Lone Tourist Declares India as Dangerous Destination; Online Discussion Erupts in Response
In a recent post titled "Countries I Felt Unsafe in as a Solo Female Traveller," digital creator Sarah Woodard, who has explored over 102 countries, shared her experiences in India. Woodard described her journey in India as particularly uncomfortable and unsafe, especially in North India, where she felt constantly watched and even warned by her driver to return to the car due to people staring at her [2][3].
The post sparked a significant discussion on social media, highlighting a common phenomenon of people staring at foreigners in India, which many local commenters acknowledged as prevalent [3]. While Woodard's account aligns with a perception in some circles that solo female travel in India involves risks and discomfort due to safety concerns and social behavior, responses also reflected varied experiences and views about the country's safety.
Data from 2025 supports Woodard's experiences, indicating that intra-city travel in India remains the biggest safety challenge for solo female travelers. Issues like night-time transit, overcrowded buses, and unreliable taxi services cause anxiety, and theft and scams are notable concerns, with nearly 29% of solo female travelers reporting experiences of theft or attempted scams [1].
However, not all experiences in India are negative. Some female travelers report positive and safer experiences in certain regions, citing supportive local communities and fewer safety issues. For instance, Meghalaya, known for its matrilineal society, is regarded as relatively safe for women, even at night [4].
The safety situation in India seems to have reached a point where such incidents are no longer surprising but rather expected. In response, some women recommend learning martial arts like karate or kung fu to combat the lack of safety. Indian citizens also share their experiences of a lack of safety in their own city, expressing concern for various groups beyond women.
Despite the challenges, Woodard's post also underscores the allure of India as a travel destination. The journey in India might not be a smooth sail, but it's always a story worth taking. The question remains: Is the lack of safety in a city, state, or country mutually exclusive with the cultural experiences it has to offer?
References: [1] Travel Safety Statistics (2025) [2] Woodard, S. (2022). Countries I Felt Unsafe in as a Solo Female Traveller [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/sarahwoodardtravel/ [3] Social Media Discussion on Woodard's India Safety Post (2022) [4] Safe Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travellers (2022)
- Social media discussions following Sarah Woodard's post revealed that the practice of staring at foreigners is common in India and acknowledges the associated discomfort felt by many.
- Data from 2025 reveals that intra-city travel in India presents the most significant safety challenge for solo female travelers, with concerns such as night-time transit, overcrowded buses, and unreliable taxi services causing anxiety, and theft and scams being notable concerns.
- Although Woodard's account painted a picture of certain risks and discomfort for solo female travelers in India, some female travelers report positive and safer experiences in specific regions, citing supportive local communities and fewer safety issues.
- Interestingly, despite the safety challenges in India, its cultural experiences continue to draw travelers, leaving one to ponder if the lack of safety in a city, state, or country necessarily excludes the cultural experiences it has to offer.
