Going through a breakup is quite the ordeal. Walking out of a relationship leaves our minds to ponder over old memories as we busy ourselves, rationalizing why things went wrong. However, rather than shedding tears over what didn't work out , it's better to let go of the thoughts, and create new memories that will fill the void in your heart.
This year, take the pledge to not mourn over your horrid ex and get out there, see the world, talk to strangers, binge on some delicious food and fill yourself with positive vibes!
It'll surely help you to get over that niggling feeling of a lonely heart, and make you fall in love with yourself. I am not saying it will be easy, but these destinations might convince you otherwise!
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The mountains can heal all pain, it's true. What can be better than heading off to Manali for a solo trip and soothe your soul, while making new friends at a hostel or café? Those thick pine forests and the gushing Beas river will make it seem like you've stepped into a perfect world that only exists in books and the imagination.
Best time to visit: January to March (if you're looking forward to seeing a white-washed landscape). Otherwise, any time of the year is good to visit the Himachali paradise!
Best places to stay: Zostel, GlampEco Stays, Moustache Manali are some of the good hostels. You can also look for Airbnb accommodations, if you feel like staying alone.
2. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh
A quaint Himalayan town tucked in Tirthan Valley, Jibhi is just the right place to relax and spend some peaceful moments with yourself, as you recover from your breakup. The dense forests, tranquil river, mighty mountains and pristine temples make this place worth visiting. You will wake up listening to the melodious chirping of birds and as the days unfold, you can opt for day hikes, sit by the waterfalls, soak in the sun or go fishing! Not as crowded as Manali, Jibhi is also becoming a popular workation destination, so if you can't let go of your work, just carry your laptop along.
Best time to visit: March to July is the best time, when the weather is pleasant.
Best places to stay: Mudhouse Jibhi, Blue Sheep Tirthan, Gone Fishing Cottages are some of the best places to stay at, where you'll also get to meet other solo travelers, and can go out to explore with them.
3. Leh, Ladakh
Forget about all those hyped notions of biking around Ladakh! This time, take a solo trip to Leh and feel the bliss as you walk around the age-old monasteries, soaking in the serenity that lingers in the air. Dive into a spiritual sojourn to get over your horrid ex and you never know - you might just find some great company out there, to explore the nooks and lanes of this breathtaking hill-town.
Best time to visit: May to August is the perfect time for exploring Leh, when the weather is bright and sunny during the day, comfortably cold at night.
Best places to stay: Zostel Leh, Himalayan Bunker, Hitchhiker's Hostel etc.
Check out some of the best budget-friendly places to stay in Leh during your solo trip to Ladakh.
4. Hampi, Karnataka
Known to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that has now become a Hippie Paradise in South India, Hampi would be a great place for your solo escapade. Whether you're a history buff or not, you will definitely fall in love with this erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Empire on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. There are more than 500 monuments and temples to see here, strewn across the gorgeous backdrop of hills to keep you engaged throughout your backpacking endeavor in Hampi.
Best time to visit: Winter is the best time to visit Hampi, when the weather is pleasant. Summers are usually hot & humid, so not very comfortable to walk around and explore.
Best places to stay: There are a lot of nice guest houses as well as hostels. But if you feel like splurging a bit on yourself, you can also opt for a luxury boutique stay at Evolve Back, Hampi.
5. Gokarna, Karnataka
Earlier, Goa used to be the 'go to beach destination in India', but for the last few years, Gokarna has been welcoming hordes of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation. With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is the newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies alike. The beaches are meant for a slow, relaxed getaway, perfect to let go of your past relationship woes, and enjoy a calmer pace of life. But beyond that, there's another side of Gokarna where the beaches have some insane bonfire nights and parties for all!
Best time to visit: All throughout the year!
Best place to stay: There are cottages and guest houses where you can live like a real backpacker, chilling on hammocks, sipping on coconuts and reading a book! Zostel Gokarna is quite popular, amongst other hostels.
6. Pondicherry
Beat those breakup blues and lose yourself amidst bright colors in Pondy! With French influence in its architecture, this town is brimming with cute cafes and European vibes. Undoubtedly, it's the perfect post-breakup beach getaway - where you can try out surfing, scuba diving, meditation retreats and everything else that your heart calls for! Rekindle your spiritual side at Auroville, try your hands in preparing some French culinary delights, befriend strangers over a cup of coffee and most importantly, rediscover yourself.
Best time to visit: October to February is the best time to visit with the minimum temperature not going below 17 degrees.
Best places to stay: WoodPacker, Micasa Hostels, Nomad House, The Dreamcatcher and Time Travellers Hostel are some of the popular ones, but you can also opt to stay in one of the colonial establishments converted into hotels around the White Town.
7. Mawphlang, Meghalaya
If you're not feeling like being around a lot of people, and seeking some space to enjoy the much required 'Me Time' after a heartbreak, then you can take a solo trip to Meghalaya. Located at a distance of about 25km from Shillong, the magical village of Mawphlang can be a cure for your sore heart. This resplendent stretch of meadow has a magical forest right at the center that defies most laws of nature. The sacred forest of Mawphlang is thick and mystical, while the surroundings are a made up of serene meadows and otherworldly rock formations.
Best time to visit: January to April is the best time to visit this place, when it's cold and dry. But the monsoon paints the forest with all shades of green - so that too is a sight to behold!
Best places to stay: Misty Meadow, Maple Pine Farm, Pine Hill Homestay, Woodstock Farm House are some of the popular guest houses in Mawphlang.
8. Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok is known to be the paradise of Northeast and a great place to escape solo! Lying at the height of 1650 m above sea level, this hill station offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on most days, and if you're looking for some epic adventure to heal your heart, then you're going to love it here. Look out for short treks or hikes around the place, or just join a group trip to explore popular places like Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri falls, Tashi viewpoint and more. Also, the MG Road in Gangtok is bustling with cafes and restaurants offering delicious momos and thukpa - that'll take your tastebuds on a joyride!
Best time to visit: September to mid-December and from March to May. These autumn and spring-summer months experience a pleasant climate which is ideal for sightseeing.
Best places to stay: Zostel and TagAlong Backpackers are best options for solo travelers.
9. Varkala, Kerala
This coastal town in the southern part of Kerala was a hidden gem until a few years back, when tourism started booming here! But nonetheless, the beauty of Varkala remains unfathomable. Today, Varkala is popular for its hippie culture, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood and playing global music by the beaches. Explore the mangrove forests as you kayak through the creeks, soak in the silence at Anjengo Fort, walk around the Muthalapuzhi Lake and watch the sunset by the beaches - Varkala would surely make you forget all your worries!
Best time to visit: October to February is the best time to visit Varkala because the temperature is more relaxed and the sun is gentle compared to the summers.
Best places to stay: The Lost Hostel, Zostel, Piggy's Hostel, Molly's are some of the best places to stay for solo travelers.
10. Havelock Island, Andamans
Catch a flight (not feelings) and fly off to Anadaman! A paradise of golden sandy beaches, crystal blue water, rich corals and verdant forests -- this place is a beautiful manifestation of natural beauty, and a great destination to unwind solo after a breakup! What's more -- you can indulge in a number of thrilling adventure activities and water sports, and when you're done with that, a long walk along the stretch of the sand is the perfect way to explore the island on your own. Needless to say, you'll definitely stumble upon some like-minded fellow travellers and enjoy your vacay!
Best time to visit: October and March is the perfect time, as the weather stays dry on most days and it's not too hot.
Best places to stay: You can stay at a beachside Airbnb from where you can hear the waves breaking at the shore! Some of the best hostel options are Polly Hostel, Classic Hostel, Flying Elephant etc.
It’s never to too late to start something new! Let your spirits free and embrace what the world has to offer.
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