Is India Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

India, although a country with a rich cultural heritage and numerous tourist attractions, poses some safety concerns for solo female travelers. It's essential to take extra precautions, like dressing modestly, avoiding late-night travels, and never sharing personal details with strangers. Instances of harassment can occur, more so in crowded places. It is advisable to hire reliable tour guides and avoid remote locations while traveling alone. Although many tourists have had incident-free travels, It's a good idea to research and stay updated about the areas you plan to visit. It's also recommended to stay at trusted accommodations with positive user reviews.

Safety rating

Make friends while traveling solo

Meet other female travelers, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is India?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

India is a beautiful destination with a rich history and vibrant culture. However, it can be a little challenging for solo women travelers especially during the night. It largely depends on the region you're in and the city areas, some are safer than others. While you could find well-lit and populated areas, there are also locations that can be deserted and poorly lit during the night. It is advised not to walk alone at night and always take reliable forms of transportation. Petty thefts and street harassments are mot uncommon. However, staying cautious and following security measures can aid in ensuring safety.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in India can be unpredictable and crowded, which may pose issues for solo female travelers. Buses and trains are commonly used by locals but can be overly packed during peak hours. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are considered safer, provided they are booked from a legitimate service. All-night bus journeys moreso on less reputable services could be problematic. Though cases of harassment are not uncommon, most travelers have an uneventful experience. It's advisable to exercise caution, avoid traveling at night and always be aware of your belongings.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

As a solo female traveler in India, you might experience noticeable levels of street harassment. It may not be all pervasive or universally the case, however, there is a possibility of receiving unsolicited attention or comments, particularly in crowded places. Often this is more discomforting than specifically dangerous, yet it does contribute to a significant part of the travel experience. To mitigate this, it is recommended to dress conservatively, refraining from solo outings after dark and maintaining a confident demeanor. It's important to get information beforehand about the specific regions you plan on visiting as the level of street harassment can vary.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

India has a moderate risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft, particularly in crowded places like markets, railway stations, and public buses. Always maintain vigilance, keep your belongings secure, and avoid displaying expensive items in public. However, most locals are friendly and willing to help. It's also worth mentioning that the risk varies significantly from one city or state to another, so it's essential to research and prepare accordingly.

Is India worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 158 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Munnar, Solo travel

Amazing city, absolutely beautiful, in the middle of the tea plantations! It feels like we've left India, it's uncanny! The place is great but it's a bit difficult to get by, not as many tuktuk as in other places, and hotels are a bit more expensive. Still manageable

Posted: June 16, 2025Experienced: March, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Romane

Romane

France

Havelock island, Group travel

Went to Havelock with a group of friends for new year 2024, it was an amazing experience! If you wanna be away from the crowds, that's the place to go. Good food, beautiful beaches, warm sea... Just a little paradise! It's easy to rent a motorbike on the island to move around, and there are even a few hiking trails if you like it ^^

Posted: June 16, 2025Experienced: December, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Goa, Family travel

Visiting Goa with your parents is a whole different experience. You can plan slow days and relaxed evenings. Go to South Goa if you are looking for serene locations and authentic food. We stayed at a resort called Beleza by the Bay. It’s excellent with easy access to a beach.

Posted: June 14, 2025Experienced: June, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Manali, Family travel

It was THE BEST. I mean personally I've never seen any snowfall because I'm a south indian, ive mostly never roamed north india. And trust me, it was like EVERYTHING WAS FALLING INTO PLACE. The snowfall started just when we arrived. It was a great opportunity to connect with my family too. In the past trips, there's something missing. Like I've never felt so connected to my family before the manali trip. Maybe that's why it's so special to me.

Posted: June 11, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
SWECHA

SWECHA

India

Goa, Family travel

Goa is nice, though not too safe. However, public transport is good and safe for women—this is my personal experience. South India is much safer compared to the North; the robbery rate is lower in the southern part of India. Overall, it is a nice place to travel.

Posted: June 11, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Nainital, Family travel

It's a great place, and you should visit with your family, friends, or anyone! I did many fun activities there—went paragliding, visited Mukteshwar, and enjoyed the sunset. It was a lot of fun, and the local food was 10/10.

Posted: June 4, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is India safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 422 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 422 local experiences

Lucknow

Lucknow is a metropolitan city, very famous for its food amongst tourists. I would totally recommend coming here. If you’re accompanied by one person also, it should be all okay at all places. I wouldn’t recommend going out in the night

Posted: June 24, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Pimpri Chinchwad

It feels safe as long as you're traveling with people and using cabs from uber/ola, wouldn't trust anyone else though even if I'm a native here. The metro is comparatively safer than the local buses and trains.

Posted: June 24, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety in India