My honest experience about travelling solo in India

I decided to travel solo in India because I realized I could wait forever for someone to join me and end up never going at all. The idea of exploring India had been in the back of my mind for years: the colours, the chaos, the spirituality, the ancient architecture. I had seen photos of the palaces in Rajasthan, read stories about travellers getting lost in the alleys of Varanasi, and I wanted to experience it all for myself. While in Nepal, just a few hours from the border, I stood at a crossroads: literally and figuratively. Instead of waiting for the “perfect moment” or the “right companion,” I crossed into India at the Sonauli border alone, backpack on my shoulders and butterflies in my stomach.

To be honest, I was nervous. I’d heard all the warnings: scams, safety issues, culture shock. I expected the worst but hoped for the best. What I didn’t expect was how deeply India would challenge me, change me, and stay with me long after I left. I even went back four times and spend 11 months in India.

First impressions: the chaos, the kindness, the culture shock

My first few days in India were a tornado of colours, noise, and raw intensity. The streets were crowded with honking rickshaws, roaming cows, spicy aromas, and crowds that seemed to move in every direction at once. I felt overwhelmed and completely out of my comfort zone at first. But also incredibly curious and open to everything around me. Nothing was subtle. Everything hit at full volume. The best thing to do is to embrace the chaos and just let go.

As a female foreign solo traveller, I stood out, and I felt it. Some people stared, some approached me with questions, and others simply smiled. Most interactions were kind, curious shopkeepers, fellow passengers who helped me find my train, strangers offering directions when I looked lost. But I also had to learn quickly when to be polite and when to be firm, especially in busy tourist areas.

One thing I quickly noticed is that many Indians love taking selfies. If you’re travelling solo, especially as a foreigner, you might become an unexpected part of their photos! At first, it felt flattering but also a bit overwhelming to be asked for selfies so often. Over time, I learned it’s perfectly okay to say no politely when I wasn’t comfortable, and most people understood and respected that. It became a fun, light-hearted part of the experience. Sometimes I’d join in, other times I’d simply smile and move on.

There were small struggles every day: miscommunications in crowded stations, the relentless heat, the amount of people and the unpredictability of public transport. Google Maps didn’t always help, and asking for help was often a mix of gestures, guesswork, and good luck. But every challenge slowly built my confidence.

India doesn’t hold your hand but it does open your eyes.

Safety as a solo traveller: fears vs. reality

Before I set off, I was a bit worried about safety. Especially as a solo female traveller. Stories of scams, harassment, and cultural differences were on my mind. Would I be able to navigate crowded streets without feeling vulnerable? Would I be safe at night? The reality was a mix of both caution and surprise. Yes, there were moments that tested my awareness like a persistent vendor or an overly friendly stranger. But nothing that felt truly threatening. Most people I met were respectful, and being confident and awareness makes all the difference.

I quickly learned some essential safety tips: dressing modestly to respect local customs, avoiding isolated areas after dark, and trusting my instincts when something felt off. Apps like Google Maps, Ola (local ridesharing) are very helpful to get around.

One night in Delhi, I had to politely refuse a man who followed me a little too closely. An uncomfortable moment but a valuable lesson in setting boundaries. On the brighter side, I also experienced kindness, like when a group of women invited me to join in the train, showing me the warmth and generosity that exists everywhere. Travelling solo in India means balancing caution with openness. That balance helped me enjoy every moment.

Making connections and staying alone

One of the best parts of solo travel in India was the unexpected connections I made along the way. In hostels, I met other travellers from around the world. Some were on the same route, others had completely different stories to tell. It was easy to bond over chai on rooftop terraces, share tuk-tuk rides to temples, or join a group for a food tour or day trip. Tours booked through sites like Viator were great for meeting people without having to plan everything myself.

But there were also long stretches of time when I was completely alone. I travelled alone before, very often to be honest. At the beginning of a trip the silence feels strange: eating alone, sightseeing alone, moving through unfamiliar streets with no one to talk to. But over time, that solitude turns into a kind of freedom. I can follow my own pace, change plans without explanation, and really tune in to what I wanted from each place.

Some of my most meaningful moments came not from fellow tourists, but from locals. In Jaisalmer, an employee of the hostel invited me to sit for chai and told me about his family, Jaisalmer, live in the desert and his dreams. In Pushkar, a woman helped me tie my sarong correctly before I entered a temple. These small gestures reminded me that connection doesn’t always require words. It just takes openness and presence.

Most memorable moments: Udaipur, Goa, Hampi & Alleppey

Among all the places I visited, a few moments stand out so clearly that I can still feel them. Udaipur was one of my favourite stops. Not just for its lakes and palaces, but because I got to share it with my sister. We wandered through the narrow streets of the old town, took a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and watched the city glow golden in the evening light from a rooftop café. After weeks of solo travel, having someone familiar by my side made the experience even more special.

Another unforgettable memory was watching the sunset at Palolem Beach in Goa. I found a quiet spot on the sand, the sky slowly turning pink and orange as the waves rolled in. It was one of those rare, peaceful moments where everything feels just right. In Alleppey, I took a small boat around the backwaters. It was a slow, dreamy journey past green surroundings, quiet villages, and people waving from the banks. It was one of the most calming days of my trip.

But Hampi might have been the most fun. I rented a scooter and spent the day exploring ancient temples and boulder-strewn landscapes that looked like another planet. Riding through the open countryside, with no real plan, was pure freedom. If you’re heading to any of these places, I highly recommend checking out local experiences. They made exploring so much easier and more meaningful.

What I wish I knew before going

Looking back, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I set off on my solo trip to India. First: it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first. Everyone does. India is intense, unpredictable, and full-on, but that’s also part of what makes it so unforgettable. One major misconception I had was that I would constantly feel unsafe or out of place travelling alone, especially as a woman. While I stayed alert and used common sense, most of the time I felt supported, welcomed, and amazed by the kindness of strangers.

I also wish I had known how useful a local SIM card or eSIM would be from day one. It is very easy for booking transport, translating and other apps. Apps like Ola (for safe rickshaw rides), Redbus, 12Go and Maps.me became daily tools. Another tip: don’t try to do everything. India will reward your slow travel itinerary. Give yourself time to breathe between destinations, especially when the heat and crowds become tough.

And finally, don’t stress about not knowing everything in advance. India teaches you on the go. Be flexible, stay curious, and embrace the messiness. It’s all part of the adventure.

Highlights in India

Explore the exotic culture and history of India with my comprehensive travel guide! Discover valuable tips, top destinations and useful links to other India-related articles. Immerse yourself in the Indian culture and Hinduism with our beginner’s guide, which covers customs, etiquette and key Hindu gods. Or learn more about the lesser-known religion, Jainism.

Are you looking for travel inspiration? Consider a visit to the enchanting City of Lakes, Udaipur, or indulge in a shopping spree in Jaipur. Discover the majestic palaces of Rajasthan. Marvel at the colonial architecture of Kochi in Kerala or explore historical temples, palaces and ruins in Hampi. Let India’s wonders captivate you!

One of my latest articles is about The most fascinating festivals and celebrations in India. Or read more about sustainable travel India: How to get around in India as an eco-conscious tourist.

Travelling solo as a female backpacker in India is often seen as bold, risky and even a little crazy. But for me, it turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences of my life. India is intense, beautiful, chaotic and deeply spiritual all at once. As a female solo traveller, I faced plenty of challenges, but I also discovered unexpected kindness, inspiring places and a deeper sense of independence than I ever thought possible. Read more about my personal experience of travelling solo in India.