Is it safe for solo travelers?

Yes, if you stick to main tourist circuits, avoid traveling at night, and dress conservatively. Use reputable apps like Uber for transport.

What is the best way to get around cities?

Use Uber or Ola. They prevent the need to haggle over prices with auto-rickshaw drivers and provide a trackable route.

Planning your first trip to India

Plan to visit only two or three cities in a 14-day window to avoid burnout from the intense pace of travel. Focus your first trip on the 'Golden Triangle' (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) to balance major historical sites with manageable logistics.

Secure your e-Visa. Apply for the e-Tourist Visa at least 3 weeks before departure. Do this only via the official Indian government website; third-party sites charge massive markups.
Book domestic travel in advance. Use the 'Ixigo' or 'IRCTC' apps to book train tickets. Trains sell out 2–3 months ahead for popular routes like Delhi to Agra. If you are not comfortable navigating trains, book private drivers for city-to-city transfers.
Choose your pace. India is physically demanding. Budget at least 3 nights per city. Do not attempt to visit more than 4 cities in two weeks.
Arrange airport transfers. Pre-book a hotel pick-up for your arrival. Navigating an Indian airport arrival hall for a taxi for the first time is overwhelming and prone to scams.

Is it safe for solo travelers?: Yes, if you stick to main tourist circuits, avoid traveling at night, and dress conservatively. Use reputable apps like Uber for transport.
What is the best way to get around cities?: Use Uber or Ola. They prevent the need to haggle over prices with auto-rickshaw drivers and provide a trackable route.