Is India safe for solo women travellers? Foreign traveller’s candid ratings go viral — She gave Delhi -1 Story by FE News Desk • 1h • 2 min read 'India is intense, beautiful, frustrating and heart-warming all at once,' she said. (Instagram/discoverwithemma) 'India is intense, beautiful, frustrating and heart-warming all at once,' she said. (Instagram/discoverwithemma) India has been on the bucket list of a lot of travellers. And rightly so. With its rich culture, diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, India makes up for an adventure travellers’ paradise. But how safe is it for solo women travellers? A recent video by Emma, a foreign backpacker exploring Asia, has reignited this debate. Red Tape Men's Tan Flip Flops Ad Red Tape Men's Tan Flip Flops Tata CLiQ call to action icon more In the video, Emma has offered a candid perspective of Indian cities and rated them on the basis of how safe they are. Emma posted a video on Instagram, which has over 10 million views now, where she rated eight destinations across the county based on her personal experiences. Her post, captioned “No sugar-coating, just my honest experience after weeks across 8 cities”, detailed the ratings and the reason behind it. ALSO READ ‘Everything in India is cheaper’: NRI’s shocking reaction to grocery prices in India goes viral Off to bad start Her journey began in Delhi, which she described as the toughest stop, giving it a score of (negative) -1/10. The city’s relentless noise, chaos and stares left her uneasy. “I wouldn’t want to be alone there,” she admitted. Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, fared slightly better at 3/10. “Yes, the Taj Mahal is beautiful. But beyond that, the horns and scams make it hard to relax. Locals are used to tourists, but it still felt like everyone wanted something from me,” her caption read. Build Your Child’s Confidence on Stage – Enroll Today! Ad Build Your Child’s Confidence on Stage – Enroll Today! PlanetSpark call to action icon more Jaipur offered a bit of respite, scoring 5/10. Emma appreciated its forts and historical charm but found evenings challenging for solo exploration. Pushkar earned 6.5/10. “Locals were chilled out and respectful,” she said, though minor scams persisted. Respite in Udaipur Udaipur impressed her most in North India, scoring 8/10, thanks to serene lakes, polite locals and cleaner surroundings. “It’s the first place in North India where I actually felt comfortable walking around alone in the daytime. If every city felt like Udaipur, India would be a dream to travel,” she wrote. Mumbai earned 6.5/10. Emma found the city busy and unpredictable but noted that people largely minded their own business. Goa, with its open-minded culture, scored 8/10. She warned against walking alone on beaches at night but called daytime exploration “absolute paradise”. ALSO READ Watch: Trump dances at Kuala Lumpur airport as Malaysia rolls out Red Carpet, video goes viral Top rated state Kerala emerged as her top choice, scoring 9/10. Calm, clean and culturally rich, the state’s polite locals and safe transport made it the ideal destination for solo women travellers. “India is intense, beautiful, frustrating and heart-warming all at once. You can have the best day and the worst day in the same hour. But with awareness, respect for local culture, and a bit of humour – you’ll be fine,” Emma wrote in her caption.

 India has always fascinated travelers with its chaotic energy, vibrant culture, and breathtaking diversity. But for solo women—especially foreign backpackers—the question remains: Is India safe to travel alone? The answer, as revealed by Emma (@discoverwithemma_), a solo female traveler whose viral Instagram ratings have taken the conversation by storm, is as complex as the country itself.

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Emma’s Candid Ratings: A City-by-City Breakdown

Emma explored 8 major destinations across India, spending weeks on the road. She rated each stop based on her personal sense of safety, comfort, and local attitudes toward solo women. Here’s what she found:

City/State	Emma’s Safety Rating (/10)	Her Real Experience
Delhi	-1	“The toughest stop. The relentless noise, chaos, and constant stares left me uneasy. I wouldn’t want to be alone here.”
Agra	3	“The Taj Mahal is beautiful. Beyond that, the horns and scams make it hard to relax. It felt like everyone wanted something from me.”
Jaipur	5	“Appreciated the forts and charm, but evenings are tough for solo wanderers.”
Pushkar	6.5	“Locals are chilled out and respectful. Some minor scams, but much less hustle.”
Udaipur	8	“The first place I actually felt comfortable walking around alone. Serene lakes, polite locals, and cleaner surroundings.”
Mumbai	6.5	“Busy and unpredictable, but people mostly mind their business. Saw women out and about alone.”
Goa	8	“Open-minded culture, paradise for day exploration. Nighttime beach walks not recommended, but daytime felt safe.”
Kerala	9	“Calm, clean, and culturally rich. Polite locals, safe transport—an ideal destination for solo women travelers.”

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Her Honest Reflections

“India is intense, beautiful, frustrating, and heart-warming all at once. You can have the best day and the worst day within the same hour,” Emma said. Her journey reminded viewers that preparation, awareness, and humility are vital for safe solo travel in India. While some cities are challenging, others—like Kerala or Udaipur—can feel welcoming and inspiring for women exploring alone.

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What Solo Women Should Know

• Research is key: City experiences vary hugely—plan your route wisely.

• Day vs. Night: Stick to daytime outings and well-trafficked areas, especially in large North Indian cities.

• Local etiquette matters: Blending in, dressing modestly, and having situational awareness helps earn respect and comfort.

• Group options: If any city feels daunting, consider group tours or connecting with other travelers.

• Stay positive: As Emma says, sometimes you need “a sense of humour and an open mind” to balance the challenges.

  
  

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Conclusion

Is India safe for solo women travelers? The answer isn’t black-and-white—it’s city-dependent and experience-based. Stories like Emma’s viral reel show that for those willing to adapt, respect local culture, and stay aware, solo travel in India can be as rewarding as it is unforgettable. But for first-timers, starting in places like Kerala or Udaipur may offer a gentler, more encouraging introduction to the country’s wonders.

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