Is It Safe For A Woman To Travel Alone In India?<\/h2>\n
This is probably the biggest concern for solo female travellers in India. There’s no simple answer to this question, but in a nutshell: India CAN be a safe destination.\u00a0As with anywhere else, you can be unlucky or in the wrong place at the wrong time. But that could also happen in your hometown, or in a “safe” destination in Western Europe. Taking luck out of the equation, there’s lots you can do to help yourself stay safe.\u00a0As I said above, this isn’t the kind of place where you can just wing it. Even if you prefer to be spontaneous, you’ll need to have some plans or “rules” that you stick to no matter what.<\/p>\n Nothing is without risk, but with a bit of common sense and preparation India can be as safe as any other destination for a solo female traveller.<\/p>\n Experiences vary from city to city, and even from street to street. One Hostelworld guest who stayed in Jaipur said: \u201cAs a solo female traveler, I felt totally safe and comfortable.\u201d Another Hostelworld guest\u2019s review of Jaipur was very different: \u201cVery uncomfortable walking around as a girl. Got a lot of rude comments and disrespectful looks.\u201d That\u2019s why the tips above matter, and why it\u2019s worth reading recent reviews before you book.<\/p>\n The biggest tip I can give is to choose only a few cities. The more you are in transit, the more stress you have. India’s huge, and getting around is generally slower than in countries with more developed road and public transport networks. Try to travel slow and stay in each place a longer time. Don\u2019t try to cover it all. Here are a few of the best places for solo female travellers, and for quieter spots, see our hidden gems in India<\/a>.<\/p>\n They refer to Kerala as ‘India Lite’ meaning, it’s a bit less intense than the rest of India and far less intense than the North. So it’s a nice area to explore as a solo female traveller, especially if it’s your first time in India. One of Kerala’s best spots is the beach side town of Varkala, where you’ll find loads of other travellers to hang out with. It’s a bit of a yoga hub, and really safe and friendly. Part of Varkala’s charm is the fact that it’s quite small, and most travellers tend to gather in quite a small area near the beach, so small it’s very walkable and you won’t have to get too many Rickshaws alone. I didn’t have to find transportation if I went out at night, I could just walk everywhere. Compare the hostels in Varkala<\/a> on the cliff.<\/p>\n – Recommended by The Travelling Light<\/a><\/p>\n Mumbai is a must visit city for many reasons, not least because so many international flights arrive and depart from here. There’s so much to do in Mumbai, and like India’s other big cities, Mumbai can be great for a solo female traveler because of the international vibe and lively hostel scene. One of the best places to visit in Mumbai is Colaba, it\u2019s where the cool kids are. You should also try to travel on the Mumbai Slow Local train during rush hour (in the ladies\u2019 compartment). THAT is an experience you\u2019ll never ever forget! And of course you can visit the famous Taj Hotel areas and the Gateway of India. Compare the hostels in Mumbai<\/a>.<\/p>\n – Recommended by Hippie In Heels<\/a><\/p>\n This is one of the most spiritual cities in India and if you’re looking for a chilled time after New Delhi, you should definitely head North to Rishikesh. Expect sunsets over the River Ganga, air so clean you can taste it, hot cups of chai on your hostel rooftop and SO MUCH yoga. For more reasons to visit, read our guide to Rishikesh<\/a>, and compare the hostels in Rishikesh<\/a>.<\/p>\n – Recommended by Our Broke Travels<\/a><\/p>\n Hampi was once the capital of the Greatest Hindu Empire and what remains of it is beyond breath taking. Hundreds of ancient ruins and crumbling temples do the area\u00a0nestled between beautiful green palms and the infamous boulders. Despite being a World Heritage Site, Hampi is a\u00a0small town. It’s\u00a0is a welcome relief after the craziness of the larger cities and it’s really easy to meet other travellers to explore the area with. My favourite part about Hampi is the sunset: after a short hike you will have a spectacular view of the old capital illuminated in all shades of orange, yellow and gold.<\/p>\n Just like Mumbai, you’ll almost certainly end up spending some time in New Delhi during your trip, especially if you plan to visit the nearby Taj Mahal (in Agra). In general I find it more difficult to travel than Mumbai, but if you stay in Connaught Place and meet other travelers you\u2019ll be fine. Best places to visit in New Delhi: The Red Fort, Humayun\u2019s Tomb, and India Gate. Club together with other travellers at your hostel and hire a rickshaw driver for the day so you can see the city’s main sights in one go. Be sure to negotiate the rate before you set off, and pay at the end of the day. Compare the hostels in New Delhi<\/a>.<\/p>\n – Recommended by Hippie In Heels<\/a><\/p>\n Varanasi is a place like no other. A place I need not return and a place I will never forget. It’s loud, colourful, overflowing and beautiful. It’s like walking into magic. Never has the term ‘holy city’ been more true. Amidst the chaos there is the calm, out on a boat at dawn in the middle of the river Ganges you will experience pure serenity. Compare the hostels in Varanasi<\/a>, close to the ghats.<\/p>\n – Recommended by Madison J Lilli Coupland<\/a><\/p>\n So you’ve decided you want to backpack India solo.\u00a0Congratulations on the best travel decision you’ll ever make! But now you need to think about all the practical stuff that will ensure your trip is a success: what to wear, when to visit and how to stay safe. To help you out, I’ve tried to cover off some of the most common questions.<\/p>\n India is very conservative in some areas and this is definitely one of the aspects that requires research and preparation beforehand. Harem pants are an India wardrobe essential, and you can pick up some gorgeous ones really cheaply\u00a0at markets in places like Goa and Kerala. They’re baggy and will suit most situations. They’re also easy\u00a0to wash and will dry quickly so you’ll save loads of space in your backpack. The second essential item of clothing for India is a shawl; these are particularly useful to have handy in case you stumble across a temple you want to go into, as you’ll need to fully cover up.<\/p>\n You’ll also want to wear a t shirt that does not scoop too low; cleavage is not advisable. Maxi skirts are great, as are culottes and long dresses. \u00a0In the cities, girls wear skinny jeans. In Goa, anything goes! You should simply use common sense when deciding what to wear in India: look around you at what other people are doing, and if in doubt ask the staff and fellow travellers at your hostel.<\/p>\n Don’t break the law! This one might seem obvious, but it bears repeating. In some areas you’ll likely see Sadhu\u2019s or holy men smoking hashish, but as a foreigner, the easygoing \u201clook the other way\u201d rules do not apply to you and you should not take drugs here as they are illegal. Many travellers don’t realise that alcohol is banned in some states, including Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland and Mizoram, so always err on the side of caution and ask if you’re unsure.<\/p>\n Ideally you\u2019ll want to visit India between October and March to avoid the very hot times and the monsoon. They can both be a little uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to a more mild climate. However, if you’re on a really tight budget, visiting off season can be a great option to help you save money. The added benefit of backpacking India off season is that you’ll be able to explore the iconic sights such as the Taj Mahal without the insane crowds. Whenever you go, most nationalities need a visa, so apply on the official Indian e-Visa website<\/a> and avoid third-party sites that charge extra.<\/p>\n India is changing at a crazy pace. When I first came to India alone, hostels were barely a thing, and it was much harder to travel here solo, particularly for women. Now, you\u2019ll find SO many popular hostels making it easy to meet other travellers and make your travels in India so much easier. Our round-up of the best hostels in India<\/a> is a good place to start.<\/p>\n The people in India are crazy, funny and incredibly friendly. If you’re looking for an eye-opening cultural experience, head to the Northeast of the country, which is a bit more off the beaten track. Here you’ll be able to meet some of the local tribes and learn about their fascinating culture. I recommend\u00a0Ziro Valley, where you can meet the local Apatani tribe who worship the moon.<\/p>\n In the North, it\u2019s rich and creamy and in the South it\u2019s fresher and light, often with coconut oil. The seafood at the coast is amazing and you must try the Kingfish Rava fry. It’s safe to say the food in India is on a whole other level: you’ll never experience tastes quite like these. Read our tips on eating in India without getting sick<\/a> before you dig in.<\/p>\n The Himalayan Mountains, the beaches of Goa, the sweeping rice fields of Kerala, the chaos of Mumbai, the wide open deserts of Rajasthan… There is SO much variety in India that you could spend a lifetime exploring all its secrets. If you’re looking to pack a lot into your trip without too much time spent on planes, India is a fantastic destination. Plan a route with our 2-week Rajasthan itinerary<\/a>, or read 6 of the best reasons to visit India<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Solo](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/EDITED-solo-female-travel-india_travelling-light.jpg\")
?<\/a>\u00a0@thetravellinglight<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Hippie](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/EDITED-solo-female-travel-india_hippie-in-heels.jpg\")
?<\/a> @hippieinheelsblog<\/a><\/p>\nTop Safety Tips For Solo Female Travellers\u00a0In India<\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Travelling](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/EDITED-jaipur_mytravelsecret.jpg\")
?<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0@mytravelsecret<\/a><\/p>\nBest Places To Visit In India For Solo Female Travellers<\/h2>\n
Kerala & Varkala<\/h3>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/EDITED-solo-female-travel-india_travelling-light-2.jpg\")
?<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0@thetravellinglight<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nMumbai<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Rishikesh<\/h3>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/EDITED_solo-female-travel-india_our-broke-travels.jpg\")
?<\/a> @ourbroketravels<\/a><\/p>\nHampi<\/h3>\n
![\"solo](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/solo-female-travel-india-Hampi_.jpg\")
?<\/a> @charlie_karin<\/a><\/p>\nNew Delhi<\/h3>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/EDITED-travelling-light-taj-mahal-solo-female-travel-india.jpg\")
\n?<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0@thetravellinglight<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nVaranasi<\/h3>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Solo-female-travel-India-Varanasi-c-madsjlilli.jpg\")
?<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0@madsjlilli<\/a><\/p>\nMore Advice\u00a0For Women Travelling India\u00a0Alone<\/h2>\n
What to wear when traveling to India<\/h3>\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/EDITED-IMG_3377-varkala-kerala-the-travelling-light.jpg\")
?<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0@thetravellinglight<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat not to do in India<\/h3>\n
When to travel to India<\/h3>\n
5 Reasons Why You Should Backpack India Solo In 2027<\/h2>\n
![\"Group](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/EDITED_solo-female-travel-india.jpg\")
?<\/a> @hippieinheelsblog<\/a><\/p>\n1.\u00a0It’s Never Been Easier For Women To Travel India Alone<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. The People Will Change Your Perspective<\/h3>\n
\u00a03.\u00a0The Food Is Unreal<\/h3>\n
4.\u00a0<\/strong>You will never, ever get bored in India<\/h3>\n
5. India Will Take Your Style To The Next Level<\/h3>\n