Travelling Solo as a Woman in India

The last decade has seen something remarkable happen in India: women have begun claiming the country’s roads, mountains, beaches and cities for themselves. According to recent data from IntrCity SmartBus, solo female travel in India surged 135% between 2023 and 2025. Even more striking: Gen Z women now make up more than 40% of all solo female travellers. Globally, too, women drive more than half of all solo travel searches.

But behind those numbers is a question that every woman, Indian or foreigner, quietly asks before planning a trip: “Is India safe for solo female travellers?”

As someone who has travelled extensively across India, I can say this: India isn’t unsafe everywhere, but it isn’t uncomplicated either. My experiences have ranged from heartwarming encounters with strangers to moments when I felt the weight of my gender more sharply than I would’ve liked.

It’s true that India’s reputation when it comes to women’s safety is far from ideal. Anyone Googling “solo travel in India for women” will stumble on countless cautionary tales. But the lived experience is different.

Take Jaipur, for instance. One winter morning, I stepped out of my hotel to get a cup of tea. It was 7 am; the city only beginning to rise from slumber. An elderly shopkeeper waved me over, insisting I try fresh kachoris. He refused to take payment, saying, “You’re travelling alone. You’re our guest.” That moment stayed with me; a reminder that India is often kinder than it gets credit for.

But later that evening, a female traveller, staying in the same hotel and also travelling solo, told me another story. Of a group of young men slowing their bikes as they passed her, staring. She got back safe, but the message was unmistakable: She needed to move, fast. Experiences like this don’t define India, but they do shape how women navigate it.

Why more women are travelling solo

Part of the answer lies in the shifting social landscape. Over the last six years, women’s participation in India’s labour force has risen by nearly 80%. Rising economic independence has brought confidence—and the freedom to spend on travel.

Another factor is the rise of women-focused travel companies. Groups like Jugni, Wovoyage, Women on Clouds, Wander Womaniya, F5 Escapes, and Women on Wanderlust have created safe spaces for women who want to explore without the anxiety of doing everything alone.

There has also a major rise in spiritual and wellness tourism, with many young Indian women heading to Rishikesh, Varanasi, Dharamshala, and South Indian temple towns. I’ve noticed one thing: women are no longer waiting for permission to explore.

What makes India challenging

Here’s the truth most first-time travellers don’t expect: the challenges aren’t constant; they’re context-dependent. Delhi at night feels different from Pondicherry in the afternoon. A crowded train station at 6 pm is different from a mountain village at dawn.

These are some of the issues I’ve consistently faced:

Unwanted attention: People staring for extended periods, especially in small towns, is almost guaranteed. Often, it’s curiosity. But the line between innocent and intrusive can blur.

Transport anxiety: Late-night arrival times can be stressful. I’ve rescheduled or cancelled buses purely because they’d drop me at a station at midnight.

Staying out late: In cities like Mumbai or Bangalore, it’s fine. In other places, everything feels 10 times more intense after sunset—noise, stares, unpredictability.

Food and hygiene concerns: Street food can be incredible, but not all vendors maintain standards. I’ve learned to look for crowds (always a good sign) and avoid pre-cut fruit.

Things to keep in mind

If there’s one thing travelling as a woman teaches you, it’s strategy. Here’s what has helped me stay safe while still enjoying India fully:

Dress modestly: Not because women should have to but because it reduces attention. Loose pants, kurtas, and scarves blend in and help you feel more comfortable.

Use reliable transport: Apps like Uber or Ola are a must in cities. For trains and buses, choose AC First, Second, or Sleeper Coaches. Always try to arrive in daylight.

Stay connected: A local SIM card is non-negotiable, for maps, emergency calls, and booking cabs. Or else, get an sSIM.

Choose safe accommodation:  Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Hostelworld are your friends. Look at reviews by women, whether the reception operates 24/7, lighting around the property, and women-only dorm options.

Eat smart: Stick to busy food stalls. Avoid raw foods unless in reputable cafés. Always carry a bottle of water and sanitiser.

Share your itinerary: Even now, I text someone my city, hotel name, and travel plan. It’s a habit that brings peace of mind.

Know when to say no: Whether it’s a shopkeeper insisting you “just come inside” or a stranger asking too many questions, say no, firmly but politely. Trust your instinct.

Join a women’s travel group: Especially if you’re new to India. Women-only tours offer safety, community, and the joy of meeting like-minded travellers.

Consider a local guide: A guide can be invaluable for safety and cultural insight in remote areas or when hiking.

India may not be easy, but it’s often worth it. Warm experiences don’t erase the challenges, especially with all the unsavoury news that emerges regularly, but they are a reminder why so many women—135% more than two years ago—are choosing to explore this country on their own terms.

India certainly isn’t the safest destination for solo women travellers, but is deeply navigable, and, yes, enjoyable, with awareness, preparation, and instinct. Travelling alone as a woman in India teaches you something no guidebook can: the art of trusting yourself in a place that tests, stretches, and ultimately empowers you.