Not Goa or Manali: Japanese tourist shares her 5 favourite places in India after 3 months of solo travel. ‘I loved it so much.’

India is a land of many wonders. From azure nature to rich history, vibrant food to warm hospitality, the country never fails to impress travellers. Back in June, content creator Hanna from Japan dropped a video on Instagram documenting her backpacking trip in India. In the clip, Hanna revealed that she explored the country for 3 months as a solo female traveller. But that’s not all; the globetrotter also listed 5 of her favourite places in India, which she claimed left a mark on her heart.

Varanasi

Varanasi emerged as Hanna’s clear favourite. During her time there, she experienced both memorable highs and challenging moments, yet the city stayed with her long after she left. Its street food, lassi, people and unmistakable energy became closely tied to her memories of India. The city made such an impression that she once changed her journey mid-way and left a long-distance train to return. For Hanna, Varanasi ultimately became her most loved Indian destination.

Dharamshala

Dharamshala secured the second spot, bringing together adventure and introspection for Hanna. A 10-day meditation course became one of the defining experiences of her stay, introducing her to lessons that went beyond meditation itself. She also took on the Triund trek, marking one of her earliest major hiking experiences. Looking back on her time in the mountain town, Hanna felt that the destination had influenced her personally and helped shape her outlook.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya ranked third on Hanna’s list, largely because of how different the experience felt from the rest of her India trip. She explored Shillong, Sohra and Kongthong, discovering a mix of laid-back cafes, pine-covered landscapes, dramatic waterfalls and local traditions along the way. Each place offered something distinct, but together they gave her a strong sense of connection. Meghalaya was also among the destinations where Hanna felt particularly comfortable and at home.

Hampi

At number four was Hampi, where history and dramatic landscapes created an experience Hanna found unforgettable. The vast boulders, centuries-old ruins and temples gave the destination an almost surreal quality. Her mornings were accompanied by the distant sounds of puja ceremonies, adding another layer to the atmosphere. A chance meeting while she was exploring the rocky terrain also became especially meaningful, as the person she met eventually turned into one of her closest friends.

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Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves rounded off Hanna’s top five, leaving her amazed by what ancient communities were capable of creating. The sheer scale of the site, intricate details and layers of history stood out during her visit. What fascinated her most was the fact that these remarkable structures were carved by human hands centuries ago. For Hanna, exploring Ellora became the kind of travel experience that encourages you to pause, take in the surroundings and appreciate the extraordinary achievements of the past.