Backpacking is the new trend of travelling. And solo travel is on the rise. Solo backpackers are going around the world discovering the culture, the tradition, the food and the wonders a place has to offer. For some, it may also be about discovering oneself and for some it is the idea of total independence that attracts them. For solo travellers, every backpacking trip is lined up with adventures, comfort and discomfort, learning and unlearning of different geographies and topography and most importantly being exposed to different cultures. Although for female travellers, the appeal of solo backpacking, especially in India may be mixed with concerns of safety. Concerns from friends and family who may discourage you with statements like – “it’s not safe for women” or “what’s the need of travelling alone!” But we can’t entirely blame them as some places in India aren’t all welcoming and a solo female traveller may not feel the sense of security. However, there are other places in India you would feel safe at and solo female traveller should be wise to choose and pick such destinations.
Safety mostly depends on the kind of people you’re surrounded with and ultimately how responsible you are. That’s where the great concept of female-only dormitories or backpacker hostels might prove to be helpful. Besides the safety factor, imagine the thrill of sharing your room with backpackers from around the country or around the globe. Imagine the exposure to different cultures, different travel stories and experiences, all under one roof – sure matches up the thrill of backpackers, isn’t it? So, here’s a list of backpacker hostels in India that solo female travellers have given their thumbs up to and so would you.
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Rishikesh – the yogic centre for backpackers
It’s the true backpacker destination and yoga capital in India. Away from the hustle bustle of the city life, this place offers peace in many forms – think Yoga! Think how exhilarating it will be to practice Yoga besides the clean and beautiful Ganga River and complete the practice with a soulful dip inside the water. Heavenly!
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Park yourself at: Moustache Hostel Rishikesh
Thumbs up: It’s centrally located women’s hostel. The rooftop view is to die for. They go by the motto of – cleanliness is godliness. The hospitality is loved by backpackers.
Park yourself at: Zostel Rishikesh
Thumbs up: The main attraction is the colourful dorms and artistic rooms – which totally captures the vibe of Rishikesh. This offers female-only dorms besides common dorms and rooms. Best part is, it’s away from the city chaos.
Goa – the ‘beach and hippie life’ destination for backpackers
The laid back lifestyle, a stretch of 101 km of tropical beaches, soaking up to the sun and dancing out to the hippie vibe – for all of this and more, head to the beach destination of India, Goa. And if you want to just chill out, park yourself to some beach shacks and seize the days by witnessing great sunrises and even better sunsets. There are a number of hostels in Goa that can be good and safe to stay at, and you may also consider trying out some beach huts in Goa too.
Also Read: GOA – The Unbelievable Trip to Goa
Park yourself at: Woke Hostels
Thumbs up: A hostel dedicated for women. Besides, the beautiful decor, the hostel offers an outdoor pool, so one can ditch the beach scene and soak themselves in pool water. It’s in close proximity of Baga Market – best to soak in the real vibe of Goa. It is one of the best hostels in India.
Other picks:
1. The Nest Hostelogy Anjuna
2. The Yuppi Hippi Female Hostel Anjuna
3. Rainbow Lining Hostel Palolem
Pondicherry – the taste of French Colony is offered here to the backpackers
The famous French Quarters, the restaurants serving local and global cuisines, wonderful beaches and vibe of “good people” around make this place a must visit. From old French building converted to hostels to small boutique hotels at the proximity of beach to the wonderful French architecture that takes you back in time – every bit of stay will welcome you with awesomeness.
Read More: 41 Must Visits Backpacking Getaways near Delhi
Park yourself at: Micasa Hostels Pondicherry
Thumbs up: The name says it all – ‘Mi Casa’ the Spanish of my home offers the homely vibe, clean rooms, great hospitality and above all the utmost security. The nearest beach is just a walk away.
Other picks:
1. Droid hostel
2. Valentine hostel
Kerala – the backwaters calling the backpackers
Catch your breath and relax – Kerala is all about the beauty and bliss. Choose to sail through the famous Kerala backwaters by canoe, kayak, or even cycling on a road along the water. Choose for overnight camping in the forest of the Western Ghats along with trekking to the second highest peak in Kerala. Choose to take gentle walks in the midst of tea plantation. Backpackers swear by the diversity of adventure this place has to offer. You can even pick to stay at a beachside guesthouse in Kerala too.
Park yourself at: Hibernest Chembra
Thumbs up: Lush greenery surrounds the clean, well-maintained hostel. The property is away from
the city hustle-bustle and is a perfect retreat for backpackers seeking peace.
Other picks:
1. Zostel Alleppey
2. Happy Camper Fort Cochin
Read More: Homestays: The increasingly popular choice to explore incredible India
Mcleodganj – the little Tibet for backpackers
The tiny little Tibet or Little Lhasa as widely known is the land of His Holiness The Dalai Lama and home to a large Tibetan population. McLeod is famous for most backpackers for two things – diving into meditation or yoga and practicing Buddhism. The others opt for trekking in the Dhauldhar ranges and soaking themselves to the beauty of the Himalayan ranges.
Park yourself at: Worlds Hostel Mcleodganj
Thumbs up: Clean, cosy and neat. The dormitories come with private entrances. The terrace view is the main attraction. Guests love to wake up to the great views of the mountains.
Also Read: Pro Tips for Packing for Your First Backpacking Trip
India – the land of diversity is a big world in itself for people to explore. Travelling experience is one of the best and enriching things in life and when prepared well, it shouldn’t be such a task for solo female travellers. The hostels are gaining popularity for not only offering the cultural diversity and uniqueness but the much needed security for travellers. So, we urge female travellers to experience all that more in their next trip to these wonderful destinations in India.


