SHE travels: 10 beautiful hill stations that are great for women travelling solo

We are back again with the next edition of She travels. This is for all those who love the hills, and feel like their heart lies in the mountains. Indeed, there’s something magical about packing a small backpack, switching the phone to ‘Do Not Disturb,’ and letting a hill station breeze help untangle the chaos in your mind. We women, mostly overthink, are mostly busy multitasking, so a solo trip is kind of necessary to reset, refresh and remind us that we are the main character of our own story. If you’ve been craving a quiet escape or a burst of adventure, these beautiful hill stations promise safe stays, stunning landscapes, and endless opportunities to wander at your own pace.

Exuding the Tibetan calm, along with Himachali charm, Dharamshala is a sanctuary for solo women travellers who love slow mornings and mountain conversations. With cute cafés, monasteries humming with prayer wheels, and friendly local buses, moving around is easy. Getting to McLeod Ganj is also easy if you want yoga classes by day and momo hunts by evening.

Kodaikanal feels like a hill station that comes with a bit of old-school romance. The mist rolling over pine forests, quiet viewpoints where you can sit for hours, and boat rides that you can actually enjoy until you are bored. The vibe is peaceful, local transport is reliable, and homestays run by women are pretty common here.

One of India’s safest and most organized cities, Gangtok is basically heart, disciplined, clean, and surprisingly fun. The city centre is walkable, the cafés are cozy, stylish, and the cherry on the cake is the locals are warm without being intrusive. Day trips to Tsomgo Lake or Rumtek Monastery make the experience even better.

If your idea of a perfect escape involves green hills, earthy scents, and waterfalls that feel straight out of a soap ad (remember Liril soap ad), Wayanad is that place. It’s quieter than Munnar, great for wildlife lovers, and offers beautiful rainforest stays that feel luxurious yet close to nature. Ideal for women who want solitude for relaxing.

Shillong is one of those places from the Northeast that you would love going back again and again. Solo women travellers love it for its friendly locals and lively café culture. Stroll around Ward’s Lake, check out the police bazaar, or take day trips to Laitlum Canyon — everything feels unhurried and safe.

Almora has a distinct charm that will have your heart instantly. Wooden houses, ancient temples, and panoramic Himalayan views further give this hill town a vintage postcard vibe. It’s perfect for journaling, photography, or simply sitting on a balcony with ginger tea and watching the sun slide behind snow peaks.

Often overshadowed by Darjeeling, Kalimpong is the underrated destination that’s actually cooler, not just in weather, but in vibe too. With colourful monasteries, flower nurseries, and quiet lanes that are perfect for solo wandering, it offers peace without complete isolation. You can sip local tea overlooking the Teesta river and feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamy painting.

Rajasthan and a hill station? Yes, Rajasthan too has a hill station, which is Mount Abu. It’s the desert state’s only hill retreat, and the perfect place if you want cooler weather without the typical Himalayan terrain. Explore the Dilwara Temples, trek to sunset points, or simply wander around Nakki Lake with a cone of ice cream.

Coorg smells like coffee, rain, and a little bit of adventure. The rolling hills, waterfalls, and spice plantations make it ideal for a peaceful solo break. Plus, the locals are warm and the food is delicious — you’ll meet enough friendly people to feel safe but not so many that your “solo trip” turns into a group tour.

Aizawl is a refreshing mix of urban cool and hilly serenity. The city is extremely safe, the public etiquette is impressive, and the views are stunning from almost everywhere. If you like exploring cities that feel different from mainland India, Aizawl’s cafés, churches, and scenic ridges will keep you hooked.