Solo Woman Traveling North India

Also-from Delhi how would you recommend getting to Varanasi?

Also-from Delhi how would you recommend getting to Varanasi?

You have choices for that leg too. There are direct, non-stops flights - about 90 minutes, and less than $100.

The train journey is around 12 hours, so is appropriate for overnight travel. There are train services which are shorter - around 9 hours - however these all stop at a station called Mughal Sarai which is about 45-60 minutes outside of Varanasi.

http://erail.in/?T=NDLS::BSB

However, this should be considered in your overall itinerary. There may be an advantage to taking an overnight train from Agra to Varanasi. http://erail.in/?T=AF::BSB and then going to Delhi.

Traveled alone in India in two different occasions. No problems, and met a lot of people. Use long trousers and long sleeved blouses. Large models, and light and natural fabric, such as linen or silk. You can buy this stuff already once there.

Hi Kate,

A couple of things to add to the list of excellent points and advice. One, for trains, you dont have to set up an acount with irctc as they only take an Indian CC, you can do it through cleartrip. They also use the IRCTC website, but payment can be done on their portal, so its easier.
Secondly, if you plan to do parts of the North, be aware that the weather will be quite hot, so dress accordingly, knowing that you are travelling alone. I would recommend cool cotton Kurtas (the indian tops which are worn with pants or skirts) which are comfortable and good for the weather as well as smaller towns and trains etc. I have travelled a lot alone in this country and I find that wearing Indian clothes is not only comfortable but easy in terms of avoiding unnecessary attention. You are hitting some great places, so it will be easy to find other travellers. If you plan to visit Agra, check out our blog for some stuff to do other than the Taj. https://rediscoveryproject.com/2016/04/29/agra-beyond-the-taj/

There are some great tips already here, so just read up and be aware of your surroundings. And feel free to ask any specific questions if you want, especially about Mumbai, we live there. Have fun :)

Ambika

Hi,

Overnight train is good, as lifesupport suggested. Be aware that there are two stations, so you can get to either. Also, Delhi to Agra to Varanasi is a good route, the journeys become a bit shorter. We just spent 4 days in both Agra and Varanasi and it was amazing. Lots of travelers and backpacker zones.
Ambika

A couple of things to add to the list of excellent points and advice. One, for trains, you dont have to set up an acount with irctc as they only take an Indian CC, you can do it through cleartrip. They also use the IRCTC website, but payment can be done on their portal, so its easier.

Just to update this information. The IRCTC has been accepting foreign credit cards since early May this year, so only one account is required.

Prior to this, foreigners (without an AMEX Card) were obliged to have accounts with both IRCTC and Cleartrip - and it was definitely not easier.

Foreigners are referred to this website and should follow the instructions exactly to set up their account:
http://www.seat61.com/India.htm#book%20-%20from%20outside

You are 50X safer in Thailand than India..'In Thailand,I walked around without a care in the World.
Females walk at night with few worries,in T-land.
In India,there are real concerns.Avoid Indian males,day or night.With luck and timing,you may hook up with fellow travelers heading in your general direction.The date rape drug is popular over here.(India)
To many stories of hotel staff/owners behaving badly.(Stealing/advances)
But..India has much to offer..Just getting use to the poverty took me a couple years to somewhat accept.
All of the Ex-Pats I have asked, agreed,"The Poverty is the hardest thing."
You have the garbage,stench,and sewage to enjoy.Rail,bus,and plane delays and cancellations to adjust to.
India is going to change you.You are going to grow.You may find a side of you that opens up to a new awareness about yourself that you could not have achieved anywhere else
.At times you will hate it here.Myself,during times of hardship and frustration,I would remind myself that India was giving me my money's worth.
So,come to India and get your money's Worth.

it's ok of youre sensible. ive done it 4 times so far. dress respectfully, dont be out too much after dark, stay in busy areas. dont take too many overnight trains. try to have a shorter day trips. it's pretty easy to hook up with other travellers once there too.

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