64% of travellers worldwide are female. There are more solo women travellers than men, yet travelling for women isn't safe, especially in India.
Most solo women travellers don't think of India as a safe destination. India has much to offer solo travellers, and no woman traveller wants to miss out on incredible travel destinations. As a woman, you can have a terrific travel experience in India if you know some insights and tips about the place. Enjoy a safe, diverse and exhilarating travel experience in India with these solo woman travelling tips:
We recommend learning a few words of the local language before you visit India. This will go a long way in helping people get around the country and also in asking for help during any emergency. In India, language changes every 50-100 kilometres, but if you know basic Hindi words, you can have a more seamless travel experience.
Here are some Hindi words that every solo woman travelling in India should know:
This rule applies in any city or country in the world. Don't compromise your safety to save money. Do your research before making a hotel reservation or homestay booking. Book hotels or homestays that are reputable and have been reviewed by solo travellers, especially solo women travellers.
If a hotel or homestay is extremely cheap, there is a high chance that it might be fraudulent or unsafe. Also, inform your family members and friends about your trip and where you are staying so that even if you get in some trouble, your dear ones can come and help you.
Everyone woman has the right to wear the clothes they want, but when you are travelling to India, especially in rural areas, it is important to respect their culture. Always dress conservatively on your solo travels in India.
Carry a multipurpose scarf, which can be used as an emergency blanket. A multipurpose scarf is great for solo women travellers, as you'll be able to use it to keep warm, cover yourself or dress up an outfit. We don't mean you need to be covered from head to toe, wear loose cotton clothing such as pants and a top or a kurta and tights.
In India, there are various religious places where you cannot visit with short clothes, so wearing conservative clothes will also allow you to travel without offending religious sentiments or facing restrictions at sacred sites.
In most towns and cities in India, it's advisable not to go out alone in the dark. Make all your travel plans during the day so you reach your destination before sunset. If you plan to go out alone at night, ensure you have a reliable company.
When going out at night, make sure you aren't wearing any expensive jewellery as thieves can hurt you steal the jewellery.
Safety is a massive concern for solo women travellers in India. "Eve-teasing" is common in India. We recommend carrying messenger bags or backpacks in front to avoid accidental brushing. Also, carry a safety whistle or safety alarm. They're both small and easy to carry, and they make a loud noise when you press them during an emergency. If you're being harassed, we recommend alerting people around you and dialling 100 to call the police squad that is dedicated to protecting women.
Most public transport has different designated areas for women; we recommend always using those. Public transport is quite affordable, and you get to explore the authentic culture of the destination. In restaurants, always sit in the Family Section. Before you visit a location, make sure you check its reviews to know the safety standards.
Make copies of all your important documents – your passport, visa, travel insurance, credit cards, etc. and keep the originals with you in a cross-body messenger bag or a money belt. In the unfavourable situation that your travel documents have been stolen, you will still have the copies. Even though you are using a messenger bag or a money belt, you should always be alert during your travels in India.
Don't trust strangers, as you might meet friendly people, but not everyone is trustworthy. Also, carry more cash than you need, as you never want to run out of cash in an unknown place. Carrying extra cash in hills and rural areas is highly useful as there aren't many ATMs in such areas.
You should keep an emergency card with you at all times while travelling alone. That way, if there is an emergency, a person trying to help can find the emergency contact card. The emergency card should include complete contact details of someone at home or in India and any relevant information such as allergies or your blood group. Additionally, keep your family or friends aware of all your travel plans and keep in touch with them via a local SIM card, which doesn't cost much!
Here's a list of items that you may include on your contact information card:
Should Women Travel Alone in India? There are various solo female travel destinations in India that female travellers can explore. By following the above safety tips, you can have a blast of a time exploring India. Travelling helps you in self-discovery and exploring the world to learn about different cultures and traditions.
Q. How important is it to choose accommodation wisely as a solo woman traveller in India?
Choosing reputable accommodations with good reviews and secure surroundings is crucial. Consider staying in well-reviewed hotels or guesthouses with 24-hour security.
Q. Is it safe to engage with strangers or accept invitations while travelling solo in India?
Be careful when interacting with strangers, and avoid sharing too much personal information. Politely decline invitations and prioritize your safety.
Q. How can I stay connected with family and friends while travelling alone in India?
Keep loved ones informed about your travel itinerary and share regular updates about your whereabouts. Consider using local SIM cards for affordable communication options.
Q. What should I do in case of an emergency while travelling solo in India?
Keep emergency contact numbers handy, including local police and embassy contacts. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and seek assistance from authorities or trusted contacts if needed.
Q. What precautions should I take while exploring tourist attractions alone?
Stay vigilant in crowded areas, keep valuables secure, and avoid displaying expensive items openly. It's also advisable to inform someone trustworthy about your location.
Women travelling alone need to be extra conscious about her security. In India, foreign tourists especially whites are treated with special care, expecting that they are able to spend more. Here are useful Tips for Woman Travelling to India -
There are many people who enjoy their own company so, they prefer traveling alone. While planning a solo trip we are excited about the location and in a hurry, we tend to forget many things. So given below are some of the common mistakes which we people make while traveling alone. Thus, one should keep them in mind for our future trips.
Traveling alone can be quite liberating and eye opening, it can also be scary and terrifying. If you plan to travel alone, it’s important that you pick a destination that is safe.Traveling solo has numerous proven benefits such as it encourages self-discovery and gives you the freedom to plan your own schedule. However, it’s important to pick a destination that’s easy to navigate and is safe for solo women.
