make a plan. You should be clear about which places you want to visit, learn about all the peculiarities of the local cultures as they are very diverse in India, learn about the itinerary options, and plan your accommodation and meals.
If you are new to solo travel or have never been to India before, choosing more touristy destinations like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Goa for your first trip is better. Services are well developed here, and even without an organized tour company, you will find it easier to solve all your everyday problems and issues related to excursions and accommodation. For the more experienced travelers who still want to get off the tourist paths, you can look at places like Kerala, Ladakh, and Meghalaya.
However, before packing your bags, make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork in place. This is a mandatory visa that can be obtained online. Nevertheless, it is better to make hard copies of important documents in multiple numbers and put them in different bags or compartments in case your phone battery dies or you lose some of your belongings, which can happen on any trip.
Also, a visit to India involves additional medical preparation. This means you must get the necessary vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and a malaria shot if you plan to visit areas with a high risk of infection.
Safety Precautions for Solo Travelers
Since you will not be traveling as part of a tour group, your safety should be your priority. India is a safe enough country with friendly people, but there are some rules to follow to maintain your travel experience. You should not walk alone at night in remote areas of big cities. When using transport, it is better to trust official services like Uber, which tracks the route of your journey, and the responsibility for your safety rests with the driver.
It is also better to always keep close to you to know where exactly you are and where you plan to go. Women should pay special attention to clothing. Do not dress provocatively so as not to attract unwanted attention. Clothes that cover your shoulders and legs are ideal.
Respect the Local Culture
India's cultural differences may surprise some international travelers. But it is worth remembering that you are a guest; therefore, it is better to observe all the norms and rules of behavior. Regarding modest clothing, we have already mentioned that it is also worth mentioning that when visiting almost all cultural monuments, it is necessary to remove shoes, and in many places, it is forbidden to take photos and videos.
Try always to be calm and polite. Be prepared to be approached and socialized by locals, especially if you are a white tourist from America or Europe. Simple phrases like "namaskar" (hello) and "shukriya" (thank you) will help create a more friendly atmosphere. Learning a few phrases that will help in everyday communication is generally better.
Best Places for Solo Travelers in India
India is huge, and almost any place you can reach is bound to amaze you and leave unforgettable impressions. For solo travel, the north of India, where Varanasi is located, is ideal. This is the country's spiritual capital, and if you want to see many rituals and get into the true, not flashy, culture of spirituality, you need to go here.
If you are going to India for its unique natural beauty, you should pay attention to Ladakh—a region in the Himalayas that offers stunning views and unique mountain routes.
If you prefer beach vacations and travel by water, your road should run to the south of the country in Kerala, where there are many picturesque canals. In turn, Goa, which is located in the very south of India because of its European influence, is the best option for solo travelers from Europe or America to experience the culture at the usual level of service.
Financial Tips for Solo Travelers
One nice bonus is the relatively democratic prices throughout the country, except for touristy Goa. On average, hostel prices start at 500 rupees, 7 dollars a night, and more comfortable rooms will cost around 2000 rupees.
Currency exchange should only be done at official exchange points or banks and never on the street. However, in many stores and cafes, you can now pay with a card, which makes large sums of cash optional.
Conclusion
Traveling alone in India can be a unique experience and one of the best moments of your life. If you take enough time to plan and organize your own comfort and safety, even alone, you will feel extremely comfortable and peaceful.
