Spice-laden sunsets, sun-drenched beaches, and snow-capped Himalayas….with three months backpacking India stretched out before you, where do you begin? This comprehensive guide unpacks my epic India backpacking route of 15 cities to visit in India for 3 months.

When I did my India backpacking route in 3 months back in 2012, I regretted not documenting it in its full glory. I wrote several travel guides of the cities and towns I visited, sharing a more comprehensive breakdown of each city. But it helps to see an overview of what those three months looked like as a whole and the route I took.

Traveling India on a three month India Tourist visa

As far as India tourist visas go, the longest duration you can stay is three months. Read How to Get your India Tourist Visa. You’ll find many long-term or European backpackers and digital nomads taking this option. India is one of those countries where if you’re not traveling with a tour group, it can take a while to get around. Some travelers plan their route; the other half of travelers wing their trip, keeping the road open for inspiration and meeting others, who might whisper locations to check out. India is such a large and diverse country that three months will blow by before you know it. Read my blog on trip planning for India.

Pacing my route and winging my plans

When I planned my three-month trip on an Indian tourist visa, it was my second visit to India. As a yoga practitioner, I aimed to get yoga teacher certified in India, experience an ashram, and embrace the unplanned, free-flowing rhythm of India.

During those three months, I covered a route spanning fifteen cities. I spent a month in Dharamsala for my yoga certification program, which allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and build connections with locals, foreigners, and expats. For other destinations, I allocated three to seven days per city, often deciding my stay length on the go. Initially, my travel pace was hectic, but as time went on, I slowed down to savor each place more deeply.

I would often arrive in a city, with guidebook in hand and search for accommodations on the spot. My approach was to look for a central location near transport hubs, walk from hotel to hotel, and request to see the rooms before booking.

While this spontaneous method added a sense of adventure, it wasn’t always ideal. Accommodations in India can vary greatly in quality, and even hotels booked through Agoda or Booking.com sometimes looked nothing like their online photos. Budget hotels and guesthouses, in particular, often felt outdated and visibly worn. I learned the lesson of not being too cheap in my choice of lodgings.

Read my India budget accommodations tips

These days, booking hotels online is far more convenient. Even remote towns now have listings, and guest reviews provide valuable insights into the stay experience. However, if you plan to wing it, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and ensure better options.

Packing light is also essential, as India’s crowded public transportation—especially buses and metros—can make carrying heavy and bulky luggage a monumental challenge. Check out my India packing list.

Pro Tip: This is where my rolling backpack (here’s a post on wheeled backpack carry-on options) came in super handy. 

India’s vibrant chaos rewards travel flexibility and those with a sense of adventure, but planning a few practical steps in advance can make the journey far more enjoyable.

Being a solo temale traveler with improvised India travel itineraries

There were times I was anxious about being a female traveling India alone. Staying in a room that attracts flying bugs at night or waking up to the sounds of your next door neighboring traveler wretching (due to a food bug) will intensify feelings of loneliness.

• Street Food Safety Tips to Avoid Getting Sick
• 33 Things to Know India Before Traveling India (including sexual harassment)
• Dealing with touts, beggars & scam artists
• Affordable Insurance Options for U.S. Citizens
  Note: With India, it is highly recommended to get travel insurance. I always get World Nomads trip insurance because it covers adventures and activities like motorbiking, snorkeling, trekking, theft and getting sick.

India is a very spiritual destination frequented by foreign travelers, so I focused my trip on self-discovery and spaced my time between traveling on my own and sharing time with Indian/ foreign travelers I’d meet along the way.  Your hotel is your temporary home and it should feel safe and clean.

Being a woman I also knew I had to be aware of the activities and types of situations i’d naively put myself in – getting sick, getting into an accident, arriving in the wee hours of the morning without a hotel to check into… these are all teachers.

I enjoyed both ways of travel. Solo trips bolstered my confidence with navigating culture, language differences, buses written only in Sanskrit and conversing with locals. Meeting other travelers helped me with budget when I could share a room, plans or a ride. Like a tumbleweed I’d roll where the wind took me.

My 3 Month India Backpacking Route &b Itinerary

I’m laying out a three-month India backpacking itinerary that takes you through 15 unforgettable cities to visit in India. In this India travel guide, I’ll share quick notes of my highlights and sightseeing information.

1. Mumbai

It can feel challenging to sightsee Mumbai on your own. My first three days in Mumbai I felt lost. Mumbai is a big city, a pulsing metropolis of India, and the home of the Bollywood industry. There are a throng of things to do and see here from historical sights, trendy cafes, exploring its food and nightlife. It helps to have a researched game plan

Watch the iconic dabbawalas (lunchbox delivery men) on their delivery hustle to corporate offices, or hop on a ferry to Elephanta Island’s ancient cave temples (this makes a nice day trip). Doing a Mumbai Food Tour is a must and Chowpatty Beach is the perfect beach spot for sampling street food fried up by a cove of kiosk food vendors. The beach is known for the Ganesh Visarjan, a 10 day festival where idols of Ganesh are submerged.

My favorite attraction of Mumbai was the Dhobi Ghats,where you can witness the dhobi community slap, suds and steam press Mumbai’s laundry. It’s said that with all the linens they launder from businesses and households, not a sock goes missing. The vats and hanging colored linens reminded me of Fes’ tanneries.

Lastly, for a unique experience, hop a train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the busiest train stations in India. The intercity trains are a little archaic compared to Delhi’s metro. They feel like a tin can on wheels.

Note: Dharavi Slum tours has quickly gained tourist popularity due to the Slumdog Millionaire film. Tours can be exploitative of the poverty in the community. Please do your research in advance to ensure you are booking an ethical tour that is paying the local community for their interactions.

See my 30 tips for the ethical traveler

Inside Tips for Solo Travelers in Goa

Prices in Mumbai can run a little higher due to the fact it’s Mumbai.  Do your research on accommodations in advance. To reduce the overwhelm, book a Mumbai city sightseeing tour

Traveling onward from Mumbai:, I booked a VIP tourist overnight sleeper bus, which I will never do again. Read more about sleeper buses in India

Check out fun Mumbai activities & day trips

2. Goa

Beaches,  swaying palms, rave music and laid-back vibes define Goa.

Goa is a hot beach destination for Indian travelers and for tourists traveling India. Goa beaches and rave scene was not my cup of tea. I’ve seen more beautiful and cleaner beaches in Hawaii & other parts of the world.

Known for its rave party culture, you’ll find DJ beats spun on the sand, foreign backpackers echoing Bob Marley dreds and scantily clad women in leather miniskirts on the back of motorcycles. Vendors go around the beach offering massages and fresh cut fruits, as cows lazily saunter through the sand. It’s a pretentious adult carnival for young, more modern Indians. It’s India not being Indian

Each beach has a bit of it’s own character, whether it is DJs pumping rave vibes on the sand to private resort beaches, who allow the occasional nude sun-bather under a cabana, Goa has a mix. Read my top 5 Goa beaches.

I met up with fellow travel bloggers at beach bars in Goa, which killed time for me. Goa finally opened up to me when I rented a motorbike and zoom-zoomed along hills, to sight see farm fields, local markets and different beach regions of Goa, the region redeemed itself and took on a vibrant new color.

Pro Tip: renting a motorbike makes a huge difference if you’re a solo traveler, especially if you’re searching for culture and local lifestyles.

Goa Activities:

• Explore North Goa for a day by car
• Nibble your way through a Goa Street Food Tour
• Do a day trip to Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Plantation
• Enjoy the bar scene of Goa with a Goa Pub crawl
• Do a Heritage Walk of Panaji, Goa’s Latin Quarter
• Visit a Goa Spice Plantation
• Experience Scuba Diving in Northern Goa
• Do a Full-day Goa Sightseeing Tour to see all that Goa has to offer
• Don’t miss a trip to Dudhsagar Falls or to the latin quarter of Panajii. These are spots I missed and wished I had visited to enhance my experience of Goa.

Inside & Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Goa

Goa is hot, especially near the beaches and there are a lot of vacationers and foreign tourists:

• Eco-friendly sunscreen is a must and take a hat with a wide brim.
• Stay hydrated.
• Beware of travel theft and touts that can affect your stay negatively. With India, it is highly recommended to get travel insurance.
• Avoid drug usage so you can keep your street smarts about you and to avoid landing in an Indian jail.

Transportation to the Next Destination: I took VIP/tourist sleeper bus and I will never do that again! Read my experience

3. Hampi

Ghostly. Ruin-ly. Hampi stretches far and wide, so if you plan to see most of it, allow yourself at least three days.  It’s a hot and arid environment and you’ll want to take water with you on your hike.

The town is separated by a river and each morning, elephants come to the river to bathe. Local ladies wash their clothes in the river and you can cross is by ferry. On one side of the river, there is a semi-lush bank with hippie type of guesthouses, small cafes and a hilly range. Hike to the Monkey Temple during sunset for the best view overlooking all of Hampi.

The other side of the river is the small, rustic town, with local shops, cafes and local residences. More ruins reside on this side of the river and they are more architectural, sprinkled with grazing goats. You can reach them on foot or bike.  Rent a bicycle or motorbike (but only if you know how to ride. I got into a motorbike accident!)  or taxi to explore the further ruins and the countryside.

Transportation: I took the Government bus to Hampi, although a tourist bus is available too.

Travel & Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Hampi

The Hampi climate is arid and there’s little trees for shade. Definitely wear sunscreen and take a hat with a wide brim. Stay hydrated- I almost passed out from the heat and hiking.  Hampi wasn’t my favorite destination largely because i’m not fond of arid environments, but it can be a photogenic place.

There are resident monkeys when you visit the temple. Be sure to seal all loose items up if you have a daypack. Visit my Hampi Guide.\

Don’t want to travel India alone? Join my India group trip or make it a private tour? Dive into local culture, food and off-beaten-path gems without the stress

4. Gokarna

Gokarna is one of the top five pilgrimmage towns, dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Gokarna has three main beaches: OM beach, Kudle beach and GoKarna Beach with two secluded beaches. Some beaches have coves and are great for sunbathing while others offer watersport opportunities.The beaches are spread out. Some temples do not allow foreigners in or have specific rules like forbidding women with their menustration period.

Ask locals about which beaches are good to swim in. Some beaches have choppy waves and are not swimable and others aren’t very clean and should be avoided if you have open cuts or wounds. A friend of mine (who I got into the motorbike accident with) jumped into the ocean for a swim; sadly, his cuts got infected and he had to stay in Gokarna until he could walk again.

There are options for lodgings in each beach residences. Accommodations range from super cheap but basic beach cabanas, guesthouses and hotels.

Aside from beaches, Gokarna is a small rustic town surrounded by nature, beaches, guesthouses and local residences.  Aside from beaches, you might feel limited. There’s not a lot of splashy attractions. Visit the Koti Turti ghat – a local bathing spot, do a Gokarna food tasting tour, beach hop Gokarna & take in the sunsent at Om Beach or do a nature walk of Gokarna.  I took in a show at the local community theater and it was a wonderful surprise.

Check out this GetyourGuide listing for more Gokarna guided activities

Transportation: Government bus. Taking the government bus from Hampi, got me into Gokarna’s outdoor bus station at 3am and every business is closed at that hour. Luckily, there were other travelers on the bus and we all banded together to find a beach to sleep on. Check  bus timetables. Beaches are also occupied by resident cows. Watch where you sleep.;)

Kerala

The backwaters beckon in Kerala. That’s what defines Kerala. “God’s Country” is a land of lush lagoons, swaying coconut palms, and river houseboats.  Visit Munnar’s rolling hills and tea plantations, or soak in the Ayurveda wellness scene. Kochi’s bustling markets and Mattancherry’s Jewish Synagogue offer glimpses into Kerala’s diverse heritage.

Travel & Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Kerala

Kerala surprised me as a lush, clean and well-maintained state with universities. The climate certainly felt gentler than the previous states and the vibe was more relaxed. Although I did not experience any safety issues, scams or touts, it’s always best to keep your street smarts about you.

6. Kochi/Cochin

Kerala’s maritime jewel, Cochin, has a lot of colonial charm, bustling markets, and serene backwaters and beaches. The Chinese fishing nets with their giant fishing nets was the first image that drew me wanting to visit Kochi ( aka Cochin). Take in Kochi’s highlights by strolling Fort Kochi, where Dutch and Portuguese heritage lingers in colorful streets and spice-laden air, explore Mattancherry’s Jewish Synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth, and bargain for vibrant silks and spices in Jew Town.

Day trips: Hop on a traditional dhow to cruise the Vembanad Lake, witnessing serene villages and lush greenery while savoring fresh seafood on board or experience a backwater village eco boat tour.  Munnar’s lush tea plantations and rolling hills are just 3.5 hours from Kochi. From bustling spice markets to tranquil backwaters, Cochin offers a kaleidoscope of maritime charm.

Excursions

• Spend a night on a Alapphuza backwaters boat
• Attend a traditional Kathakali dance show,where dancers tell ancient stories through elaborate makeup and expressive movements.

Transportation to the Next Destination: Local bus

Getting There:  From arrival into Ernakulam train station, take taxi into Fort Kochi. The Ernakulam bus station has a nearby (walking distance) ferry that you can take direct to Fort Kochi as well. It’s much cheaper than a taxi into the area.

6. Alleypey

Alleypey is a charming town on Kerala’s backwaters is a gateway to a unique experience. I enjoyed it, found its lushness beautiful and I could see staying there a week or longer. There are surrounding canals and a main passenger boat station. The town has a really lovely Catholic church. It was the first western church I’ve seen in India– pews and all. In India, I got used to visiting a lot of Hindu and Sikh temples where you must walk barefoot out of respect. So seeing a Catholic church was a bit of culture shock.

Alleypey is known for its traditional backwater houseboat experience, a floating homestay complete with bedrooms, kitchen, and sundeck. Glide through peaceful river canals, spotting birds on marshes, fishermen pulling up baskets with fresh catch, and the occasional toddy tapper climbing palm trees extract the local palm wine. You don’t have to book a river boat to see this, although I did.

I stayed at a lovely guesthouse and rode the local community boat to its local stops. The town of Alleypey is quaint with local character. It’s a lovely town to rest in if you you’re doing a backpacking trip.

Excursions for Solo Travelers:

• Take a Backwater Shikkara Cruise for a day
• Enjoy a Walking Tour at Night in Alleypey
• Take a Home cooking class in Alleypey
• Explore the highlights of Alleypey by private car

Transportation to the Next Destination: Local bus

Karnartaka

7. Trivandrum

Trivandrum is a bustling college and administrative town with a train and bus station.  I really wanted to practice yoga in India. Trivandrum was my hub in getting to the Sivananda Ashram, which was on the outskirts of the city.  Sadly, I stayed in the hotel area across the train station, so I didn’t explore the city of Trivandrum. Getting to the ashram, was 30 minutes from the train station. I took a crowded local bus (the type where you see in pictures where everyone is packed like sardines! Read my guide to Indian buses.  After that bus experience, I quite fell in love with the local way of getting around.

The Sivananda yoga ashram (read about my stay) is in a very chill location and you can hear lions at night, which folks say are from a nearby zoo.  I made travel friends that i’m friends with til today.

 Excursions: Take a Guided Walking Tour at Night

Transportation to the Next Destination: Local bus

Check out my week-long yoga ashram experience in Trivandrum

8. Kanyakumari

Where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal converge, Kanyakumari is a sight to behold. Kanyakumari has a unique charm with its beach vibes. Located at the very southern tip of India, you wont find many foreign tourists. So I enjoyed this gem.  Stroll to the beach, where streets are lined with seashell vendors.

Take a boat ride to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and visit Mata Temple and the memorial where Gandhi’s ashes were spread.Although the attractions felt few compared to larger cities, they were close together and easy to get to by foot.

Try the dosas and pakoras in this area. You can cover Kanyakumari in 2-3 days. Check out my Kanyakumari Trip Guide.

Transportation to the Next Destination:  Government buses

9. Madurai

Dive into the vibrant chaos of Madurai, a city known for its magnificent Meenakshi Temple. Travelers can enter it but only locals are allowed to visit the heart of the temple. Marvel at the intricately carved gopurams (tower gateways), wander through bustling bazaars, and witness the vibrant “puja” (worship) ceremonies. Don’t miss the sound and light show at the temple for a mesmerizing experience.  Read my Madurai Experience (it still needs updating)

Tip: Many Indian tailors can be found walking through the bazaar, if you want to get a custom outfit down. Try the Madurai dosa- it’s a banana leaf Thali. This region is known for it.

Transportation to the Next Destination: Flight to Delhi, Overnight Bus, Local bus

10. Dharamsala

Dharamsala’s not just a destination. Months can melt away here as you chase mindful bliss through yoga, meditation, and a touch of Buddhism. Backpackers flock to Mcleodganj, its friendly guesthouses and international flavors nestled alongside local life and chanting monks. Bargain for long stays! It’s so serene here.  Hike to Triund for breathtaking Himalayan views, or learn about Tibetan culture at the Tsuglagkhang temple complex or visit the Karmapa.

A month and a half immersed in a yoga teacher training program and the intoxicating atmosphere of “Little Tibet” left me forever changed.

This mountain haven feels worlds away from bustling India. Lush green vistas unfurl beneath a sky alive with clouds, butterflies, and the occasional eagle soaring on the thermals. Crisp mountain air carries through the streets with the faint scent of musky incense.

This “Little Tibet” holds a tiny mecca of inclined streets lined with shops, international restaurants, crimson-robed monks and souvenir shops. It’s a small community of long-staying travelers, Tibetan Buddhists and Indians and a bit of a backpacker hippie town.  Weekends are perfect for hiking. It’s much cooler in this area around April. While the rest of India has you feeling like stripping down, this town will urge you to buy a wool blanket sold at one of the many shops or street vendors.

Mcleodganj’s food scene is a tantalizing tapestry of Tibetan and international flavors and street food. But a word to the wise: a rogue samosa from a street vendor sent me on a tour of the local healthcare system. My advice? Pack my street food safety guide  before you go! And never venture to India without travel insurance (check out this trip insurance finder tool) – my hospital visits became a testament to its value.

Travel & Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Dharamsala

Safety reigns supreme in this small, predominantly Buddhist town, but some paths get spooky at night – keep precautions close. Pack a surge protector! Power cuts and lightning storms love these mountains, and my laptop didn’t. Learn from my fried circuits.

Ways to get to Dharamsala:

1) long distance overnight bus. And if you book the wrong bus, potentially a transfer to another local bus or taxi. (I did this)
2) Take a plane to Gaggal Airport (you might be on the same flight as the Dalai Lama!) and a taxi or bus to Dharamsala
3) Take the train to Pathankot railway station and hail a taxi or bus

Transportation:  Hired car and driver

Check out my Dharamasala Trip Guide

11.  Amritsar

Surrounded by gentle farmland on the outside, getting into the heart of the Amritsar, is like walking into an organized and much cleaner version of India.  Immerse yourself in the spiritual energy of Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine. Sikhs are known to be historically fierce warriors, but their spirituality practices quite the opposite. Their reliigion does not discriminate between caste, religion or gender and you can savor a langar (free community meal) in their temple complex. Don’t miss the Wagah-Border ceremony, a display of patriotism at the India-Pakistan border and if you love off-beat sites, definitely visit the Mata Temple. It was the craziest and coolest temple i’ve seen!  Check out my Amritsar Guide

Amritsar Excursions:

• Eat your way through Amritsar on a Food Walk
• Do a Amritsar Highlights and Wagah Border tour
• Explore Golden Temple & Wagah Border Ceremony

Transportation:  Indian Railways, 3AC Sleeper

12. Delhi

Delhi, India’s bustling capital offers a dizzying mix of history, culture, and modernity. Marvel at the Mughal grandeur of the Red Fort, Humayun Tomb and Qutab Minar, explore the spice markets of Chandni Chowk. I took a local tour of Chandni Chowk with Women for World. Highly recommended. shop for handcrafted treasures at Dilli Haat. Don’t miss a sunset boat ride on the Yamuna River for a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz. See my Delhi city guide

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Delhi

Delhi is one of the more trickier cities in India and yet, it’s a top tourist destination. Indian locals know Delhi to have occasional scammers and cheats. I’d say you’re more likely to experience this type of activity vs any physical danger like muggings. But walking the streets as a woman can feel intimidating when you see a sea of men all around and occupying all the main jobs. If you are wondering why that is, it is because Indian women usually stay indoors.

Delhi Activities:

• Do an Old and New Delhi City Private Guided Day Trip
• Local Dinner tour in Old Delhi
• Take an Akshardam Temple tour with light show
• From Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Sunrise Tour
• From Delhi: Jaipur Guided Day tour
• From Delhi: 5 Day Tiger Safari + Golden Triangle

Transportation :  Indian Railways, 3AC

13. Agra

Agra is good for a 1-2 day visit. Come face-to-face with Agra’s most exquisite architectural love letter, the Taj Mahal. Witness the white marble shimmer under the morning sun,  and soak in the poignant love story of Shah Jahan and Mumitaz. If there’s time visit the Agra Fort, a majestic Mughal fortress, offers stunning views of the Taj. Then weave through Tajganj gritty charm. Haggle in alley markets, slurp lassi from a local stall, and get a cheap haircut. For a dose of social impact, grab a smoothie at Jonie’s or empower acid attack survivors at Sheroes Cafe, their courage is contagious.

Agra Activities:

• Visit the Taj Mahal and Baby Taj
• From Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Sunrise Tour
• From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train

Transportation to the Next Destination: Indian Railways

Ladakh

Ladakh was my first Heaven on Earth destination. Visit Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable road, snakes through stark, moon-like landscapes of Nubra Valley and the Shyok River. Explore the 10th century Diskit Monastery  and Thiksey Monastery and visit during the monk chants. Don’t miss the surreal gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, where cars seem to roll uphill in defiance of physics. Or do a trek to Pangong Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The heaven on earth landscape is reminiscent of Northern Pakistan, which runs parallel to Ladakh.

Best time to visit is during the Hemis Festival in summer

Visit my Ladakh Trip Highlights blog post

Transportation: Plane

You can take the bus, but only during the right season, when the roads open and mountain passes are safe. You must explore Ladakh by car and bus.

14. Leh

Ladakh’s capital, Leh, is a dusty town with a fond Tibetan heart. It’s not beautiful like the landscapes around it, but it offers a vibrant mix of bazaars, monasteries, and stunning mountain views. Explore its sidewalk street shops, where shop owners spin their prayer wheels as they await business, and hike to Shanti Stupa for  panoramic views. Acclimatize before embarking on treks.

15. Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is a stark Ladakh landscape with vibrant life. Bactrian camels walking across sand dunes, Buddhist monasteries clinging to cliff sides, and rugged mountains house turquoise glacial lakes.  Nubra’s charm lies in its dramatic contrasts that look like an alien landscape, juxtaposed with the warmth of nomadic communities. Pass through Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable pass, or sipping apricot tea with locals, Nubra Valley is a stunning landscape.

Getting Around: What is the best way to get around India?

Navigating your 3-month India adventure? Public transport reigns supreme for budget-conscious backpackers, offering an immersive experience with its quirks and charms.

Buses: My go-to for city hops. Choose VIP sleepers for comfort (book online via RedBus or 12GoAsia). Local buses are slower, hit more stops, and require small change. English proficiency varies, so prepare for some charades. My Gokarna arrival at 3 am was…adventurous (think cows and darkness). Check out my guide on how to deal with language barriers.

Hated the Indian sleeper bus: uncomfortable seats, anxiety-inducing bathrooms, and near-abandonment stories left me scarred. But hey, budget travel!

Trains: Convenient and comfy, they whisk you city to city, with bathrooms onboard (squat or broken western, be warned!). Booking at stations or through agents (no online option yet) is the norm. Find all the details in my Guide to Indian Trains!

Rideshare apps: There are a few rideshare apps but I like Uber

Definitely check out my other India transit guides:

• Indian transportation guide
•  Taking the bus in India.
• Sleeper train etiquette
•  foreign quota tickets

Is India Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Overall, I’ve felt more safe traveling India than I have in my own country. My tolerance level may be higher than others as I’ve lived in different metropolitan cities and traveled different countries.

Solo Female Safety: I felt safer in India than at home, but awareness and street smart traveling is key. Sexual harassment exists, and while media portrays India as a rape capital, research reveals other countries fare worse (research various world population sites on rape by country per capita to gain a better perspective). Still, I definitely traveled practicing street smarts to avoid scams,  prevent travel theft, avoid sexual advances.

It’s fun to meet locals and fellow travelers, but avoid being too friendly to Indian men, even married ones. Indian women can be a little more conservative and discerning with their interactions with the opposite sex.  Indian men can take friendly as sexual friendliness. Avoid taking photos with men unless you know them well and by all means, do not give your phone number out. Or you will get plagued with phone calls and texts.

Touristy areas attract aggressive touts and that will be perhaps the biggest bug you’ll experience in India. Read my blog to know how to deal with them. My pickpocketing guide might come in handy.

Avoid late-night train arrivals and arrange early check-ins.

Book clean and well-reviewed hotels in safe locations.

Bonus: Dive deeper into my guides for the full experience!

• My 3 month India packing list
• Getting an India Tourist Visa for Americans
• Trip planning for India
• Rajasthan roadtrip itinerary- 8 days
• 25 Things to Know before traveling India (READ BEFORE YOU GO)
• my crash course as a solo traveler and an interview with another female solo traveler.

What would you add to this India backpacking route? I’ve laid out a 3-month backpacking itinerary India that takes you through 15 cities to visit in India. Would you try it?

Notes: 3 month backpacking itinerary India, cities to visit in India for 3 months, India backpacking route in 3 months