Is India Safe to Travel? (Expert Tips for Your Concerns 2024)

As most say, traveling to India can be an adventure. You might have heard of bad hygiene, floating dead bodies in Varanasi, or sexual harassment in India. So, is India safe to travel?

As a traveler, yes, with the right behavior, India is safe to travel in most tourist cities. In this article, you can find some tips to make your trip safer and more worry-free.

Is India Safe to Travel Right Now?

Yes, you can travel safely to major tourist cities, such as New Delhi, Agra, and Goa. But northern borders or conflict areas like Kashmir and Jammu are currently not recommended due to occasional terrorist attacks.

Muggings and kidnappings rarely happen in tourist areas, so if you just visit the attractions, you should be perfectly safe. By strictly following general safety rules, you can avoid pickpockets and tourist scammers.

7-Day Golden Triangle India Tour Delhi - Agra - Jaipur

Is India Safe to Travel for Solo and Women Travelers?

Like any other country on the planet, India shares certain problems for solo and women travelers. But some precautions are helpful to minimize the potential danger.

Plan Your Tour Well Before You Go

Uncertainty will increase the risks of being targeted during your travel. Preparing well also makes your tour less stressful: design your routes well, search for reputable hotels, and find high-quality restaurants. More tips about How to Plan a Trip to India>>>

Travel with a Local Guide

Escorted by our guide, our clients are celebrating the Holi happily in India.

Booking a guide is another way to stay safe. Local guides know very well how the local society operates, and can therefore be a great help in avoiding potential troubles. An experienced guide can also offer deep insights into local culture, use the tricks of the trade to avoid crowds, and save you the hassle of asking directions and struggling with communication.

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Avoid the Late Hours

Indian cities now have some great nightlife. From concept restaurants and themed bars to a line-up of acclaimed arts performances, evening options are in abundance. However, a solo night out in India is with risks.

Besides, try to avoid late-night flights or trains. If your schedule is not flexible, you'd be best to pre-book a private transfer from your hotel or contact us for worry-free transport.

Don't Go Too Far off the Beaten Path

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa in India

Having exploratory adventures might also put you in danger. In remote areas, you would hardly find any help due to the language barrier. A phone signal might be not available either. If possible, travel with trusted (local) friends or contact us for a customized tour if you would like to explore areas away from the beaten path.

Use Flights and Private Transfers as Much as Possible

Public bus in India

When travelling around India, booking a flight is the safest and most comfortable way to travel between cities.

When you choose other public transportation, you'd better stay alert and protect your valuables. Local buses are not suggested, even if you are a seasoned traveler. It would be hard for you to keep track of where you are, as there are no English signs or arrival announcements. check more transportation info in India>>>

Keep Yourself Covered Up

Indian women in traditional dress for visiting Taj Mahal

In India, women are conservative, and they are expected to stay covered up. Wearing tight-fitting clothing or shorts could be regarded as sexual seduction. To prevent potential problems, you're suggested to wear ankle-length skirts and tops covering the shoulders. Wearing Indian clothing allows you to blend in better and stay covered as well.

Keep Your Distance from Men

Locals are friendly and hospitable. As foreigners, you will receive plenty of attention because of their curiosity.

To avoid misunderstandings or unwanted attention, you should not be too friendly with men who approach you at tourist sites or with hotel staff. Instead, strike up conversations with the women. Even on trains, it is rare to see an Indian woman talk to a strange man unless she is with her husband.

9-Day India Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park

Is India Safe to Travel for Families and Kids?

Yes, India is a safe country to spend some quality family time in. Besides planning your tour well, here are some extra tips for you.

Carefully Select Where to Eat

India Kebabs

Food safety is a frequent problem when traveling in India, especially for the elderly and children with weaker stomachs, as hygiene is sometimes quite obviously not as good as in developed countries.

You're suggested to choose well-reviewed restaurants, try to eat hot freshly-cooked food, and drink bottled water with a sealed top. For salads and fruits, just stick to those washed or peeled by yourself.

Be Cautious about Stray Dogs and Wild Monkeys

Monkeys in India

In India, stray dogs and wild monkeys are commonly seen in the streets, attractions, and temples. Some of them might be aggressive or carry diseases. It is better to keep your kids away from them.

If your kids are interested in wildlife, you can read more about the best places to spot tigers in India.

Pack Some Common Medicine from Home

If you get ill or injured in India, you can easily get treatment in major cities. Common drugs can be found in local pharmacies in the big metropolises. Carrying some medicine from home is helpful too to deal with some emergencies.

14-Day Family Holiday in India Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore National Park - Jaipur - Mumbai - Goa

The Safety of Popular Cities in India

Most popular tourist cities are fairly safe to travel to, such as Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Mumbai, etc.

Is Delhi Safe to Travel?

Red Fort

Delhi does have a high crime rate like most other highly-populated cities in the world. But it is safe to travel in most tourist areas.

As the capital of India, Delhi houses many important national government offices, and so it has strict security checks and maintains a heavy police presence. You can travel freely, but you must follow some safety precautions that are now common in high terrorism risk areas, like not leaving belongings unattended.

When visiting crowded train stations or bustling markets, like Chandni Chowk, you'd better keep your valuables out of sight and out of easy reach to deter pickpockets.

Local traffic is quite chaotic, so please take care when you cross the road.

Although Delhi has a vibrant nightlife that many travelers like to enjoy, do avoid walking around the city in the late hours as much as possible. Staying in central Delhi and south Delhi is safer and more comfortable, and most travelers choose these areas. The backpacker areas like Paharganj, however, are not recommended.

See how to plan your Delhi trip safely>>>

Is Mumbai Safe to Travel?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai

Mumbai has a reputation for being one of the most unsafe cities in India. Petty crime is more frequent in this densely-populated city. However, most tourist areas in Mumbai are safe for foreign visitors if you follow the general safety principles talked about here.

During your visit, you should travel with caution in crowded places and when crossing the roads. For first-timers, Colaba, Churchgate Fort, and Marine Drive in South Mumbai are much safer places to stay.

Is Kerala Safe to Travel?

A cruise on backwater, Kerala

Being 'God's Own Country', Kerala is one of the safest places in India. And Cochin is one of the safest places to go in Kerala. Roads are well-maintained and people are friendly and well-educated. If you visit, stay at Fort Kochi and Wellington Island for the best conditions.

As one of the cleanest states in India, Kerala has better hygiene. However, street food in a wet market and tap water never deserve a try, especially for older travelers, young kids, and anyone with a vulnerable stomach.

Is Goa Safe to Travel?

Stunning Goa Beaches

Goa is known as a paradise of night parties and beaches. You can travel safely and freely, but it's still not suggested that you hang out past midnight, especially if you are a woman traveler. Meanwhile, a one-piece or tankini is better on public beaches due to the local culture. Bikinis are more suitable on private beaches.

If you're travelling with young kids, South Goa is safer for beach activities because of calmer waters and quieter beaches.

9-Day Classic South India Tour Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kovalam

Travel Safely with Us

Safety is the basic ingredient for an enjoyable trip! Book with us to create a trouble-free India tour, tailor-made to reduce risk and to suit your needs. You will be escorted by careful and wise local guides with private transport. An Asia Highlights travel expert will always be on call for 24/7 live support.

Here are some sample itineraries for your reference:

• 11-Day India Highlights and Goa Honeymoon Trip
• 12-Day Family Holiday in India
• 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour