Kerala tops, Delhi lowest: Foreign woman traveller rates safety of 8 Indian cities

From Delhi’s chaos to Kerala’s calm — foreign traveller Emma rates Indian cities on safety for solo women, sparking a viral conversation online. (Images: Instagram/ discoverwithemma_)

How safe is India for solo women travellers? A foreign backpacker’s recent viral video has reignited this conversation. Emma, a traveller currently backpacking across Asia, shared her honest safety ratings for eight Indian destinations on Instagram — from Delhi’s chaos to Kerala’s calm — based on her personal experiences.

With over 48,000 followers on her handle @discoverwithemma_, Emma’s candid take, captioned “No sugar-coating, just my honest experience after weeks across 8 cities,” has struck a chord among travellers and locals alike.

   

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A post shared by Emma ✈️🌏 UGC | BANGKOK 🇹🇭 | Backpacking South East Asia✨ (@discoverwithemma_)

Here’s how Emma rated Indian destinations on safety for women:

Delhi: -1/10

Emma described Delhi as “overwhelming,” citing the constant stares, noise, and crowding as major discomforts. She said she felt unsafe travelling alone at night and added, “I would not travel here alone at night.”

Agra: 3/10

Despite admiring the Taj Mahal, Emma mentioned facing multiple scams targeting foreign tourists. While she found Agra beautiful, she admitted it wasn’t the most comfortable stop for a solo woman traveller.

Jaipur: 5/10

The Pink City scored a mid-range rating. Emma appreciated its majestic forts and royal architecture but felt evenings were best avoided alone. Still, she said Jaipur was “better than Delhi and Agra” in terms of safety.

Pushkar: 6.5/10

Known for its spiritual energy, Pushkar offered Emma a “breath of fresh air.” Locals were “chilled out and respectful,” though she did encounter scams. Still, the relaxed vibe made her feel more at ease than in larger northern cities.

Udaipur: 8/10

“The first place in North India where I actually felt comfortable walking around alone in the daytime,” Emma shared. Udaipur’s serene lakes, polite locals, and cleaner surroundings helped it rank among her top choices.

Mumbai: 6.5/10

Emma described Mumbai as “busy and unpredictable” but noted that people “mind their own business.” She felt safe overall, though she admitted she wasn’t completely relaxed exploring the city solo.

Goa: 8/10

Calling Goa “freedom,” Emma praised its open-minded culture where travellers can dress freely without judgment. She did, however, caution against walking alone on beaches at night. “In the daytime, it’s an absolute paradise,” she added.

Kerala: 9/10

Kerala emerged as her top-rated destination — calm, clean, and culturally rich. “Locals are polite and transport feels safe,” Emma said. She found Kerala’s slow pace and hospitality refreshing, calling it the safest state for solo women travellers in India.

Emma’s honest reflection on India

Emma concluded her post with an insightful remark:

“India is intense, beautiful, frustrating, and heart-warming all at once. You can have the best day and the worst day in the same hour. But with awareness, respect for local culture, and a bit of humour – you’ll be fine.”

Reactions from travellers and locals

Her video has sparked widespread discussion online. Many praised her candidness, with one user commenting, “After seeing your ratings, I’m dying to visit Kerala!” Another joked, “Keralites wonder how we lost 1 mark.”

While some questioned her low ratings for Delhi and Agra, most agreed that every traveller’s experience in India can differ based on time, location, and cultural awareness.

India through a traveller’s lens

Emma’s experiences highlight a broader truth — India’s diversity extends to its safety, culture, and hospitality. From Delhi’s energy to Kerala’s tranquillity, her journey reveals both challenges and charms that shape every traveller’s Indian story.

For solo women travellers, her ratings serve as both a guide and a gentle reminder: stay aware, stay respectful, and let India’s contrasts surprise you.