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

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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 164 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Prayagraj, Solo travel

I attended the Mahakumbh. So it was quite safe at that time. As it was the biggest Kumbh Mela in 144 years, security was quite present. Irrespective of which incidents have happened. Uttar Pradesh, in general, is unsafe. However, it was quite expensive, as all the locals wanted to grab as much business as possible due to the religious importance to religious people and otherwise, the festival was a source of business for influencers and a source of discovery for other travellers and explorers.

Posted: July 12, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Visakhapatnam, Family travel

Vizag is my hometown so yeah I have a soft spot for this place but for travelling it takes more time than any other state like from ahemdabad to Andhra it takes around 2 days in train. The place is safe but at night I would recommend carrying safety tools and stuff. It's a great place and many places are there to hangout, and visit..

Posted: July 9, 2025Experienced: April, 2023
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India, Group travel

I had a great fun , I travelled with my friends so it was pretty much chill had some emotional episodes but still fun looking forward to go on more and also thinking to go on solo trips yeh that was the experience I jad

Posted: July 6, 2025
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Tannaz

Tannaz

India

Meghalaya, Family travel

I have visited Meghalaya multiple times over the years . It is extremely safe for women even at night backed by a strong matrilineal society. Its clean and even the road side dhabas are very cleanliness oriented. The food is amazing- veg and non-veg. The people are kind and helpful . There are many beautiful waterfalls, caves, hills to explore.

Posted: June 28, 2025Experienced: June, 2025
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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
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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
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Is India safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 441 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 441 local experiences

Athira

Athira

Bangalore

Pretty much safe in my experience, I have walked alone at 12, 1, 2, 3 AM (for short distances, after being dropped off like 200m away from my place). I've never experienced any problems with public transport as well.

Posted: July 13, 2025
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Mannat

Mannat

Chandigarh

Very safe city during the day. Mostly safe at night, depending on which part of the city are you in. I would not recommend going to less crowded areas at night or shady localities or near liquor shops because the crowd can be shady.

Posted: July 13, 2025
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Safety in India