A woman named Kesia is currently journeying through India, and from her experiences thus far, she has shared five essential insights that every female solo traveler should consider. She posted this list on Instagram to provide her followers with an authentic perspective on what it means to explore India alone as a woman.

1. Be prepared for a lot of attention

"You will receive considerable attention while walking the streets," Kesia notes. "At times, it can be overwhelming and irritating. However, this does not imply that everyone has ill intentions; some individuals are merely curious." She points out that men may gaze, attempt to engage in conversation, or even propose marriage. Her advice? “Keep moving and ignore any calls. I always carry a shawl in my bag to cover my hair and shoulders when the attention becomes too much.”

2. Scams are common – stay alert

"Daily, you will encounter attempts to scam you," she cautions. Kesia stresses that while not everyone is malicious, many people exist in vastly different circumstances. "Understand that everything in India comes at a cost. Avoid falling for offers from guides, bracelets, or blessings, and always inquire about the price before agreeing to anything, whether it’s a taxi fare or a tour, and never pay upfront."

3. Steer clear of shady 'tantric' offers

"Avoid 'tantra' massages, festivals, and so-called tantric instructors if you wish to evade inappropriate contact," she advises. She explains, “Today, some individuals exploit spirituality as a pretext for sexually abusing women. True tantra is entirely different and is not associated with such behavior.”

4. It's okay to feel overwhelmed

"It is completely normal to experience discomfort and fear at times. You are not required to be resilient all the time," Kesia acknowledges. "There were moments when I felt like crying. This environment is quite different, and some aspects may be surprising. Maintain an open mindset, but if something feels wrong, trust your instincts and avoid it."

5. Choose female dorms in hostels

"If you plan to stay in hostels, I highly recommend selecting those with female dormitories," she advises. "Believe me, while Indian men are generally kind, many lack social awareness," she explains. "They may speak loudly on the phone late at night, engage you in conversation when you prefer solitude, and play videos at full volume while you are trying to relax. Not every individual behaves this way, but based on my experiences, a significant number do."

"Overall, I do not perceive India as 'dangerous.' It is certainly intense, but as long as you are cautious about your surroundings and the people you interact with, you should remain safe. This country has garnered a negative reputation, which I believe is unjust. Unfortunate events can occur anywhere in the world, not just in India. The majority of people are kind and will treat you with care and respect. Just keep in mind that this is not a typical vacation spot; it is an experience," Kesia concludes.

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