Kerala: A haven for solo female travelers

Kerala has long been known as one of India’s safest and most welcoming destinations for all kinds of travellers — and that includes solo female explorers. As tour operators, we often hear questions about safety from women planning their first trip to India. This concern usually comes from stories they may have heard from other regions of the country, or from incidents that have surfaced in international media over the years.

For a woman travelling alone, safety is one part of the picture, but comfort is equally important. In some parts of India, especially when travelling on a tight budget or using public transport, solo women may encounter situations that feel uncomfortable, such as unwanted stares, strangers trying to be over-friendly, people asking for photos, or small scams.

Kerala is very different.The culture here is more relaxed, respectful, and travel-friendly. Most visitors find Kerala calm, gentle, and refreshingly comfortable compared to the busy metropolitan circuits of North India.

Below is a video from Rhett and Claire’s YouTube channel, where Claire speaks about the uncomfortable moments she experienced while travelling the popular Golden Triangle route (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). She also visited Ladakh, and although she doesn’t mention issues there, we can safely assume her experience was far more peaceful. The comment section under their video can feel discouraging, with many Indian women advising against solo travel in certain parts of the country.

But don’t stop reading here.Kerala tells a very different story.Keep going — this blog is here to reassure you, not alarm you.

Kerala is, of course, one state within India, and for many foreign travelers, the country often feels like a single, unified experience. But the reality is very different. Each Indian state has its own culture, governance, law-and-order standards, and social environment. When you look at them individually, Kerala stands out clearly as one of the safest and most comfortable places for tourists, especially for women traveling alone.

People in Kerala are generally warm, approachable, and genuinely helpful. There’s a natural friendliness here, and locals often go out of their way to assist foreign travellers, not out of obligation, but because it brings them joy. This cultural openness contributes enormously to the sense of safety and ease that most visitors feel right from the moment they arrive.

Below is a video from Allison Anderson’s YouTube channel. She travelled solo in Kerala in 2023, on an itinerary arranged through a Kerala-based tour operator with support from Kerala Tourism. Her video beautifully captures the essence of her journey, peaceful, scenic, and enriching. But once again, I encourage you to take a moment to read the comments under her video. They reveal an interesting contrast in how people perceive travel across different parts of India, and they also highlight why Kerala consistently stands out as a destination where solo female travellers feel safe, respected, and welcomed.

Several factors contribute to this naturally helpful attitude you often find in Kerala. The state has one of the highest literacy rates in India, and education is deeply valued as a pathway to a better life. Families, even when facing their own challenges, tend to be close-knit and place strong emphasis on values, respect, and responsible behaviour.

Growing up in such an environment shapes people to be more aware, more considerate, and more socially conscious. Combined with a relatively strong law-and-order system, these elements create a social atmosphere where visitors, especially solo women, feel secure and well cared for.

It is this blend of cultural upbringing, awareness, and stable governance that quietly makes Kerala a safe and reassuring haven for solo female travellers.

At Green Earth Trails, we had the privilege of organising Kerala holidays for fourteen solo female travelers in 2023 alone. The feedback we received from them was truly heartwarming. Again and again, our guests highlighted one thing above all else, the attitude, knowledge, and professionalism of our drivers.

We strongly believe that a driver can make or break a holiday. They are the first point of contact, the constant companion on the journey, and the face of the experience. For us, they are not just staff members, they are some of our most valuable assets, playing a vital role in creating the smooth, safe, and memorable tours we are known for.

Many of our drivers are graduates and speak English comfortably. More importantly, they understand the destinations deeply, from local culture and landscapes to lesser-known spots worth exploring. Their discipline, courtesy, and genuine care add immense richness to our guests’ Kerala experience, especially for women traveling alone.

For a solo female traveler, arriving in a new city where you know no one can feel a little overwhelming. Speaking to strangers may not come easily, and there may be days when you go without a single meaningful conversation. Eating every meal alone, navigating unfamiliar streets, and constantly making decisions by yourself, these are all common parts of the solo travel journey. For many, this is exactly what makes solo travel empowering; for others, it can feel a bit isolating.

But Kerala offers a very different experience.

Here, even as a solo traveler, you rarely feel alone. The warmth of the people, the gentle pace of life, and the natural ease with which conversations begin, all of it softens the edges of solo travel. Kerala has a way of making you feel welcome, cared for, and included, even if you arrived entirely on your own.

In many parts of India, poverty and limited access to education have shaped social behaviours in ways that can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable to foreign travelers. A lack of awareness, exposure, or basic etiquette often stems from generations of hardship rather than intention. But India is changing, slowly, steadily, and visibly. It may take years, even decades, for these differences to fade, but the country is evolving.

It’s important to remember that India is the most diverse nation on the planet. What falls under one map was once hundreds of distinct kingdoms, cultures, languages, and communities. The India you experience in the North can feel entirely different from the India you find in the South. The East has its own rhythms, the West its own character. No single narrative can represent the whole country.

So while some of the videos and experiences shared online are real and deserve to be taken seriously, they should not shape the perception of India as a homogeneous experience. The reality is far more layered, and destinations like Kerala offer a completely different, and often much more comfortable, journey for solo female travellers.

Small Group program where solo travellers can join

For solo female travellers who prefer the comfort of company or simply enjoy exploring with like-minded people, Green Earth Trails now offers two small-group fixed departures every month. These departures are designed to give solo guests the opportunity to travel safely and socially while enjoying a seamless Kerala holiday experience. If your travel dates are flexible, aligning your journey with one of our fixed departures allows you to join a curated group of fellow travellers who share similar interests.

Our groups are intentionally small with maximum 6 guests, premium accommodations, expert local guides, responsible drivers, thoughtful activities, and authentic cultural experiences come standard. Solo women or two-lady travellers can join the group with a single supplement, or, if another female traveler is willing to share a twin room, you may save the single supplement altogether.

This offering brings together the best of both worlds: the comfort of a secure, professionally managed tour and the warmth of shared travel, all while enjoying Kerala through a premium, value-packed experience.

1. Is Kerala safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Kerala is considered one of India’s safest destinations for solo female travelers. The state is culturally progressive, tourist-friendly, and known for its strong hospitality infrastructure.

2. Are small group tours a good option for solo women?

Absolutely. Small-group departures ensure safety, companionship, and shared experiences while maintaining a premium travel quality. They’re ideal for women who prefer not to travel entirely alone.

3. Can I join your fixed departures as a solo female traveler?

Yes. We offer two fixed departures every month, and solo women travellers can easily join the group. If you prefer privacy, you can take a single room. If another solo female traveler is open to sharing, you can save the single supplement cost.

4. What kind of hotels do you use for solo women travellers?

We partner with carefully selected premium hotels, boutique stays, and eco-friendly retreats that prioritise safety, cleanliness, and comfort.

5. Do your drivers and guides undergo background checks?

Yes. All our drivers and guides follow a strict SOP including grooming, behaviour standards, responsible driving, and safety protocols. The drivers undergo police clearance and possess a police clearance certificate, confirming that they have not been part of any wrong doings in the past.

6. Can I customise the itinerary if I don’t want to join a group?

Of course. We offer fully customised private Kerala itineraries tailored to your preferred travel style, pace, and comfort level.

7. What activities are best for solo women in Kerala?

Nature walks, spice plantation tours, houseboat cruises, birdwatching experiences, heritage tours, yoga, Ayurveda treatments, and village interactions are all safe and enjoyable.

8. What’s the best time to visit Kerala as a solo traveler?

October to March offers pleasant weather, safe travel conditions, and excellent cultural experiences. Fixed departures are most active during these months.