Is it safe to travel to India as a single woman?
According to the British government, it is far from safe to travel to India as a single woman.
Women are advised to be cautious when travelling in India. There has been an increase in reported cases of sexual assault against women and young girls recently with sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas and cities on the increase. Sexual assaults on British women in Goa, Delhi, Bangalore and Rajasthan have all been in the news in India, Britain and across the world. Women travellers often receive verbal and physical harassment from Indian men and often by men in groups. There have been serious sexual attacks involving Polish, German and Danish women travellers amongst many others. In one case a Russian woman was seriously assaulted by an auto-rickshaw driver in the Vasant Kunj area of New Delhi. Even if travelling in a group caution is necessary for any woman travelling to India.
As when travelling anywhere in the world as a man or a woman it is advisable to respect local customs and dress codes. It is also wise to avoid isolated areas. See these tips for women travellers.
Travelling alone as a single woman in India.
Avoid travelling alone on public transport, or in taxis or auto-rickshaws, especially at night. Be aware that there are unscrupulous taxi operators who may try scams or worse. Always take advice from your agent or hotel.
Let your friends/families know the details of your journey in case of an emergency. You can send your details to pre-selected contacts who can then pinpoint your exact location. If you’re the victim of abuse call 100 for police assistance or 1091 or 1096 if you’re the victim of sexual harassment.
Take care of your passport and bank cards, particularly when travelling by bus and train. Do not leave your luggage unattended on trains – especially in Delhi where there have been recent increases in handbag snatching.
It is wise to keep copies of passport/tickets etc to ease matters in the scenario that your valuables are stolen.
In an ideal world, all men would treat all women with respect and the need for safety strategies would be redundant. However given the reality of life — in India and almost everywhere else, it is wise to be cautious, avoid the highest risk situations, have back up plans and take local advice from trusted sources. India is one of the great travel destinations of the world and should not be missed through fear and media scaremongering. That said it is not as safe as Europe on the whole and taking steps to reduce risk has to be considered. Many single women do travel safely to India and all women should have that right.
Travel safe.
For more tips try top tips for women travelling in India