Is India safe?
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India is generally a safe country for travellers, but there are a few things to keep in mind on your trip
With the morning calls of chai wallahs, the changing the colours of the Taj Mahal’s white marble at sunrise, and the encompassing silence of the desert, it’s no wonder travellers yearn to experience India. But with a population of over one billion people, you might be wondering how safe it is. Just like anywhere you go, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting a new country.
Some of the main concerns include pickpocketing, tourist scams and petty theft. Travelling with a local helps keep you safe and know where to go, but as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, you should be fine. We’ve put together a guide to safety in India with some handy tips for travellers.
Safety tips for India
When you travel with Intrepid, you’ll have a welcome meeting on the first day of your itinerary where you can ask questions and your local leader can fill you in on safety tips and how to avoid any scams. When in doubt, lean on local expertise, but here’s a few general tips to keep in mind.
Safety tips
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- Carry a padlock for bags stored under your bunk on trains
- Use taxi and transport recommended by your hotel or trip leader
- Settle the price with a taxi driver before getting in the vehicle
- Avoid any areas experiencing political or civil unrest
- Avoid travelling alone at night (particularly women travellers)
- Dress conservatively
- If walking at night, stick to well-lit, populated areas
- Get a local SIM card or have a way to stay contactable
Women travellers
It’s uncommon, but not unheard of, for women to experience harassment while in India. There’s no reason to be put off – locals are generally very welcoming and hospitable – but women travellers should follow some simple precautions, especially when travelling solo.
Safety for solo women travellers
We recommend dressing conservatively (i.e., shoulders, chest and legs covered), avoiding travelling alone at night, and sticking to well-lit areas or avoiding going out alone after the sun goes down.
Women should opt to travel in women-only carriages if they’re available or reserve a chair designated for women travellers on public buses and trains. We also recommend keeping people informed of your travels, such as telling your hotel or tour leader where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Travelling with us
Perks of small group travel
- Local leaders provide knowledge of cultural do’s and don'ts
- Travelling with a local helps to combat risk of tourist scams
- Small group of like-minded travellers adds a layer of ease and security
- Leader handles all logistics, so you can focus on adventure
Common scams to avoid
Just like most busy areas you visit, there are a few common scams to avoid on your next trip to India.
Be cautious of people around tourist areas offering travel services – some may falsely claim to be tour leaders or associated with reputable travel companies but you should always arrange activities through trusted operators only, and seek advice from your Intrepid trip leader.
Some tuk-tuk drivers may offer unrealistically low prices to attract passengers, then encourage visits to specific shops, markets or restaurants where they receive commissions. This is most common before the group’s welcome meeting, as they know that trip leaders typically brief travellers about these types of scams.
Ask your local leader what reasonable, average prices are for tuk-tuk rides and settle the price with the driver before taking off.
Food safety
Tips to avoid an upset belly
- Always carry hand sanitiser and use it regularly
- Many meals are traditionally eaten by hand, so maintaining good hygiene is important
- Avoid ice from street vendors, as the water source may not always be reliable
- Trust your leader’s recommendations on where and what to eat
You might want to know
LGBTQIA+
You may be curious about not only safety in general, but safety for the LGBTQIA+ community. Here’s some info to know as an LGBTQIA+ traveller in India.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit India is in winter (December to March), unless you don’t mind the heat. When you should go depends on what you want to do!
Festivals
If your trip lines up with a festival in India, expect fireworks, colour, dancing and food (always food). Find out what’s happening and when so you can join the party.
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