Nestled amidst the Nilgiri mountains, Ooty is a picturesque hill station known for its serene landscapes, tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture.
“I just pack a small bag, get in my car, and drive away to Ooty for a me-cation! It’s the best thing ever,” 23-year-old architect Sumit Matondkar from Chennai tells South First.
Compared to Ooty, the flow of tourists in Kodaikanal is comparatively low, making it an ideal location for those looking for a “crowd-free” spot to travel to.
She suggests first timers take a crisp stroll on the Coakers to walk at around 6-7 am which gives a stunning view of the valleys with the clouds occasionally playing hide and seek.
Officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just Pondy, is the perfect combination of traditional Indian elements and French architecture.
“I have made around eight weekend solo trips to Pondy, so far, and they have been the best mini-vacations of my life,” 28-year-old Marketing Manager Christy Alva from Mangaluru tells South First.
The French colony is just a small part of Puducherry, which people refer to as the White Town, while the rest of the town give strong Indian and local vibes.
What makes Mahabalipuram an ideal escape for solo travellers with a soft spot for ancient architecture, is that the town is overflowing with rich artefacts and monuments.
“These magnificent structures are sheer architectural marvels that left me awestruck, 20-year-old economics student Ashish Thomas from Kochi tells South First.