India on my own

The best way to prepare yourself for travel in India is to read the Lonely Planet guide to India thoroughly. It includes suggested itineraries, among other things.
You will be quite safe as a single woman if you dress modestly and use lots of common sense, e.g. be very wary of getting into conversations with strangers.

Safe doesn't mean free from harassment and sometimes being grossed out..

Yes, I've been here on my own for 3 months, and would have come unstuck many times without the Lonely Planet. I've found the hardest thing is working out, in seconds, if someone is trustworthy. The problem with assuming everyone is out to hassle you (a reasonable assumption here, where so many - men especially - are) is you miss out on some wonderful conversations with decent people. But you are safe enough if you keep your wits about you.
jo

South India is quite safe for the solo female traveler. However there are some guidelines you must bear in mind when you are on your own (I am sure such guidelines would exist for just about very country on this planet). This topic has been discussed several times on this forum and I am sure you will find numerous valuable tips in those threads.

Like cgame says, the information in LP guide is good and you can count on it.

If you are harassed by street vendor or anyone on the street, just raise an alarm. The locals who are around will always help you.
Just try to avoid checking into cheaper hotels and do not stay out late. Its something I wouldn't do being an Indian myself.

You may find Indian towns and cities to be quite crowded which is actually good in a way, because you will always be safe as long as there are people around you. Ask for directions and tips from respectable looking passersby on the street and don't take any advice from touts trying to sell you a deal.

Itinerary

Karnataka:
Hampi, Mysore, Bangalore

Kerala:
Backwaters at Alappey

Tamil Nadu:
Temples at Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Auroville at Pondicherry

Maharastra:
Goa

Happy Travelling!!!

Nowhere is risk free !

I agree with Jomcarroll. Wear comfortable clothes which is not attracting attention and enjoy your environment. Be witty and just move on...if you sense trouble. Anyway...Its like you are in a Zoo where everyone is watching you...but thats okay till it does not create problem or hassles. Enjoy your trip...

Happy journey!!!

Thank you for all this helpful information.
I have another question: lp says their is a risk of getting cholera. How big do you think this risk is, and do you think their is any risk at all if you follow the guideline "peel it cook it or leave it" and if you eat in lp recommended restaurants?
Thank you!

Hi!

As a woman who travelled around South India solo last year (when I was 21), I can tell you it is definitely managable and often incredibly amazing!

A few tips:
1) You don't have to engage with everyone who speaks to you (especially not groups of men). You don't have to agree to have your picture taken. If a man smiles at you in the street and says hello, it really is okay to walk away without communicating. I feel rude ignoring people, but in India, you can often be understood as being slightly promiscous if you are too friendly with men.
2) That said, when you feel comfortable, talk to local people, especially when there are women in the group. Other women will often be quite protective of you and help you figure out where to go and what to do. Plus, you'll learn a lot more about India!
3) I'm you know this, but dress conservatively if you are not in a very tourist centered environment (like the beaches of Goa).
4) Although I was travelling alone technically, I found that I often wasn't really alone in South India. There are a lot of other solo tourists and many people are planning on hitting up the same places. I would get the e-mail addresses of the people I met and we would often meet up for parts of our journey.
5) Don't go anywhere with anyone (i.e. guide, yogi or guru, if that's your thing) who you aren't sure is legit. If you are looking for a particular service, ask other travellers and the people at your hotel for advice.
5) As was mentioned above, just be smart overall. Let people around you know if you feel uncomfortable and they'll try to help you out. Don't walk alone in dark areas.

That said, you'll still be uncomfortable sometimes. Your butt will be grabbed in the train and there will often be a lot of attention on you. As long as you are feeling safe, you have to learn just to shrug it off. You are going to meet many people, see many places, and eat many thalis that are going to make you forget about these negatives!

great advice from #8. :)