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 [Nov. 2022].
Regarding COVID-19, India has opened up to all travelers whether they are vaccinated or not. However, to keep yourself safe, it's suggested that you get a vaccination before the tour, wear a face mask, and keep social distancing during your trip.
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.
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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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
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I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
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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 IndiaHaving 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 IndiaWhen 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.
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 KebabsFood 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 IndiaIn 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.
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 FortDelhi 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 MumbaiMumbai 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, KeralaBeing ‘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 BeachesGoa 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.
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:
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
