As a woman who enjoys traveling alone, what should I be aware of when visiting India?

In this series, the Dinogo Planet team addresses your travel inquiries and offers tips and tricks for a seamless journey. We turned to Akanksha Singh, a Mumbai-based editor and self-proclaimed control enthusiast who believes that solo travel epitomizes freedom, to tackle this question.

Question: I’m 27 and have previously traveled solo in Europe and North America. Next year, I’m planning a month-long journey to India, and I’d love to hear any tips you might have for a female solo traveler.

Akanksha Singh: A playful quote scrawled on a wall outside a stoner cafe in Rishikesh has stuck with me: “You don’t just visit India; India visits you.” This reflects the fact that India is an adventure that challenges you as much as it excites you. If you haven't traveled extensively beyond the Global North, this sentiment is even more pronounced.

From the serene beaches of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the majestic heights of the Himalayas, India is one of the rare destinations where you can explore at your own rhythm and within any budget. Whether you choose to retreat to a lakeside cabin in lush Maharashtra, trek the untouched Markha Valley, or delve into its rich mythology in Hampi, there’s something for everyone.

Although it's challenging to cover all the safety guidelines for such a vast and varied country, here are some essential tips to help you begin your journey.

Organize your communication options right upon arrival.

The top safety tip for solo travelers? Get a local prepaid SIM card. This will allow you to book trains and use transport apps like Ola and Uber (which sometimes provide intercity rides), among many other conveniences. Due to security issues, free public Wi-Fi is quite limited in India. However, data plans are typically very affordable (starting at around $2 for 1GB a day), so you can remain connected during your travels without breaking the bank.

You can acquire a local SIM card as soon as you land in India, even at the airport. To do this, make sure you have an unlocked phone, photocopies of your passport, and a few passport-sized photos. Despite the push for digital processes, obtaining a SIM card is still quite paperwork-intensive, so be prepared for some waiting.

Remember these emergency numbers in case you need assistance: 100 for police and 181 for a dedicated women’s helpline.

Plan your budget wisely – some upgrades are truly worthwhile.

Unfortunately, the reality of traveling in India is that you may feel safer if you invest more in key necessities like accommodation and transport. If you're traveling long distances by train, consider treating yourself to an air-conditioned first class (1AC) ticket, which offers seats that convert into beds and compartments with secure locks.

Before hopping into a taxi or auto rickshaw, confirm that the driver will use the meter. Also, avoid allowing the driver to pick up additional passengers during your ride; if they do, it's best to get out. And remember your mother's advice: never accept rides from strangers.

Dress conservatively

Dress codes can vary significantly depending on where you are in India. As a general guideline, in hotter regions, choose loose linen and cotton t-shirts paired with trousers. Additionally, bring along a scarf or sarong for extra coverage when visiting religious sites, as few locals wear swimsuits at beaches (you might even spot women swimming in saris).

Consider gradually adapting to more tourist-centric areas.

To experience urban India for the first time, begin your journey in Mumbai. As someone from Mumbai, I admit my bias—but I have the facts to support it. Mumbai ranks as the second-most-honest city in the world (just behind Helsinki) and is considered safer for women compared to other Indian cities, making it a fantastic place to acclimate.

If you feel particularly anxious or are new to traveling, you might want to explore southern and northeastern India first. I'm not suggesting you limit yourself; if women did that, we’d never leave the comfort of our homes. However, certain areas in northern India, especially popular spots like Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi, can be more challenging for solo travelers.

If you're having doubts, consider joining women’s travel groups for part of your trip. Although I've never used one, friends who have recommend them, and some have even made lifelong friends through these groups.

Look for women-only spaces whenever possible.

To balance out a predominantly conservative, patriarchal society, India offers some specific advantages for women. Make use of these options where available: ladies’ compartments on trains, “family” sections in restaurants, and women-only lines at ticket counters and post offices.

Listen to your instincts.

It’s a cliché, but it rings true: nothing beats trusting your gut. With a population exceeding a billion, everything—from scams to harassment—can feel magnified.

Generally, a firm and loud 'no' can deter unwanted male attention. That said, it's wise to avoid revealing that you're traveling solo. If needed, feel free to borrow one of my many fictional male friends or boyfriends that I always claim to be on the phone with while on assignment: Ravi, Rohan (who’s skilled in jiu-jitsu), Raj, Rishi, Rishabh...