Is India Safe For Solo Female Travellers? My First-Day Scare & What I learnt

Is India safe for solo female travellers? That’s the question on every woman’s lips before they decides to embark on a solo journey to India.  India has a very bad reputation when it comes to female safety, so it’s a very rational and reasonable question to ask.

I’m 99.9% sure that any woman who has ever expressed an interest in travelling to India solo has immediately been met with a “you shouldn’t do that, it’s not safe” (and most likely from someone who has never even set foot in the country). 

As a woman who spent 6 weeks solo travelling India, I’m passionate about encouraging other women to do the same, because I know if I had listened to all the naysayers and scaremongers, I would have robbed myself of the trip of a lifetime. 

I know solo female travel in India is a hot topic, so I have well and truly done my research for this blog post. 

I have considered not just my own experience, but the experience of over 10 other women (that I either met during my time out there or have spoken to in my online community) who have travelled to India solo.

Out of all of the women I asked (myself included), all but one said YES to travelling India solo again, so if that doesn’t speak volumes (and give you an indication as to where this blog post is going), I don’t know what does. 

In this post, I will discuss whether or not I think India is safe for women, my top tips for solo travelling around India, the safest regions, transport advice, common scams, and exactly what solo female travellers can expect on the ground.

So, is India safe for solo female travellers? Read on below to find out! 

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A Quick Note on Safety and Discomfort As A Solo Female Traveller

Before we go any further, I want to share something I include in all of my solo travel guides and say that safety is a deeply personal and subjective thing.

What feels completely fine to one traveller might feel extremely unsettling to another (and both of those feelings are valid). There’s no universal rulebook for how to feel safe, especially as a woman travelling alone.

It’s also important to understand the difference between feeling unsafe and feeling uncomfortable. During my time in India, I was often stared at (which I’m sure you’ve heard is very common in india) and whilst it didnt feel unsafe, it did feel uncomfortable.

And, I say this as someone who is half Indian, and therefore blended in a little bit more with the crowd, in comparison to other blonde white travellers I met, who definitely experienced this more intensely (this is just one example of how there are so many layers and nuances to safety and discomfort).

That said, I also want to be clear… You can do everything “right”, and something bad can still happen. As women, we’re often taught that if we follow the rules, such as dress modestly and not walk alone at night, then we’ll be safe. But the truth is, sometimes things go wrong because of bad timing, bad luck and bad people, but just know. It’s never, ever your fault!

I also think it’s important to acknowledge that just because I had a safe and positive experience, it doesn’t mean every woman will. I think we’ve all heard about the horror stories of what can happen in India, which is why I’m sure you have found yourself reading this post.

And whilst I thankfully didn’t experience any of this myself and have no first-hand evidence, it’s definitely worth being aware of. 

My Negative Experiences As A Solo Female Traveller in India

Being asked for lots of photos 

As a foreigner in India, you will be asked for a lot of photos because you look different. 

Being half Indian, I didn’t get asked for that many pictures, because I blended in a little more with the locals; however, I did meet a blonde Canadian woman whilst I was in Agra who mentioned she was asked for 80 photos within the space of 2 hours!!!

My advice is to politely decline photo requests from the start. If you agree to take a photo with one person, it often leads to a crowd of others wanting the same, which can quickly become overwhelming.

Being Followed

Of course, I want to give you the whole picture about what it’s like to travel in India alone as a woman, so I want to share a slightly uncomfortable experience on my first day in India. 

On my first day during a 2-day stay in Varanasi, I was walking along the riverside and noticed one particular man. 

I realised after about 10-15 minutes that he was pretty much everywhere I turned, and realised he was following me down the river. I moved on just to check I wasn’t overthinking, but sure enough, he was there again. 

I turned around and confronted him and told him to stop following me and leave me alone. He got the picture because I didn’t see him again (this is what I mean by you need to be firm and direct). 

I want to point out that I never once felt unsafe or intimidated during this situation. It was around 1 pm, and Varanasi is SO busy. 

There were lots of other tourists and friendly locals around who I knew would be able to help me if I did attempt anything. All in all, despite this experience, I felt fairly safe in Varanasi.

Staring

In addition to this, I experienced a lot of the uncomfortable starting that I’m sure you’ve all heard so much about.

Men will often look at you like they have never seen a woman before; however, this can sometimes be a cultural difference rather than a sign of ill intent and understanding this can help you feel less uncomfortable. 

The staring is part of the Indian experience and is something you will simply have to build a thick skin around. Whilst frustrating, it is one of those “it is what it is” situations, and as long as it doesn’t escalate any further, you shouldn’t let it tarnish your experience. 

Transport For Solo Female Travellers In India

When travelling solo in India as a female, it’s super important to choose safe and reliable modes of transport and avoid hitchhiking at all costs! 

Train

Getting the train in India is definitely part of the Indian backpacking experience. 

Trains are generally safe and well-patrolled. I recommend booking a seat in an all-female compartment, where possible or opting for higher classes like AC 2-tier or AC 3-tier to help enhance your safety and comfort. 

Whilst I didn’t personally experience this myself, theft and harassment are said to be more common in the lower classes of the train. You can book trains either through the IRCTC website or 12go Asia. 

I found trains extremely difficult to book through the IRCTC website because I didn’t have an Indian mobile number, so if you plan to take the trains regularly through India, then it’s probably better to get a local SIM over an e-SIM. 

Alternatively, you can get your hostel to help book you a train, or book a seat through 12go Asia (you will pay a premium booking fee here, and not all routes will be available on this website).

However, I found it to be much more convenient than directly through the IRCTC website. 

One of the biggest downsides to taking the train is that they need to be booked in advance in order to get the best seats, which probably isn’t great if you are more of a spontaneous/last-minute decision kind of traveller. 

Bus

Another great transport option (and my preferred method) is the overnight buses. They connect many cities and towns, sometimes offering routes that the train system does not cover. 

You can book overnight buses through the Red Bus website or 12go Asia. I highly recommend booking the luxury bus option, as most of these will have a nice, clean toilet on board (my favourite bus service was the Mahalaxmi bus service).

I also felt so much more comfortable and safe on the overnight buses than I did on the trains. I had my own little cubicle with a glass screen; there were far fewer people on the buses, and I felt that I didn’t have to keep as much of an eye on my belongings when going to the toilet, etc. 

However, I have spoken to other women who said they felt safer on trains than on buses, so it’s important for you to think about what’s best for you!

One thing I did notice with the buses is that the bus ‘stops’ and ‘stations’ were often random spots on the side of the road.

When getting a tuk-tuk ride or an Uber to these spots, I would highly recommend asking your driver to wait with you until your bus arrives.

I did this every time and never ran into any issues (they may ask for more money, but it’s a small price to pay for your safety).

The buses are also a perfect option if you are more of a spontaneous traveller, as they don’t need to be booked so far in advance. 

Uber VS Ola Cabs

Uber and Ola Cabs essentially provide the same service as ride-hailing apps. However, Ola Cabs is a locally based app which requires you to have an Indian SIM in order to use the service.

As I did not have an Indian SIM, I used Uber during my time there (for short drives only) and had a perfectly good experience, and I have heard of other travellers having good experiences with Ola Cabs as well.

Be mindful of transport departure and arrival times 

One of the tricky things about solo travel in India is that a lot of the intercity transport runs overnight. This means you’ll often be leaving and arriving in the dark during the early morning hours.

To make things easier, try to plan your trips so you can leave while it’s still light out, like in the early evening, and aim to arrive after 6 am. 

Of course, this isn’t always possible, so it’s a good idea to pre-arrange transport with your hostel (especially at your arrival destination). 

If you can’t pre-arrange transport for when you arrive, don’t worry. I always found plenty of tuk-tuk drivers at bus stops and train stations when I arrived in a new city.

Accommodation For Solo Female Travellers In India

The hostel scene in India can be pretty hit-or-miss. You might find one branch of a chain hostel to be amazing in one city, but then discovering the same chain’s branch in another city is a total letdown.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, do your research and rely on word-of-mouth recommendations. 

Fake reviews are a big issue with hostels in India, so personal experiences from other travellers can be really valuable.

Some of my favourite hostels in India during my 6 weeks there were: 

• Moustache Varanasi 
• Moustache Jaipur 
• Joeys Agra 
• Dreamyard Udaipur

How To Stay Safe As A Solo Female Traveller In India 

Don’t Take Advice From People Who Have Never Been To India 

This has to be one of my most important tips for solo female travellers heading to India. 

The sheer number of people who had told me not to go to India because “it’s not safe” who had never even been was shocking (and it’s surprising how easy it was for these people to get into my head).  Please only listen to people who can give you genuine advice from first-hand experience. 

Don’t visit India Solo If You Have Never Travelled Solo Before

They said that India is “level 3” backpacking, and it really is.

India is chaotic and overwhelming, and even the most experienced travellers can find India a challenging destination. It’s a destination best travelled with a bit more experience and confidence in your back pocket.

If you have never travelled solo before, I would recommend going somewhere like Bangkok in Thailand or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam first to get yourself used to chaotic environments.

Wear Modest Clothing 

Solo female travellers should wear modest clothing in India for several important reasons. 

First, it’s about cultural respect. Certain parts of India can be conservative, especially in rural areas and holy cities. Dressing modestly not only shows respect for local customs and traditions but also helps you to blend in better.

Wearing modest clothing will also help to avoid unwanted attention. Revealing clothes might attract unnecessary attention, which will be unsettling whilst you’re travelling alone.

Plus, many religious sites in India have dress codes that require modest attire. Covering your shoulders, chest, and knees ensures you can visit these places without any hassle.

Walk Confidently 

It’s very important to walk confidently in India and not look like a lost tourist. This can make you an easy target for scammers. Before going out, try to know where you’re headed and how to get there. 

This way, you won’t spend too much time looking at Google Maps and getting confused (if you’re anything like me, you’ll be spinning around in a circle in the middle of the street trying to figure out what direction the pointer is saying).

Be Firm With People (Mainly Men)

As a solo female traveller in India, you’ll probably experience a lot of men coming up to you in an attempt to strike up a conversation. 

Whilst most people mean well and are just interested in having a conversation, it can get annoying after the 3rd or 4th time when you just want to get on with your exploring. 

I found that you need to be firm and direct when you want the conversation to end. Otherwise, you risk them walking along with you, and they’ll be hard to shake off. 

I tried things such as “It was nice to meet you” and “lovely talking to you” as a way of ending the conversation, but this never seemed to work. Being 100% direct is the best way to end your interaction. 

If some men are making you feel particularly uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to draw attention to yourself so that onlookers can help.

Wear A “Wedding Ring” & Say You Have A Husband 

Wearing a wedding ring in India, even if you’re single, can be a smart move. It will help you blend in and avoid unwanted attention, as married women often receive more respect and privacy. 

The ring can also help to deter any unwanted advances from men, making your trip a little more comfortable and safer. 

Don’t go anywhere alone at night 

As a woman, this one goes without saying, and I haven’t met many women who do this, whether they are at home or in a foreign country. However, I think it’s still important to add to the list.

India can be extremely busy with people EVERYWHERE. I actually felt quite safe at night, walking through the main parts of bigger cities amidst the hustle and bustle.

However, I chose not to walk down any smaller, less busy streets on my own or along quieter areas by myself at night. While some areas are super busy and lit up at night, others are dimly lit and much quieter, so I chose not to take the risk.

If your accommodation is further out of the city, or you’re just feeling uncomfortable, make sure to take a tuk-tuk. They also have Uber and Ola Cabs in India, which are definitely worth using. 

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Don’t Drink Alcohol in Excess 

There are a lot of cities in India where alcohol isn’t readily available, especially in holy places such as Varanasi and Rishikesh.

However, you might be able to find it in your hostels or hotels, and one thing I learnt about the locals in India is that they love a drink and a party. 

Avoid drinking alcohol to access, especially if you’re not in a group without others to help look after you if need be. 

You want to ensure that you’re fully aware and alert of your surroundings and want to avoid anyone taking advantage of you in a potentially vulnerable state.

Avoid real-time social media posts

Whilst it’s highly unlikely that someone is going to hunt you down at your hotel or hostel because you mentioned it at a coffee shop, or tagged your location on Instagram, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility, and it has happened to women before. 

I had quite a few people during my time in India ask me where I was staying. I would politely reply, “Over there somewhere,” and point in a vague direction. Make sure you are extra careful about who you share important and private information with.

Stay Vigilant During Large Festivals

Every time I heard about a sexual harassment issue in India (groping, etc), it had always happened at large festivals such as Holi, etc. 

To minimise the risk of this happening, I would suggest celebrating these festivals in large groups that have a good proportion of men in them (as much as I hate to say this) or opting for smaller, less chaotic places to celebrate these festivals. 

You can easily find a good group of people to do things with if you book a sociable hostel.  

In terms of places I would avoid during large festivals like Holi, Pushkar has a pretty bad reputation for sexual harassment during these times, as does Varanasi.

I decided to spend Holi Festival in Udaipur, and I had a very positive experience.

Trust Your Gut 

One of the most crucial pieces of advice for solo travelling in India is to trust your instincts. If something feels off, unsafe, or suspicious, don’t hesitate to follow your intuition. Even if it turns out to be nothing, you’ll be better off for having listened to your inner voice.

Make Sure You Have Internet And Data 

​​I NEVER EVER EVER travel to a foreign country solo without ensuring I have some access to data. It’s extremely helpful if you are ever lost or are caught in a sticky situation. 

One thing I will always do if I am in a taxi or a tuk-tuk is check on my Google Maps that the driver is going towards the correct destination. Not because I  ever felt truly in danger, it’s just more of a peace of mind thing for me. 

If your phone is unlocked, it will probably be cheaper for you to get a local SIM (with Airtel being the best network).

However, if that’s not an option for you, there are plenty of eSIM companies out there now for you to download an eSIM. The ones I’ve found work best in India are Airalo and Sim Local.

Let Your Family and Friends Know Your Whereabouts

Always keep your family and friends informed about your location and accommodations. Not only does this give them peace of mind, but it also provides essential information in case anything unexpected happens.

Don’t go off the beaten track

I’m 100% normally an avoid-touristy-places kind of traveller; however, with India, I didn’t feel comfortable or confident enough to go too far off the beaten track.

I recommend (at least for your first time solo travelling in India or until you’ve got more comfortable with how India works ) sticking to more popular places, seeing other tourists around will provide you with that extra layer of comfort (at least it did for me).

Google Translate Offline

While many people in India speak English, it’s wise to have Google Translate (or a similar app) downloaded on your phone. This can be a lifesaver in situations where communication becomes challenging.

Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers in India

Travel insurance is one thing I never skip when I’m travelling. I personally use SafetyWing for standard trips because it’s affordable, really flexible, and easy to extend whilst you’re travelling (which is quite rare for a lot of insurance providers).

They are perfect to use if you’re backpacking or moving around a lot and are not sure what country you’re going to be in next. 

But when I’m planning something a bit more adventurous (think trekking, mountains or anything with a higher risk factor), I switch to World Nomads, as their coverage for adventure activities is much more comprehensive. 

Whichever you choose, having proper insurance will give you so much peace of mind when you’re travelling alone.

The “Safest” Places To Visit In India For Solo Female Travellers 

I am somewhat hesitant to include a “safest places” list in this blog post because, as mentioned earlier, safety is subjective. 

However, during my research, it became clear that certain states consistently stood out as where solo female travellers felt the safest, which I have listed below. 

• Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar) – One of the most traveller-friendly regions in India, known for colourful cities, beautiful palaces and lots of other backpackers. Easy to get around and generally very welcoming to solo women.
• Uttarakhand (Rishikesh) – A peaceful spiritual hub on the Ganges with a big wellness and yoga community.
• Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala) – Mountain towns with cooler weather, relaxed café culture and a strong backpacker scene.
• Meghalaya (Mawlynnong) – Often described as one of India’s cleanest and most progressive states, with a matrilineal culture and a naturally welcoming environment.
• Kerala (Varkala, Alleppey, Munnar, Kochi) – Known for its beaches, backwaters, tea plantations and slow travel vibe. Generally calm and safe for solo women.
• Goa – A laid-back coastal destination with beaches, hostels, wellness retreats and a big international community.
• Ladakh – A serene, high-altitude region with breathtaking landscapes and very respectful local communities.
• Kashmir – Known for warm hospitality and beautiful scenery. Despite its complex reputation, many solo female travellers I spoke to report feeling safe and well looked after. 

Is India The Right Solo Travel Destination For you?

If you look at the comments at the bottom of this post, you’ll notice one of my readers said that they read this post and decided that it made them not want to travel because the list of suggested safety tips was far too long.

Whilst I do want to point out that those safety tips are simply suggestions, and it’s not a case of having to follow every tip on that list every time you leave your hotel or hostel, it is important that you look at this advice holistically and decide if it’s all worth it for you and if you feel that you would be able to travel with confidence.

India is not for everyone, and that’s ok. It’s often referred to as a “marmite” country, as in you’ll either love it or hate it. I ended up loving it, but it’s not a place that doesn’t come without its challenges.

India might be for you if:

• You love rich culture: Every state feels like a different country, with traditions, languages, and customs.
• You appreciate natural beauty: From the Himalayas to Kerala’s beaches and backwaters, India offers scenery that feels straight out of a movie.
• You’re a history lover: Think Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, Jodhpur’s forts, and ancient temples.
• You’re drawn to spirituality: Places like Rishikesh and Varanasi offer deep cultural and spiritual experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
• You adore food: Whether it’s street food in the north or dosa in the south, India is heaven for travellers who love to eat.
• You’re on a budget: Accommodation, transport and food can be incredibly affordable, especially for long-term travel on a Western budget.
• You value warm hospitality: Many travellers (myself included) describe Indian hospitality as genuinely heartfelt and unforgettable.
• You want to experience major festivals: Holi, Diwali, and countless local festivals offer a very unique cultural experience.
• You’re ready to grow: India will challenge you in the best ways, and the confidence you gain from navigating it solo is unmatched.

My Research For This Blog Post 

As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to ensure that this blog post was well-balanced, considering not just my own experience but the experiences of other solo female travellers in India. 

I wanted to share with you what I asked and what the general consensus was, and what helped me to provide all of the top tips I have listed above in this blog post. 

I asked over 10 other women, “Is India safe for solo female travellers?” plus a few other questions, and here is what they said:

⬇️Quick Survey Takeaways⬇️
Most women I surveyed felt safe in places like Rajasthan, Rishikesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Kerala. But in places such as Delhi, Mumbai (after dark), and during busy festivals, you will need to be more cautious.

1) Where did you travel to in India?

• Mumbai
• Varanasi
• Agra
• Jaipur
• Jaisalmer
• Jodhpur
• Udaipur
• Goa
• Delhi
• Punjab
• Hisar
• Amritsar
• Manali
• Kolkata
• Rishikesh
• Kerala
• Meghalaya
• Nagaland
• Ladakh
• Karnataka
• Himachal Pradesh 

2) Did you feel safe in those areas?

• Generally felt safe, with some specific concerns in Mumbai (after sunset) and Delhi (aggressive staring, scams).
• Felt safe in many areas, but had issues with food safety and hawkers.
• Felt completely safe in Manali.
• Felt safe but cautious in busy areas.
• Initially nervous, but felt safe in Rishikesh after getting familiar with the locals.
• Felt safe in Mawlynnong due to its matrilineal society.
• Generally found India is safe with proper precautions.

3) If there were areas where you felt unsafe, where were they?

• Mumbai (after sunset) 
• Delhi 
• Ludhiana (Punjab)
• Dimapur (due to military presence)
• Busier areas in Rishikesh
• Varanasi (chaos and harassment)

4) What areas did you feel most safe?

• Goa
• Amritsar
• Chandigarh
• Mumbai
• Manali
• Mawlynnong
• Kerala
• Himachal Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Ladakh

5) Did you have any negative experiences?

• Minor harassment (staring, unsolicited photos)
• Scams
• Witnessing public abuse
• Dangerous driving incidents
• Inappropriate stares
• Attempted harassment on a train
• Sexism

6) Would you go solo again?

Yes, with precautions and a focus on safer regions or familiar areas.

Out of all the women I asked, all but one said that they would travel to India solo again, which is so great to hear. 

When discussing the reason why this particular person didn’t want to travel to India solo again, it was to do with the fact that she has a lot of technical equipment (for work) with her, like a camera and a drone, etc. 

She mentioned that if she didn’t have all this equipment on her, she would definitely go solo again. 

📸 NOTE: I too travelled to India with almost £5000 worth of camera equipment on me, and whilst it was definitely another thing to think about, I always ensured that I had my camera bag on me at all times and got by without any issues. 

7) What actions and steps did you take to make yourself feel safer, and do you have any top tips for other women who want to do the same?

• Wore modest clothing (kurtas, relaxed outfits).
• Used Uber for safe transport.
• Pretended to be married if necessary
• Advocated for medical help when needed
• Kept hotel cards handy and noted landmarks
• Walked confidently and avoided night travel
• Avoided real-time social media posts
• Stayed in hostels and hotels with good reputations
• Trusted gut feelings and sought local advice for safe areas

In Conclusion 

To wrap things up, solo female backpacking in India can be an amazing adventure if you go prepared.

While there are some challenges and concerns, many women, including myself, have had safe and enjoyable experiences exploring this beautiful country alone.

The main things to keep in mind are staying aware and being prepared. Wear modest clothing to respect local customs, use reliable transportation, and always trust your instincts.

Remember, every place has its risks, but with a bit of planning and caution, you can have a fantastic time in India. And please don’t let fear stop you from experiencing India’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.

Whether that’s completing a 4-week route across the country, testing the waters with a 2-week loop through the north, or sticking to smaller regions like Kerala or Rajasthan, there’s a part of India that can work for you, and countless women have travelled solo in India and loved it. 

So if I were to specifically answer the question “Is India safe for solo female travellers?” I would personally say yes, with proper precautions involved.

But of course, ultimately this is a decision you have to make for yourself. If, after reading this post, you have decided that maybe it’s not for you, then that’s great too (I’m all about empowering women to make the best choice for themselves).

But if your heart says yes and your nerves are holding you back, these 9 common fears of solo female travellers and 7 ways to get the courage to travel solo might help to ease your worries.

It’s no secret that India still has a long way to go when it comes to female rights and safety, so I hope this blog post has helped you make the right decision for you, no matter what you decide.

And, if you’re looking for more solo female travel tips and tricks, be sure to check out my solo travel hub.

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