India: Is It a Safe Spot for Women Solo Travellers?

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By know

India: A Top Destination for Solo Travelers

India is one of the many countries that solo travelers tend to visit. With India’s rich history, complete uniqueness, and range of stunning landscapes, why wouldn’t you want to experience India for all of its personalities? The country’s representation in the classic chick flick Eat, Pray, Love and the Wes Anderson classic The Darjeeling Limited has definitely inspired me to visit India at least once in my lifetime.

However, that’s not all. Knowing that practices such as meditation and yoga originated in this fascinating country is a huge reason why women from all over the world visit. They seek the opportunity to experience these practices with the people who know and love them best.

But, it would be naive for a solo traveler, especially a woman, not to question the safety of visiting. Some places in the world are not as congenial, respectable, or safe for women to be alone, and that’s just the truth.

If you’re considering exploring this part of the world but are concerned about safety, you’re in the right place. We’ll take you through everything you need to know about India’s safety.

Is India a Safe Country to Visit?

Overall, India is a safe country to visit. While some crimes do occur in city centers, such as Delhi, which is known as the crime capital of India, it’s important to note that, just like in all major cities, including London in the UK, there are safe places as well. Areas furthest away from cities, like the Lake District in the UK or Kolkata, tend to be safer and more civilized. If you keep to yourself and stay in popular, safe areas, you can enjoy a secure trip.

It’s not just other people you need to be cautious of. There are also risks such as diseases, natural disasters, and the potential to unintentionally disrespect their culture—something not as familiar in the Western world. Speak with a travel guide to know the specific vaccinations you require.

Public Transport Safety in India

Using public transport in India can be hectic and cause issues during your travel, as it can be difficult to know what you should be doing. Ensuring you understand public transport protocols and schedules before you travel solo will help streamline your adventures. Pre-arranging your public transport journeys in India can also make it easier to get around as a solo traveler.

For women traveling solo in India, it’s advisable to avoid nighttime travel if possible, with most public transport journeys done during the day. This is both to stay safe from potential dangers and to avoid higher transport fees or scams, which are often not present during the daytime. Nighttime travel should generally be avoided in any country.

Due to the popularity of buses and trains in India and the lack of security systems in operation, there is always the possibility of pickpocketing, so it’s important to stay vigilant. Luckily, women-specific carriages are available on the Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai metros, which might make solo female travelers feel safer.

Accommodation Safety in India

India offers plenty of safe accommodations for solo female travelers across various price ranges. The more expensive hotels are usually more secure and safer for women travelers compared to cheaper alternatives, which often have fewer security measures in place and are more crowded. Regardless of your budget, thorough research into safe places to stay in India while traveling solo is essential.

Some general safety tips include:

  • Keep a note of the hotel address and important contact details.
  • Ensure the phone in your room is operating properly for potential emergency calls.
  • Lock your door at all times.
  • Do not open the door to anyone you aren’t familiar with.
  • Inform receptionists about any suspicious activity in your room or hotel.
  • Avoid discussing where you’re staying in public settings.

Great recommendations for safe accommodations for solo women travelers in India can be found online, or you can visit a travel agent who can help plan your journey and provide you with an India travel guide.

Safety Tips for Exploring India

Exploring India can be a very enriching experience, as you get to learn about a new culture and see the beautiful sights the country has to offer. However, it’s important to stay safe while doing so. Daytime exploration is by far the safest option for a solo woman traveler, and it’s crucial to return to your accommodation before nightfall.

Shopping, adventuring, and engaging in activities where there are many people around will be the safest, as there will be others to help if something goes wrong. India’s big cities have plenty of hotspots where other travelers are present, so being in these areas should be safe. If you’re traveling by car, locate city center car parks for the safest parking option.

When exploring, it’s also important to remember that India has different rules for how to dress and behave. Always stay respectful of the culture when traveling to India, as this will help keep you safe with the locals, who may not react well to someone who disrespects their culture.

Travel Tips for Solo Women in India

There are additional tips that solo female travelers should consider when journeying to India:

  • Dress Conservatively: Keep your shoulders and knees covered at all times to respect the culture. Carrying a scarf with you can be very handy.
  • Stay Connected: Keep people you trust informed about your whereabouts and ensure that international roaming on your phone is switched on.
  • Seek Advice: If you struggle with any aspect of Indian travel, get advice from tour groups or hotel receptionists.
  • Learn the Local Language: A basic understanding of the local language in India will help you converse with locals.
  • Dial 100 for Any Concerns: Major cities in India have police squads dedicated to women’s safety concerns. Dialing 100 will connect you with the police.

Final Thoughts

Understanding whether you’re safe in a country involves taking necessary precautions. Even if you’re told it’s the safest place in the world, there are still people and things that happen, and as a stranger, you’re more vulnerable. Do your research, take precautions, and enjoy this beautiful country in all its glory.

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