Soul-seeking in the hills to mixing culture and adventure in the tropics, bookmark these destinations for your next solo trip.
With a new year ahead and resolutions astound, why not kick the year off with some soul searching or a dose of adventure? Every traveller at some point wonders of taking on the world, making solo discoveries and uncovering landscapes to add to their personal list of recommendations. Rounding up three destinations best explored on foot, peek at options that offer a healthy dose of culture, heritage, adventure, food and soul-stirring sunsets.
Bir Billing
When it comes to jotting down a solo traveller’s bucket list, Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, renowned for being a paragliding hotspot of India is a beautiful destination that easily makes its way to the top.
There are plenty of activities to choose from. Hop on a narrow gauge railway or the famous toy train and soak in the vistas of the picturesque valley, make your way to the natural table tops to catch mesmerising sunsets or go café-hopping and sample decadent hot chocolates and indulgent burgers.
If you’re seeking a more active itinerary, consider a day hike with Skecher’s Crossbar shoes. Fitted with Air Cooled Memory Foam insole, the water-repellent shoes are a comfortable fit for walking on mixed terrains. For the best views, trek half an hour up to Mangroli Mata Temple. The steep climb is an easy fix to fade city blues as the quaint spot flashes views of layered mountains. Another popular trek is the two-kilometre trail to Garh Wali Mata Temple which cuts through a blue pine forest. The hike rewards with kaleidoscopic sunsets and a clear view of the Billing valley.
The Thamsar Pass Trek begins from Rajgindha in the Kangra district and makes for a good 3-5 day adventure for moderately experienced mountaineers. The starting point lies 14 kilometres from Bir, although it can be walked easily in half a day. On the way to Thamsar, beautiful waterfalls and small villages will dot the way. Enjoy verdant meadows, exciting ascents and alluring hillscapes here.
You may also opt for a waterfall trek to cap off a hike with a cool plunge in the natural pools. If you’re looking forward to the trek more than the falls, head to Gunehar village. Expect steep down-climbs and slippery rocks before reaching the magnificent Bangoru Waterfall for a natural shower. Choose comfortable walking shoes from Skechers outdoor footwear collection that bring convenience and style together. Chances are, they might become your favourite travel gear.
Finally, test your feet by walking the entire course of the small villages. Bir Billing Monasteries are a must-visit hub for serenity. Learn about Buddhist culture, meditate, cook and experience slow living at centres like Palpung Sherabling Monastery, Nyingyang Monastery and Tsering Jong Monastery.
Puducherry
Down south in the tropics, palm-lined boulevards of Puducherry offer a colourful getaway for solo travellers. Beaches, architecture, culture, workshops and food hopping will easily fill up a 3-5 day itinerary. Carry a good pair of walking shoes, and choose from the Skechers GO WALK collection as the town best reveals itself on foot. The lightweight slip-ons are a good match for long walks. Removable arch support insole helps mold to your foot to reduce shock and increase weight dispersion, making them a must-have in your travel kit.
Base yourself in White Town and kickstart the morning with a walk around the charming bylanes adorned with hedges of Bougainville, iron balconies and outdoor cafés. If you stumble upon the Pondicherry Museum, explore the town’s heritage through material artefacts from a bygone era. Grab a gelato from GLT or head on and stop by any of the cafés for a scrumptious meal. Head to boutique cafés like La Maison Rose for their lamb chops, Le Café for their lasagna or Café Des Arts for their Bohemian charm.
Pack your beach clogs like the Skechers Foamies®: Summer Chill and catch a sunrise from the Rock Beach. Clamber down the boulders and stride to a high spot. The Pondicherry Harbour is a sight to behold during dawn. An alternative way to engage your mornings would be to sign up for a surf lesson. Two surf schools on Serenity beach—Kallialay and Mother Ocean surf schools—have spent decades training beginners and novices on the water turfs.
Photo credit: Skechers
To curb your hunger, head to Theevu Plague to dine for French cuisine by the beach. Order something off the fresh catch, every preparation is packed with flavour. At Baker’s Street, most bakeries will offer flaky pastries, fresh croissants, gourmet sandwiches, delicious coffee and baked sweets. Café Xtasi’s woodfire pizza also tops a foodie’s list.
For the culture geek, head to Arikamedu, an ancient Roman Trade Centre and soak in the cultural history of maritime trade. One may also visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, although there may be tourist crowds. Another peaceful outdoor spot is the off shore Paradise Beach. Accessible via a boat ride from Chunnambar Boat House, early visitors will find an empty stretch of the beach surrounded by mesmerising blue waters. At the beach, you may hike up a little or just sunbathe on the shore.
Hampi
A wonderland between the tropics and mainland, Karnataka’s Hampi is a paradise soaked in history. Expansive fields, ancient ruins, magnificent rock structures and gorgeous lakes offer a quaint getaway. Dotted with many affordable guesthouses and hostels, Hampi is very backpacker friendly.
For a history soak, rent a bicycle and pedal along to the Krishna Temple. Stucco figures of battle elephants, horses and warriors depict Krishnadev Raya’s military campaigns. The Urga Narsimha and the Badavilinga temple along the same route feature impressive pillars, ponds and alluring statues. The Queen’s Bath and Zanana Enclosure shed light in the women’s lives in the empire.
For a more tourist-centric itinerary, enter from Hampi Bazaar which lies on the Southern bank of Tungabhadra. All major monuments like Krishna Temple, Elephant Temple, Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot lie here.
However, a short boat ride away lies the Hippie Island—a paradise for offbeat travellers. Here, slip into some comfortable shoes such as Skechers Bionic Trail and venture into exciting hikes and rocky trails. The lightweight all-terrain hiking and trail running shoe is specifically made for enhanced traction and stability—a perfect mix for this island. The Sanapur Lake, fed by the Dam canal is a pristine spot for swimming. You may also hop onto a coracle ride offered by local boatmen. Check out the Banana Craft Village at Anegundi, purchase your share of flowy clothes and music trinkets at the Hippie Market and gorge on a fantasy mix of European and local South Indian fare. Café culture is prominent and plenty of spaces offer delicious food with great ambience.
Photo credit: Skechers
County-wide, Hampi is famous for its natural rocks and boulder formations. Give bouldering a shot as there are plenty of climbing stores nearby. Alternatively, experience a magnificent sunrise from the Monkey Hill and end the day with a hike to Sunset Point Hill. With numerous water holes, lakes, nature trails and walkable paddy fields, every place on the Hippie Island demands exploration.
Skechers Outdoor Collection : For the ones who seek adventure
Whether it’s to seek solo adventure or a trip to the mountains with friends, it’s essential to wear the right shoes that will provide comfort when the roads get tough. If you seek adventure, Skechers has the perfect collection in store for you. Skechers Outdoor footwear for Men is perfect for travel thanks to stability on uneven surfaces, water-repellent properties, and exceptional traction to reduce the chance of slipping. This range offers smart, innovative, and sturdy casual designs without compromising on fashion.
CROSSBAR
Maintain control and comfort on or off the trail wearing Skechers Relaxed Fit®: Crossbar – Cohasset. This lace-up hiker features a water-repellent leather, synthetic and mesh upper with an Air-Cooled Memory Foam® insole.
Price: INR 7,999
ARCH FIT GLIDE-STEP TRAIL
Sporty comfort and durable traction meet in Skechers ARCH FIT GLIDE STEP TRAIL. This outdoor trail-style lace-up features a water Repellent mesh and synthetic upper with a Skechers Arch-Fit insole and a durable rubber outsole.
Price: INR 7,999
GLIDE-STEP-TRAIL OXEN
Trek the trails in surefooted comfort with Skechers Glide-Step Trail. Featuring a lightweight Glide-Step® midsole and rubber outsole in a lace-up trail walking and hiking design.
Price: INR 8,999
Photo: Skechers
Skechers Outdoor footwear is now available on Skechers.in and in select Skechers retail stores. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
This feature also appeared in National Geographic Traveller India
In Partnership with Skechers India
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Trending on TFN
The 23 Best Places To Go In 2023
Explore Utah’s Mighty 5® and What Lies in Between
Five Epic U.S. National Parks To Visit This Year
