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

4.5 /5

based on 119 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
Aneesa

Aneesa

India

Ramakkalmedu, Group travel

So we stayed in a resort called Crowd hills, pretty neat, decent and affordable place with good food. Should probably skip hiking if you are physically week to treking... Wonderful experience which I cherish to be worthwhile

Posted: March 16, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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India, Solo travel

I didn't feel safe in India. People always wanted to scam me or overcharge me, even in the airport. I was there for a vipassana which went fine. The food wasn't good. I had terrible food poisoning. I was happy to come back home.

Posted: March 15, 2025
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Goa, Solo travel

Goa is a very nice place, although it is quite touristy, especially the north. its a small state in india, you can go around and stay in little villages. in anjuna there are more commercial parties but the south is more chill and there are less people but great vibes. if you are traveling solo, stay at a hostel, and ig you can ride a motorbike, rent one, is cheap and its a nice experience going around. i got sick, and had to go to the hospital, they were nice but it was quite inorganized. The food is great, try fish thali.

Posted: March 13, 2025
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Lena

Lena

Germany

Chennai, Solo travel

I highly recommend visiting Chennai as a starting point for a South India trip. It is a fascinating city with beautiful sights and colorful houses, friendly people and great food. I recommend visiting Marina Beach at sunrise, then move on to Kapaleeshwarar temple (tour buses arrive around 10am and it's really peaceful before that), and then having a nice South Indian breakfast which will keep you going until dinnertime. I felt perfectly safe and comfortable in Chennai. 5 stars 🤩

Posted: March 1, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Johanah

Johanah

India

Himachal Pradesh, Couple travel

I have been to quite a few placed in himachal the locals are super polite and the mountains are beautiful if you are on a budget its a great place to be at as the food there is very cheap if eating at local stalls and there are ton of homestays and hostels

Posted: February 27, 2025
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Triund, Solo travel

Trained was one of my first major tracks and I absolutely loved it. I loved how the terrain changes after every hour you start amongst green forest. Then you hit the rocky patch and then finally you hit that part where it’s scattered rocks with very little vegetation and if your climbing on a day where there are clouds, you almost have to go above the clouds and you can see cloud below you forming and rising up. It’s an amazing site and once you reach the top, it’s breathtaking the view and you get to watch the sunset happening down in the valley while it is still Light at the top and that is the best feeling that I’ve ever experienced behind. You are stone covered mountains and in front of you is the whole valley that you can look down on. If you’re going in winters, you will definitely find snow. I went there twice, but both the times I didn’t find snow. You can climb baba through and also and go to snow line where there is usually snow. Hr is definitely worth it. If you’re planning to stay the night. I would advise you to book your stay in advance. You’ll find a lot of people in my cloud who will provide you advance booking and stay in Triund.

Posted: February 9, 2025
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Goa, Solo travel

Good experience overall. I went twice. Stay was free, as someone had hosted me. Explored forts, beaches and pubs. Night travel is not safe, if travelling alone. Transportation is costly and its better to rent a vehicle once you reach. No option of ola/uber/rapido. Only private cabs are available.

Posted: February 1, 2025
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Aditi

Aditi

India

Arambol, Solo travel

I mostly walked everywhere but many hire bikes. I stayed in a hostel @ about ₹600/ month. I was there for 6 weeks (slow travel). I was also working, so I mostly visited cafes. I also went to the beach everyday for long walks. There are many ongoing classes and workshops going on here. I liked the sense of community.

Posted: January 31, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
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Meghalaya, Group travel

Meghalaya is JANNAT , it really has untouched beauty. You have to make some efforts in terms of trekking and walking to reach the places but once you reach there it is worth doing anything. I recommend everyone to visit soon before people destroy the charm and beauty of this place and help them to maintain the place please

Posted: January 31, 2025Experienced: December, 2023
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Kolkata, Family travel

I would recommend to go to Kolkata 100%. It's one of the safest place where you can go and enjoy yourself at fullest. I recommend to go to different places cuz the list is never ending. It may be little costly but it's all worth it.

Posted: January 30, 2025
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Is India safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 283 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 283 local experiences

Arjoika

Arjoika

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is overall a safe City to travel to. However I would avoid travelling alone in the night in secundrabad. Also be beware of scammers in the old city. People will give you stares if you look not from the place. However, if you face any unusual stuff, police is always available at all landmarks. Metros and public transports are pretty safe to travel in.

Posted: March 30, 2025
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Bangalore

In general, I did not face anything yet and didn’t hear from people as well, so it’s chill but it might depend on the locations as well, the areas I’ve resided before and now is completely safe and police patrolling is always there

Posted: March 29, 2025
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Meet locals in India

Shubhi

Shubhi

About Me

Artist by soul, nomad by spirit Hello beautiful ladies, I am Shubhi. I am travelling more and longer these days and I am always open to meeting people, finding travel buddies, and making lasting friendships. If you are also looking for the same, don't hesitate to connect!

Speaking

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Sudiksha

Sudiksha

About Me

I am a student so very much into science and modern physics and I paint and enjoy reading books and I make delicious recipes. I am very social and I have many hobbies and things to talk about.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in India

Sudiksha

Sudiksha

Hamirpur

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I am a student so very much into science and modern physics and I paint and enjoy reading books and I make delicious recipes. I am very social and I have many hobbies and things to talk about.

Speaking

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Shubhi

Shubhi

Chennai

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Artist by soul, nomad by spirit Hello beautiful ladies, I am Shubhi. I am travelling more and longer these days and I am always open to meeting people, finding travel buddies, and making lasting friendships. If you are also looking for the same, don't hesitate to connect!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to India

Trisha

Trisha

About Me

Hey there ..

Speaking

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Tabitha

Tabitha

About Me

Hi! I am from the US but have been living the last couple of years in Chennai. I am not working so have plenty of time to explore! I’m very interested in traveling to the Kashmir, Ladakh, Orissa, Assam and generally in the south. I am very interested in weaving, textile arts, coffee and, of course, food.

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Safety in India