The best company is your own—and Indian youth is agreeing

More and more young individuals in urban India are consciously embracing solo living and prioritising alone time over partnered relationships

In most fast-paced urban hubs in India, solitude is fast becoming the social currency. Once viewed as a sign of loneliness, living alone in India  has been rebranded by millennials embracing solitude as a deliberate lifestyle choice. Young adults in India are trading the fear of missing out (FOMO), finding not just a sense of respite in solitude but viewing it as a vital component of self-care and mental wellness too. It offers one their personal space, away from the pursuit of busyness in urban India, where the pleasures of solo outings at cafés, quiet mornings, and the luxury of unscheduled time takes precedence. It's about taking ownership of finding peace amidst the chaos, proving that sometimes, the best company is your own.

"Solitude, often mistaken for withdrawal, is essential for recalibration," says Dr. Aman Bhosle, psychologist and co-founder at Mumbai’s Heart to Heart Institute. "It nurtures individualism, fostering independent voices that drive change." Yet, this embrace of solitude marks a shift from India’s largely collectivist culture , where community reliance has always reigned supreme. The challenge lies in balancing solitude versus the risk of loneliness—a narrative Indian millennials are actively reshaping.

Solo Living by the Numbers: A Growing Trend in Urban India

As more and more urban millennials carve off spaces for solitude, solo living in India is seeing a rise, even in demographic data on single-person households. According to a 2015 paper in the peer-reviewed journal Demographic Research, single-person households in urban India grew by a staggering 36 per cent over the past decade, a dramatic change in a society long defined by joint families and intergenerational living. This shift was particularly pronounced in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi, where living alone is becoming a defining feature of modern urban life.

Dating apps, too, are maximising on the shift toward independence. Insights from platforms like Bumble and Tinder reveal that many millennials in India now prioritise ‘friendships’ or ‘solo experiences’ over conventional romantic relationships. This trend suggests a broader reimagining of social connections, with an emphasis on quality interactions, self-exploration, and personal growth. 

Similarly, the travel and hospitality industry in India is witnessing a parallel shift: Post-pandemic, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com have reported a 20–30 per cent surge in bookings from solo travellers, largely driven by millennials. These individuals are increasingly planning solo trips, from trekking across the Himalayan treks to immersing themselves in the cultural vibrancy of European towns and cities. For them, solo travel often becomes a means of self-discovery rather than mere leisure.

Choosing solo living: A lifestyle choice or a social consequence?

It is important to distinguish between choosing solitude and the consequences of being alone owing to certain circumstances. Millennials embracing solitude aren’t rejecting relationships or human connections; instead, they are prioritising a fulfilling solo existence over traditional coupledom. For some, being by themselves carries more meaning than being in a relationship—a conscious assertion of autonomy, different from the loneliness caused by a lack of connection.

The Coronavirus pandemic perhaps tested this choice for many. What began as alone time often turned into isolation, underscoring the need for emotional and social support systems. Yet, millennials managed to create their own routines and hobbies, and even formed digital communities with like-minded individuals to navigate the challenges. Take 32-year-old Rohan Mehta, for instance. During the lockdown, the Mumbai-based software engineer started a virtual book club with friends and strangers who shared his love for historical fiction. The weekly discussions not only gave him something to look forward to, but also helped him build a supportive community that continues to stay in touch beyond the pandemic. Experiences like these have played a role in shaping young Indians’ relationship with solitude, blending self-preservation with connection.

An upward trend in solo living may seem at odds with ideals of community and collectiveness. However, it’s more a recalibration than a rejection. Choosing to live solo offers a quiet rebellion against the notion that one’s identity is defined by relationships. It’s about finding meaning outside prescribed norms, forging equations and interactions by choice rather than compulsion.

“Autonomy and relatedness are not mutually exclusive, and solitude need not equate to being alone,” explains cultural psychologist, Professor Mila Tuli. “Urban millennials are redefining solitude as a way to assert their freedom. But pursuing an independent lifestyle is still a privilege, and accessible to those with the financial means to do so. Women are increasingly part of this movement, though intergenerational expectations and traditional family dynamics evolve more slowly.”

Globally, the picture isn’t that different. Research by the Pew Research Center reveals that opting for singlehood—or the choice to experience life solo—is increasingly seen as a path for self-development, not failure. Intentional autonomy makes individuals redefine the traditional ideas that equate coupledom or marriage with success.

Yet, intentionally choosing to be by yourself doesn’t amount to isolation. Oftentimes, it leads to meaningful, fulfilling interactions. Sumitra Senapaty, founder of WOW Club, a solo-travel platform for women, shares, “Despite travelling solo, many women seek opportunities to connect with like-minded travellers through group trips or meet-ups. This paradox of 'solo yet social' indicates the balance between independence and connection.”

The Psychology of Solitude: Why more young Indians are choosing  alone time

That more and more individuals are opting to go off-grid and embrace solitude in an age defined by hyperconnectivity raises the question of what exactly is driving this shift. 

For some, planning spa days, solo vacations, and silent retreats serve as mental and emotional recharges. These rituals deliver dopamine hits, engendering feelings of satisfaction and well-being. For most millennials, solitude has evolved from a necessity for self-reflection into a sought-after lifestyle upgrade. The demand for experiences like psychedelic retreats, silent meditation camps, and wellness resorts has surged, emphasising a generational embrace to spend time alone. For instance, the Vipassana International Academy in Igatpuri offers immersive silent meditation courses, while Ananda in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand caters to solo wellness seekers through tailored spa and rejuvenation programmes.

According to Tuli, "As Indians, we are inherently interconnected, even though the extent and dimensions vary. Autonomy does not necessarily imply the absence of relatedness, and solitude does not always require being solitary." This insight highlights that solitude can be a conscious, deliberate experience that coexists with a sense of connectedness to others and the broader community, expanding the boundaries of what autonomy can mean in Indian culture.

Is solitude different for men and women? The gendered perspective of living alone

For women in India, the pursuit of solitude comes with an added layer of complexity. While men’s choices to live alone or travel by themselves are often accepted as natural extensions of independence, when similar decisions are taken by women, they are framed as acts of rebellion.

Solo travel, in particular, has become a symbol of empowerment for millennial women, allowing them to challenge patriarchal expectations and break the shackles of familial or communal obligations. While financial independence has been a critical enabler of this shift, it remains a privilege that is inaccessible to women from lower socio-economic backgrounds, where traditional gender roles are further reinforced. 

Senapaty describes how solo travel for Indian women has gradually transitioned from taboo to trend. “Women today view travel as empowerment. What started as a niche idea has now become a means of independence,” she shares. WOW Club has cultivated a safe, judgment-free space for women to explore the world—and themselves. From trekking to the Everest Base Camp to gorilla-tracking in Uganda, the platform offers women of diverse backgrounds a chance to redefine freedom on their terms. 

Movements like #GirlsWhoTravel and female-focused communities have further given an impetus to solo women travellers. These networks offer more than just logistical guidance; they provide emotional reassurance, safety strategies, and shared experiences, creating a sense of solidarity among women navigating a world that still demands they justify their need to be independent.

The rise of female solo travellers documenting their journeys online has also played  a role in more women wanting to travel by themselves. Blogs, vlogs, and Instagram influencers like Ankitha Rajendaran (@wayfarer_anki), inspire others to step beyond the boundaries of societal expectations. However, systemic challenges persist, including the need for safer public spaces and the dismantling of deeply ingrained stereotypes about single women.

"Family dynamics and intergenerational expectations are slowly altering. I don’t see this as an absolute flip, but more likely as another opportunity toward personal growth being explored by some," explains Tuli. This shift is not about eradicating tradition but about expanding the avenues through which personal growth can occur, especially for women who are increasingly asserting their independence.

Luxury in Solitude: Why living alone is becoming a status symbol

As millennials navigate the balance between independence and connection, new possibilities are emerging. Co-living spaces like Colive in Bengaluru and Stanza Living in Delhi serve as a bridge between solitude and community, lending the freedom of living alone while also offering opportunities for social interaction.

Luxury brands, too, are taking note. Bespoke experiences—private dining, solo spa treatments, and personalised travel itineraries—are being marketed as self-care indulgences. Real estate developers are designing smaller, tech-enabled spaces that prioritise comfort and security for the modern solo dweller.

Meanwhile, the hospitality industry is also amenable to this shift. Sumit Gambhir, co-founder of Neighbourhood Hospitality—that runs three outlets of the popular Woodside Inn in Mumbai—observes, “Without making a conscious effort, we found that our spaces organically embraced individuals seeking time alone. From cozy corners perfect for reading to offering Wi-Fi as early as 2007, we aimed to create casual, welcoming environments. Now, we deliberately design intimate spaces where people feel at ease—whether enjoying a meal, a drink, or simply their own company.”

Restaurants and cafés are embracing the ‘lonely luxury’ movement, particularly in terms of interiors and seating design, offering smaller portions, and even training the staff when it comes to engaging with the solo diner. Single-seater dining spots like Prithvi Café in Mumbai and Green Theory in Bengaluru are examples where diners who prefer solitude can feel at home. Silent parties and activity hubs like Bengaluru-based Dialogues Café flip the narrative around FOMO, celebrating solitude instead of being pitiful toward it.

Beyond hospitality, the arts are also making space for solo experiences. Art workshops, pottery classes, and creative writing retreats increasingly cater to individuals seeking growth without the pressure of having to socialise. Post-pandemic, platforms offering solo-focussed activities report a significant spike in interest, reflecting a sustained appetite for individualistic pursuits.

Urban planners in cities like Mumbai and Delhi are catching on. Public spaces now include solo zones in parks—quiet corners designed for reading, meditating, or unwinding. These innovations cater to a demographic craving tranquility amidst the everyday chaos, attempting to change how cities accommodate solitude.

A Generational Shift : Why Indian millennials and Gen Z are prioritising solitude

When compared to cultures like Japan’s Ohitorisama movement—where solitary dining, single karaoke booths, and capsule hotels are welcomed—India’s journey toward embracing solitude remains nascent but significant.

For instance, in Japan, the normalisation of solitude stems from an innate respect for personal space and independence. In contrast, in India, urban millennials are prioritising self-discovery over conformity, well-being over societal expectations, and autonomy over traditional family structures.

This generational pivot signals that millennials are no longer averse to rejecting the notion that fulfillment must be tied to a partner, a group, or any other external validation. Instead, they are proving that thriving as an individual is not only possible but empowering and fulfilling too.

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