Is India safe for women?

It’s entirely possible to feel safe when travelling on your own as a woman in India but you do need to be mindful of your surroundings and not put yourself in situations that are potentially dangerous. The easiest way to do this is to travel with a small group guided by a local leader so you have someone in the area you can reach out to. Many of our itineraries include free time, which allows you to have solo exploration and independence with the added safety net of having a local leader’s contact information for regional guidance and to be around as a backup if needed.

We also recommend exploring during the daytime and sticking to activities that allow you to get back to your accommodation at a reasonable time, so you’re not alone at night. Shop in areas that are busy, well-lit and popular, and don’t go into any storerooms or backrooms of retail shops where you can’t see the street, even when trying on clothes. Speaking of clothes, it’s best to show respect for the local culture by dressing modestly and covering your legs and shoulders, as well as wearing looser fit clothing.

With Intrepid, you have the freedom of the solo experience with the added safety of travelling with someone looking out for you who knows the country best.

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean travelling alone and that’s why our Women’s Expeditions are a great way to experience solo exploration while also sharing some of the adventure with other women.

You’ll travel in women-only carriages on the metro, meet local women in the Thar Desert, visit a community project supporting women artisans in the village of Chandelao Garh and take a rickshaw ride around Jaipur with a woman as your guide from the Pink City Rickshaw Company. Not only does this support the local community, but it provides a safe space for travellers to connect and explore with the added safety of a small group.  

There are safety precautions to take whenever you’re on public transportation in an unfamiliar place, but here are some tips to keep in mind for your next trip to India.  

We recommend pre-arranging transportation services when possible, including when you arrive at the airport. You can organise private transfers through your hotel or pre-paid taxis. Intrepid offers a pre-arranged transfer service option when travelling on one of our trips, too – just let your booking agent know ahead of time.  

Decide on a fare before you get into a taxi to avoid bargaining with your driver when you arrive at the destination. You can ask your local leader what a fair price is for taxi and tuk-tuk rides and how to know when it’s a reasonable fare.

There are also women-only carriage options in the Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai metros. Always keep your valuables where you can see them on trains and buses, as pickpockets tend to target travellers regardless of gender.  

It’s important to note that some of our India itineraries feature overnight train rides. If you need to leave your compartment for any reason (e.g. going to the bathroom), ask a male travel companion from your group or your leader to accompany you. Where possible, we will allocate women group members an upper bunk and will not separate women travellers from the rest of the group.  

Your leader is there to support you throughout your trip and will provide you with their mobile number at the welcome meeting. If you feel threatened, harassed, unsafe or uncomfortable during your trip, please ask your leader for assistance.  

If you would prefer to discuss any issue with a female staff member, please either let your leader know or contact our India office directly at the numbers below:  

• During business hours (9:30 am to 6 pm): +91 1145 006 400 
• After hours or in an emergency: +91 9599914852