It saddens my heart when I comprehend fear in the hearts of foreign women travellers for my country. India is doomed when it comes to solo travel for women. But, to state the truth, most of the hype around it is media created. As far as crime is concerned, we all are vulnerable to it in any given country.
Therefore, let’s focus on the good part and adopt some simple wisdom, which is also known as common sense. By following a few rules, you can keep yourself safe and solo travel in India.
Solo travel in India can be safe.
Solo Travel in India
If you have never travelled to India and really wish to, follow my guide to solo travel in India, which should help you understand the country better and execute your travel smoothly – Be aware and conscious of Indian culture.
You may also like: Solo Traveler Confessions – Amusement and Self Discovery in Kyoto
Understand the Indian Culture
Understanding the culture can go a long way.
First thing first, do make it a point to understand the Indian way of thinking. I don’t intend to generalise, but people in India are mischievous. A certain section of men here like to stare at women in a strange manner. On the contrary, there are men who don’t even look straight in your face! They look down in respect.
So, if you get some derogatory gestures or remarks, you also get a great amount of respect from several men in India. As a foreigner, you can ensure that you dress modestly and don’t get friendly with just about any random man, ignore the unpleasant stares and embrace the respect and warmth.
Read more India Travel Tips at India for First Timers
Play it Safe
This may sound a bit weird, because the very purpose of travel is adventure in some way or the other. Just don’t get too adventurous. I mean, solo travel in a foreign country is an adventure in itself, so avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations.
Don’t loiter around after dusk, or spend the night at a deserted place where there is no network. Always be safe, well researched and well planned. Just don’t follow your heart, follow your mind as well.
Befriend and accompany good people.
It's helpful to make a trustworthy group of friends.
There are lots of good people in India, who you can trust and be friends with. Well, don’t be friendly with people who offer themselves blatantly to you. Stay away from such people, because most probably they are devising plans to trick you.
Take help and advice from people who are modest and intend to help you according to ‘your’ interests rather than their own vested interests.
Always stay connected
Keep in touch while you're in India.
Share your travel experiences constantly with your family back home. Stay connected via phone, email and social network sites. Also, keep in touch with your hotel manager, tour guide or travel agent.
But, don’t let anybody overprotect you. If you see someone getting too close to you, brush him off.
See another strong Indian Woman solo traveling to Bhutan
Choose good accommodation.
Be smart about where you stay.
Never ever compromise when it comes to accommodation. No matter how tight your budget is, make sure that you choose a good place to stay. Hold your purse strings in other things like food, transport and shopping, but never let a cheap hotel stay ruin your safety.
By a good accommodation, I don’t just mean comfort and amenities; I also mean a decent hotel manager, staff and co-guests. Consider staying at Airbnbs and home stays, which are safer and better in every respect.
Avoid using taxis when you are alone
Trains are safer than taxis.
Public transport, such as buses and local trains are always better modes of commuting compared to taxis. In a city like Delhi, where there are nice AC buses and a large metro network, it is absolutely smooth for a woman to travel on her own. And in case you need to travel by a taxi, make sure that you build a rapport with the cabby.
Talk to him before your journey begins and suggest him that your safety is his responsibility too. Trust your instincts and if anything doesn’t feel right, get out of it immediately.
Solo travel in India isn’t as unsafe as it’s made out to be. India is a beautiful country both geographically and culturally, thus, a traveller should feel free to visit it, explore it and embrace it.
Have you been to India? Do you have any tips to share about solo travel in India?
Renuka is a writer/photographer and a travel blogger from India. With her blog, Voyager For Life, she aims to inspire and awaken people to travel. She has been a native in four different cities in India and would not mind more city-hopping in the future. When she is not travelling, she likes to be a tourist in her own city.
Follow her at
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Flickr
Read more from Renuka on ThePlanetD Travel Blog at 10 Lessons that Travel Has Taught Me
Read More:
13 Essential Items for India, and 5 We Wish We Had
Five Things to Do in India That We Really Liked
By Shawn March 22, 2017 - 9:07 pm
Hi,
I enjoyed the read!!! I’m an African American, woman and I want to go to, India for a month long yoga training. I just keep hearing horrible stories about blacks being in India. I just want to enjoy, the country that has been on my bucket list.
By Hus February 12, 2015 - 2:54 am
Look like you were having much fun on that journey.
By Introducing you a professional Travel Content Writer Renuka | My Site February 8, 2015 - 1:37 pm
[…] How To Travel In India […]
By Rohit Mital January 16, 2015 - 2:52 am
I think the suggestion of avoiding taxi is not apply to the all cab providers because some cab provider provides safe and secure travel to tourists. They have all trustful employees and drivers. Thanks for sharing this all above are good to commit. To book a safe ride with- http://www.taxidekho.com/
By Saiful Islam Khan January 12, 2015 - 2:55 am
Yes, I think so! Warmly welcoming all backpackers to have a great experience about foods, cultures, traditions and people too.
Best regards,
Saiful
By Methodius Bocharov January 3, 2015 - 7:43 am
Great Post. Your post is very informative and useful. India is treasure of beauty and hospitality, enjoying different color of culture, tradition, person and delicious cousins. Everyone can see it’s full of natural beauty.
By Sewa Responsible Travel December 21, 2014 - 10:27 am
I think understanding the Indian culture is most important part you mentioned.
By Dave and Deb December 23, 2014 - 2:04 pm
Exactly!
By Saiful Islam Khan December 9, 2014 - 2:15 am
Solo travel is the best way to discover own-self albeit it’s an adventurous too. An introvert must be beneficial in solo travel where he/she has to be managed & organizing all the single things by his/her own. India is an amusing diversion country among all the South Asian countries. I heartiest welcome to all of solo backpackers to have an adventure tours with natural beautiful scenery and sites.
Thank you Renuka to have written such an awesome article about India! I wish you’ll be continuing your experiences among all tourists to comprehend about South Asia.
Best regards,
Saiful
By Renuka December 15, 2014 - 5:57 am
Thanks Saiful! Yes, India is welcoming nation. It is one of the best Southeast Asian destinations.
By Emily November 25, 2014 - 11:56 am
Great tips Renuka – after our travels there we both agreed solo female travel in India would be very different than what we experienced as a couple!
By Renuka November 26, 2014 - 3:30 am
That’s right! In fact, solo travel is different from a couple travel anywhere in the world. Don’t you agree? 🙂
By Dubai travel November 24, 2014 - 7:14 am
good blog and informative.
By Vijay Sharma November 21, 2014 - 5:16 am
Thanks for your post.
India is a beautiful country and well known for its culture.
By circuit inde November 19, 2014 - 12:43 am
Great BLOG!!
By Seyyah Çelebi November 15, 2014 - 1:48 pm
I am planning india tour to my web site and this is awsome. Thank you…
By Renuka November 16, 2014 - 1:51 am
You’re welcome!
By ruby kroon November 14, 2014 - 12:21 pm
Loved the article! It’s funny, because it was Indian women who were the most horrified to hear that I was traveling around India alone.
By the time I had the courage to go to India, I was well into my 50s and did not get hassled much. Since I traveled by bus and train I would often find myself arriving in a new place in the middle of the night, but I was never robbed or molested.
For the most part, I found Indian men very polite and respectful, but I’m sure my age helped me.
I’m planning my next trip to India at the end of 2015.
India is the best!
By Renuka November 14, 2014 - 2:39 pm
Thanks Ruby! 🙂 I’m so glad to hear that! India can be a pretty easy destination to travel in as long as women take a few precautions – not being alone at late night or in a deserted area. It would be wonderful to have you here again! Cheers!
By Maaaz khan November 14, 2014 - 12:35 am
I Planning to visit india by the end of this year, thanks renuka for warning lol, Admire your work seriously ! 🙂
By Renuka November 18, 2014 - 2:09 pm
Thanks Maaaz! 🙂 India is both fun and beautiful.
By Ankita November 13, 2014 - 11:35 am
India’s isn’t really all that unsafe. You are vulnerable in any foreign country if you walk alone in a remote place in the middle of the night or blindly trust a stranger. Yes, staring and groping is a problem, but it’s not limited to foreign women. I have been born and brought up in an Indian metro city and we have learned to deal with such people.
I travel alone many times, and I do follow the tips you mentioned. I’d like to add, that it’s also important to carry a pepper spray and always make a scene when you are eve-teased. Don’t let them get away with it, or they’ll never be embarrassed by their actions.
Great post, Renuka! 🙂
By Renuka November 14, 2014 - 2:50 am
I am not sure about the pepper spray and all. Personally, I have never done that! Yes, creating a scene is important. There are lots of obnoxious people in India, but there are some really nice ones too. All I want to tell everybody that India isn’t a country to be ruled out for solo travel. Be here and experience it!
By Arjun M November 13, 2014 - 10:59 am
The fifth point is something I swear by, even if we don’t count those incidents. Taxis are a king-sized waste of money that often cost two nights in decent budget hotels. However, some places are not easily accessible by bus or train, and the taxi is the only way to travel, and even if there are buses and suburban trains, they do not get the coverage on internet services (unlike Mumbai and Delhi) that can help travellers (think Rajasthan- their cities’ bus services isn’t mapped on any mapping service- nor any intercity bus operator). What seasoned travellers as well as residents can do is provide a guide to new travellers for intercity bus and suburban train routes, so they are not overly dependent on overpriced taxis. A lot of work needs to be done here for tourists.
By Renuka November 14, 2014 - 2:46 am
True. Traveling in India requires a greater amount of research. Taking tips from locals is a smart choice. Yes, taxis cost a fortune! Buses and trains are safer and cheaper options, but there are always exceptions. Sometimes, taxis are the only way out and if it’s a reliable taxi service, you can go by it. But, as I said, always build a rapport with the driver. Don’t sit quietly in the cab.
By Cat of Sunshine and Siestas November 13, 2014 - 7:47 am
I would have loved to read this before going to India! I had a wonderful experience, but I know my family was worried before I left, even though I am overly cautious when I travel. I found spending the extra for private transportation and better accommodation made a big difference – and I loved the women only carriages in Delhi!
By Renuka November 13, 2014 - 10:17 am
That’s really nice to know! Yes, spending a few buck extra for your safety isn’t a bad idea. Safety comes first any day!
By Christine @thetraveloguer November 13, 2014 - 4:12 am
Great post Renuka! It will really help people understand Indian culture. I would hate for anyone to miss out on how amazing India is because they are afraid.
By Renuka November 13, 2014 - 5:31 am
You’re absolutely right, Christine! Just being a little prepared to face something is better than never experiencing a place at all.
By Rachel of Hippie in Heels November 12, 2014 - 9:56 am
Great advice!
By Renuka November 12, 2014 - 2:10 pm
Thanks Rachel! 🙂
By Lindsay November 12, 2014 - 8:29 am
I’ve been to India twice as a twenty a something gal- the first time alone and the second with my husband. India is a rough place to be a girl. I have never had my ass grabbed or boobs pinched so many times anywhere else and I made it a point to dress modestly. With my husband no one bothered me but on our last day I went to the market two blocks from our hotel and within a minute a skinny middle aged man had grabbed my ass from behind. When I turned around startled he gave me a shifty near toothless grin. I was annoyed – but what can you do?
By Renuka November 12, 2014 - 2:10 pm
That’s sad to hear, and it’s not something that I haven’t heard before. It’s an ugly reality. But again, I’d say the same thing that there are bad as well as good people. Bad experiences can happen anywhere! I have heard even Italy is not so safe for girls!
By South America Traveller November 12, 2014 - 6:23 am
Having been to India I do have to say that I’m a little bit concerned with my younger sister going there on her own next year! I will certainly show her this post – there are some great tips here.
By Renuka November 12, 2014 - 2:07 pm
That would be great! I am sure your sister will have a wonderful time in India. It’s just about a little bit of research and caution.
By Matt November 12, 2014 - 6:00 am
Amazing i love it.
By Renuka November 12, 2014 - 2:06 pm
Thanks Matt! 🙂