Is Chennai Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Chennai

Safety rating

Moderate
3.3 /5

Women living in Chennai consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.3 out of 5.

Crime rating

Low
2.3 /5

Women living in Chennai consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.3 out of 5.

Violence rating

41%

On average 41% percentage of women in India have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.

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Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 15 experiences

Safety rating:

3.3/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

2.9/5Moderate

Safety using public transport:

3.1/5Moderate

Crime rate:

2.3/5Low

Worries of being sexually harassed:

2.5/5A bit worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.9/5A bit worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

2/5A bit worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.3/5Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1.6/5A bit worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.3/5Not at all worried

How safe is Chennai?

Sriranjani

Sriranjani

Chennai is among India’s safer cities for women, with low crime, women-only metro coaches, and active police support. Caution is advised at night in isolated areas. I would give it an 7.5/10 for women safety

Posted: January 22, 2025
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I feel Chennai is relatively safe in comparison to the other cities in India. I feel safe to go home in a cab on my own and I feel the police do a good job of protecting women here. I have 112 App for emergencies. Of course, I use my common sense and stay away from dark alleys and unlit areas. Generally, I feel safe in my city.

Posted: January 14, 2025
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The patrol here takes care of everything that the crime rate is the least in the state. Not many say this out loud but Tamil Nadu is one of the safest places for women in India and Chennai and Coimbatore are the safest in Tamil Nadu. I can't put it better.

Posted: January 4, 2025
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Chennai is safe in daylight, there's helpline numbers and other safety procedures by the police department here so it's pretty safe to travel during the day. The auto is a safe way to travel and most drivers are kind and safe. But never judge anyone quickly, always track your location while travelling and see if the driver is taking a sketchy route. If you don't know the language people are kind to help you out.

Posted: January 4, 2025
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It’s pretty safe, as long as you are aware of your surroundings. Most people are hospitable and love to help you out. But I do suggest you travel with a close friend or someone who speaks the language cause not everyone will speak English

Posted: December 24, 2024
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I know from personal experience as well as interacting with women from across the country, that Chennai is once of the safest cities here. You get a lot more respect here, than anywhere else, as a women.

Posted: December 24, 2024
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Chennai is safer than the Northern part. Avoid public transport after dark. Careful if you plan to go around alone in the night. Food can be challenging. Other than that. Safe . Always better to have known references for emergency

Posted: October 13, 2024
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Shubhi

Shubhi

Chennai is safe in terms of crime, I have never faced any incidents of harassment, cat calling or inappropriate advances so far. Metro and local trains are a good way to transit and cab services like ola, Uber, fast-track are another option. Like any city it has its share of traffic, mostly during office hours. The climate is usually hot and humid. Having said that, I also believe being a woman everyone should always ensure some safety precautions.

Posted: October 2, 2024
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Chennai is quite a close minded city. The public transport is often crowded, Uber and autos are relatively affordable. However buses are free for women, and the metro is quite safe. There is always staff at the metro stations. There isn't a bustling nightlife and I'd recommend not staying out after 22.00 pm for safety reasons, unless you're with a friend.

Posted: August 22, 2024
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Though Chennai is fairly safe compared to other parts of India. Since the city has almost negligible light life , it's better to avoid travelling at night. Most people understand English here unlike other parts of Jndia

Posted: August 19, 2024
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Is Chennai worth visiting?

Solo travel

Yes, I felt safe exploring and learning about new places and experiences. I highly recommend visiting the Santhome Cathedral Basilica Church; it's an amazing place. Also worth a visit is the Golden Beach near Snow Kingdom, which is one of the best attractions in Chennai. Other notable places include the Jayalalitha Memorial, Marina Beach, ECR Beach, Partha Saradhi Temple, Iscon Temple, Snake Park, Lighthouse, and Guindy National Park. I particularly recommend experiencing the sunrise and sunset at the beach resorts – it's truly better than any other experience. Tamil Nadu is known for its temples and beaches, which are well worth visiting in various locations. I would love to go there again, but the humidity can make it challenging. Apart from that, there are fantastic hotels and affordable accommodation options available.

Posted: April 13, 2024
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Solo travel

Chennai surprised me! My ₹250/night hostel became my launchpad for exploring temples, museums, and delicious street food. Haggling in markets was a fun challenge, and free museums added to the cultural immersion. The ECR beaches offered serenity, while Matyasri Narayana temple's beachside location was unique. T Nagar's vibrant shops tested my bargaining skills, but the deals were unbeatable!

Posted: April 2, 2024
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Meet locals in Chennai

Shubhi

Shubhi

About Me

Artist by soul, nomad by spirit

Speaking

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Lahari

Lahari

About Me

Hi! I’m Lahari. I recently moved back to India from Singapore and wear many hats as a product designer, digital marketer, and creative thinker. Originally from Chennai. I’m a curious soul who thrives on learning, exploring, and connecting with people from different walks of life. Travel is my passion, and I believe every journey brings a new story to tell. I’m drawn to the simple joys of life—chasing sunsets, basking under the moonlight, and sharing meaningful conversations. I love to dance (urban kiz and bachata are my favorites!), cook for friends, make art, and write poetry. Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s designing, writing, or whipping up a delicious meal. I’m also deeply spiritual and grounded in my values: kindness, inclusivity, and living in harmony with nature. I’m the kind of person who values authenticity and strives to make every connection meaningful.

Speaking

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Safety in India

Frequently asked questions

Is Chennai safe?

Women living in Chennai consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.3 out of 5.

Is Chennai safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in Chennai consider walking alone at night to be moderately safe, with an overall safety rating of 2.9 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in Chennai?

Women living in Chennai consider public transport to be moderately safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.1 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Chennai?

Women living in Chennai consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.3 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Chennai?

Women living in Chennai consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.5 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Chennai?

Women living in Chennai consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.9 out of 5.

What is the risk of being physically attacked in Chennai?

Women living in Chennai consider the risk of being physically attacked to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 2 out of 5.

What is the risk of burglary in Chennai?

Women living in Chennai consider the risk of burglary to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.3 out of 5

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Chennai?

Women living in Chennai consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.6 out of 5.

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Chennai?

Women living in Chennai consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.3 out of 5