Plan a girl’s getaway to India that’s both fun and fearless.

By Tom McLean

If you’re planning a girl’s getaway to India and want to make sure you have a fun, friendly and-most importantly-safe adventure, Masala has got your trip covered.

We have all become increasingly aware that some places, across the globe, just aren’t that safe for women. But that should never come in the way of jetting off on an awesome vacation. While the country has much to do before it feels securefor the fairer sex, some pioneers have created women-only spaces to empower them to travel freely. From girls-only hotels to female exclusive gyms, this list will ensure you have a trip that’s super safe and fabulous fun.

Grand Mercure Bangalore:

Bangalore, or Bengalaru, is already recognized as a fantastic destination for travelers in India. From the enchanting sights of Bangalore Palace to the sublime botanical gardens of Lal Bagh, Bangalore offers an inspiring view into India’s past and present. What you may not know, however, is that Bangalore also offers excellent amenities for female travelers in need of a safe space.

Grand Mercure Banglore

The Grand Mercure Bangalore provides a brilliant location for ladies to chill out-a whole, entire floor dedicated only to female guests! Offering unparalleled comfort for female travelers in Bangalore,The Princess Floor provides extra security for guests, as well as additional, girl-centric essentials such as hair straighteners and curling irons.

Shambhavi – Empowering Women, Nashik:

Whether at home or exploring the world, keeping fit is essential for health and confidence. Finding a gym that’s right for a girl-on-the-go can sometimes be a difficult proposition; locating that perfect balance of support, cutting-edge equipment and a comfortable, undisturbed atmosphere is often a real chore, especially when travelling. Being able to relax and focus on personal improvement is essential to a good exercise experience.

That’s where Shambhavi – Empowering Women comes in. Offering a fantastic, female-led support network, Shambhavi is the ideal destination for fitness fanatics exploring the holy city of Nashik. Created exclusively for women, this gym prides itself on strengthening its female clientele, making it the perfect pit stop while exploring Nashik’s ancient temples and mountaintop villages. A ladies gym, with lady instructors, Shambhavi offers a holistic approach to health, with special focus given to both physical and spiritual wellbeing. Through exercise and diet programs tailored specifically to the needs of their customers, Shambhavi provides a gym experience that’s both welcoming and rejuvenating.

Nashik

OYO WE Gurgaon:

Situated in the state of Haryana, Gurgaon is a refreshingly modern city that is widely seen as an emerging financial hotspot in India. Gurgaon is largely recognized for its spectacular live-action shows, which transport audiences to the world of Bollywood. The most famous of these entertainment venues, the Kingdom of Dreams, is said to be the perfect marriage of Bollywood and Broadway- a must see experience for fans of either genre.

Kingdom of Dreams

Gurgaon also features a unique place to stay for female travelers– one with a very strict no-men-allowed policy. The OYO WE (Women Exclusive) Gurgaon is a hotel in Gurgaon run solely by women, for women. Featuring friendly and accommodating, female-only staff, the OYE WE is said to be India’s first female exclusive hotel. With spacious rooms and female-oriented amenities, the OYE WE is also within close distance of Gurgaon’s most popular tourist destinations such as the Ambience Mall. Cramming in an awesome shopping spree, before taking in a show at the Kingdom of Dreams,makes for an excellent ladies-only weekend, especially when capped off with a stay at one of Gurgaon’s most unique hotels.

The Imperial, New Delhi:

With awe-inspiring locations such as Humayun’s Tomb and the fascinating Hauz Khas Village, it’s no wonder India’s capital city is such a booming destination for vacationers. However, this destination does not have a good history with regards to women’s safety.

To enable women to visit the city without fear, The Imperial, New Delhi offers the exclusive, female-centric Eliza Wing for its single female travelers. Boasting a safe and secure environment, with rooms allocated on its female-only “Single-Lady Corridor”, the hotel also offers its female guests an amazing level of luxury and extravagance. With orthopedically designed mattresses and linen imported from France–coupled with an immeasurable level of security-a night at The Imperial, New Delhi is sure to deliver an unbeatable slumber. The Imperial also provides its female guests with a selection of complimentary, female-centric amenities, such as manicure sets and flower arrangements upon request.

The Imperial, New Delhi

Of course, no matter where you go, it’s always better to be safe than sorry while travelling alone. Being aware of your surroundings is vital, while it also pays to research and avoid areas that are known to be unsafe. Likewise, making sure to carry a mobile phone is crucial to ensuring a safe and pleasant journey. Live-location sharing apps and GPS trackers, such as Life360 and Glympse, are also becoming a popular way of ensuring the safety of friends and family.  Most importantly, be confident and have a terrific time!