Solo travel tips for women in India: plan it, enjoy it

Start somewhere easy

If it's your first solo trip, pick a place that's well set up for travellers, with plenty of stays, cafés and other visitors around. Places like Rishikesh, Puducherry, Udaipur, Kochi, McLeod Ganj and Hampi are popular with solo travellers and easy to get around. A short trip of two or three nights is a good first step.

Choosing where to stay

• Read recent reviews: especially from other solo travellers. Look for mentions of the area, staff and how safe guests felt.
• Pick a central, busy area: close to cafés and transport, so you're not walking far at night.
• Hostels with private rooms: give you a social common area and a door that locks.
• Check on arrival: the room lock, the window latch, and who has keys. Ask for a different room if something feels wrong.

Arrive in daylight and share your plans

Time trains, buses and flights so you arrive in daylight, especially in a new place. It's easier to find your stay, read the area and sort out transport.

• Share your itinerary with someone at home: where you're staying, how you're travelling and when.
• Share your live location with a trusted person while you're on the move.
• Agree on a daily check-in message, and what they should do if it doesn't come.
• Save your stay's address and phone number offline, in case your network drops.

Getting around

• Trusted transport: app cabs, prepaid taxi counters at airports and stations, or transport arranged by your stay. Check the vehicle number before you get in and share the trip with a friend.
• Trains: book in advance where you can, and keep your bag locked and close at night.
• After dark: avoid walking alone through quiet, unfamiliar areas. A short cab ride is worth it.
• Dress for the place: in temples, small towns and some rural areas, covering shoulders and knees can help you blend in and avoid attention. Carry a light scarf or shawl.

Money, ID and your phone

• Split your money: some cash and a card with you, some in your bag at the stay.
• Carry a photocopy of your ID and keep a digital copy, with the original somewhere safe.
• Keep a charged power bank and a little offline map of the area.
• Save 112, India's emergency number, and your stay's number on speed dial.

Meeting people safely

Solo travel is a great way to meet people, through hostel common rooms, walking tours, cooking classes or treks. Keep the first meetings in public, don't share where you're staying until you're comfortable, and get to and from places on your own. Say no to plans that move somewhere remote or private, however friendly the person seems.

If you'd like company for part of a trip, SwipeTrip's travel buddy mode is for finding someone who travels like you, without dating. Every member is verified with their Aadhaar and a live selfie, and for declared trips you can add an emergency contact, check in and use SOS. It's pre-launch, opening city by city across India.

Questions people ask

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  Is India good for a first solo trip as a woman?

  Many women travel solo in India and love it. Start with a well-travelled place, book reviewed stays, arrive in daylight and keep someone at home updated.

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  What should I share with family before a solo trip?

  Your itinerary, where you're staying, how you're travelling, your live location while moving, and a daily check-in time.

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  Should I tell people I'm travelling alone?

  You don't have to. Saying you're meeting friends later is a common and sensible choice with strangers.

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  What is the emergency number in India?

  112. It connects you to police, fire and ambulance services anywhere in India.