Solo travelling is a feat that is essentially different from group trips, whether with family, friends or a travel agency. You will gain a sense of freedom, feel a bit closer to a nomad. However, you will also run into some issues when you are venturing into the country all on your own. Therefore, you require someone like us, mapunseen, to provide you with some of the best tips for solo travellers in India!
After all, in a country like India is which is full of vibrant colours, rich history, and immense diversity. Travelling solo here can be an amazing and life-changing adventure, giving you the freedom to explore and discover yourself in new ways. But as mentioned before, it’s important to be prepared and stay aware of your surroundings. By keeping a few key safety tips in mind, you can enjoy the trip with confidence and make it a safe, stress-free, and unforgettable experience.
1. Conduct Thorough Research and Plan Ahead
Before your trip, it is important to make thorough preparation and ensure your digital safety. Research the specific regions you plan to visit, as safety can vary greatly between states and even cities. In particular, it is always best to understand local cultural norms, especially regarding dress and public interaction, to ensure respectful behaviour and reduce unwanted attention.
Furthermore, it is always a good idea to book your first night’s accommodation in advance and plan to arrive during daylight hours. Navigating unfamiliar, crowded train stations or airports at night significantly increases your vulnerability. Additionally, keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and insurance stored securely online (e.g., in a cloud service or email), and carry a separate physical copy tucked away from the originals.
2. Stay Connected with a Local SIM Card
Having reliable mobile data is non-negotiable for solo travel in India, in case you want to avoid roaming charges. So, purchase a local SIM card (Airtel and Jio are popular providers) upon arrival at the airport or an official outlet. This allows you to use essential apps without relying on public Wi-Fi.
Moreover, ensure to get the most out of map apps like Google Maps (using offline maps can save data) or Mappls, which is made in India. Also, download apps that offer ride-sharing services like Uber or Ola (for trackable journeys). Ensure you have a secure messaging app like WhatsApp, Signal, or your default messaging app supports RCS, which is widely used in India.
3. Choose Reputable and Trackable Transportation
If you are on the move, avoid accepting rides from unmarked vehicles or unsolicited offers, especially upon arrival. To make your transportation experience better, try using ride-sharing apps (Uber/Ola) in major cities, as they track the journey and hold the driver accountable. Alternatively, use prepaid taxi counters at airports and railway stations.
You can also utilise the “Share My Trip” or “Safety” features available on ride-sharing apps to send your real-time location to a trusted contact. On the other hand, use services like redBus to book legit bus services and choose seating arrangements to your liking.
However, one of the best tips for solo travellers in India is opting for overnight train journeys. Book a higher class like AC 2-Tier or AC 3-Tier for increased comfort and security. Use a cable lock to secure your luggage to the berth frame. You can do this all by using a third-party website or app, or log in directly on the IRTCT website.
But if you are a daring type and want to avoid sharing a ride with other people, opting for a bike or driving is a valid and popular option. However, here, you are truly on your own; no one can guarantee of safety, especially on high roads or in remote areas. To go with this option requires years of experience or teaming with someone who can guide you.
4. One of the Most Controversial Tips for Solo Travellers in India – Dress Code
While major metropolitan areas may be more liberal, India is generally a conservative country. We know the semi-urban places are changing, but it’s better not to hurt local sentiment or traditions. Therefore, modest dressing helps you blend in and avoid unwanted attention. For women, this typically means covering your shoulders and knees.
Such policies might feel condemning for many free-spirited people. Furthermore, for foreigners, coming to a relatively warmer country and covering up a majority portion of the body could be a bizarre idea. But is better to be safe than sorry. Many people have different ideas, and it is better to avoid such people by not giving them any excuses to harass you.
Therefore, opt for loose-fitting clothes like a kurta (long tunic) or a salwar kameez are comfortable, appropriate, and readily available. You can also keep a large scarf or dupatta is an invaluable accessory to quickly cover your head or shoulders when entering religious sites or feeling uncomfortable.
5. Trust Your Instincts (Your Gut is Your Best Guide)
Keeping high vigilance and following your intuition is perhaps the most critical tip for travelling in India. If a person, place, or situation feels uncomfortable or “off,” remove yourself immediately. Remember, don’t be polite to a fault, as well as creating white lies to save yourself.
It is perfectly acceptable and essential to firmly and clearly say “No” to unwanted advances, aggressive vendors, or uncomfortable offers, without feeling the need to explain or apologise. Furthermore, if asked, consider saying you are meeting your husband/boyfriend/friend soon, or that you are part of a larger tour group. This can sometimes deter persistent attention.
6. Be Wary of Scams and Overly Helpful Strangers
India has its share of persistent touts and elaborate travel scams, especially around tourist hubs. Therefore, be sceptical of strangers (especially men) who approach you at train stations, airports, or major sights claiming your hotel is closed, the train is cancelled, or offering to be your personal guide.
More importantly, always verify information with a trusted source, such as your hotel receptionist, an official tourist office, or a verified ticket counter. Of course, never hand over your original passport or credit card to an unverified person. Keep your documents as safe as you keep yourself safe.
7. Secure Your Valuables and Cash Wisely
Be discreet about your wealth to avoid becoming a target for petty theft. But exactly how to ensure the safety of my valuables? Simple, you can use a money belt, an anti-theft bag, or a hidden pouch for your passport and primary cash/cards.
Furthermore, only carry the cash and small bills needed for the day’s expenses (e.g., local transport, street food). Avoid flashing large wads of cash in public. Lastly, leave expensive or flashy jewellery and electronics at home or secured in your accommodation.
8. Prioritise Health and Hydration
One of the most important tips for solo travellers in India is to make sure that their health is fine. As well as ensuring nighttime safety. After all, getting sick can be a significant setback when travelling alone. Therefore, stick to bottled, sealed water, or use a reliable water purifier bottle/tablets. Avoid tap water, including ice and fruit cut with unpurified water.
On the other hand, you safety start with well-cooked, hot food from popular, busy establishments. Carry hand sanitiser and use it frequently. Plus, make sure to pack a small medical kit with basic remedies for common issues like traveller’s diarrhoea, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes. In case you are suffering from any kind of chronic disease, carry your medications at all costs.
9. Choose Secure and Reviewed Accommodation
Your place of rest should be your sanctuary. Meaning, ensure to choose a place that is safe and free of any foul play. For example, free from hidden cameras, cabinets and near to a civilisation at least. But that’s not all:
| Check Reviews | Book only hostels, hotels, or guesthouses with recent, high ratings for security and solo travellers on trusted platforms. |
| Add Extra Security | Use a portable door lock or door stop alarm for an extra layer of security on your room door. |
| Use the Safe | Store non-essential valuables, extra cash, and original documents in the room safe or a locked suitcase. |
10. Avoid Travelling Alone at Night
A vast majority of issues occur after dark and in secluded areas, as you can never predict the mind of a human. Thus, as mentioned, plan your travel to arrive at destinations during the day. Yet, if you must go out after sunset, stick to busy, well-lit main roads and commercial areas.
Also, try to arrange reliable, pre-booked transport (like an app-cab or hotel taxi) rather than hailing a random auto-rickshaw or taxi late at night. Therefore, with all that being said, we are concluding our top 10 tips for solo travellers in India. We hope that this post by mapunseen was useful to you!
FAQs
- Is India safe for a solo female traveller?
- Yes, with preparation and vigilance. Many women travel safely. Be mindful of modesty, avoid travelling alone at night, and be prepared for staring (often curiosity-driven).
- Should I stay in hotels or hostels?
- Both are fine. Hostels (especially female-only dorms) are great for meeting people. Hotels/Guesthouses with good security reviews offer more privacy. Choose based on your social preference and budget.
- What should I do if I get lost or feel unsafe?
- If lost, ask for help inside a reputable business (hotel, shop). If unsafe, trust your instincts and immediately move to a crowded area. Emergency numbers: 112 (All-in-one), 100 (Police), 1091 (Women’s helpline).
- How should I deal with unwanted attention?
- Staring is common; usually, ignoring it works best. If it’s persistent or aggressive, be assertive, firm and loudly yell at them. Take this chance and move quickly to a crowded or secure location. You can also use pepper spray for added effectiveness.
- Is it safe to use local public transport?
- Yes. Use ride-sharing apps (Uber/Ola) in cities or prepaid taxis. For trains, book a higher class. For auto-rickshaws, always agree on the fare before you start or ensure the meter is used.
