Hey!
Are there any WOMEN in the group that have flown to INDIA on a SOLO trip, without joining a tour group?
I’m planning a trip to Delhi ( > Agra > Jaipur > Varanasi) but I am a little nervous about landing at the airport alone.… See more

Yes! Been to India twice on my own- first time I travelling solo for 5 months! Both times I landed were super late/super early. You're landing in Delhi? Are you planning on going straight to your hotel?

Melissa Sieben I haven’t planned that far ahead yet. I was just curious what it was like for a non- Indian woman landing on her own.

Honestly I found it a bit intimidating the first time. But if you have internet on your phone you can call an uber which I recommend. But if you plan on buying a sim card at the airport just know it takes a while for it to work (like almost a day) and the airport has no wifi so be prepared with your first hostel/hotel address or have internet

Feel free to message me about all other things as well! I loved India and wish I knew some of these things before I went

Melissa Sieben were u able to get a working sim card on ur phone prior? Im flying in from london!

Indian women friends have told me don’t wear anything but cheap jewelry , no expensive electronics etc

Agree, but i was told that they look at any one with white skin has money. But yes definitely dress down.

Don't do it, I grew up in India, I don't travel from the airport alone. I would not recommend solo travel for women to India

Neha can you elaborate? Is there a big concern as to why not?

Jennifer mostly safety. As much as it pains me to say for my own motherland, India is not safe for women, women tourists even less so.

Jennifer if you still plan on going, book a luxury group tour from a big vendor, less chances of getting into trouble

Yes, like Melissa, I've been to India twice and travelled solo (as a 26 year old and as a 32 year old). If you want to private message me, please do. I have recommendations

Tracy thank you! I likely will DM you soon.

Sounds good.

My friend
Kit Blaiklock went to India on her own. Not sure on where tho

I landed in Delhi solo. Don't pay the cab/ give voucher until you're at your destination with luggage IN HAND.

Barb Culbard yes can get prepaid taxi at airport

Solo Women Travel Tribe is great for this sort of question

Yes, I have traveled there alone twice. You are welcome to message me.

Shannon thank you! I will send a DM soon.

A female friend of mine who travels solo a lot, always arranges with the hotel she is staying at to get someone to meet her at the airport, so when she gets off the plane they are waiting there holding a board with her name on. It may cost a little more, but is well worth it.

Sylvia great tip. Thank you!

Jennifer you are welcome. Enjoy your trip and stay safe.

I didn’t travel solo but with a partner and when we arrived via train to Agra late we had a very hard time getting transportation. That was probably the only time on my 2 year trip that I got scared. Our guest house owner told us he would have picked us up if we told him when we are arriving. I would recommend to arrange a pick up with via your hotel in advance. I think it’s worth the extra cost for the piece of mind and your safety

I went solo for 2 months. I had no problems but be mindful. I paid the hotel in Delhi for my taxi. They arranged it. I arrived at midnight, less traffic. I went about 2011.

When I went, I paid the hotel I stayed at for the taxi to my next destination (for safety reasons) and it didn't go as planned because they sent someone who drove us 5 minutes, parked and then transferred our luggage to another car and told us to go with another guy "my brother" for the hour long journey and left. We had no choice and it was pretty scary because the new guy couldn't communiate and there were lots of fishy things. we got to where we needed to go but I was alert and on guard and it was an anxious trip. turned out fine but you don't know.

It is good to hear the horror stories, These guys are professionals at scamming people. It is scary. Glad you made in out unscathed.

Melanie Pedersen something similar happened to me as well except our driver picked up another strange man. I was told never to allow that and as we didn’t know where we were going I was freaking out the whole time that they will take us to middle or nowhere and rob us or worse. I was clutching my metal water bottle the whole time and calculating how fast I can whack the guy in the head and run! It all turned out fine but I promised myself that I will always arrange a pick up for situations like these

i booked a hotel room that included airport pickup. but of course my flight was a few hours late so i had to take a taxi from the pre-paid taxi booth at the airport.

I'm single but not female. Was there in November and a female friend came a week after as she did not want to travel solo there and has always wanted to go (she has been many places). Anyway in the time we were together she really was only on her own 2x and both time there were extremely small incidents. All the respect to any solo travellers, but especially women and in India. We were in the South - One person told me not the real India:))) and overall had a great time. Love to know how women deal with the harassment as it seemed quite persistent and constant from what other female travelers have told me. I think if you are firm and direct the men cower... As everyone said above get a safe secure pick up and you'll be good, get a good hotel for the first couple of days or good hostel and you'll get your travel legs quickly and with the hostel you'll have loads of ppl to learn from. Keep safe, have fun and when you find that perfect samosa and chutney you'll be so happy;)!!!

I have done two longer solo trips to India and had no problems. Maybe try to book a hotel that has an airport pick up if you are nervous. There are also plenty of taxis at the Airport to get you to your hotel. When catching the train to Agra, ignore anyone at Delhi train station that tells you the train has been cancelled. This is ploy to get you to take an expensive taxi. Stand your ground and go directly to security check and onto the platform. PM me if you want more tips.

Lyndel thank you so much! I’ll definitely PM you.

I've been a few times on my own.
It can be very overwhelming to walk out of the airport. The taxi drivers will likely swarm you. If you don't have a driver meeting you, use the prepaid taxi office in the airport. It will be a set rate decided upon before you leave the airport, and you get a ticket that you paid, then they tell you which taxi to go in. Airport taxi rate is more expensive than a regular taxi but will be fair. My recommendation would be not to negotiate the taxi on your own behalf when you are first arriving and tired, as many people get taken advantage of that way and feel bad afterwards about the rate they paid.

Erica thank you for the tips!

I did many times. I get the hotel to arrange a taxi. Girl Gone International is a great place for these type of questions too

I flew into delhi with no plan arriving at 11 pm and needing to get to Agra. Not a great idea. No need for tour but make sure you plan transportation. It is very overwhelming. Once you exit the terminal you cannot go back inside. Limited English was spoken by anyone outside. I ended up finding a taxi man that spoke reasonable English and although very nervous hired him to drive me the 5 hours to Agra. Of course didnt sleep at all along the way. All worked out but i would suggest absolutely plan your transportation.

Alysha Mary Ann

Jaipur i stayed at hotel pearl palace. Great location and has an awesome Peacock cafe on the rooftop. Highly recommend. They also own the pearl palace heritage hotel nearby and will shuttle you between the properties.

I also stayed here! in 2003...!

Tracy great place isnt it.

I sent you a PM

I have been twice but In small tours ( Max
not a place I would be comfortable traveling solo but go for it .
I prefer different cities , pushkar - holy city , jaisalmer and udaipur

So many beautiful places on this earth where your first concern isn't for your own personal safety, I'd consider other choices first. Just my 2 cents.

I am Indian. I would not recommend travelling alone in India. It is not safe. If you absolutely must, I have been told that South is the safest place to be. Safety tips: don't be outside alone after dark. Dress conservatively.

I didnt go on a solo trip but with my boyfriend. We booked everything ourselves and didnt rely on any tours. You can use uber which we found really helpful. Also organized with hotels when we knew it was too late or would be tough to get public transit. As a woman I was definitely treated differently but most of the time with respect. We ended up in absolute back alleys in Agra..ultimately be safe and be smart. Happy to chat as well.. we did 5 cities in 2 weeks

Janet-Jeni good info

Vesna Sertić yes

The airport is awesome, nobody is allowed in without a passport and ticket check. After you exist it’s not mayhem but you will stand out. There are a lot of educated people / business sorts flying in and out of there and in the cities you’re going to. You shouldn’t be harassed but you will, similar rules a grizzly siting, make yourself big and make it clear you’re not standing for it. (Big change from 20 years ago at the airport though) If you want to chat let me know/pm me. There’s uber too. There’s been drastic improvements over the years, especially at the airport after the Commonwealth games.

Two neat things I’ve done in India over the last two years was glamping in Jaiselmir and going to the Andaman Islands. (Awesome!) https://www.tripsavvy.com/glamping-in-india-1539861 it’s not the same resort as #1 of that list but the value for glamping was great and it can give you the actual places we stayed. I also have a friend of the families with a Delhi guest house/ not extravagant and I can connect you.

Get accomodation planned for Delhi. We stayed at this wonderful guest house. The host Ajay, who is amazing, arranged transportation for us. This was a PERFECT place to land and get our [email protected]

Janice that's a great tip! Pre-arrange transport through your accomodation.

My only concern was landing in the middle of the night. And I do not like big cities anywhere

I think many people DO go alone, however I have been several times over the course of my life and would NEVER go alone, nor would I recommend anyone to go alone. Some areas of the country are more dangerous than others, if you stay on the tourist beat, you will be safer.

I went to all 3 of those cities, wasn't alone was with another female. We wern't part of any groups or hotel stuff though, we mostly backpacked and travelled on local transportation. It's a challenging country as a woman - you have to be "on" all the time. Agree with a comment above - don't walk alone at night, always try to walk in public areas (no backstreets), and either dress conservatively (ie cover your shoulders and wear shorts or skirts that go to your knees) or buy some local clothing to wear that. my friend and i did that and found it helped a lot. I'd also offer that Agra was my least favourite city (the most touristy and as such, feels the most uncomfortable with people pressuring you and harassing you). but Taj Mahal is beautiful. I'd recommend Udaipur over Jaipur - way more beautiful. Loved Udaipur, JAipur was ok - the block printing and stuff.

Melanie Pedersen agree with Udapair vs Jaipur

Melanie Pedersen and the Taj at sunrise. Less people and stunning.

We travelled as family and still booked with tour company that picked us up from airport and stayed with us the whole time.

Verina Nguyen

i did that trip on a tour a few years back. are you doing it alone?

I know a driver over there. I can reach out on your behalf to find out how much a pick up would be and if he is available.

Before I went a few years ago we looked in to Namaste Tours. They seemed good. We ended up hiring a driver and his brother and they took us from Delhi to Jaipur, Udapair, Ranthambore, and Agra. I would not go out at night at all as a single woman. Be sure to take a very strong probiotic every day.

I’ve been 3 times but never alone or with a tour group. We live in Vancouver and connected with an Indian travel agent here who has offices there. Super helpful. Driver met us at the airport with our name on a sign. We picked our own hotels, what we wanted to do, where we wanted to go - he made it happen and arranged it all. We were on our own, he just made life easier for us there. Really helpful and crazy good pricing! He’s on Facebook - Atul Parelkar at Clickontours! Highly recommend!

Pat what agency did you use? We are looking at going again, but would rather use a tour guide/company. We also live in Vancouver.

Janice, [email protected] - really helpful. DM me if you have any specific questions, happy to help

I was there solo. It's definitely doable alone, but you will have to exercise caution.

I went with my mom alone and also spent time by myself after. Most places I felt safe and fine. Just be smart. I wouldn’t walk around Delhi alone at night. Most people are good people but people will stare at you for sure. If anyone bothers you just be firm. Almost everyone speaks some English if you have any troubles.

Crys Same here. I was with my mom alone, and then spent some time by myself. I wouldn’t wander around alone at night but with good street sense, you’ll be fine. If it makes you more comfortable, befriend someone on the plane and take a taxi away from the airport with them.

Also if you are worried about getting in a random taxi if you land at night you could hire a car from a tour company.

There have been lots of articles written on this subject.

Following ...identical intentions...adding Amritsar and Shimla and Darjeeling.... Nepal

I believe this is the Women on Wheels Link for booking. Web http://sakhaconsultingwings.com/
SAKHACONSULTINGWINGS.COM
Cab Hire Services in Delhi,Jaipur | Sakha Consulting Wings

Yes I flown to India by myself. Landed in Mumbai and bought a headscarf so that I Blended in to the culture more. And then flew up to dehradun which is a small little Airport close to rishikesh. People are so friendly that you'll be fine. Make sure you have your Visa and know that when you go through security you will go to a special woman's line, which I thought was very respectful. By the time I left India I was probably more Indian than anyone! I loved it. I agree with several other comments. Don't go alone at night. Prepare to be stopped and asked for a picture say no or you will be there for a while. Keep your wits about you plant a smile on your face. I walked around a lot on my own and didn't feel nervous though it was during the day.

Kat ah! a familiar voice
. This is so great to hear. Thank you so much!

I land in India every year alone it’s perfectly safe

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtfXgNnA-QcxjHJjk5wXLFg
This YouTube channel might be helpful to you as a tourist.
YOUTUBE.COM
Karl Rock

I haven't gone to India but I have traveled alone before. Be sure to cover up well - dress like the locals - and don't go out alone at night! Women aren't as safe and can be treated differently in that part of the world. You'll already stand out as a foreigner, so do what you can to minimize this and blend in. A money belt or bra would be good too.

How would you ask visitors coming to North America to avoid mass shootings?

https://www.womenwelcomewomen.uk/article/home.aspx
WOMENWELCOMEWOMEN.UK
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Prepare to get stared at. Even us Canadian born Indians get stared at and ripped off, they just KNOW we aren’t locals. Props to you for taking this endeavour on your own. Personally I would never feel safe travelling alone in a place like Delhi, esp considering people call it the “rape capital”, not to scare you at all but it’s important to keep in mind.

YES!!! Three times solo! Landed in Delhi twice and Mumbai once. You need to be very persistent and not back down at the airport. Look and act confident, don't second guess yourself and DO NOT fall for any scams ie your hotel is burnt down or the road is closed to that hotel or that hotel is no longer open etc. Use the prepaid taxi booth and when you get in the taxi casually say how it is your second time in Delhi. Or you can ask your hotel to send a car for your arrival. I have been to Agra three twice now and the last time it was RIDICULOUS how many taxis were looking for my business. Again, know exactly where you are and don't back down. I was in Jaipur a long time ago so cannot comment. As for Varanassi, I've been 5 times and it really was worth every single time. Feel free to dm me if you have any other questions. Lastly, check out Hippie in Heals blog for heaps of tips.

Most larger hotels in Delhi will offer a service to pick you up at the airport. Personally this has worked great for me and it’s nice to spend your first night in a good hotel. You’re less likely to get scammed this way and the service is often included in the cost of your room. Be prepared to stand in the customs line for a while unless you fly business class or have a work visa. I’ve never had any issues other than long lines at the Delhi airport.
I agree with the pictures comment. If you say yes to one, you will end up with an entire line of people wanting to shake your hand or get a photo with you. If you’re walking alone expect a lot of drivers to pull over and tell you it’s not safe and to let them drive you. It will happen in most areas regardless of how safe it is. I find you sometimes have to get pretty firm with declining as they can get quite persistent. All that said, India is great, safe when you use common sense, and the food is amazing!

the problem is not the airport!

I go to Delhi every couple of years but I have lots of family there. I personally wouldn’t recommend going by yourself. If you do ,book 4-5 star hotels and make sure there is an arrangement for you to get picked up from the airport and a private car booked from hotel to the places you want to go to . Public transport is not safe and extremely busy . Jaipur is gorgeous .. I’ve been there multiple times !

I did that trip (plus Kerala) with my mom! Varanasi was the only place I felt uncomfortable as a woman.
I strongly recommend wearing long skirts or pants (not capris) and little to no jewelry.
We prearranged for a driver to meet us at the airport and take us on the first part of our trip (Delhi to Agra to Chambal Nature Reserve to Jaipur to Delhi).
We flew to Varanasi and did ok getting a taxi at the airport.
We didn’t do any organized tours, other then hiring a guide at the Nature Reserve, and joining a few English tours at a few of the Mughal palaces.

I am doing the same route in November ... but taking a tour, which I have never done before. I wasn't concerned about landing, it was travelling the country that made me nervous so tour is the way I decided to go

I have spent 10 years of my professional and academic career in Delhi and travelled through the airport multiple times. I don’t think there is anything funky in Delhi Airport as such. It is pretty safe and modern. Problem exists outside of Delhi Airport. Here are some of my tips:
1. If possible, ask ur Delhi hotel to pick you up from airport. They will charge you little high but normally they take care if it very well as you are guest for them.
2. You can pick up services from inside the airport, I repeat inside which are fairly good especially if u r landing at night.
3. Pre-arrange ur taxis through hotels for ur major connections like airport/ railway stations if have them in ur iternary. Agra and Jaipur is fairly good with tourists. Varanasi is little conservative.
4. My suggestion is: dress like locals. Preferably with cotton dress. It will be fairly hot if you are landing there between Apr- Oct.
5. Finally, if you are planning, do consider Indian railways as a mode of travel. It is very cheap but very comfortable and to certain extent luxurious for North Americans....
6. If you can exclude Varanasi from ur plan, learn about Maharajah Express Service from Indian Railways. It’s luxury on wheel and very safe.
7. Avoid jewelries in ur travel.
If you have further questions, please let me know. I can definitely help u plan this. Cheers!!!!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH. This is great. I will definitely be in contact once I make more plans

Jennifer, definitely. Please feel free to direct all ur questions from hotels to taxi gate through to possible travel plans. I’m a travel freak.... U will always get my support l....

Don’t exclude Varanasi! The Arati there is amazing and hire a morning boat ride on the Ganges. I travelled alone and always found great people on the way. Just ask if you can hang out with them for an hour or so (or more) until your anxiety passes. Book ahead and talk to other tourists. They’ll let you know the ins and outs. Travelling within the country is often arduous but worth it. just like anywhere be sensible. Don’t go out at night alone.

Agreed about Varanasi. Also I always wore long pants and 3/4 sleeves.

Pallab I’m going in mid-January through early February. What’s the weather like in Delhi and in the rest of Rajasthan? Thanks in advance for any info.

Moira please expect cold weather both in Delhi and Rajasthan. Delhi is between 4-6 deg C occasionally dropping around 1-2 as well. In Rajasthan, it is Ok during daytime. If you are around Jaipur, daytime temp rises upto 20 deg C. However, it sharply falls at night and hovers around 2-4 degrees. Please keep in mind, Rajasthan is mostly desert area. So, temperatures vary widely during day and night. Where are you visiting in Rajasthan?

Pallab Thanks for the info. I’m going to Jodpur, Jaipore, Ranthampore, Udaipor among other places. It’s a small group tour (17 days) and I’m travelling with my sister. Very excited!!

Following. In Delhi right now until mid September

I would advise against it.

Get in touch with @rosiegabrielle on IG. Shes from BC Canada and has been traveling through India & Pakistan solo on her motorcycle for quite some time now.

I am arranging a group tour for next March and I think I will be much happier with that and so will my travel group! Some places in the world are better with a group!

I travelled for two months in India years ago...further to the good airport tips, i offer the following random tips: 1) wear badass, non-descript hippy clothes that make you look like you’ve been traveling for months if not years as a seasoned traveller. The same goes for your travel pack. And don’t wear jewelry. 2) when you walk from A to B while in transit (train station or whatever), walk with extreme confidence and a “don’t fuck with me” look. A sheepish, unsure, timid demeanor will make you an easy target 3) learn how to say “go away” “fuck off” in local dialect and practice saying it ! 4) only drink bottled water. Don’t drink the lassis as they could be laced with drugs - yes it happened to someone i met traveling 5) hook up with Western travelers - you will meet them in all of these popular places! You will want a travel buddy for the train so that you dont have to wear your backpack on your back while using the dirty squat toilets 6) avoid eye contact with the men while on the train. Cheap sunglasses are handy here because you can check them out without them knowing you are staring at them 6) trust your instinct 7) don’t do anything stupid like pull out an expensive camera or wad of rupees, go out after dark, etc 7) check in with someone responsible who has your itinerary - each day 8. make up a good story about why you are traveling by yourself - just make one up as the truth will leave them wondering what kind of family would ever let you travel alone. “I am researcher” or “i am meeting a close family friend” 9) never take your shoes off on the train unless in a private car. 10). Since you are going for such a short amount of time, you will likely get Delhi Belly as your body will be un shock and have a low tolerance for the causes of it. Be prepared for this...you may be holed up for a day or-two until it subsides. This is where the 4-5 star accommodation comes handy.

find a reputable Lassi shop! So many bits of info here to take with a grain of salt. I don’t swear at people. But I do say bugger off. Karma .....have confidence, yes....and enjoy yourself

when i travelled Mumbai and Goa alone in 2004, i learned that being vocally angry at the men worked. once i realized yelling at them to fuck off and leave me alone...1)they did and 2)i felt strong about being alone because i was standing up for myself. i also got nods of approval from local woman because they were happy to see i was not allowing myself to be victimized. many female travellers who go to India and come back with horrible stories are usually because they let didn't speak up. stuff will happen, but be vocal!!!! yell, scream, show that you are not okay with them staring at you, following you to the toilet, showing their penis to you, etc. no one will mess with you. if you watch how people interact in India, they are very kind to their families, but to the general public there are no rules. it is kind of freeing - if you are mad, be mad. if you are happy, be happy. do not keep things building up inside like North Americans do. here we apologize for things - they do not there. and if they are mad, they express it. i remember watching a woman full on berate another woman in public. she hit the fruit basket off of the other womans head. it was full on hostile and lots of yelling. but then 2 minutes later, all was good and everyone moved on. in Canada, no one would know what to do. everyone here would stare. imagine walking hastings by yourself. that is india without all the needles being openly used. and keep yourself covered - no cleavage, no short shorts. India is amazing and go to Nepal if you get the chance!

I got picked up at Delhi airport and taken to my hotel, the Master Guesthouse in New Delhi...they arranged the pickup from the hotel

Look at Breathe Dream Go’s outstanding web site. It’s all there for you.

Try The Solo Female Traveller Network, it’s. FB group, very helpful!

Carina Wauthy

Yes!! I loved it. I did have a guide for a number of days though. I know super lovely people in Delhi, Varanasi and Jodhpur that I'd recommend without hesitation.

Totally totally fine! If you are a confident well travelled individual I can tell you it’s totally safe.
Be street smart.
I have traveled the last 3 years in a row to all of those cities in India.
Alone! ......And I prefer it that way.
Jaipur is my home base. I stay 2 months and love it. I don’t hang with anyone and it’s fantastic. I take Tuk Tuks and ubers and even motorcycle uber rides. (I have my own helmet)
I take my daily exercise and run in the park in Jaipur. (Daylight)
I go to the temple every morning at 5am for my meditations ....and all alone! India
is my favorite!

I travelled solo a lot to Mumbai not to Delhi. It was good. Maybe arrange some chartered car is much convenient than taxi. In my opinion, it's totally safe. Bring stomach medicine, in case.

I travelled 4 month solo. Bus and train. No problem. Didn't plan too much ahead. Booked accommodations knline. Great guesthouses. Used the lonely planet guide. Government tourist information offices are very helpful.

This can definitely be risky. I don’t want to discourage you, but you should know that India is totally a different ballgame. Totally. And it is a huge country so what works in one area may not work in others. Kerala is the most progressive state when it comes to status of women. But even there I would not go out alone in the evening depending on circumstances. It is good to talk with people with recent local information and advice. Have fun.

Just be careful

I'm an Indian male born and raised in Canada but I dont look Indian. I didnt like the safety level for myself as a single traveler there and it only made it worse that I could understand what was being said around me by locals who thought I was a non Indian. I'm a seasoned solo traveler as well so not one to be scared off easily. India is just a different world I'd never feel comfortable letting a female loved one travel there solo.

Get a cell phone and buy a sim card. The sim is tied to your indian visa but then wifi makes train, bus and uber easy safe and accessible!

Seems a very bad idea. Please don't put yourself in harm's way. Get a tour at least.

I concur that you should definitely arrange your hotel to get a driver to meet you at the airport. We did that at every train or airport stop and it worked well and we felt safer. Also would not recommend staying in Varanasi too long. The overpowering smell is evident as soon as you land at the airport 45 mins away and is worse when u arrive in town. We ate ate a five star vegetarian hotel restaurant there and got extremely sick for about two weeks requiring antibiotics. You can also hire a driver to take you anywhere you want over any period of days for quite cheap. Get what’s app on your phone so you can communicate with your hotel quickly, etc. Be loud and firm in your interactions with males on the street... a loud “NO!” Helps. Finally don’t pet or interact with monkeys or dogs due to rabies. We got these tips from our friends who lived in Delhi for 4 years and they served us well. Good luck!

I arrived at the airport in Chennai in the middle of the night and pouring rain. The airport had a taxi booth to pre-pay and they phoned my hotel to expect me. Used the airport in Bangalore, Trivandrum and Delhi. Just like any other airports in the world: modern and helpful. Don't carry all your belongings with you and look like a tourist on the streets. Ask a local about the going rate for a tuktuk. Dress modest. I prefer a couple of cool summer dresses and walking sandals. Pack light, need something? Buy it there cheap! And give it away before you return home. A lightweight carryon with wheels. Common sense and being alert is all you need.

my daughter went solo and she did ok

Going in 2 weeks, I'll let you know!