20 tips for solo female traveling to India

India attracts lots of tourist and travellers however the country is often portrayed as a dangerous place for women. Is it safe for women to travel alone in India? Yes,Ā girls and women can travel alone in India. Girls who live and travel in India share their best tips for solo female travellers coming to their countryā€¦

20 Tips for girls and women who are traveling solo to IndiaĀ 

1. Know where you go

In IndiaĀ every city is different. From North to South or from West to East, you will meet a different reality. For example, public transports areĀ very safe in some cities, like in Pune, Mumbai orĀ Bangalore. However, other areas can be different. Therefore it is importantĀ to make some researchĀ and know about the city, inquire about its public transport, speak to people who liveĀ there before starting the journey.

2. Learn about the Indian culture

It is not only important to learn about the places you are travelling to, but it is also recommendedĀ to learn about the country’s culture and traditions. India is known for its colors, its various cultures and traditions. It is necessary to read about the culture of theĀ citiesĀ you are going to visit. For example,Ā to wear appropriate clothes.

3. Take the taxi run by the Gov or by women

Rickshaws are everywhere in India. In big cities and and in rural places. However, you will find taxis onlyĀ in big cities like Delhi and Mumbai.Ā The safest way to move around (at any time of the day) is to takeĀ taxisĀ run by women drivers or taxis run by the Gov of India. The taxis run by the Government have a fixed price.
Be careful not to take lifts from strangers.

4. Be careful at nightā€¦

Public transports areĀ safe to take during day time. However, youĀ shouldĀ avoid to travelĀ alone at night. “You have to be careful not to venture in dingy places but that is common sense and true for any part of the worldā€(Pooja)

5. ā€¦But donā€™t beĀ paranoid

It doesn’t mean that solo female traveller can not travel overnight.Ā There are many overnight buses and trainsĀ that will allow to reach your destination without wasting a day trip.Ā Ā  “I have taken overnight buses run by trusted private companies and it was very safe”, says Ankita from Pune.
ā€œMany times I did night travelling, using local transport only, no advance bookings and conversation with strangers and I felt completely securedā€(Pankti)

6. Book an upgrade train ticket

For every travelers who come to India, it is suggested to book train tickets in advance (to avoid scam). For girls,Ā it is even betterĀ toĀ give preference to 3rd AC class and higherĀ if you are travelling alone by train. In case you travel with friends, sleeper train coach is the cheapest priceĀ and fun experience as well.

“I wouldnā€™t suggest for women to travel alone there, especially in the East of Indiaā€(Natalia)

7. Follow basic solo traveller rules

Either you travel to India or to Europe as aĀ solo female traveler, you should keepĀ  in mind someĀ basic rules of solo traveling. India is not more “unsafe” than other countries.

ā€œI have stayed in Australia, Europe and the US. No country can ever be called safe at all times. The same is true with India. You need to know which areas to avoid at nights,Ā you need to know the culture of each place/region and adapt accordinglyā€. (Purba)

8. Dress modestly

In some regions of India the weather is hot all year round and you might want to wear your ā€œsummer collectionā€. “However, in India, you shouldĀ dress modestlyĀ since Indians are conservative in nature”. (Manasi)

9. Save the emergency phone numbers

Before arriving in India it could be a good idea toĀ save emergency phone numbers and the police helpline number. The emergency number in India is:Ā 112. The police is:Ā 100. For example, the police inĀ Mumbai has aĀ helpline numberĀ for females in case ofĀ emergency.

10. Get a local SIM card

In order to use your mobile phone, you shouldĀ have an active mobile SIM cardĀ with you.

11. Download safety apps

There are alsoĀ numerous appsĀ created to ensure women safety in India, you might be interested to explore.Ā > Find the apps here <

12. Stay connected and give news

Do not forget to always stayĀ connected with your family and friendsĀ and give them some news. Make sure you let someone know where you are going, who you are going with or tell your parents when you might be unreachable (if you are travelling to a place where there is no wi-fi, for example).

13. Follow your instinct

We haveĀ all very different perceptions and feelings. Everyone should, however, follow its instinct.Ā If you are feeling uncomfortable, go away. If someone is following you, ask for help.Ā ā€œI follow basic precautions like dressing modestly when in semi-urban or rural areas, not walking alone at night, spending a little extra for safer accommodation, not befriending or trusting strangers, avoiding shady areas when on my own, keeping folks back home updated on my whereabouts and most importantly trusting my instincts, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’tā€.Ā (Ankita)

14. Adopt the good ā€œsolo female attitudeā€

There are someĀ attitudesĀ that will make you feel more comfortable to travel alone. Sometimes, you just need to be positive andĀ everything will be fine…

15. Be positive and open-minded

If you are travelling to India, it is important toĀ come with an open mind.Ā India is a country to be experienced first-hand. “Dress appropriately, stay in well known and safe hotels, don’t walk alone at night, do your research on the destinations you would be visiting and always carry a positive attitudeā€. (Ankita)

16. Travel with a travelmate

If you are not comfortable with traveling solo maybe you could think aboutĀ finding a travel mate. ā€œBefore having to go solo across India, I’d recommend you to travel with a mate. Once you are confident enough to travelling through the city alone, that’s when you can consider staying, traveling, working alone in the country.ā€ (Nikita)

17. Or make some friends during the journey

The best thing of traveling solo is to be able toĀ meet a lot of people. In fact, we are much more opened to discuss with others when we are traveling alone, as being solo all day can be very boring. In India, you can find many backpackers and if you stay in hostels you will easily meet people to move around with. And you will probably have a wonderful time like if youĀ were with your best friend! (Prerna)

18. But don’t befriend strangers

Every foreigner in India should be careful not to fall for scams. Ladies shouldĀ avoid to befriend strangersĀ (mostly men).

19. Adopt a positive and confident attitude

If you are afraid, you may have scary experiences. But, if you areĀ open, confident, positiveĀ and trusting then you are likely to have warm, caring, protective & wonderful experiences. Just come out from your comfort zone, do explore India, learn different cultures and understand the people. Certainly, you will reveal the beauty of India.

20. Enjoy the journey

India is a safe country to visit and to work in. You will not be disappointed. Even as a soloĀ female traveler, you will have a good time in India, so ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

ā€œIndia is not a totally “unsafe” country. We are warm, loving, hospitable people who have been taught “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means “The guest is God” so enjoy the country, our food, our cultural and traditional diversity and much more.Ā India is not just a land of criminals and poor hungry people like the media likes to portray and hype.We are much more than that and you will see it for yourself once you visitā€.

Manasi, Indian solo female traveler

Pankti Shah, akaĀ Crazy Wanderer

Credit cover picture:Ā In A Faraway Land


A special thank to all the girls who contributed to this articleĀ šŸ™‚

Check out their blogs for itineraries, city guide and travel inspiration in India

Amrita Sen,Ā Tales of 2Ā Backpackers
Ankita Sonawane, Ā Transforming escape
Benila,
Bijal,
Lavina Dsouza,Ā A Capricious Compass
Manasi Joshi, Ā Manasi Writes
Natalia, Ā MyĀ triphack
Neha , Ā Neha speaks Foru
Nikita Raikwar, Ā Sane Tripper
Pankti Shah, Ā Crazy Wanderer
Prerna Sinha,Ā Maa of all blogs
Pooja Ajmera,
Purba Mazumdar,Ā Four Blissful Feet

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