Is it safe for a first-time solo traveler?

Yes, if you stick to the tourist trail (Golden Triangle) and use private drivers. Avoid traveling between cities at night on public buses.

How do I deal with 'Delhi Belly'?

Only drink bottled or filtered water, avoid raw salads/fruit you can't peel yourself, and eat at busy restaurants where the food turnover is high.

Planning Your First Two Weeks in India: The Golden Triangle and Rajasthan

Focus your first trip on the 'Golden Triangle' (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) and add Udaipur for a balanced mix of history, chaos, and relaxation. Use domestic flights to bridge long gaps and hire a private car with a driver for inter-city travel within Rajasthan to save time and sanity.

Book your internal transport early. For long distances, use domestic airlines like IndiGo or Vistara. For Rajasthan legs, hire a private car and driver—it costs about $40-$50 per day and allows you to stop at rural villages between cities.
Secure your e-visa at least 3 weeks out. Apply for the e-Tourist Visa via the official Indian government website only. Do not use third-party agencies; they are unnecessary and expensive.
Build in 'cushion days'. India is sensory overload. Plan for one 'rest' afternoon every three days where you don't book any tours or sightseeing.
Use pre-paid taxi booths. At airports and train stations, only use official government-run prepaid taxi booths inside the terminal to avoid being overcharged by touts.

Is it safe for a first-time solo traveler?: Yes, if you stick to the tourist trail (Golden Triangle) and use private drivers. Avoid traveling between cities at night on public buses.
How do I deal with 'Delhi Belly'?: Only drink bottled or filtered water, avoid raw salads/fruit you can't peel yourself, and eat at busy restaurants where the food turnover is high.