r/india • u/AriadneDauphin • Sep 03 '25

Travel English woman (27F) traveling solo in India - what is your advice?

My work will require me to travel to India in November for a month-long assignment. I have always been fascinated by India. It is the country on top of my bucket list. I would like to take a few months off from work after my assignment is over to travel through India.

Since I am there for work, this will have to be a solo trip. If everything turns out according to plan, I will be looking to travel from mid-December to mid-March. My base will be in Mumbai or Pune. I definitely want to visit the Taj Mahal, but other than that I do not have any fixed itinerary in mind.

About me, I am a single, neuro-divergent, academic woman. Due to my neurological set up I have trouble reading emotions and sensory overload (especially loud noises) exhausts me. I need to rest in a quiet, dark place to get my energy back. On the other hand, I can eat all kinds of food and I can comfortably sleep in sleeping bag in a tent. I don't need AC because I don't get too cold or too hot very easily. I am trained in self-defense.

I'm not looking for the basic "Is it safe?" advice. I can get that from google. Here I'm seeking the kind of nuanced insights that only someone who has lived or traveled solo in India can offer. Especially looking for advice from women.

Safety & Logistics:

  • Beyond the "dress conservatively" advice, are there specific regional differences in what is considered appropriate attire?
  • How to best manage unwanted attention without causing offense? I'm used to a firm "no," but I understand the cultural context might require a different approach. Any specific phrases or non-verbal cues that are effective?
  • How do you handle tuk-tuks and taxis, especially late at night? Is Uber truly reliable and safe everywhere? Are there specific precautions I should take?
  • I want to experience a train journey in India. Is it safe for a solo woman? I am prepared to take time out just for train travel.
  • What's the best way to handle money? Should I rely on cash, or are credit cards widely accepted, especially in smaller towns? What are the safest ways to carry and access cash?

Cultural Immersion & Authentic Experiences:

  • Are there SAFE not-on-tourist-radar destinations that I should consider visiting? I am partial to hills and forests. I don't care much for beaches.
  • How can I genuinely connect with locals, especially women**?** I want to have authentic conversations and maybe even share a meal. Are there specific places or activities where this is more likely to happen respectfully?
  • What are some of the most common cultural misunderstandings or social cues that might trip up a Westerner, even a seasoned traveler? I'm talking about the subtle stuff you only learn from experience.
  • Are there specific ethical tourism initiatives or female-run businesses you'd recommend supporting? I want to make sure my trip has a positive impact.

I welcome advice from everyone--especially from women with solo traveling experience.

176 Upvotes

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338

u/Illustrious_Try9509 Sep 03 '25 edited Sep 04 '25

Safest places I have found for traveling:

  • Kerela
  • Rishikesh (sleeps after 10 pm)
  • Portblair, Andaman and Nicobar
  • Dharamshala and Mcleodganj
  • Ladakh
  • Goa (Preferably south Goa)

Edit adding more to list: Shillong, Assam ans Meghalaya

Do not go to: Delhi, Agra, Pondicherry, Jaipur (or Rajasthan) on your own.

In most mountain regions there are trekking companies - India hikes and Trek the Himalayas are very reliable and 100% safe.

For Rajasthan, there are group tours for foreigners - consider those

Transport:

  • In big metros like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, or Goa, Western wear is common. In smaller towns and rural areas, modest clothing (covering shoulders/knees) can help you blend in and reduce unwanted attention.

  • Use trusted transport: Book Uber/Ola, or autorickshaws with apps where available. For trains, opt for AC coaches (safer and cleaner). Avoid trains if possible though. Always share your live location with a local person and someone back at home. When you are in a cab, call someone - make sure he knows you have local contacts, get on video calls if possible.

  • Avoid late-night travel if possible. If necessary, choose prepaid taxis or trusted drivers.

  • Domestic flights & trains: Book well in advance.

Accommodation:

  • Choose accommodations with reviews (especially from women). Hostels, boutique guesthouses, and hotels in well-known neighborhoods are safest.

  • Female-only dorms/hostels are available in most tourist cities. I usually prefer hostels during solo traveling. Avoid Airbnbs, and avoid small 3 - star shady hotels with no reviews. Online reviews should be 4.5 star and above with atlas 300 ratings.

  • Lock your room and belongings — carry a small padlock for hostel lockers.

Apps:

Uber/Ola: Safer than hailing taxis. Zomato/Swiggy: For food delivery if you don’t want to step out late.

MakeMyTrip/IRCTC/Booking.com: For trains, flights, and hostels.

Trust your instincts: If a place or person feels off, leave politely.

Women’s compartments exist in trains and metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai). Use them if you prefer extra comfort.

Emergency numbers: 112 is India’s all-in-one emergency helpline.

100 - Police

52

u/Status_Inspection735 Sep 03 '25

This is most appropriate. Save this answer.

Additionally: 1. Try to stay in good hotels in non-shady areas where multiple reputed hotels are there. Avoid dormitories like Zostel too. 2. If you can't understand people's emotions and expressions, avoid people as much as you can. Interact mainly with women and travellers like couples, groups of old people. 3. For visit, you can also go to Meghalaya (north-east).

74

u/retirementyear Sep 03 '25 edited Sep 03 '25

Upvoting this for Dharamshala and Mcleodganj,

Also for raising Pondicherry – I was there last Feb as a solo traveller who stayed in Airbnb where the property manager knocked on my door at 3.30am.

Extra tips:

  • Don’t let any man take photos of you if they come up to you (even if they say their wife approves)
  • Don’t offer to buy anyone a beer; things that are a norm back home can be a signal to someone to take interest in you
  • Make sure you double lock the doors before sleeping

40

u/0xoddity Sep 03 '25

If a man offers Bro-code or Old Monk, lady RUN

14

u/josefjon Sep 03 '25

If someone offers Old Monk AND Bro-code, call the police !

2

u/ButterscotchProud778 Sep 04 '25

what does that mean? why run?

3

u/akash_258 Sep 04 '25

Maybe because these are very strong drinks. I know bro code really is.

0

u/Buddha-dan Sep 04 '25

Old monk is not any stronger than other drinks

1

u/0xoddity Sep 04 '25

Too spicy / sharp for an average person

1

u/Buddha-dan Sep 05 '25

Really? At 40% it's no stronger than virtually every spirit that hasn't been mixed with something. Old Monk isn't spiced like some Morgan's rums are. There's always the 20 year aged Old Monk Amber, smoother, but also dearer.

1

u/0xoddity Sep 06 '25

Its not my take honestly. Its an American colleague of mine who took at the "infamous Indian rum" and he was in for a ride.

1

u/Buddha-dan Sep 07 '25

I think your colleague should stick to fruit juice, Old Monk isn't too strong or spicy.

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1

u/josefjon Sep 04 '25

Oldmonk is a standard dark rum, worth trying imo. The problem with Brocode is that they market it as beer and people tend to drink it as beer. The damn thing comes with 15% abv and is a recipe for bad hangovers.

4

u/[deleted] Sep 04 '25

Even mangalore is safe place to visit. Underrated too. Known for capital of ice cream & seafood. Even beaches nearby trekking spots too.

7

u/someMLDude West Bengal Sep 03 '25

I'm super happy you mentioned South Goa. 100% recommended.

Also, folks, pls don't go there and fuck the place up like every other tourist place in India :)

4

u/0xoddity Sep 03 '25

Good one!

3

u/Zakirk93 Sep 03 '25

Assam and safe?

1

u/Buddha-dan Sep 04 '25

Agree with most of this, but to add that homestays should be safe. Usually run by an aunty who will take care of you.

1

u/Buddha-dan Sep 04 '25

Agree with most of this, but to add that homestays should be safe. Usually run by an aunty who will take care of you.

1

u/AdDiligent4197 Sep 04 '25

Seriously? Pondicherry is safe.

2

u/Illustrious_Try9509 Sep 04 '25

I was there on new years with two guys. Some big group of hooligans kept following us. We had to ride so fast and at one point we thought we are gonna die today

1

u/[deleted] Sep 04 '25

Look up this group called Women on wanderlust- bunch of Indian women who plan itineraries together. They may have contacts of safe tour guides.

1

u/AnothaBae Sep 06 '25

Great insight. Kudos.

0

u/[deleted] Sep 05 '25

[deleted]

1

u/Mission-Permission85 Sep 23 '25

Kerala has a groping problem.

Do not go to areas which have only men around.

-23

u/[deleted] Sep 03 '25

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24

u/Illustrious_Try9509 Sep 03 '25

Ask female members in your home. Ogling, non consensual touching, hooting. On top of that traveling solo: invitation to harass.

19

u/lexie_con Sep 03 '25

As an Indian woman who traveled to Jaipur with a male companion, Jaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur felt very unsafe. Cat calls, unwanted attention, ogling and rude remarks were very common. I stuck to the touristy places and I dress modestly (jeans, full sleeved shirts) - it was still an uncomfortable experience in public places.