7 Ways for Solo Female Travelers to Travel Safely Around India

By Andrew Lewis on 14 Sep 2023

Do you want to have your own Eat, Pray, Love experience?

From seeking self-growth through wellness practices, like mediation and yoga, to visceral thrills, like exploring bustling cities or diving literally hands-first into delicious dining, India offers many types of adventure for a solo female trip.

Before booking a flight, getting a visa, and figuring out which exciting places you’ll visit, learn more about the ways female solo travelers can safely explore this transformative country.

Is India Safe for Solo Female Travel?

Overall, travelers report feeling safe during their time in India—and to be sure, they’ve likely seen some exciting things. But for solo female travelers, there are a few details to note.

For the most part, India remains a traditional, conservative country with widespread gender inequalities. This has led to highly publicized news about violence against women, which may cause some trepidation or nervousness about planning a solo female trip.

The US State Department currently has a Level 2 alert for travel to India, warning travelers to exercise increased caution and highlighting instances of rape and violence against women as reasons for travelers to be wary.

However, it’s also important to remember that all travel comes with some risk, regardless of where you are. The vast majority of people in India are kind, welcoming, and hospitable. As long as you research where you’re going, take precautions, and remain aware of your surroundings, solo female travelers should be able to explore safely and freely.

What Are the Safest Places for Women to Travel Solo in India?

In addition to popular destinations, like Mumbai, Jaipur (aka the Pink City), and the capital city of New Delhi, and famous tourist attractions, including the City Palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site–listed Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, these lesser-known areas of India are worth exploring, make for great solo female travel destinations due to their friendly residents and low levels of violent crime.

1. Goa

Ideal for nature lovers, the western state of Goa feels like a tropical island, with its palm-lined beaches, chill oceanside towns, and blended Indian and Portuguese cultural influences.

2. Pondicherry

A sophisticated place for solo travel, you can discover a taste of France in this former French colony city, with cafes and colonial-style streets that look straight out of New Orleans.

3. Sikkim

Solo women wanderers hoping to be alone in India can find snowcapped peaks, pristine lakes, and spectacular temples in this peaceful area of the East Himalayas.

4. Varanasi

Solo traveler seeking divine guidance? Head for India’s spiritual capital, which runs along the Ganges River and features breathtaking architecture.

5. Munnar

In this idyllic town in the state of Kerala, solo women travelers can sip tea grown in the surrounding hills and go hiking nearby for scenic views in stunning Eravikulam National Park.

7 Ways for Solo Female Travelers to Have a Safe Trip in India

Here are some ways to keep safe during your solo trips around India:

1. Dress modestly

India is a conservative country, and you can avoid unwanted attention by dressing modestly and covering your knees, chest, and shoulders when out in public. Keeping a head scarf with you is also a good idea. If you’re experiencing harassment on the street, wearing a wedding ring, even if you’re not married, can deter harassers.

2. Do Your Homework

Ahead of a solo trip, research your destination before you go to get a better idea of the culture, customs, and safety concerns in that particular area.

3. Learn How to Protect Yourself

As a precautionary measure, learn some self-defense skills before traveling to give you confidence and help you protect yourself if needed.

4. Scope Out the Area

Plan ahead and stay in well-lit, populated areas, choosing hotels or accommodations with good reviews and security measures. Use reliable transportation, like taxis and ride-share services, and don’t travel on empty buses or trains.

5. Trust Your Instincts

Always be aware of your surroundings, and trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, leave the situation immediately.

6. Avoid Going Out Alone at Night

Solo women travelers should avoid traveling alone at night, especially in isolated or badly lit areas. And even if you are going out at night with a group, still be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit, populated areas.

7. Be Smart About Sharing Your Location

As a solo traveler, use your phone and social media to keep friends and family back home updated on your location. Before you leave, make sure people you trust have information about your itinerary and how to contact you.

At the same time, solo female travelers should be wary of posting in real-time on social media so strangers can’t find your actual location. Get a local SIM card as well instead of relying on a foreign carrier.

Small-group Tour Operators for Solo Female Travel Around India

Looking to travel India as a solo woman? If you don’t feel comfortable exploring on your own, consider joining a small-group tour operator’s trip. As part of the package, you’ll be traveling with a group for safety as well as being escorted by an expert guide, yet still getting an intimate, personalized experience with the small-group format.

Some great options for small-group travel operators in India include:

  • Intrepid Travel: Immersive guided tours from a global expert in small-group trips
  • G Adventures: Small-group tours geared for the adventure-travel set, with outdoor adventure and culture aplenty
  • Responsible Travel: Give back while traveling with this small-group tour operator, which runs environmentally friendly tours and funds charities and social development initiatives.
  • Explore: Active outdoor tours, like cycling and walking, plus foodie-focused itineraries allow you to truly connect with India.

Prepare for Your India Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an India visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to India, including local laws, health and safety, and culture and customs, visit our India content hub.