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A series of violent sexual crimes against women (both travelers and natives) have made headlines across the world and have raised doubts about whether it’s a good idea to visit India as a female traveler, especially if traveling alone. All of this sparks the question: is India safe for a solo female traveler? The general consensus is that while acts of violence against travelers are rare, verbal harassment and groping are reportedly commonplace. Traveling through a crowd, especially alone, is generally regarded as fairly risky and if you physically stand out, you can expect your risk to increase.
Does this mean female travelers should steer clear of India? No. This means that female travelers headed to India should be aware of the risks that come with the destination and do their best to avoid situations when the risk may be higher (think large crowds, festivals, etc.).
A street-savvy female traveler who is familiar with Indian culture may be able to navigate certain Indian neighborhoods without issue. A less-experienced female traveler should opt for group travel and stick with the “safety in numbers” school of thought. Hiring a local guide or traveling with Indian friends will also serve you well. To hear from a female traveler with plenty of experience navigating in India, check out this blog post devoted specifically to traveling solo in India as a woman.
So, do your research on travel tips, take extra precautions, opt for group travel, and be aware of the fact that forms of harassment that we see as unacceptable in our daily lives are fairly common in many parts of India.
Best Hostels for Women in India
Red Lollipop Hostel, Chennai
Chennai is known as a spiritual destination for those looking to relax. The Red Lollipop hostel has female-only dorms and is conveniently located directly across the road from a bus depot, taking you to destinations all over the country. Guests love the hostel’s free breakfast and speedy wifi — which can be hard to find in India!
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The Madpackers Hostel, Delhi
The Madpackers Hostel in Delhi is known as one of the best hostels in India — and you are almost guaranteed to meet like-minded travelers. While the hostel pulls in a party crowd during the evenings, during the day it provides a quiet retreat from the chaos of Delhi. Guests describe the hostel as a peaceful oasis in the middle of one of the world’s most hectic cities. The hostel features female-only dorms, alongside mixed dorms.
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Zostel, Jaipur
Zostel Jaipur is part of the Zostel hostel chain that has branches in India’s main cities. Zostel is known as a great place for women to stay, offering a ‘Superior Female-only Dormitory’ that is super clean, fresh — and offers women a quiet retreat. (https://www.smallhandsbigart.com) The hostel has a large chill-out area, with sofas, big cushions, musical instruments and bookshelves.
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Bedwiser Backpackers, Agra
With a cheeky name that links Budweiser beer and beds, it’s no wonder that this hostel is known for its great party atmosphere. The hostel is in a prime location, just one mile from the Taj Mahal and is known as a great place for solo travelers. The hostel features four-bed female dorms, along with mixed dorms.
The best vacation rentals for the lowest price