Is Varanasi Safe For Solo Female Travellers? 13 Tips To Keep You Safe

Wondering if Varanasi is safe for solo female travellers? You’re not the only one. With India’s mixed reputation when it comes to women’s safety, it’s a question that deserves a real answer.

If you’re planning solo female travel in India, Varanasi can feel like a wild card. You might be asking yourself: Is Varanasi dangerous, or am I just absorbing all the fear that others are projecting onto me?

Before I arrived in Varanasi, I had my guard up. I’d read the horror stories and braced myself for constant hassle. But after spending a few days walking, exploring the city and experiencing the intense spiritual energy here, I realised it wasn’t what I expected, and it ended up being one of my favourite places in the country.

That doesn’t mean it was all smooth sailing. Some moments tested my patience, and a couple of situations I wouldn’t downplay, but overall, I felt more relaxed than unsafe (and to be frank, I felt quite safe overall during my 6-week solo trip through India).

I spent just 3 days in Varanasi, but I feel like I got enough of a feel for the city to understand how to truly keep safe as a solo female traveller in Varanasi (and I’m here to give you all the tips!).

In this post, I’ll break down what it’s really like to visit Varanasi as a solo woman, including practical safety tips, how to handle unwanted attention, and what I’d do differently next time.

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A Quick Note on Safety, Discomfort, and Being a Woman Who Travels Alone

Before we go any further, I want to share something I include in most 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 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 Varanasi, I was stared at quite a bit and even followed down the river on my first day in Varanasi (which I’ll get into later).

Whilst most of these stares weren’t dangerous or sinister, they did feel uncomfortable (and that’s a very important distinction worth making). Being out of your comfort zone isn’t the same as being in a dangerous situation.

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 someone else’s bad actions. It’s not your fault.

I also think it’s important to acknowledge that just because I had a mostly safe and positive experience, it doesn’t mean every woman will.

Is Varanasi Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

How to keep safe as a solo female traveller in Varanasi

Let’s be real, most solo female travel safety tips aren’t unique to Varanasi. They’re part of my go-to strategy wherever I travel. That said, there are a few location-specific tips you’ll want to keep in mind for this city.

I’ll cover both the general safety habits I follow and the ones that helped me feel more secure while navigating Varanasi’s crowded streets and chaos.

Where to stay in Varanasi

One of the biggest things that helped me feel at ease in Varanasi was choosing the right location and accommodation.

I strongly recommend staying close to the riverside (the Ghats). Not only are you nearer to the action, but it makes it easier (and safer) to get around without relying on tuk-tuks after dark.

You’ll also want to pick a place that’s solo traveller-friendly, where you can easily meet other people if you’d prefer not to explore alone.

I stayed at Moustache Varanasi, which is right by Assi Ghat (one of the most well-known Ghats in the city), and it ticked all the boxes. It’s definitely one of the best places to stay in Varanasi for solo travellers.

The location was perfect, and I met others who were solo backpacking in India that I occasionally explored with, which made such a big difference when I wanted to go out during the evenings and didn’t want to be by myself.

What to wear as a woman in Varanasi

Varanasi is a very holy city (one of the holiest on earth) so even outside of formal religious sites, modesty is expected, especially for women. So it’s best to blend in as much as you can and avoid any unwanted attention (see my storytime below).

If you’re wondering what to wear in Varanasi, the general rule is to cover your shoulders and knees. I opted for lightweight T-shirts, linen trousers, maxi skirts, or dresses that hit mid-calf or lower.

I also kept a scarf/shawl handy at all times. Not only is it respectful in temples, but it’s also great for extra coverage if you ever need it unexpectedly (which I very much did).

📖 Storytime: I slipped and fell on some steps in Varanasi. I was wearing a light green maxi skirt, which got absolutely covered in muck and dirt. I had to wrap my oversized shawl around me and remove my maxi skirt, and wear my shawl as a skirt whilst I walked back to my hostel and changed. Obviously, the shawl wasn’t giving me proper coverage and looked like a short skirt. A few hours later, when I had returned to the riverside, a man came up to me and said, “You were the girl wearing a black skirt earlier” (my shawl). So it just goes to show that you really do stand out, and people do notice if you’re not wearing the appropriate dress.

Don’t walk by yourself at night 

This one might sound obvious, but it’s still worth saying. Most women I’ve met, whether at home or abroad, tend to avoid walking alone at night, and Varanasi is no different.

The thing about Varanasi is it’s an extremely busy city with people EVERYWHERE. So I actually felt quite safe at night walking through the main part of the city amongst the hustle and bustle. 

But I avoided smaller, quieter side streets and didn’t walk along the riverside alone at night. While some parts of the Ganges are brightly lit and packed with locals, others can be poorly lit and eerily quiet, 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 in Varanasi; however, cars struggle to get through the main street due to the crowds of people, so they may need to meet you a little further out, which also might not be ideal.

Be firm with people (mainly men)

If you’re travelling solo in Varanasi, especially along the river Ganges, expect to have a lot of men approach you.

For whatever reason, being alone seems to send out an open invitation. When I was walking with others, it barely happened…but the second I was by myself, it was constant.

Most of the time, they’re just curious and want to chat. But after the third or fourth conversation in a row, it starts to get very boring, especially when you’re just trying to enjoy your day.

I learned quickly that you need to be firm and direct when you want the conversation to end. Otherwise, they’ll just keep walking with you, and it gets harder to shake them off.

I tried polite phrases like “Lovely chatting with you” or “Nice to meet you,” but that never seemed to work. The only thing that did was being 100% clear: “I’m going to walk alone now” or “Please stop following me.”

TOP TIP: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to raise your voice or draw attention to yourself. In busy areas, people will notice, and that can be enough to get someone to back off.

Avoid Varanasi during religious holidays

Varanasi is India’s holiest city, so naturally, it’s the place to be during religious festivals.

While the atmosphere can be electric, the city can become too much to mentally handle (especially if you’re solo).

Varanasi is already packed on a regular day, so during these major festivals, the crowds can become unbearable.

Two holidays I’d personally avoid as a solo female traveller are Maha Shivratri and Holi.

Maha Shivratri honours Lord Shiva, and since Varanasi is believed to have been created by him, it becomes one of the most significant pilgrimage spots in India during this time. Expect massive crowds and very little personal space.

Holi, the Festival of Colours, is another one that sounds fun in theory (and it is a great festival to experience), but in Varanasi, it can again feel overwhelming.

The crowds are huge, and a lot of people drink bhang lassi, which is a cannabis-infused drink that’s legal during some Hindu festivals. While it’s technically a cultural tradition, it can lead to people (mainly men) getting overly rowdy.

I’ve heard more than a few stories of men acting inappropriately, especially toward tourists, during Holi Festival, using the chaos (and the bhang) as an excuse to cross boundaries.

If celebrating festivals in India is on your bucket list, I’d suggest experiencing them in a smaller, more manageable place like Udaipur. This is where I celebrated Holi Festival, and I can confirm I had a super positive experience.

👉If you’re curious whether all this chaos is worth it, here’s my honest take on why Varanasi is absolutely worth visiting.

Be careful of Bhang Lassi’s

I briefly touched on this above, but if you’re not familiar with Bhang Lassi, essentially, it is the classic Indian lassi drink that’s laced with cannabis, too. 

It’s legal, and very popular, especially in Varanasi, where they are said to be most potent (I didn’t find this fact out until after I had tried it).

Now, I’m not your mum, and I’m not going to tell you not to try it. You’re a responsible adult and can make that decision for yourself. HOWEVER, if you do try it, make sure you are in a group with people you trust.

I tried this (with other backpackers from my hostel), and I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. I was expecting a light and gentle drink, but it was super strong.

It hit me like a truck, and I was hallucinating on and off for 4 hours. I did not enjoy it one bit, and I wouldn’t get another one ever again! So do this one at your own risk. 

Don’t drink alcohol in excess

Varanasi is a holy city, so alcohol isn’t exactly flowing freely. You probably won’t see it on menus, but you might be able to get a beer or two at your hostel or hotel.

That said, much like with bhang lassis, don’t overdo it. Especially if you’re by yourself or not with people you know well.

It’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings here. Getting too tipsy could put you in a vulnerable position, and unfortunately, not everyone you meet will have good intentions.

By all means, enjoy a drink, just know your limits.

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Catching night buses in Varanasi

One of the cheapest ways to travel around India is by hopping on a night bus.

If you’re planning to catch one out of Varanasi, just know that “bus stops” here are often not actual stations; they’re usually just random points on the roadside (which obviously isn’t ideal).

Because of this, I’d highly recommend asking your tuk-tuk or Uber driver to wait with you until your bus arrives. Most of them are happy to help (especially if you explain you’re alone), and if they ask for an extra ₹100–200, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Stay connected – download an eSIM or get a local SIM

I never, ever, ever travel solo to a foreign country without making sure I have access to data. It’s a non-negotiable for me.

Whether you get lost or just need to get out of a sketchy situation quickly, having data can make all the difference.

One thing I always do, especially in taxis or tuk-tuk rides, is check Google Maps during the ride. It’s not that I’ve ever felt seriously unsafe; it’s just about peace of mind knowing I’m going in the right direction.

If your phone is unlocked, you’ll probably find it cheaper to pick up a local SIM. Airtel has the best coverage in India, in my experience.

If a physical SIM isn’t an option for you, don’t worry, you can purchase an eSIM (which is what I used during my time in India). I’ve used both Airalo and Sim Local and rate them both very highly.

Don’t Tell Strangers Where You’re Staying (or Post It in Real Time)

It might sound a bit paranoid, but it’s just not worth the risk. While it’s unlikely someone’s going to track you down because you tagged your hostel on Instagram or mentioned it in conversation, it’s not impossible, and it has happened to women before.

When I was walking along the river in Varanasi, a few people asked me where I was staying. I’d just smile and vaguely say, “Over there somewhere,” while pointing in the general direction, but I never gave away the actual place.

Just be cautious about sharing personal info with strangers, especially where you’re staying. When it comes to social media, wait until after you’ve checked out to post your location.

Let Someone Know Your Plans

Always let someone (family, friends, your group chat) know where you are and where you’re staying. Not only does it give them peace of mind, but in the very unlikely event that something does go wrong, it’s useful info to have on hand.

Download Google Translate (Offline)

Most people I met in Varanasi spoke English, but it’s still helpful to have Google Translate or a similar app on your phone. Download the offline version before you go, just in case you hit a patchy signal or end up somewhere where English isn’t as common.

It’s one of those little things that you’ll be glad you have, especially if you’re trying to explain something important and hand gestures just aren’t getting the message across.

Ensure you have Adequate Travel Insurance

In the unlikely situation that something were to go wrong (safety or healthwise), it’s important to ensure you have adequate insurance.

I use and recommend SafetyWing for travel insurance because it’s super affordable and flexible.

I actually had to make three separate health-related claims on my SafetyWing travel insurance, and every single one was super fast and straightforward, and honestly, it took way less time and stress than I expected.

Coverage starts at around $45 a month and includes emergency medical, travel delays, lost luggage and lots more.

One of the best parts is that you can sign up after you’ve already left your home country. It just renews automatically every four weeks, so you don’t need to pay for a full year upfront.

You can cancel anytime, pause your coverage when you’re home. You can grab your SafetyWing policy here.

Bad experiences in Varanasi as a solo female traveller

I mentioned earlier in this post that I had one slight “hiccup.” While I don’t want this to put you off coming to Varanasi as a solo female traveller, I do think it’s important to share the story so you’re aware of potential risks and what staying safe in Varanasi can actually look like in real-life situations.

On my first day 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 yep, he was following me.

I moved around a bit to check I wasn’t overthinking, but sure enough, there he was again. So I turned around, confronted him, and told him to stop following me and leave me alone.

He got the message. I didn’t see him again (this is exactly what I mean when I say you need to be firm and direct).

I want to be clear that at no point did I feel unsafe or intimidated. It was around 1 PM, and Varanasi is so busy. There were loads of tourists and friendly locals nearby, and I knew if he tried anything, help wouldn’t be far away.

Final Thoughts On Solo Female Travel In Varanasi

Travelling solo as a woman in India, especially in intense cities like Varanasi, can feel intimidating at first. But with the right mindset and a bit of planning, you can have both a safe and enjoyable time.

In short, Varanasi is a special place that gives you a glimpse into the deeply spiritual side of India.

While it’s completely natural to have concerns about safety, especially for solo female travellers in India, my trip proved that staying safe in Varanasi is absolutely possible with a little caution.

I never felt truly unsafe in Varanasi, but I was cautious, and that helped me fully enjoy everything the city had to offer.

As always, remember that every journey is different. These tips come from my experiences in India, but yours might be different.

And, if you’re planning a longer adventure in India, don’t miss my 2-week North India itinerary for a first-timer-friendly route, or dive into my ultimate 4-week India itinerary for the full experience.

I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared and excited to explore Varanasi on your own terms. 

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out or take a look at my solo female travel hub for more tips and advice.

You might also enjoy

• The ULTIMATE Varanasi 2-Day Itinerary – All You Need To Know
• Is Varanasi Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons why you NEED to Visit
• An EPIC 2-Week North India Itinerary For First Timers
• The ULTIMATE 4-Week India Itinerary (North & South India)
• Is India Safe For Solo Female Travellers? EVERYTHING You Need To Know