5 safest places for women travelers in India
With the increasing number of news headlines about rape and
corruption, the untrue notion that women travelers can’t travel alone in
India, without their male counterparts is on a rise. While it is
important that you are alert and take safety measures wherever you are
in the world, there are quite a few places in India where women (or even
solo woman travelers) can travel without the fear of disturbing
incidents. We list down 5 such safe places in India where women can
backpack to, or set out for a solo excursion!
1. Goa
Goa, the most happening party place in India is a very safe place for women travelers, as long as you travel responsibly. To stay safe, it is advisable to rent a place nearer to Baga or Calangute, as these places are flocked by tourists. While Arambol and Mandrem are lovely beaches, one should start off early and be back before it gets too dark, else stay at a hotel around these beaches, coz the road that connects these beaches to the tourist part of Goa is deserted. You can sit, eat and drink to your glory around the popular beaches or at the shacks there, as these areas are safer. Being a solo woman traveler can be a difficult but if someone intrudes your space or approaches you with wrong intentions, fellow tourists are quite helpful, as are the locals!
2. Hampi
If you are a backpacker kind of traveler, you will love Hampi, as it offers cheap accommodation and food options! Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar, a 14th century empire, and the ruins here are a reminder of its magnificent past. The ruins of Hampi are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hire a bicycle, motorbike or a car to get around Hampi. A bike will give you more sense of freedom while roaming around, while a car will be a safer option. A bicycle will cost you around Rs. 60/day, a bike will be available for Rs. 150 onwards/per day. Cars can be availed at Rs. 750-Rs. 1000. If you are comfortable travelling by rickshaws, you can rent one for Rs. 700/day.
3. Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, located in North East India is one of the lesser explored picturesque locations in India. The Meghalaya Tourism Centre of Shillong is located close to Police Bazaar, one of the most crowded places here. You can rent a place around Police Bazaar for as cheap as Rs. 900/day. The Meghalaya Tourism Centre organizes trips to different locations covering 5-6 tourist spots in a day. If you want to spend more time at each spot, you can rent a car by paying a little extra. Don’t forget your camera coz the view here is simply mesmerising!
4. Jaisalmer
There’s no place in India which can match up to the standards of Rajasthan’s hospitality. While most areas here are rural, you’d be surprised by how polite and friendly the locals are. Jaisalmer, known as The Golden City, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful place for solo women travelers. You can go on a camel ride by yourself, and the camel’s caretaker accompanying you will certainly make you feel secure and comfortable in the desert. There’s an endless list of places to visit in Jaisalmer. And even if you travel alone, the town will keep you company throughout, through people and its rich past. The villagers always have stories to tell and it’s a wonderful experience, we must add!
5. Pondicherry
Pondicherry, aka Puducherry is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. This place has an interesting history to tell and its French colonial past is visible in its architecture. One can locally travel by hiring a bicycle or a motorbike. You can also take a bus or a share auto if you want a pocket friendly trip. While in Pondicherry, make sure that you try the delicacies here. It’s a delight for seafood lovers!
1. Goa
Goa, the most happening party place in India is a very safe place for women travelers, as long as you travel responsibly. To stay safe, it is advisable to rent a place nearer to Baga or Calangute, as these places are flocked by tourists. While Arambol and Mandrem are lovely beaches, one should start off early and be back before it gets too dark, else stay at a hotel around these beaches, coz the road that connects these beaches to the tourist part of Goa is deserted. You can sit, eat and drink to your glory around the popular beaches or at the shacks there, as these areas are safer. Being a solo woman traveler can be a difficult but if someone intrudes your space or approaches you with wrong intentions, fellow tourists are quite helpful, as are the locals!
2. Hampi
If you are a backpacker kind of traveler, you will love Hampi, as it offers cheap accommodation and food options! Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar, a 14th century empire, and the ruins here are a reminder of its magnificent past. The ruins of Hampi are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hire a bicycle, motorbike or a car to get around Hampi. A bike will give you more sense of freedom while roaming around, while a car will be a safer option. A bicycle will cost you around Rs. 60/day, a bike will be available for Rs. 150 onwards/per day. Cars can be availed at Rs. 750-Rs. 1000. If you are comfortable travelling by rickshaws, you can rent one for Rs. 700/day.
3. Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, located in North East India is one of the lesser explored picturesque locations in India. The Meghalaya Tourism Centre of Shillong is located close to Police Bazaar, one of the most crowded places here. You can rent a place around Police Bazaar for as cheap as Rs. 900/day. The Meghalaya Tourism Centre organizes trips to different locations covering 5-6 tourist spots in a day. If you want to spend more time at each spot, you can rent a car by paying a little extra. Don’t forget your camera coz the view here is simply mesmerising!
4. Jaisalmer
There’s no place in India which can match up to the standards of Rajasthan’s hospitality. While most areas here are rural, you’d be surprised by how polite and friendly the locals are. Jaisalmer, known as The Golden City, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful place for solo women travelers. You can go on a camel ride by yourself, and the camel’s caretaker accompanying you will certainly make you feel secure and comfortable in the desert. There’s an endless list of places to visit in Jaisalmer. And even if you travel alone, the town will keep you company throughout, through people and its rich past. The villagers always have stories to tell and it’s a wonderful experience, we must add!
5. Pondicherry
Pondicherry, aka Puducherry is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. This place has an interesting history to tell and its French colonial past is visible in its architecture. One can locally travel by hiring a bicycle or a motorbike. You can also take a bus or a share auto if you want a pocket friendly trip. While in Pondicherry, make sure that you try the delicacies here. It’s a delight for seafood lovers!
Note:-
All the places mentioned in this article have
been personally tried and tested by a solo traveler, but we must add,
everyone’s experience may vary. As a precautionary measure, we’d like to
tell you to dress appropriately to avoid unnecessary attention, as
India is traditional in many ways. Be polite but not too friendly and
avoid deserted places late in the night! On a parting note, solo
traveling is fun, and it may involve a lil risk as each destination has
its own dark side, but if you are cautious, you’d make memories for a
lifetime!
