Have you been planning to do a solo trip or one with your close friends? Here are seven handpicked destinations for you, dear ladies. Each location offers a distinct experience. Choose the ones that appeal to the wanderer in you!
Goa
Yes, our all time favourite! It has a captivating blend of Portuguese and Indian heritage, an active nightlife, watersports, grand architectural structures like the Bom Jesus Basilica and breathtaking sunrise and sunset view by the beach. Relish the Goan cuisine, shop at the night flee market or go to the casino if you are feeling lucky. Goa is a destination for something for everyone. Go to North Goa if you like lively beaches, however, if you want some quiet time and cleaner beaches, head to South Goa.
Mahabaleshwar
Looking for an offbeat location to celebrate a special occasion or a destination to initiate practicing a healthy lifestyle? Mahabaleshwar is a great place for both. A lesser known fact about Mahabaleshwar is that it houses many organic farms and is the biggest producer of strawberries in India. You can have a great time in the picturesque beauty at value for money. Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is any time between March to June, right before the monsoons set in.
Alleppey
Alleppey is also known as Venice of the East owing to its beautiful backwaters, lagoons and beaches. This exotic and picturesque city, located over the sea in Kerala is the perfect destination to stay in a houseboat, watch the sunset at the beach, go for a swim in the lagoons and get relaxing massages. Alleppey’s one of the key attractions is its annual snakeboat race which is held on the second Saturday of every August. So time it well.
Nashik
Known for its rich blend of culture and heritage, Nashik is a must visit in the state of Maharashtra. Apart from housing many tourist attractions like the Kalaram Temple, Dugarwadi Waterfall and the Pandavleni Caves, Nashik has recently emerged as the ‘wine capital’ of India owing to the large number of wineries in and around the city. A good time to visit is in February when the town plays host to the SulaFest, one of country’s premier gourmet world music festivals.
Pondicherry
A former French colony, Pondicherry offers a perfect mix of contemporary culture and vintage architecture. It’s a perfect place for the soul. From taking surfing lessons or long walks at the beach and savouring French cuisine to a day visit to Auroville. If you are looking to plan a getaway and spend quality time with your friends, then this is the place for you. Visit during the October- March period which is perfect for sightseeing, beach fun and water sports.
Vagamon
Vagamon is a hill station located on the Idduki-Kottayam border in the southern state of Kerala. Known for its lush green meadows and pine forests, the town offers tourists many mesmerizing attractions like the Kurisumala Ashram, the Indo-Swiss Project Dairy Farms, Maramala Waterfalls, and Mooppanpara. For women travelling solo in quest of peace and serenity, Vagamon emerges as an ideal choice especially during summers between March and June.
Ooty
Known for its serene beauty and overall charm, Ooty is one of the most popular hill stations in Tamil Nadu. It has everything that a hill station offers- lakes, a beautiful mountain backdrop and all-time great weather. The must dos at Ooty include a visit to the tea factory and the Toy train from Conoor to Ooty. Ensure to book tickets well in advance to avoid missing the opportunity to experience one of the oldest mountain railway network in the country. Also, don’t forget to try the famous Ooty chocolates which are available at most of the shops in the main market. Drive around to discover less crowded spots that offer better views.
The writer is co-founder, Treebo Hotels