After traveling to its three different cities in the region; Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer, all on my own as a solo female traveler, I consider a solo trip to Rajasthan one of the best travel experiences you can India.

Famed primarily for its rich culture and imposing forts and palaces, Rajasthan is one of the topmost tourist destinations in India, loved by both Indians and foreigners alike.

When I decided to travel solo for the first time, I thought of Rajasthan quite naturally because it had always fascinated me.

And, when I went there, it turned out to be just as great as I imagined. It allowed me to be happily solo, yet embraced me in its colorful atmosphere.

If you’re thinking of choosing Rajasthan as a solo travel destination but need more convincing, here are all the reasons to take a solo Rajasthan trip.

Reasons To Take A Solo Trip to Rajasthan

Rajasthan is an adventure waiting to be had. Here are all the reasons to take your first solo trip to Rajasthan.

1. Friendly Culture

Rajasthan’s hospitality is its iconic trademark, but even its friendliness is so off-the-cuff.

I remember walking through the narrow alleys of Udaipur during the festival of Diwali and it was all so fervent.

I received smiles, amiable gestures and support while I was taking pictures and exchanging casual pleasantries with the hawkers.

People’s inherent warmth instantly melted my hesitation as a solo traveler.

2. Festive atmosphere

Rajasthan is a land of festivals. There are so many held annually such as the Desert Festival, Pushkar Fair, Elephant Festival, Gangaur Festival, Marwar Festival, and Nagaur Festival just to name a few.

Also, the atmosphere in general is very festive. When I was in Jodhpur there were traditional folk dance and music performances held at the hotel every evening.

3. Good accommodation options

When you are traveling solo, good accommodation is a top concern. Especially if you have been to New Dehli where many hostels are found down tiny dirty alleys.

Rajasthan is not like that. There is an abundance of good accommodation options of all kinds to choose from – luxury hotels, guest houses, heritage resorts, budget hotels and home stays.

You can also find modern hostels that cater to the digital nomad or slow traveller, such as Zostel and Bunkyard Hostel which are two popular hostel chains in India.

Apart from comfort and amenities, the hotels give you great hospitality and a true ‘Rajasthan’ experience.

4. Open-minded and respectful locals

Although Rajasthan is a highly conservative state, the locals respect a visitor’s individuality. If a woman is rambling all alone in any city of Rajasthan, she would be respected for who she is and her background.

Even if she is from a different culture or follows a totally different way of life, she wouldn’t draw attention. The locals in general know that they have to receive each guest with reverence.

5. You Get Plenty of Personal Space

Although people are friendly, they give you space to do your own thing.

I remember when I was in Jaisalmer, I found my own little corner where I sat with my laptop to catch up on work. There was another foreign girl there too, curled up with a book, while another guy was sunbathing. Thus, the feeling of being in Rajasthan is very homey.

6. Variety of things to see and do

Every nook and cranny in the cities of Rajasthan is so full of buzz.

Some of my most memorable moments were people-watching and strolling along Lake Pichola in Udaipur or dining at Ambrai restaurant and bar with a view of the Lake Palace.

I remember catching a panoramic view of Udaipur, watching the sunset at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and wandering the alleys of Jaisalmer Fort.

There are also loads of natural attractions in Rajasthan such as the Thar Desert where you can take a desert safari across the sand dunes, Fateh Sagar Lake in Johdpur where you can take a boat ride, Mount Abu, and of course, Ranthambore National Park which is home to a small tiger population.

Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes and has so much beauty to see without spending a penny.

You of course cannot miss Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan and also known as the “Pink City”, which has fascinating and beautiful historic attractions. Don’t miss The City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and of course, the Amber Fort which has some of the most beautiful architecture in the city.

In Udaipur, don’t miss the Saheliyon ki Bari, Monsoon Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Bagore ki Haveli.

In smaller cities such as Ranakpur, you’ll find many historic attractions that have fewer tourists, such as the Jain Temple. Another off-the-beaten-path destination in Rajasthan I love is Chittorgarh which is known for its fortress, and Bikaner which also has an amazing fort called the Junagarh Fort.

7. Ideal for slow travel

I learned the art of slow travel in Rajasthan, as I didn’t feel the need to do typically touristy things all the time. Part of the reason for this is because it’s so cheap, you can afford to spend your days doing nothing and stretch your budget further.

I chose to skip a monument or two and happily relaxed at my hotel in Jodhpur, chatted with the staff, explored the nearby market, and observed the local life.

I enjoyed waking up before the hotel staff one morning to catch the first glimpse of sunrise and enjoying a cup of tea with my fellow travelers.

8. Pick-up service by hotels

The best thing that happened to me in Rajasthan was to be received by one of the hotel staff at the train station. Most of the hotels in Rajasthan offer free transport from the airport/railway station to the hotel. It puts you at ease to simply be escorted to your hotel, while you are solo.

9. It’s cheap

You probably hear this all the time, but traveling to India, and Rajasthan especially, is comparatively cheap to other destinations in Asia.

Sure, flights to New Delhi from overseas are expensive, but once you land, you can expect to pay very little each day.

Food, accommodation, and local transportation are all fairly inexpensive, with delicious meals at the local street food stalls costing as little as a few dollars.

For those solo travelers looking to stay in hotels rather than hostels, you can expect to pay more, however, even then prices remain relatively low.

Even attractions such as fortresses and temples usually have an entrance fee of a few dollars or less.

10. Safe and Inviting

Although I don’t like to categorize places as safe or unsafe, Rajasthan is relatively safe.

I traveled to the desert all on my own from Jaisalmer. Comprehending my anxiety, the chauffeur took good care of me, and even the camel riders and the desert camping staff were so caring. Rajasthan welcomes a solo traveler with open arms.

Before You Go

Solo travel to Rajasthan is a must-do for any traveler at least once in their life. It has so much to see and experience, from its stunning lakes and palaces to its vibrant culture.

Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or some time to relax and take in the local atmosphere, Rajasthan has something for everyone.

This beautiful state will certainly leave you with many wonderful memories.

Are you worried about safe travel in India?

Watch the following webinar to help you learn more about travel in India, why it’s safer than the media likes to tell you, and how to stay safe!

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And rightfully so, that’s the allure of India and without that chaos and intensity, an adventure to this country simply wouldn’t be as life-changing as is normally the case.

But after a while, it can get exhausting, so if you’re looking for somewhere more relaxed and off-the-beaten-path, consider visiting Bundi.

Wandering Earl spent two and a half years traveling around the subcontinent, and shares with us his experience of visiting Bundi and what there is to do there.

Where is Bundi, India?

After spending a few days in Mumbai, we had no idea where else we would visit. This is most likely why nobody objected when I randomly suggested we travel to Bundi, which, apart from a text message I had received from a friend recommending it, I had never heard of.

In fact, none of us had heard of Bundi in India before and none of us even knew where it was located within this vast country.

As it happens, Bundi is a small village in the Hadoti region of the Rajasthan state. It’s located in the northwest of India.

For those who are a bit more clued up on India’s geography, it lies roughly in the middle of Udaipur and Jaipur.

How to Get to Bundi

The closest airport to Bundi is Jaipur. You can get a direct bus from Jaipur which takes 3.5 hours. You can also find buses from Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Kota.

The best and cheapest way to get to Bundi is by train. Most travelers start their India trips in New Delhi or Mumbai. If you arrive in New Dehli, you will be much closer to Bundi since it’s only 463.7 km away (about 6.5 hours drive).

There is a direct train from New Dehli to Bundi and it takes 7 hours.

We started in Mumbai, so we boarded the Firozpur-Janta Express at Mumbai’s insanely crowded Mumbai Central train station.

We were bound for Kota, the closest transportation hub to Bundi, which we now knew was situated on the eastern edge of the culturally-rich state of Rajasthan. Nineteen hours later we arrived.

How Many Days in Bundi Should You Spend?

To put it simply, we ended up spending 10 days in Bundi, finding it harder and harder to leave as the days passed.

It took barely an hour for us all to become far too captivated by Bundi’s unlike-any-other-place-in-India charm to even consider heading somewhere else.

Chaotic and intense do not apply in this town, with words such as tranquil, laid-back, enchanting, and extraordinary much more appropriate instead.

Picture a large desert hill, with a small town nestled into its base, a town with hundreds of narrow lanes creating a maze of homes, shops, and temples, most of which are painted a mesmerizing shade of pastel blue (a sign of royalty).

However, if you are not blessed with time, then you can spend 2 days in Bundi and be able to see all the highlights.

Things to Do in Bundi

If you’re not sure what to do in Bundi, below I share my top recommendations for sites to see and attractions to visit.

1. Visit the Bundi Palace (Garh Palace)

From almost any vantage point, the impressive Bundi Palace looms overhead from its location halfway up the hill, representing one of the most well-preserved palaces I’d ever seen in India.

Bundi Palace is an intriguing place and was once home to the rulers of Bundi. It was built between 1607 AD and 1631 AD by Rao Raja Ratan Singh Hada, and contains the most prestigious painting school in India.

It’s most recognizable for its intricate art and architecture, with many courtyards and chambers that tell tales of the days when royalty lived in regal luxury here.

Highlights of the palace include the Chhatra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Badal Mahal, which feature many colorful and fine murals and frescoes.

Don’t miss the Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate), which marks the entrance to the palace, as well as The Hall of Public Audience which has an amazing coronation throne made of white marble. There is also an art gallery inside the palace (Chitrashala)

Visiting this majestic palace gives visitors a peek into the grandeur of bygone eras. The walls, turrets, and surroundings of Bundi Palace serve as an apt reminder of how beautiful and resplendent a royal residence can be.

2. Visit the Taragarh Fortress

Glance even further toward the sky and your eyes will meet the grand Taragarh Fortress, whose ancient outer walls line the entire summit of the hill, encompassing various hilltop shrines that are still used by locals to make daily offerings to the Hindu gods.

A short 30-minute walk up the hill brings you straight to the fortress, where you can climb onto the top of the fortress wall.

The fortress was built in the 8th century by Ajayaraja Chauhan. It’s famous for its strength, having defended the region from many attacks.

From here, the never-ending view is addicting, especially before sunset when the colorful town below appears as majestic as those found in the wildest of fairy tales.

3. Mingle with the Locals

Bundi’s population, which consists of an interesting mix of Hindus, Muslims, and Jains, all of whom live in complete harmony, are clearly proud of the peaceful atmosphere they’ve created.

Smiling locals, many of whom extend their hand in greeting to all strangers who pass them by, are the norm and two minutes will rarely pass without a group of children leading you off for a personal tour of their neighborhood.

Incredibly, the usual fears associated with traveling in India – pickpockets, being ripped off, endless scams – are nothing to worry about at all here.

The biggest problem travelers face in Bundi is the potential lack of sleep due to being invited to participate in one of the frequent, all-night religious ceremonies that take place in the streets.

And if you tire from all of the celebrations, chances are you’ll have a cheerful room to return to as Bundi offers a small, but sufficient variety of excellent budget accommodation, typically in buildings full of history and character.

As a result, it’s quite easy to understand why the handful of other travelers I met during my visit all ended up rearranging their itineraries in order to accommodate a much longer stay in Bundi than they had originally planned.

4. Take A Rickshaw to The Surrounding Villages

One morning, a few days into our stay, my friends and I decided to test the surrounding area, to see if the countryside beyond Bundi had a similar, serene feel to it.

We hired an auto rickshaw for the day, paying 300 rupees ($7 USD) to a driver who we somehow convinced to hand us his keys and stay at home while we drove his rickshaw, even though none of us had ever driven a rickshaw at any point in our lives.

Sure, we ended up having to pull ourselves out of small roadside ditches on a few occasions and we were nearly run over by the occasional truck or camel cart, but apart from those minor challenges, we ended up discovering a region of India that not only lived up to the high expectations set by Bundi, but that very few travelers have a chance to explore.

From the kindest, most generous local villagers (especially this tea stall owner in the photo whom I will never forget) to the ever-changing landscape of sparkling lakes, stretches of desert, lush forest, and impressive karst formations, we found ourselves increasingly enthralled by the region with every passing kilometer.

One of the villages I recommend you visit nearby is Thikarda, which is known for its pottery production.

After nine hours of exploring, we eventually returned to Bundi, barely able to contain our excitement over the day’s excursion.

5. Visit the Stepwells

One of the most unique things about Bundi is its step wells, which are an architectural marvel that is quite unique to India.

If you’re not sure what a stepwell is, they are small wells or ponds, that have a series of steps that lead down to the water. In Bundi, there are around 50 or so.

In many towns and villages, and in Bundi in particular, they are places of worship, gathering, and hanging out.

They are also architecturally beautiful and ornate, so photographers will love exploring them.

Raniji-ki-Baori, also known as the Queen’s Stepwell, is the most popular stepwell in Bundi and was constructed in 1699 by Queen Nathavati, the younger queen of king Rao Raja Anirudh Singh.

It’s where you will find many locals hanging out and enjoying the beauty of this historic monument.

If you’re a fan of architecture, then you should check out the Dhabhai Kund step well in the Raniji ki Baori district. It was built in the 16th century and is famous for its geometric shape.

6. Marvel at the 84-Pillared Cenotaph

On the outskirts of town is the 84 pillared cenotaph, a monument built by the Maharaja of Bundi in 1683 in memory of his foster brother Deva.

It’s a beautiful structure that’s made up of an ornately decorated roof supported by 84 pillars (hence the name).

7. Sukh Mahal

Located on the banks of Jait Sagar is the summer palace, Sukh Mahal. This once-picturesque palace is now in a state of disrepair and may not look like a pretty site, but it’s worth checking out for one reason.

it is believed that this palace is where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book and Kin.

8. Relax by Nawal Sagar Lake

The Nawal Sagar lake is an artificial lake in the heart of the town of Bundi. It’s best known for capturing incredible reflections of the town’s skyline, and photographers will enjoy trying to get a great reflective shot here.

It also has a half-submerged temple in its center which is dedicated to Lord Varuna, the Hindu God of Water.

Around the lake are some step wells, where people enjoy sitting and taking in the ambiance of the area.

9. Shop at Sadar Bazaar

For those tourists looking to pick up souvenirs, you should venture over to the Sadar Bazaar. Here you can pick up many unique items such as miniature paintings, Kota sarees, carpets, and gifts.

This market is known for its carpets and artwork, but you can also find other pieces that are common in India such as lac bangles, silver jewellery, and more

10. Visit A Bundi Festival

Visiting Bundi during a festival is one of the best ways to see the place come alive. Whether you’re planning your trip around Holi, the festival of color that welcomes the start of Spring, or the Teej Festival (also known as the monsoon festival) that welcomes the rainy season.

These festivals bring out the most vivid parades, celebrations, and spirit of India. And I personally think they are best experienced in a small town like Bundi.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Bundi

One night, during dinner at a local rooftop restaurant, my friends and I began contemplating whether or not we should move to Bundi for good.

Of course, that was mostly talk, but we carried on eating our meals, drinking our beers, and talking about Bundi well into the night, barely even noticing the frequent power outages that darkened this sleepy community.

I simply didn’t want to leave that rooftop, as any time that I find myself sitting in the middle of a peaceful town built for royalty, at the foot of a palace, under the protection of a fortress and surrounded by the golden desert, I am as happy a traveler as can be.

And the fact that this location was in the middle of chaotic and intense India made my experience here even more rewarding.

If you have the chance to visit Bundi, I highly recommend it, but be warned – you may never want to leave.

More India Travel Tips

Are you thinking of visiting other parts of India? Check out these helpful travel guides…

• How to safely travel to India as a solo female traveller
• 5 Unique & Authentic Ways to Experience India
• 10 Reasons Why Rajasthan is Perfect for Solo Travelers

There’s just one problem.

You’re a women and you’re scared.

You’ve heard all the stories: acid throwing, gang rapes, and boob groping on buses. Of course, you’re going to change your flights from New Delhi to New Hampshire. Back to the burbs where it’s safe.

I’ve not been to India. I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous about it. Not so much the boob groping because let’s face it, Craig’s trained me well to manage that! I personally don’t hear many of these stories of horrible treatment towards women in India, because I rarely watch the news.

And most travellers I speak to who visit India never mention it either. I wonder why that might be?

I met a lady at my local farmer’s market the other day who told me she lives in India four months a year.

“Oh, I love India. I just can’t wait to get back. I feel so centred and balanced when I’m there.”

I find India intriguing. I feel I have to go there to experience what this thing about it is. But, then I’ll met the next person who tells me how much they hated it. The crowds and the begging and the constant harassment was just too much for them.

So I worry about that more.

We had an interesting discussion on our Facebook page the other week. We shared a post about the Taj Mahal and many women jumped out to say they would not go to India as they did not feel safe. I could not comment in response, but tagged my friend Mariellen Ward from BreatheDreamGo.com, and Reena Tory, from Mantra Wild Adventures to share their experiences.

Both women. Both madly in love with India. Both frequent travellers to India as solo women. Both passionate advocates of it as being a worthy destination, not as unsafe as the fear-mongering media would like you to believe.

I mean didn’t Gandhi come from India? And don’t women get groped and attacked in every country? Is India really that bad?

It’s been a goal of mine to start webinars this year and when Mariellen offered to write a post for our site dispelling the myths about India being a dangerous place for women to travel, I suggested we do a webinar instead.

She agreed and Reena quickly joined us.

So if you’ve got dreams to do that big solo female travel to India this is your chance to quieten those fears and dream bigger! Mariellen and Reena are going to tell us the realities of travel in India such as

• why you should travel solo to India as a female traveller
• why India is such a love it or hate it place and how you can love it
• how to best approach a trip to India as a solo female traveller
• how to best protect yourself from the monsters (I’m looking at you Craig!).

I sure do hope they tell me how to find a yogi master too. I need to perfect a headstand by the end of the year!

Watch the solo travel to India webinar

If you’re nervous about travelling to India as a solo female traveller, consider doing a tour. We love the philosophy behind G Adventures the most. Click here to learn more about their tours.

About Mariellen Ward

Mariellen Ward is a professional travel writer and cultural explorer based in Toronto and sometimes Delhi. Breathedreamgo.com, her award-winning travel blog about “meaningful adventure travel,” is inspired by her extensive travels in India.

She writes for many print and online sites, co-founded the Toronto Travel Massive and founded the WeGoSolo online community for female solo travellers. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul culture” and has spent many years immersing herself in the culture.

About Reena Tory

Reena Tory is a passionate soul seeking traveller, conservationist and the founder of Mantra Wild Adventures. Mantra Wild Adventures is a boutique travel company specialising in personally crafted private journey’s that peels back the layers of India. Mantra Wild’s Motto is “Travel on Purpose” and Reena’s aim for her clients is that their lives are changed forever from their India experience

Reena has a love for Indian wildlife, especially the Royal Bengal Tiger! Reena has a Degree in Science specialising in Zoology and further studies in wildlife management with communities that involves them in the process. After witnessing the aftermath of a rhino poaching, she set up her company Mantra Wild Adventures – a unique way to show her India to the world, while positively impacting the communities, people and environment in India.

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India has so many things to offer a traveller.

You can visit the tourist hotspots like the Taj Mahal, India Gate and the Palaces of Rajasthan, BUT with a little deeper digging and a peeling back of her layers, you’ll discover so many more enriching experiences.

5 tips to experience the REAL India

1.Stay in Unique Properties including Bed & Breakfast

India has some amazing property options available. Bed and Breakfast style accommodation are becoming quite popular, especially in the major cities.

Some may be on the commercial side and are run more like hotels. However, you will find many are run by families, or couples that love to host travelers.

It’s a great way to taste local cuisines (sometimes with a touch of home-made motherly love), find out the hidden gems in the area, and learn to cook an authentic Indian meal or enjoy an Indian breakfast.

Our recommendations:

• Delhi – Check out Colonel’s retreat or Indee Home in South Delhi. Colonel’s retreat offers spa services as well as yoga classes and cooking classes.

• Agra – Garden Villa is a good basic B&B option outside the hustle and bustle of Agra.

• Rajasthan – Why not stay in a traditional Haveli style or Fort Palace? We recommend Neemrana Fort Palace a 15 century fort restored with rooms for all budgets. Or Splash out and treat yourself to a luxury Haveli stay at Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur. This group of heritage hotels are owned by a sub clan of rajputs started by the grandson of the Maharaja Udaikaran of Amer.

• Northern India – Our Himalaya Elements experience is a 10-night experience in the foothills of the Himalayas which include hand-picked exclusive B&B properties, plus some hotels and lodges along the way. The highlight is definitely Vanghat Lodge in the middle of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Also experience a beautiful heritage Bed and Breakfast property 2,500m above sea-level  and inside Binsar Sanctuary  with 180 degree views of the western Himalayas.

2. Visit Local Markets Outside the Tourist Traps

Let’s face it, to the locals, western tourists can stand out like a sore thumb.

It’s for this reason that the tourist shopping areas near popular monuments like the Taj Mahal can be a little overpriced, and a little on the tacky side.

It can be a bit overwhelming when you’re being coaxed by a tout or guide shop hopping from one place to another looking to make a quick commission, a regular experience in Jaipur.

Do a little research before you travel or use a reputable travel company to help you find those little local gems that you’ll be telling your friends about and remember for years to come.

Our Recommendations:

Delhi:

If there was one place we would call the ‘One Stop Shop’ it would be Dilli Haat. Dilli Haat is located in South Delhi and has that traditional market ambiance, with vendors represented from all corners of India.

Prices are reasonable and you can bargain till your hearts content without being hounded by vendors, you might even have some fun with them while you’re at it.

The vendors rotate their stall positions every 15 days to keep the peace and make it fair for all the stall holders. It’s not just a place to buy your handicrafts, clothing, shoes, fabrics, jewellery, but it’s also a place to tantalise your taste buds with delicious authentic cuisines from all over India. We recommend momo’s from Sikkim, but there is just so much to choose from.

Rajasthan:

If you are doing the traditional Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur), why not add in a 2-night safari experience at Ranthambhore Tiger reserve, then make your way to Dhonk Craft?

Dhonk craft supports tiger conservation by providing sustainable employment opportunities to the local community, in particular, a community which is currently in the process of moving away from poaching endangered species like tigers, deer, leopard, and moving towards sustainable, responsible tourism.

Spending a couple of dollars here is your way to support them in this transition from exploitation to conservation of both animals and environment. Their handicrafts and clothing are pretty awesome too.

Read more: 10 reasons why Rajasthan is perfect for solo female travellers

3. Put Away Your Guide Book and Listen to the Local’s

Guide books are great and they have a time and place, but it’s ok to occasionally put your guide book away, and just follow your intuition and start exploring.

I bet you can remember a time you did this and ended up not only with an awesome experience, but a great story as well!

Stop at a sweet shop where you see locals congregating. If you buy something from a shop, ask the owner for a recommendation for dinner or lunch. You’re likely to go where the locals go rather than where the tourists go. (This is one of our favourite ways to explore a region – Caz)

If you’re staying in a homestay, don’t forget to ask your host family as well. They’re always grateful for the opportunity to be of service. The best experiences are always those where you are present in the moment, connecting to people.

4. Connect with the Locals

A little similar but different to point 3 in that when a street vendor approaches you to make a sale, most people recommend no eye contact. Just keep walking.

This is good advice, as they can be pretty tenacious characters and just a glance in their direction, to them says ‘I’m interested in what you’ve got to sell’.

Try this instead – make a joke, or ask him a personal question like where is his family from? Does he like cricket? Who is his favourite batsman (9 times out of 10 the answer will be Sachin Tendulkar!). The point is to do something they aren’t expecting to disrupt their ‘sales flow’.

The next thing you will notice, his selling will stop and he will connect with you, and most likely a big smile will form on his face for having met someone who responded a little differently than the rest of the tourists he met. (By the way, this can also lead to a killer deal if you’re actually interested in what he’s selling.)

The thing to remember is that ‘annoying vendor’ is a person like you and me at the end of the day. They are often in a personal situation where pushing for the sale could mean the difference between food or no food on the table for his kids that night, or medicine or no medicine for his sick mother.

This doesn’t mean you become a push over; it’s just something to keep in mind. Keeping this in mind can help you connect to the locals on a deeper level than you ever would have.

5. Forget Everything Your Friends and Family Have Ever Told You About India.

My clients will often tell me about how their friends and family are so shocked they are travelling to India.

“Oh my God, you will get Delhi belly” “Be careful, it’s not safe, women are getting raped over there!” “Oh the poverty, it will make you sad the whole time”, “so many beggars on the streets”…and the list goes on.

Here’s the deal, everyone has an opinion and it’s none of your business what they think.

Family and friends will often have the intention to keep you safe. India is a place of contrast and contradiction. India will be challenging and it’ll force you to step out of your comfort zone. However, the journey will be life changing leaving an imprint on your soul forever.

Smile and say “thanks for that, I’ll keep it in mind” and be open to the journey that will come to you personally. I’d like to leave you with this quote from Mark Twain, which sums up India so well:

[yquote cite=”Mark Twain, Following the Equator, 1897″] This is indeed India; the land of dreams and romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty, of splendour and rags, of palaces and hovels, of famine and pestilence, of genii and giants and Aladdin lamps, of tigers and elephants, the cobra and the jungle, the country of a thousand nations and a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions and two million gods, cradle of the human race, birthplace of human speech, mother of history, grandmother of legend, great-grandmother of tradition, whose yesterday’s bear date with the mouldering antiquities of the rest of the nations—the one sole country under the sun that is endowed with an imperishable interest for alien prince and alien peasant, for lettered and ignorant, wise and fool, rich and poor, bond and free, the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.” [/yquote] 

Worried about travel to India, especially as a solo female traveller?

Check out this webinar with tips on travelling to India safely

Question:

What other tips can you offer to have a unique and authentic travel experience in India?

Read More Posts on India:

• Bundi: My favourite place in all of India
• 10 reasons why Rajasthan is perfect for solo travellers

More Resources for India

Check out these helpful travel guides:

• Lonely Planet Discover India (Travel Guide)
• Enjoying India: The Essential Handbook
• G adventures tours to India