Solo travel in India: first trip ideas, costs and safety

Rishikesh: yoga, cafes, rafting and hostels full of other solo travellers. Easy to reach from Delhi.

McLeodganj and Bir: cafes, the Triund hike and paragliding, on an overnight bus from Delhi.

Pushkar, Hampi and Gokarna: small, walkable towns where you keep bumping into the same people.

Pondicherry and Varkala: calm coastal towns that are easy to get around on a rented cycle or scooter.

Stay in a hostel or a social homestay for at least the first two nights. Group activities such as a trek, a rafting slot or a food walk are the easiest way to meet people.

If you want company for part of the trip, a small group departure for a trek or a weekend trip gives you people to travel with and a fixed plan.

Share your itinerary and live location with someone at home. Save 112, India's emergency number.

Arrive in a new town in daylight, keep a small cash reserve, and keep IDs and tickets offline on your phone.

Book the first and last night in advance even if you keep the middle of the trip flexible.