Wait! Before you open up your laptop and hop back to work, I have a few questions for you.
When was the last time you spent some time alone?
When was the last time you went to sleep without setting an alarm for the next day?
When was the last time you embraced peace, tucked in the lap of nature?
It has been a while, right?
Amidst the cacophonies of daily responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations, the echoes of your mind slowly drown. You want to find yourself desperately, but you do not know how. The answer is solo travel. It is the perfect remedy for every person who wishes to discover themselves. A few days of solo travel can transform you into a confident person with a fresh perspective on life.
Impressed by the benefits of solo travel, 79% of travelers have either traveled solo or are planning a solo trip. However, I understand that solo travel can be a bit overwhelming. There is a lot to figure out on your own, like choosing travel destinations, booking hotels and travel tickets, allocating expenses, and whatnot.
Do not worry! Here in this travel blog, I am sharing 3 offbeat places in Eastern India for solo travel. The good news is that these picturesque locales are safe, easy to reach, and budget-friendly!
Ahaldara, West Bengal
The view of Kanchenjunga from Ahaldara
Tucked in the lap of serene Kurseong, on the top of Shelpu Hills, is Ahaldara. Far from the madding crowd, Ahaldara is the perfect abode for any solo traveler out in pursuit of solace. This virgin table-shaped hilltop unleashes an iconic 360-degree view of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga peak. The glimpse of the majestic mountains, wearing a crown of golden sunlight against the blue canvas-like sky, is a perennial delight.
Wait! There is more.
Being a part of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Ahaldara is home to around 36 mammals and over 240 species of birds. It is one of the best places to go bird-watching in West Bengal. So, if you are a bird-watcher, then pack those binoculars and get ready to spot some rare birds.
Here is some essential information to help you plan your next solo trip to Ahaldara.
The ideal time to visit
Any time between October and May is ideal for visiting Ahaldara. However, note that it is 4500 feet above sea level. Hence, we suggest that you carry sufficient woolen clothes, including mufflers, gloves, and hooded sweaters.
How to reach Ahaldara
Ahaldara is located in the district of Kurseong (in West Bengal). It is 5 kilometers from Latpanchar. You can reach there by air or train. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, 45km away from Latpanchar. If you prefer air travel, then a flight to Bagdogra, which is 60 km away from Ahaldara, is perfect for you. You can also drive to Latpanchar from Siliguri through Sevoke-Kalijhora on NH 31/A.
Things to do in Ahaldara
- Do not forget to take your time relishing the beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the peaks of Kanchenjunga.
- Venture into the dense greeneries of Latpanchar with your binoculars and cameras to spot a glimpse of the rare Rufous Hornbill, Black-throated Sunbird, Darjeeling Woodpecker, and so much more.
- Sit by the pristine Namthing Pokhri and let your mind venture into the serenity surrounding you. You might also catch a glimpse of the endangered Himalayan Salamander.
- Tread through the orange orchards in Sittong. Indulge in the fresh, ripe oranges during the fruit-bearing seasons. The orange trees, rich with fruits, bend over as if to welcome you into a land of tranquility.
- The Gumba Monastery, Pine Forest, and Kiwi Garden are some other visit-worthy places near Ahaldara.
The Trail to Latpanchar
Budget
A solo trip to Ahaldara is pocket-friendly. There are a few aspects you need to consider while making a solo travel package for Ahaldara. The table below might help you with your estimates
| Component | Cost |
| Airfare | Depends on the place of departure |
| Train fare | Depends on where you are coming from. |
| Car fare (from your destination to Ahaldara) | Depends on the distance traveled |
| Car fare (from New Jalpaiguri to Ahaldara) | ₹ 3000 – ₹ 3500 (approximately) |
| Hotel costs | ₹ 1600 per person per night, including breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks and dinner. |
| Sightseeing | ₹ 500 – ₹ 2500 |
| Miscellaneous | Any additional costs and fares |
Bonus Solo travel tips
- A 2-night / 3-day trip should be enough for you to completely experience Ahaldara.
- Since Ahaldara is a remote area, power interruptions can be common. Remember to carry candles, torches, extra batteries, mosquito repellants, and power banks for a seamless trip.
- The road from Kalijhora to Ahaldara can be a little rough. Also, you might have to trek a little to reach your hotel. Therefore, allocate your time accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
Daringbadi, Odisha
Daringbari
Inheriting its name from its British officer in charge, Daring Saheb, Daringbadi is one of the best destinations for solo travel in Odhisa, India. This hill station in Odhisa is adorned with pine forests, numerous waterfalls, and laced with a heartwarming rustic vibe. It is the “The Kashmir of Odhisa”.
The emerald green valleys surrounding Daringbadi, along with the peaceful gardens of coffee and pepper, are bound to wash your tiredness away. There is more!
Solo trekking through Daringbadi’s untrodden jungle trails with the cool breeze gently stroking your face will bring back a slice of simplicity from your childhood days.
Here is some essential information to help you plan your next solo trip to Ahaldara.
The ideal time to visit Daringbadi
One of the specialties of Daringbadi is its all-time favorable weather. It is one of the best hill stations to visit at any time of the year. However, the months between November and February or June and September are the ideal time for planning a solo trip to Daringbadi.
How do I reach Daringbadi?
You can reach Daringbadi by air, rail, or road. Situated about 125 kilometers away from Daringbari, Berhampur is the closest railway station. If you opt for air travel, then a flight to Biju Patnaik Airport, about 291 km away from Daringbari, is your best pick.
You can avail of public buses and private cars to take you from the railway station or airport to Daringbari. For all the solo travelers who love driving, you can embark on a beautiful drive to Daringbari. It is about 250 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odhisa.
The serene landscapes passing by your car window will make your drive worthwhile. Also, the nearest bus stop is just 5 km away from Daringbari.
Things to do in Daringbari
- On your way to Daringbari hill station, consider visiting Dharakote Jagannath temple, Rushikulya River, and Gajalbadi Ghati.
- Do not forget to include the Silent Valley (Mandasaru Valley), Hill Park View, Coffee Plantation Garden, Pine Forest, and Emu Bird Sanctuary in your Daringbari itinerary.
- The peaceful hill station of Daringbari is home to countless waterfalls. Daringbari Waterfall, Lover’s Point Waterfall, Duluri Waterfall, Dadubaba Waterfall, Putudi Waterfall, and Ludu Waterfall are some iconic waterfalls that you should not miss.
- Daringbari is a good trekking destination for first-time trekkers. Solo travelers can explore trekking through the hilly trails of Daringbari. You can also enjoy bird watching and jungle safaris here.
The jungle trails of Daringbari
Budget
Tiptoe out of your busy schedule for a couple of days and delve into the depths of nature at Daringbari. A solo vacation package for Daribgbari for 2 nights and 3 days should cost you approximately ₹4000.
Generally, a standard package includes hotel accommodation in an AC double bedroom, pick-up and drop service, breakfast, sightseeing, entry fares and driver costs, and taxes.
Bonus Solo Travel Tips
- A duration of 2 nights / 3 days is ideal for visiting Daringbari.
- If you decide to trek through the hilly trail, make sure you get a trained guide for a hassle-free trekking experience.
- Carry essentials like mosquito repellants, a power bank, and some snack bars for the trip.
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Ranchi – The city of waterfalls
Seated quietly amidst the labyrinth of green trees, pristine lakes, and untamed waterfalls, Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, is an ideal destination for solo travel. Proudly wearing the tag “The City of Waterfalls” Ranchi is one of the primitive cities of Jharkhand. Ranchi offers a unique combination of nature and culture for its visitors. A Home to numerous waterfalls, Ranchi is also graced by numerous temples. Being well-connected to big Indian cities, Ranchi is ideal for solo travel. If you are planning your first solo trip then you must consider Ranchi.
Here is some essential information to help you plan your next solo trip to Ranchi
Best time to visit Ranchi
Ranchi is situated on the Chotanagpur plateau at an elevation of 251 meters. Its pleasant climate and nurturing, peaceful nature make it worth visiting throughout the year. That said, the winter months stretching from November to February are ideal for visiting Ranchi.
How do I reach Ranchi?
Well connected with the big cities of India by roadway, airways, and railway, reaching Ranchi is super convenient. If you opt for air travel, then Birsa Munda Airport in Hinoo is just 5km away from Ranchi city. You can also reach Ranchi from almost any Indian city via train. Ranchi and Hatia are the nearest railway stations to Ranchi.
If you enjoy driving and happen to live close to Ranchi, then you can reach there by road. The perfect road condition, coupled with the picturesque scenery, will make your solo trip memorable.
Things to do in Ranchi
I have compiled some popular destinations in Ranchi here. Each of these is beautifully unique and deserves a place in your Ranchi travel itinerary.
- Dassam Falls, Jonha Falls, Sita Falls, and Hudru Falls are some iconic destinations in Ranchi that are worth visiting. The wild beauty of the free-falling water has a close resemblance to a carefree life.
- The Jagannath Mandir, Maa Dewri Mandir, Pahari Mandir, Angrabari, and Deori Mandir bear testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Ranchi.
- The Birsa Zoological Park, Rock Garden, Ram Dayal Munda Park, and Ranchi War Cemetery are very popular destinations in Ranchi.
- Located 40 km away from Ranchi is Patratu Valley. Ensconced in the lush green nature, with the water of the Patratu Dam quietly rippling by it, Patratu Valley will steal a piece of your heart.
Patratu Valley
Budget
Ranchi is one of the most affordable solo travel destinations in India. A 3-night/4-day trip to Ranchi will be sufficient for you to explore the place and relax amidst the comforting nature. A 4-day Ranchi solo tour package is worth ₹18000. The package covers breakfasts and accommodations. However, this estimate does not include the cost of sightseeing or transport.
Bonus Solo Travel Tips
- You will need to rent a car for sightseeing at Ranchi. Owing to a surge in demand for car rentals in Ranchi, consider booking your car well in advance.
- If you are visiting Ranchi during the winter, do not forget to carry woolen clothes. Also, remember to stay hydrated if you are visiting during the summer season.
- Do not forget to taste the local cuisine and visit the local markets for handicrafts crafted by the locals of Jharkhand.
Solo travel is the ultimate solution if you are keen to filter out the chaos and rediscover yourself. In this travel blog, I have dished out three offbeat solo travel destinations in eastern India. These are safe, affordable, and irrevocably beautiful.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pick a location, book those tickets, pack your luggage, and hop on your quest for self-discovery.
