“More and more travellers are shifting away from traditional sightseeing and fast-paced itineraries. Instead, they’re seeking something deeper – something that leaves them changed. That’s why India has become the number one solo travel destination for 2025. It’s about escape, yes – but it’s also about transformation.” – Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa
Solo travel is having yet another moment. With 34% of travellers planning to take a solo trip by the end of 2025, according to Hilton’s Annual Trends Report, the world is seeing a surge in independent explorers looking for journeys encompassing more than relaxation. And when it comes to mindful, transformative travel, no destination is capturing this shift quite like India.
In fact, India has been named the No. 1 solo travel destination for 2025 in a recent report by Kensington, cementing its status as the go-to place for those seeking personal renewal.
“India has experienced an incredible post-pandemic recovery,” says Turner. “Projections estimated a contribution of INR 21.15 trillion from the local tourism industry to the Indian economy in 2024, a dramatic 21% increase from 2019. Understandably, the Indian government is also investing in tourism infrastructure, with INR 23.44 billion allocated for tourism sector initiatives in the 2025 fiscal year.”
While Bali and Thailand have long been favourites amongst South African wellness travellers, India offers something different and just as profound. Home to centuries-old spiritual traditions, the world’s most authentic yoga and meditation retreats, and intensive Ayurvedic healing experiences, it presents a one-of-a-kind setting for travellers looking to reset, recharge, and rediscover themselves.
Why South Africans are seeking transformative travel
South Africans are no strangers to stress. Rising costs, job instability, and demanding work environments have created a mental health crisis. In fact, a 2023 report from the Employee Assistance Programmes Association South Africa revealed that nearly one-quarter of employed South Africans are likely to be diagnosed with depression – yet only 15-25% seek and receive help.
It’s no wonder why South Africans are yearning for more than a holiday – they’re in search of something profoundly restorative.
“More than ever, South Africans need rest – but not just the kind that comes from a weekend off or an all-inclusive resort. We need spiritual rest,” Turner explains.
What is spiritual rest, and why does it matter?
Most people understand physical rest – taking time off work, getting more sleep, or spending a few days at the beach. But spiritual rest is an entirely different kind of rejuvenation.
Spiritual rest is a state of deep peace and inner alignment. It’s a chance to disconnect from external pressures and reconnect with something greater than oneself. It’s about:
- Finding solace from emotional burnout.
- Engaging in meditation, mindfulness, or silent retreats.
- Surrounding oneself with nature, as well as spending time in sacred spaces and exploring healing traditions.
This is exactly why India is set to keep pace with Bali and Thailand, standing out as the leading solo travel retreat for 2025.
Why solo travellers are choosing India Over Bali & Thailand
For years, Bali and Thailand have been the go-to destinations for South Africans in search of wellness and relaxation. From beachfront yoga retreats in Ubud to affordable Thai massage resorts, both countries have cultivated a reputation for self-care escapes. But many are realising that India is where solo travellers can go for spiritual immersion that cannot be manufactured.
For South Africans considering a mindful solo journey, practical factors such as flights, visas, and costs all play an important role. In terms of affordability, India is the cheapest option, with return flights from Johannesburg starting at R12,766 for a getaway in October 2025*. Thailand follows at R14,959, while Bali is the most expensive at R15,715.
Though none of these destinations offer direct flights from South Africa, India has the best balance of accessibility and affordability, with shorter stopovers in transit hubs like Dubai and Doha.
When it comes to visa requirements, Thailand is the easiest, allowing South Africans to visit visa-free for up to 60 days. India, however, offers a simple e-visa system, which makes planning ahead seamless – and the visa is free of charge. Bali, on the other hand, requires a visa on arrival.
But where India truly stands apart is in the depth of its spiritual and wellness experiences. It’s the birthplace of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, offering authentic retreats in places like Rishikesh, Goa, and Mysore.
Those seeking meditation and silence retreats also have access to centuries-old ashrams and Buddhist monasteries, such as those in Dharamshala and Ladakh, where travellers can engage in Vipassana, an intensive form of silent meditation.
The difference in healing therapies is also striking. India is world-renowned for authentic Ayurveda healing, with dedicated centres in Kerala where visitors undergo advanced detox and rejuvenation programs. These are rooted in science – centuries-old wellness systems that focus on physical, mental, and spiritual balance.
Another major advantage for South African travellers is India’s affordability beyond flights. Daily costs in India are significantly lower than in Thailand and Bali. From accommodation to food and transport, India allows travellers to stretch the rand much further, with local meals costing as little as R50, comfortable guesthouses starting at around R845 per night, and transportation via tuk-tuk or metro averaging just R35 per ride. Meanwhile, similar expenses in Thailand or Bali tend to be at least 20-40% higher, making these destinations pricier for extended stays.
For South Africans weighed down by stress, wanderlust is about both escape and evolution. And while Bali and Thailand both always promise relaxation; India also endeavours to deliver a journey that will linger long after the return flight home.
Whether it’s meditating in the Himalayas, diving into Ayurveda in Kerala, or rediscovering yourself in the spiritual chaos of Varanasi, India doesn’t just change your itinerary – it changes you.
With affordable flights and seamless visas, there’s little standing in the way of your solo journey.
Maybe the real question isn’t whether you’re ready for it – but whether you can afford to wait.
*Based on a Flight Centre flight search conducted on 12 March 2025 for travel from 2 – 9 October 2025.
