Northern India is full of amazing experiences, from the busy streets of Delhi to the peaceful Himalayas. Reading about this region before your trip can help you understand its culture, history, and traditions better. These books will give you insights that make your adventure even more special.
Why Read Before You Go?
Books let you explore a place even before you arrive. Northern India is rich in traditions, vibrant communities, and fascinating stories. By reading these books, you’ll feel more connected to the places and people you encounter during your trip.
top BOOKS TO READ for Solo Female Travelers in Northern India
This book is a delightful exploration of Delhi, blending humor and history. Dalrymple uncovers layers of the city’s past, from the Mughal Empire to British rule, while sharing personal anecdotes about his year living there. His observations about Delhi’s people, traditions, and architecture make this an engaging read that paints a vivid picture of the bustling capital.
This gripping novel delves into the realities of modern India through the story of Balram Halwai, an ambitious chauffeur navigating India’s stark social divides. Adiga’s sharp writing offers a powerful critique of class and corruption, while Balram’s journey provides a raw and compelling perspective on the aspirations and struggles of contemporary India.
Set in a Mumbai slum, this non-fiction book offers an unflinching look at life on the margins. Boo follows the lives of several residents as they navigate poverty, dreams, and challenges. Her compassionate storytelling sheds light on resilience and hope amidst hardship, making this a deeply moving read.
TOP Movies to watch for solo female travelers in Northern India
Monsoon Wedding
The Darjeeling Limited
Punjab 1984
Dilwane Dulhania Le Jayenge
Monsoon Wedding follows a Delhi family’s frantic preparation for the marriage of their only daughter, Aditi, to a computer programmer from Houston. This 2001 hit has a bit of everything: comedy, drama, music, and of course, all the decadence of a traditional Indian wedding!
Three estranged brothers reconnect on a journey through India a year after the death of their father. This film showcases the starkly beautiful hills of Northern India, as well as the romance and surprises of train travel, with a colorful Wes Anderson flair that’s sure to get you excited for your visit.
A woman searches for her missing son, who has been misjudged and labelled a terrorist, during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This award-winning film sheds light on one of the darkest periods of India’s recent history and the tension between its diverse ethnic groups.
This beloved Bollywood classic is an essential introduction to the genre; it’s also the longest-running film in India’s history, airing in theaters for over 25 years! It features a classic hatred-turned-romance and an arranged marriage love triangle. The movie’s most famous romance scene will have you searching for the nearest field of mustard flowers outside of Delhi for a photo op!
TOP Music TO Listen for Solo Female Travelers in Northern India
Guru Randhawa
Guru Randhawa is one of the biggest names in Indian pop music today, shooting to stardom after his debut in Hindi Medium. We can’t get enough of this party anthem and Nora Fatehi’s incredible dance moves!
Neha Kakkar
Singer Neha Kakkar is the reigning queen of Bollywood vocals. The romantic ballad “Oh Humsafar” is one of her classics, but there’s much more to explore!
Raja Kumari
Raja Kumari is a bad B if we ever saw one. Previously a songwriter for Gwen Stefani and Iggy Azalea, this Indian-American artist now performs a mesmerizing blend of West Coast rap and Indian influences under her own name. She even has her own record label, Godmother Records.
Asha Bhosle
An absolute legend of Bollywood, Asha Bhosle has recorded more than 11,000 songs in 20 different languages, landing her in the Guinness Book of World Records. This popular number from the ’90s will make you want to dive head-first into the world of Bollywood.
TOP Videos TO Watch for Solo Female Travelers in Northern India
Along the River Ganges: India's Holy River Cities
Explore daily life, sacred rituals, and stunning scenery along the Ganges River—the physical and spiritual heart of India. This documentary features gorgeous photography that will make you wish your trip could start right now.
15 Local North-Indian Dishes to Try
Whether it’s Kashmiri waazwan, Kakori kebabs from UP, Delhi’s butter chicken, or Chandigarh’s chole bhature, these are some local and authentic dishes from states of Northern India that you should definitely try. Don’t watch hungry, because this video will have your mouth watering in anticipation of your trip!
Thar Desert: Sacred Sands
During your journey in India, you’ll experience desert glamping and authentic cultural connections in the Thar Desert. Uncover the strange beauty of this region in Part 1 of the Wildest India miniseries—from the sunbaked desert, to the Temple of Rats, to city-loving monkeys that are as mischievous as they are cute.
All links in this article encourage purchases from small businesses, locally owned stores, or women owned companies wherever possible while prioritizing reliable recommendations for our travelers.
