India is one of my favorite international destinations. There is nothing like the food, architecture and shopping anywhere else in the world. The thing that can be challenging is that the rules for women in India are different than rules for women in the West, so if not careful, women who travel alone may inadvertently put themselves in danger. Here are some safety tips for women who travel alone to India.
Join a Group
Just because you travel alone to India, doesn’t mean you have to see the sights alone. If possible, join a group tour. This is especially important when going to more remote places, where you might be isolated if alone.
Stay in a Guest House
Guest houses, similar to American bed and breakfasts, are a great option for solo female travelers to India. The thing that makes guest houses especially good for female travelers is that the hosts of the guest houses take a specific interest in their guests and may escort them various places, or arrange for tours and transportation options with well-respected and reliable companies.
Guest houses are also a great way to enjoy meals with others in a safe and comfortable setting. Breakfast is generally included in the price, and sometimes even dinner is a family affair. This is not only safe, but provides a great way to get a glimpse into the life of an Indian family.
I personally recommend Rajputana Discovery. I was well looked after by the hosts, and also saw how they took care of other guests, including females traveling alone.
Dress Modestly
Modesty is incredibly important for solo female travelers to India. The difficulty is that modesty by Western standards and modesty by Indian standards are two very different things.
Here are a few things to keep in mind, when it comes to modest dress in India:
Avoid showing your legs and even your ankles. Capris may be seen as very modest in the West, but would be rather scandalous in India. Bare midriffs, on the other hand, are fine! Do not wear sleeveless tops. It may be very hot when you are in India, but avoid the temptation to throw on a tank top, and definitely do not wear something like a halter top. Even cap sleeves are a bit too daring. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Jeans may seem modest, but since they are often tight-fitting, they are not considered modest there. If you do wear jeans, wear a long, loose-fitting blouse with them. If you have an opportunity to do so, purchase a couple of sets of Indian outfits, known as salwar kameez. These are more comfortable and easier to wear than a sari. You can purchase them inexpensively in India, or if you want to get some before you leave for your trip, check out the selection on eBay. Have a scarf on hand to cover your head when appropriate. This tip may not be as essential as the others, but Indian people really appreciate it when a western woman covers her head in religious buildings such as mosques and temples and when in the presence of elders and dignitaries.