HEALTH.

It's likely (but not certain) that as a traveller you will suffer at some stages from diarrhea or constipation or worse, food poisoning during a prolonged stay - don't let this put you off. It doesn't happen by default to everyone and when it does, usually passes quickly.

 

DANGERS.

Sometimes simply letting it all get to you, although you should also watch out for petty theft.

Be extra careful on overnight trains, with small bags on buses and always in Delhi. If on your own be on extra guard. Little scams are very common and can lead to a jaded experience. Be sensible: avoid Kashmir if your government advises.

Terrorism is also flagged as a concern by many, but in the big picture of Indian travel will be fairly low down your list of worries.

 

WOMEN TRAVELING ALONE.

Lone female travels need to be extra careful traveling as Indian men will be very friendly and certainly do not engage in any tours, travels or long journeys (i.e. taxi charter) with only Indian male counterparts. Wearing a wedding ring or inventing a "husband waiting for me at the hotel" can put off unwanted attention. As a woman alone, it is important to realize that, yes, men will stare at you (sometimes leaving no doubt about what their thoughts are!) which is not taboo in India. 

A few more things to avoid:

  • Don't walk around alone late at night, especially in smaller towns without a big backpacker scene
  • Don't drink in bars alone
  • Don't be over-friendly with local men (coed platonic "tomboy" style friendship basically doesn't exist in Indian culture) or they will get the wrong idea
  • Don't be too flirty. India is not a Girls Gone Wild sort of place where you will be appreciated for being sexy, brazen, or debauched. 
  • Don't forget to avoid PDA, even with your western partner
“I’ve found that wearing sunglasses really helped when walking around in cities like Mumbai. Either the men weren’t sure that I was a foreigner or found it harder to catch my eye, but the amount of unwanted attention significantly decreased.

Also be careful of touching men or sitting too close to them, especially older Indian men. While you’re just being friendly, they may find it too forward and become uncomfortable — even with something as simple as a handshake.”
— India Editor