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Hello Anne Marie!

My name is Nadia, from Argentina. I´m travelling to India on January 2013. I haven´t been there before, but I´m reading and investigating anything that comes across.
I suggest you to check out this: http://www.lostgirlsworld.com/2011/05/alone/, http://dirtyvagrant.com/traveling-solo-as-a-female/. These are very cool sites, for they give you many interesting tips and useful advices.
Concerning how men respond to western women, check this out: http://whitsnews.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/the-indian-men-western-woman-conundrum/. Since I haven´t travelled yet, I can´t say much about it, but I´ve been told to be very careful, because indian men can be very sweet and kind but terrible many times. Once, here in Buenos Aires, I´ve been verbally harassed by an indian man. Anyways, I don´t want to judge beforehand.
Wish you the best!
Greetings,

Nadia

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This topic comes up frequently. Use the search function to check out other threads.

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There is a mass of very recent discussion on this subject from all tyoes of postes inc foreign lady expats and recent longterm travellers.
Just scroll down thru' the last month's threads and most of your queries will be answered - mst posters will not feel like repeating themselves.
The received wisdom seems to be that
India is very safe,
find an initial travel companion if possible,
initially stick to the travellers' spots and
dont encourage the local males and
dress sensibly
Good Luck anyway

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hey welcome to india..

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A good example of why you should be careful is the post from smnt122 above - he is a lone Indian male, maybe one of those who trawl these threads looking for an opportunity to try his luck with a European lass and he just implies sarcasm.
These characters do not know India particularly well (except for their mmediate environment) and do not understand the nervousness, maybe stress, that some travellers feel in an alien land.- travellers who come for a pleasant vacation with a difference.
He certainly would not permit any female relative to travel to Europe solo with no knowledge of the continent and without some form of family chaperone and resident contacts.

Edited by: Grahamapoole

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Here we go again....please do some searches on this site.. Go to India.. Come back and tell us about it...my last input on " woman travelling alone in India"

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A quick answer to your query...dress conservatively and do not be "overly friendly" to males. I have travelled solo through Nepal and India and not experienced any hassles. I am a realist, use common-sense and I'm not looking for a lover. You don't say how old you are however the older one is, the more respect one usually gains. Most Indians are good folks but some of the men seem to think we are all wanton hussies! Have fun!

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I see you are 35. I'm way past that age, however being blonde is a bit of a attraction for some. If you truly want to fit in, wear a cotton salwar and a head scarf. I bought several made to measure in Jaipur ($40 each) and wore them everywhere. They cover the curves and Indian woman seem to show more kindness to those who dress appropriately. You will have an amazing time if you try to think and behave like an Indian and are aware and educated about their traditions and social behaviours. Good luck and have fun!

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Hi there, I've travelled many times as a solo female in India. Definitely dress conservatively, don't be afraid to reject unwanted advances - don't feel worried about being polite. Invent a husband who is meeting you at your next destination - you will be constantly asked if you are married, children etc. Chances are you will partner up with other travellers. Come to think about it, although I have started out alone many times, I have always ended up travelling with others at some point. There is a book called A girls guide to India, which is quite insightful, although it might not be available where you are.

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India is not safe for a woman.That is pretty simple Look up old posts on that subject...
smnt122,Is exactly who yoshould advoid,Check out his pasts posts on his profile page

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I think you are all wrong in this case.Smnt122 warns a woman in one of his posts not to reveal that she travels alone 'cos it can be dangerous.

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Hi ,

Yes India is safe for alone woman no any problem if you move in rule and regulation
and law of the country and do not try to break the system rules wear proper dress no
any naked and any drug activities and return to own staying place on time and follow
the hotel and guest house rules if you move in the system of the country then in the
world no any problem for anything ....

welcome by heart to you in our India and I am sure you enjoy in our country and I am
sure you cannot feel any problem ...my wishes for your trip....

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Hi Anne Marie,

I spent 2 months in India earlier this year - one month in Goa/ Kerala, and one month around Rajasthan. I had a wonderful time! Some of that time I travelled with others, and for half of the time I travelled alone. I had no problems, and met some wonderful people.

I was quite organised in my planning - generally because there were some places that I needed to be on certain dates, and also I noted that trains were booking up. I usually travelled 2AC - once or twice 1AC when there wasn't a choice. Most of my accommodation was booked online as well. Now, you can be more flexible of course, but that then exposes you to greater hassles - of trying to arrange accommodation when you arrive tired and dusty in a new town. I timed most of my journeys to arrive in daytime, and once when it was very very early in the morning, I stayed at the station until dawn rather than taking off into the dark with the rickshaw driver.

Trains were fantastic and I met many interesting locals along the way.

In terms of dress, I had a great pair of loose 3/4 pants which I wore most days together with a loose t-shirt and always a scarf around my neck. I found people to be respectful, and this was comfortable travel garb (I'm not a skirt person).

I think you will be fine. Keep a smile on your face, and a good sense of humour. It won't be like home - but that's why we travel eh?

Have a wonderful time!

A.

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thanks guys,, as you are discussing about me.. i like it..