Is it safe to take overnight trains?

Yes. Choose AC 2-tier or AC 3-tier berths. Keep your bag chained to the seat frame and sleep with your valuables inside your sleeping bag liner.

How do I handle money?

Carry a mix of small denomination cash for daily expenses and a travel-friendly debit card for ATMs. Use ATMs inside bank branches to avoid skimmers.

Solo Travel in India: Navigating Without a Guide

Navigating India solo requires relying on verified apps for transit, maintaining a 'no' mindset toward touts, and sticking to well-connected rail routes. You can successfully get around by using official state transport apps and pre-booking verified taxi services instead of flagging random cars.

Use Official Booking Channels. Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app for trains and redBus for intercity buses. Never use third-party 'tourism' websites for tickets; they inflate prices by 300% or more.
Master In-City Transit. Download Uber or Ola. Use these apps even for tuk-tuks (auto-rickshaws). You get a fixed price and a tracking log, which removes the need for haggling and the risk of being taken to a 'special' store.
Manage Street-Level Interaction. Adopt the 'polite ignore.' When a stranger approaches claiming your hotel is closed or your train is cancelled, do not engage. Walk toward your destination, check your phone, and keep moving.
Prioritize Connectivity. Buy an Airtel or Jio physical SIM card at the airport upon arrival. Do not rely solely on Wi-Fi; having 4G data is your primary safety net for maps and translation.

Is it safe to take overnight trains?: Yes. Choose AC 2-tier or AC 3-tier berths. Keep your bag chained to the seat frame and sleep with your valuables inside your sleeping bag liner.
How do I handle money?: Carry a mix of small denomination cash for daily expenses and a travel-friendly debit card for ATMs. Use ATMs inside bank branches to avoid skimmers.