Exclusive Guide to Solo Female About Travel in India

SUBJECT: Here, I will tell you how and why you should travel solo to India. By the end of this article, you will get all know-how about travelling to India safely as a solo female and know the best possible hacks to empower your trip as an authentic and unforgettably pleasant memory for a whole lifetime.

Travel a new place as solo female feels like i’m walking on an alien planet yet intimidating. Let’s check how to stay safe while you travel in India.

Before I take you through my ultimate guidance on how to travel in India safely, I would love to ask you brainstorm questions on what India looks like…

(1) Indians are bad at hospitality, or follow the verse “ Atithi Devo Bhava – Our Guest Is God“?

(2) Indians have zero etiquette, or the homeland of Ancient Oldest Civilisations like Dwarka ( pilgrimage of Dwaparyuga), Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and so many disappeared in the sands of time..

(3) India is unsafe for women, or says ” Yatra Naari Pujyante Tatra Ramante Devta- Where Women Are Honoured, Divinity Blossoms There“?

I say that both scenarios are absolutely true and you make your perception based on which side of the coin you have seen or heard from the people. But take my words, when you go back your home from Indian soil, you will feel how much you will be going to miss your second home..

Now let’s jump into our discussion…

What you should consider if you are travelling from abroad?

India is the land of colourful festivals, ancient temples, bustling cities and serene beaches. For anyone travel to India from abroad requires careful preparations, especially if you are a solo female. From flights and visas to security and activities, here is a complete list that you should must check before taking your flight to India.

Also read: Blend in, Stand out: Invisible Tourism for solo travellers

Why choose India for Travel?

India is a country that lives in extremes. From the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the Pacific Ocean touching the soles of Kanyakumari, the sweltering deserts of the Sun City Jaisalmer to the lap of the Rising Sun, Arunachal Pradesh, every corner has its vary essence.

Being an Indian woman, who has travelled solo to many places, I know the zeal and excitement to travel in India and the beauty India carries with a little bit of rizz is worthy to experience once in lifetime, at least. For me, travelling in India is not a hobby it is an emotion.

And I am here to help you do it safely, smartly and with a big smile on your face.

Now comes our main question..

Is India really safe for a solo female?

Like every country, there are good people and some not-so-good people. If you follow some important precautions, you can enjoy your trip without any major problem.

My answer is that it will be safe if you are cautious and prepared. No place in India or anywhere in the world is indeed safe for women when they are alone. So, calling India the only dangerous place for women will be very wrong.

Before packing, you should consider making a to-do list, which I never skip.

Here, I’m sharing a checklist I use when I plan a travel anywhere in India.

(1) Where will I stay, and how will I opt to travel ?

While planning, I first consider my safety and convenience. I choose homestays or hotels to stay near local attractions ( or near a railway station, either suits me ). I mostly look at apps like Google Maps and RedBus. For solo woman like me, booking platforms like Booking.com or MakeMyTrip give me the best choices to travel in India effortlessly.

I have travelled most of my solo trips by Indian Railways, after all Britishers’ only gift to India is the Railway Network, which I find to be the cheapest and easiest mode of transport. While travelling, I prefer to talk to new people who tell me about their stories around travelling and lessons learned from them. That also helps me in killing the time taken to reach my destination.

For my damsels who are coming from outside of India I suggest to take a flight that lands in India in morning, because hotels charge a tariff for a full 24 hours, either you check in at 10 am or 10 pm. You have to pay the full day charge. Its a pro trip to save your day and money.

(2) Where am I going? What is the weather there?

When I plan a trip, I start with a question—“Where am I going? And what is the weather like there?”

This may sound like a common question, but over the years, I realized that this question has saved me from many regrets.

I remember once I went to Jodhpur in the last days of June. I thought that since it is summer vacation, I would visit my Kuldevi (family deity). Let me tell you that my Kuldevi is Sacchiya Mata, whose temple is in Osian, and Osian is just 60 kilometers away from Jodhpur.

And the day I reached Jodhpur, the sun was scorching on my head, my mood had already been off, thinking why I came in this season. My 4-day trip would have been fun if I had taken it during my winter holidays instead of June. Since then, I have always made checking the weather an essential part of my checklist.

After that trip, I always check apps like AccuWeather before booking tickets. Usually, when I plan an outdoor adventure like a camel safari or trekking. Frankly, this makes my trip more fun and my mood more happy.

As a solo female traveller, I avoid going to places with unpredictable or extremely bad weather. Getting stuck during heavy rains or heatwaves can ruin the entire trip and also raise safety concerns. Before choosing your clothes or itinerary, I make sure to check the weather updates. Being prepared allows you to travel with confidence and ease.

For your convenience, I am sharing with you the list of the best places to travel in India at what time of year…

(3) Pack smarter and lighter

Now I’ll share with you smart backpacking tips for every season in India that I follow myself. I’ve learnt that apart from safety, one of the most important things is to be prepared for the weather.

From sunburn in Jaisalmer to rain-soaked shoes in Cherrapunji, I’ve experienced it all. And when I’m a solo female traveller, comfort and convenience come indeed more important. So that’s what my backpacking in different seasons of India has taught me.

Mighty Himachal

My trip to Manali in March taught me that the rainfall in the mountains is unique in its own way, with sunny mornings and cool evenings. I always carry a redundant jacket and a scarf. And yes, carry a power bank. Power cuts are common in remote hilly areas.

The mood of Rajasthan
Jaisalmer is perfect for getting mugged in cotton kurtas. But by evening, I was shivering on the rooftop of my hostel. I picked up a shawl from the local market, which was featherlight but an absolute must when travelling alone at night.

Packed the minimum for Goa
I packed two dresses, a cotton shrug, and a pair of sandals that matched everything. I also carried sunscreen and two pairs of sunglasses. That helped me to enjoy Goa beaches sunset without hustle. And Goa is perfect for that balance of that.

Assam’s GI Tag “Assamese Gamosa”
The first thing I picked when I stepped into Guwahati’s local market was this “Gamosa“, this white and red combo scarf is perfect blend of culture and fashion, turned my simple clothes into style quotient.

ONE SMART TIP: Carrying in Packing cubes have changed my life. They keep clothes compressed, clean, and sorted.

I also chose multi-use particulars, a scarf that is a must-have for me, shoes that go from hike to regale, and neutral clothes I can mix and match.

“As a solo woman traveller, being light and set means freedom and safety.”

(4) How can I stay safe as a solo woman?

India can be incredibly welcoming for a solo female traveller when you approach it with an open heart and sensible precautions. Travel light, trust your instincts, and have helpline numbers ready, after all, your safety is in your hands.

But like any other place in the world, staying safe requires a mix of awareness, planning, and trusting your instincts.

(1) Trust your intuition

Your intuition is your best travel companion. If a place, person, or situation feels “weird,” walk away no explanation needed. Whether it’s declining an invitation for late-night tea or changing your taxi mid-way, you don’t need to make excuses to anyone.

ONE PRO TIP: My mother told me once, before picking an auto-rickshaw, always check the driver’s eye contact, as it will tell you if he is drunk or not, to avoid further problems in the next minute.
Stay connected.

(2) Stay Connected

Always share your itinerary and live location with a trusted friend or family member. Apps like Google Maps Live Sharing or WhatsApp Location make this easy. In rural areas, the mobile network can be erratic, so inform someone in advance, or you could share your travel updates on social media platforms like Facebook Meta, Instagram, only with the one very close and trusted to track you in emergency.

(3) Smart transportation

Prefer registered cabs (Ola, Uber) or prepaid taxi booths at airports and railway stations.
Sit in the backseat and avoid sharing cabs with strangers.
When travelling at night, choose sleeper trains or planes over overnight buses.

ONE PRO TIP: I used to note down the Autorickshaw number and take the Phone number of the driver as backup if I skipped picking up any valuables in the Taxi.

(4) Wear comfortable and blending clothes

Although you don’t have to compromise on your style, dressing modestly can help you avoid unwanted attention, especially in smaller towns. Wearing a scarf or stole at religious sites can help you cover yourself up, it also makes you invisible as a solo female traveller in India.

(5) Stay in women-friendly accomodation

Look for hostels, homestays, and hotels that have good reviews from female travellers.

For example, when I visited Ram Janam Bhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, many Hotels provide a special dormitory room for solo females only.
If you comment in the reply box, I will make a separate blog dedicated to my Ayodhya Trip experience.

(6) Keep emergency numbers handy

Here, I am sharing with you emergency numbers used in India:

(7) Carry self-defense equipment

A small pepper spray, personal alarm, or even a sturdy metal pen can give you confidence. In many Indian cities, pepper spray is easy to find online or in drug stores.

ONE PRO TIP: I love to wear sunglasses and a Facemask, it gives me a little extra protection from harmful UV sunrays, and rest you all pretty understand..

(8) Combine awareness with enjoyment

Safety doesn’t mean panic. It means being present, aware, and prepared. Enjoy the bustling markets, quiet temples, and street food stalls, but keep your eyes and ears open. Beware of pickpockets, keep your valuables and ID cards in a stiff carry bag.

(5) What situations I may face, and how I will be prepared?

Travel in India as a solo female is an adventure but it also comes with moments that test your patience and presence of mind. Preparation is my shield. I embrace India’s magic while staying in control of my safety.

Here, I am sharing you possible situations you may face and risk associated with that, but don’t worry every problem comes with an inbuilt solution, so here we focus on solutions mainly. Okay!!!

(6) Festivities and state-cultural events

Festivals in India are a dream for any solo female traveler. From the Pushkar’s Camel Fair in Rajasthan to Onam in Kerala, Baisakhi in Punjab, and Durga Puja in Kolkata, every state offers its unique celebration. Crowds are huge, and personal space is limited, especially during Holi or night celebrations.

To stay safe, dress modestly, avoid lonely dark streets, and keep essentials secure. Stick to family-friendly places, and keep helpline numbers, Police 100, Women Helpline 1091 with you.

Festivals are the soul of India. With smart planning and cultural awareness, you can enjoy every beat of the dhol, savour every festive dish, and return safe and happy with unforgettable memories.

(7) What are the famous spots I can visit

Being a solo woman, I know that whenever I step into a new place, it feels like I am walking on an alien planet. India has so many attractions that one lifetime is not enough to explore every corner of it.

Here, I tell you my favourite solo places that I visited and loved their vibes.

• Jodhpur, Rajasthan – Known as the blue city, it is safe for women to visit during the day. The Mehrangarh Fort is a must-see, and the blue lanes are great places for photography. I tell you the secret place for lovebirds, I visited Guru Ganesh Temple, famously known as Ishqiya Gajanan Temple, where lovebirds pray to get married to their partners and God Ganesha blesses them.

• Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – The golden desert and Sonar Fort are waiting for you. Book an authorised desert safari, explore the Sam dunes, and watch the sunset from the fort walls. But don’t forget to visit Shri Tanot Mataji Mandir and if you love some horror then Kuldhara is must visit for you.

• Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – A spiritual and thoughtful traveller must go and catch the vibes of Shri Sarju Ji and Ram Janam Bhoomi temple. The experience is indescribable in words; only those who have had it can know it. You must bookmark this for your next trip.

• Amritsar, Punjab, The land of five rivers – The Golden Temple is quiet and safe, especially for solo travellers. The street food here is amazing, and the Wagah Border ceremony is unforgettable. I personally loved eating Paranthas with Lassi and Pindi Chole with Bhature.

• Banaras/Kaashi/Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – The ancient city of Lord Mahakaal Shiva, Varanasi, is blessed with Ghats and its authenticity is still intact. I also took a visit to Ram Ramapati Bank, one of its kind, where a loan is taken of Eternal Raam Naam, not a mere piece of currency.

And before any of you backfires me for not mentioning any treasurable spot of Southern part of India I tell you that I am sharing my travel favourite places and being my ethinicity comes from Rajasthan, I love to travel in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh alot….

(8) What places I will avoid going?

Simple safety note for solo female travellers in India is that any unexplored territory or restricted area flagged by locals is best avoided.

Always trust your government-authorised guide as they know where it’s safe and where it’s not. Some places are simply not meant for wandering alone, and once you’re there, turning back might be difficult.

Listen to the people around you, and most importantly, trust your gut. If you feel uneasy—whether it’s strange vibes, difficulty breathing, or just discomfort—step away immediately, my damsels. Your safety comes first, always.

ONE SMART TIP: I always keep my offline google maps, even while travelling in Licensed Taxi I always look into Google Maps route this saved me many times from getting lost. But Google Maps many of times shows misleading path, so its better to always enqiure from locals.

“If locals say no, don’t go. Trust your guide, trust your gut, and walk away when it feels wrong—your safety is worth more than any adventure.”

(9) What will be my budget for the entire trip?

Planning a solo trip in India is exciting, but if you want to keep it stress-free, you need to be budget-friendly. A smart budget not only keeps you happy but also ensures safety, especially for solo female travellers. Here are some things you should consider before finalising your budget:

(A) Choose your destination and duration wisely.Your budget will largely depend on where you are going and for how long.

(B) Take into account travel and local transport. Include flights, trains, or buses, as well as local transport. Women often prefer reliable cabs, prepaid taxis or metro rides a little more expensive but safer.

(C) Choose safe accommodation such as the hostels, hotels, or well-rated homestays for women-friendly stays. Prices spike during holidays, so book early.

(D) Plan your meals. Street food can be budget-friendly, but shop from hygienic vendors only. Try local cuisine as well as sit-down meals occasionally for variety.

(E) Include activities and experiences. Make a list of what you want to do, from heritage walks to yoga retreats. Always choose a government-authorized guide for safety.

(F) Keep an emergency fund. Keep at least 10-15% of your budget aside for medical needs, last-minute bookings, or unplanned adventures.

(G) Check the weather and festivals. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, or the Pushkar Mela can increase transportation and lodging costs, so plan accordingly.

(H) Add a safety shield. Spending extra on GPS-enabled rides, secure lockers, or women-only tours is worth the peace of mind.

(I) Shopping bucket list. Last but not the least thing for all shopping lovers like me. I spend 25% of my budget on shopping solely. So, its a priority for me.

My Final Word

It’s an old, undeniable fact that solo female travellers have often felt unsafe while travelling in India.

But here’s a new and equally undeniable truth that India’s tourism sector has put in significant efforts to bridge the gap between expectation and reality. From improved infrastructure to enhanced safety measures, we are committed to making every visitor’s journey safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.

And we’re not stopping here. Continuous efforts are underway to make travelling in India a truly wonderful experience for tourists from all over the world.

So, if you’ve been holding back because of the negative perceptions, it’s time to rethink. I welcome you to come and experience the rich cultural heritage, vibrant colours, warm hospitality, and dazzling lights of my beautiful country and discover for yourself why India is more than just a voyage but your second home.

Afterall, we say and believe in, ” Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- Whole World Is One Family “

Also read: Google Maps vs Local Guide: Who is your Ultimate Guide