I went to India on my own – mid twenties, single female from New York. Everybody thought I was crazy for heading to the country with the worst reputation for solo female travelers. I won’t lie to you, I was definitely nervous.

How does one even begin to describe the country of India. Some have the impression that India is a dangerous country and that people should be hesitant about traveling there. Others picked up books like Shantram and Eat Pray Love and now want to take on India and all of its’ glory. (Absolutely read Shantram if you plan on traveling to India- it’s an incredible insight). In the end, India is what you make of it. It definitely takes a few days to adjust to the country, but you will grow to love it. Between the pollution, noise levels, and extremely large population, India takes patience and open mindedness. Drop all expectations and go along for the ride!

I promise, you will understand after your trip why I love India because I’m sure you will too. This country will leave you bedazzled, spiritually uplifted, and undoubtedly a bit empowered. It’s a country that will help open your eyes, your mind, and your heart. One thing I can suggest for your India experience is give yourself time. I met people along the way that were traveling a bit of India in two weeks, it is possible, but you may feel a bit rushed. My suggestions is staying at least 3 weeks. Make sure you research the places you want to see and remember, you won’t be able to see it all in one shot. Enjoy what you can see in the time you have!

I did my research before arriving – what to wear, how to ‘behave’, what to except, but I still kept my mind open. Female travelers, especially ones traveling on their own, need to make sure to educate themselves on where they’re going. You can read horror stories, enlightening stories, soul searching stories, whatever suits you to prepare for take off! India leaves people with their own stories and experiences, but none should make you feel like were putting yourself in danger by traveling to this country. Take each story and use it more for your knowledge on how to handle certain situations, and always follow your gut. Let me tell you though, I never felt like I was in danger or put in a bad situation. I will admit to weird ones, but never dangerous. The people are friendly and their English is good enough. Remember, these are just people. They are just as curious of you, as you are of them. They will stop and ask you

to take pictures, just as you will do the same to them. I can’t even remember how many times I was handed a baby and asked to take a family portrait. But hey, who doesn’t want to enjoy that moment of stardom, am I right?

From the mountains in northern India, to the spiritual Ganges in the east, over to the magnificent Taj Mahal, and down south to the laid back beaches of Goa, this country caters to it all. I promise you won’t be left disappointed!

Typical Costs in India

Food:

Street food throughout the country is cheap cheap cheap, but, you can also find many nicer restaurants that are a bit pricier. No matter what, you will not be spending an exorbitant amount on food.

Accommodation:

Hostel rooms can range from $3-$10 USD per night, and $10 is considered expensive! In some places, you can negotiate a lower fare if you’re staying in the same place for an extended period of time. I was able to talk down my room in Goa from $6/ night to $4.25/night!

*FYI – Zostel and Stops are chain hostels located in various cities throughout India*

Taxis:

Make sure to ask for a metered taxi and show them exactly where you want to go. Sometimes they can pretend to be lost to get the meter higher so just be aware of this and keep track on your google maps.

Getting Around India – Understanding the System

Trains:

The most popular way to get around India is riding the trains like the locals. Booking them on the other hand can get a little difficult and frustrating. This is by far the best way to get from point A to point B! One of the cheapest, and it is the best experience. The people you meet on the train will give you the best stories! Since this is the most common way for the locals to get around, most of the trains are booked up way in advance. They do, however, reserve an X amount of tickets for foreigners. Just need to be on top of it, make booking trains a priority!

• Booking at your accommodation: A majority of the hotels or hostels you stay at will be able to assist you with booking your trains with an additional service fee (usually 100 rupees).
• Booking at the train station: This can be a pain in the butt, but sometimes the most efficient. (Nobody said traveling India was easy). Make sure you bring the following with you just in case: a copy of your passport and your actual passport. Most of the train stations will have a specific Foreigners office or window. If you can’t find this, find the Station Master to ask for help. Note: Station Masters will become your best friend.

Classes:

• • 1AC – Most expensive, I don’t suggest this one because 2AC and 3 AC are perfectly fine. Unless you have the extra cash and want to travel in luxury
  • 2AC – Mid ranged in price. This class has two bunks on top of each other, and a private curtain.
  • 3AC – Least expensive out of the ‘AC’ classes. This class has three bunks on top of each other, and does not have a curtain. This class is totally fine to travel in solo.
  • Sleeper – Cheapest. Same as 3AC, you will have three bunks on top of each other, but no AC, and this is where the majority of the locals travel in. It gets realllllllll crowded. Always choose a top bunk if you go for this one! People won’t be sitting on your bed or using it to rest their luggage if you’re up there.
  • General Class – I highly doubt you’ll be in this class as most foreigners are just not recommended to go in here. This is a seated class, no AC, and extremely crowded. People are usually sitting on the floor in this class.

Busses:

Mmmm busses. Personally, not my favorite way of getting around India, but by far the cheapest option.

• How to Book: Easy to book through a travel agent or at your accommodation.
• What to Expect: There are different types of busses. AC, VIP AC, Seated, and Sleeper. The person who is booking these for you will be able to tell you which is best according to your journey. All I can recommend is: if you take a sleeper bus, request bottom – otherwise there’s a small chance you’ll go flying off the top bunk because of the crazy drivers (please trust this statement from experience). Also, always request close to the front of the bus, less bumpy and less likely to feel like you’re going to get sick. The drivers are CRAZY.
• Cost: Ranges depends on distance and destination – but the cheapest.

Private Car Hires:

I’d say this is the most luxurious option. Who doesn’t want their own personal driver to bring them around India?

• Cost: Depends on the company and places you’re interested in going to, but in the end nothing in India is ever “too expensive”.

Flying:

Easiest, fastest, and sometimes can be cheap!

• Book direct with the airlines – Indigo, GoAir, Air India, Jet Airways, etc.

Helpful Tips

• Visa – The Indian tourist visa is very easy to get using the e-tourist visa website. You’ll be able to easily follow along using this website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/  visa/index.html . Visa costs $63 for 6 month multiple entry. Americans are eligible for a 10 year visa, but in order to get this visa you will need to go into the embassy and apply in person.
• Currency: Rupee
• Women should be mindful of what they wear – this will only make you feel more comfortable. In most places aside from Goa, you should wear something that goes down to your knees and covers your shoulders.
• For solo female travelers: Be mindful and use your common sense. If you feel uncomfortable, walk towards a group of people and act like you’re with them. Always walk with confidence as if you know where you’re going, even if you’re completely lost.
• Download the offline map of the city you’re in on the app Maps.Me – best maps for tourism!!
• Make sure you mark where you’re staying, and always carry around a business card from them.

Cities

Since I visited many cities in India, I’ve broken each city down into their own separate blog. See Below to read more!

New Delhi

Varanasi

Mumbai

Agra

Rajasthan

Goa