Heading out to the unknown with your girl gang

Travelling solo weaves a magic of its own but travelling with friends who know you and understand you is quite rewarding too.

So, gather your girl gang and head out to some place that you have never been to. Women are masters of details, which means that taking care of the logistics is the last of your worries. However, it is important that you find the perfect destination for your gang with appropriate activities or lack thereof to fill up your week. It could be a week in the wild where you rough it up and go on hikes everyday or it could be a drive along the Western Ghats. Sea and sand, is of course yet another favourite among travellers followed by exploring ruins and rooftops! To help you choose the right destination, here is a list of some of the safest, exciting and intriguing places in South India. 

Beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, friendly and enthusiastic locals are only a few reasons to visit this place. One of the best ways to experience this destination is to go on a drive – from rubber plantations to tea gardens, you will come across abundant greenery here. Stop at one of the factories and taste some authentic chai, choose a spice garden and explore the world of pepper and cinnamon. Some of the tales about spices and its root is Kerala are quite intriguing! Head on to Marari and just relax for a day in one of the resorts. The white sand beach here is one of the best and is still quite private and peaceful. Lastly, Kumarakom is a hidden treasure. From experiencing the backwaters, which is quite populated in Alleppey to tasting tender coconut from the coconut farms – it’s quite an unforgettable experience!

Located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh – Gandikota commonly known as the Indian Grand Canyon is a sight to behold. If interested, you can pitch tents on the gorgeous rocky terrain or use the government accommodations nearby. If you are an avid rock climber, you can try that too! For those interested in history, architecture and culture – the fort offers the perfect venue for you. It houses two temples – Rangantha Swamy Temple and Madhava temple, and a mosque – Jama Majid. Nearby is the Belum Caves, which is the second largest naturally formed cave in the sub continent! You can go caving here and explore 1.5 km of the pathways that is currently open to tourists.

Chettinad chicken, Madurai kola urundai and mutton chukka from Karaikudi are some delicious dishes that you might have ordered in restaurants. Have you however gone on a tour to explore where these dishes originated? May be, this time, you should go on a trip just to gorge on lip smacking treats… Try Dindigul biriyani, the mess food and jigarthada in Madurai, bun butter jam in Simhakkal and have a sip of Kumbakonam degree coffee! All this and you get to sight see as well! (Route suggested: Dindigul – Madurai – Karaikudi – Kumbakonam)

While the Andamans have become a commercial tourist spot, Lakshadweep still retains its aura of an island that is untouched. The Agatti Island runway itself is reason enough from one to travel to Lakshadweep! Out of a string of 36 beautiful islands, only 10 are inhabited and the most attractive attribute here lies underwater. Divers from across the world come here to enjoy the unspoiled coral reefs and warm waters. However, note that you would have acquire entry permits to visit.

A UNESCO world heritage site, this place has gained popularity in the recent times and has also become a popular tourist town. A weekend in Hampi is the best destination for you, if you love history and architecture. Renting a moped and driving around the village is a must. One should also not miss the sunset here, as it is breathtaking. Other than Hampi, you should also visit the village on the other side of the stream! Some in fact say that one can see a piece of Gokarna culture in Hampi!

Planning and researching for a trip is almost as fun as travelling! You can virtually travel to a historic town, cool mountains or an awesome beach before narrowing down on your choice of destination. But research is not just about fun for women travellers. It will also ensure safety and preparedness for any and every kind of situation. What are the best neighbourhoods and the ones you should avoid? Is a particular hotel safe? Are there only certain kinds of taxis you should take? Is there a medical centre in the city, just in case? These are points that one needs to surely tick before making an itinerary.

Women have a tendency to pack a lot of stuff in their luggage. Often they do not want to leave behind a favourite dress, trouser or make up kit while compromising on essential things like flash lights, ropes and medicines. Pack your luggage sensibly. Make a list of things you want to take and travel essentials. Then strike down things that are absolutely unnecessary. It is most important to pack intelligently if you are travelling alone, since there will be nobody to lug your bags around.

If you’re travelling long-term on a shoestring budget, it can be hard to justify spending extra cash when it could go towards so many more fun activities. But it’s a smart idea to financially invest in your safety. It means that if your flight is scheduled to land in a rough city late at night, you should spend more money on a guest house that will pick you up right from the airport instead of taking a bus into town and trying to find a guest house on foot. It means you should pay extra money to take a taxi home at night if you don’t feel comfortable walking through the neighbourhood on your own.

It’s a good idea for at least one designated friend or family member to have a copy of your itinerary in advance: your flight numbers, your accommodation, and a general schedule of where you’ll be on which dates, as well as information on your travel insurance, credit cards and a bank account number. Plan ahead of time how you’ll check in and how often, whether it’s through daily emails, texts, social media updates, or regular Skype chats. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you keep a consistent schedule.