India : Safety by City
- Agra
- Ahmedabad
- Bangalore
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Gurgaon
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Kochi
- Kolkata
- Kolkatta
- Mangalore
- Mumbai
- Navi Mumbai
- Noida
- Pune
- Surat
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Vadodara
Being India’s capital city where all the branches of the Government of India are settled, Delhi is a large metropolis full of interesting arts, commerce, education and entertainment facilities that attract tourists and make tourism even more developed.
Taking into consideration the fact that it is one of the oldest cities in the world, its historical background is enough to make it the seeking destinations for all people interested in the past and eager to explore the history.
It is often said that Delhi is the city where even experienced travelers have problems to handle it and it often leaves a bad impression of India if visiting for the first time.
Warnings & Dangers in Delhi
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
If we take into account the safety index of the city, which is just 45, it can be said that Delhi is a very dangerous city in terms of criminal acts. People who visit Delhi for the first time might become easy prey for experienced thieves and this usually affects their overall image of India.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
You need to be very careful if you decide to drive in Delhi since driving is very frantic and dangerous. In case you rent a motorcycle, never forget to use a helmet. Getting around Delhi can be difficult even for the experienced tourist. The best way to travel around the city is by using the metro, with a special compartment for women. It is prohibited to carry alcohol in Delhi metro and after a security check all lighters, matches, and alcohol are confiscated.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpockets usually operate in Delhi, and that is a real problem that authorities are trying to fight against. To feel safe in Delhi, be careful when in public transport and around the sights, which are the main hubs of bag snatchers and thieves.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Natural disasters are very frequent in India and earthquakes and flooding often occur. Delhi is also prone to fires and wind storms.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
The best thing about Delhi is that the risk of being kidnapped is at the lowest level and it can be said that there is no possibility that this kind of criminal activity happens to tourists. Mugging is not frequent but can occur sometimes.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
The level of terrorist risk in India is at a very high level as some numerous individuals and groups are against Western activities. Tourists can be affected if happen to be at the place where the attack occurs.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Taxi drivers are usually very fond of taking advantage of tourists that do not know the city so they turn on a fast taxi meter or tour them around the city. To avoid that, take only official taxis. There have been some reports that unlicensed taxis took people to the wrong hotel. Unfortunately, Delhi has a lot of beggars and so tourists should remain watchful of those people trying to help them.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
This is the city where female travelers are not advised to come alone since sexual assaults might happen. The first car in trains is designed for women, so it is safe to travel via metro. In order not to attract unwanted individuals, women should dress conservatively.
So... How Safe Is Delhi Really?
Delhi is a very dangerous city that might leave a bad impression on travelers that come to India for the first time.
Some travel guides advise tourists to visit some other Indian cities before they come to Delhi.
Even though you will not be the victim of kidnapping or mugging, all the other risks are at the highest level in Delhi.
You should not believe the taxi drivers.
The level of crimes is high in Delhi, though foreigners rarely become victims.
Be ready to face theft, armed robbery, and harassment.
Make sure you do not accidentally come to G.B Road where more than 3,500 women work as prostitutes, which is illegal in India.
Being the 28th most visited city in the world, Delhi belongs to some of the top tourist destinations, and it is well worth visiting, despite all the possible risks.
How Does Delhi Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 45 |
| Kolkatta | 48 |
| Mumbai | 49 |
| Agra | 50 |
| Chennai | 50 |
| Jaipur | 53 |
| Hyderabad | 65 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
Every person needs to have a visa when entering India and there is a site online that gives you all the necessary information when traveling there. A valid passport is obligatory documentation.
Currency
The official currency in New Delhi is the Indian Rupee. Once coming there, you will have to exchange your currency and the best way is to do that in banks or at Foreign Exchange Bureaus.
Weather
The best period for visiting India is from November to March. The monsoon season lasts from July to September, which can affect the traffic, as well as the thick fog, leading to flight cancellations.
Airports
Delhi visitors use Indira Gandhi International Airport, with many modern facilities. It is one of the best airports in the world. Another very often used airport when coming to India is Kempegowda International Airport.
Travel Insurance
Due to all the possible accidents that might happen during your stay in India, a travel insurance policy is advised, especially the one that covers both medical problems and theft.
Delhi Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 19 | 24 | 30 | 37 | 40 | 39 | 35 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 28 | 22 |
| Low °C | 8 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 21 | 15 | 9 |
| High °F | 66 | 75 | 86 | 99 | 104 | 102 | 95 | 93 | 93 | 91 | 82 | 72 |
| Low °F | 46 | 52 | 61 | 72 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 81 | 79 | 70 | 59 | 48 |
India - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Agra | 50 |
| Ahmedabad | 67 |
| Bangalore | 54 |
| Chandigarh | 77 |
| Chennai | 50 |
| Delhi | 45 |
| Gurgaon | 71 |
| Hyderabad | 65 |
| Jaipur | 53 |
| Kochi | 70 |
| Kolkata | 49 |
| Kolkatta | 48 |
| Mangalore | 75 |
| Mumbai | 49 |
| Navi Mumbai | 80 |
| Noida | 71 |
| Pune | 74 |
| Surat | 80 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 71 |
| Vadodara | 71 |
Follow normal safety precautions
This review is such a load of crap. I lived in Delhi as a single woman for 18 months and many of my friends had been living there much, much longer. You have to follow normal safety precautions like you would in any other city but you are completely blowing the safety issues out of proportion.
Current safety situation
When did you live there? The comments made are relevant to current situation status.
Delhi is not that badass
Well, i do job in delhi and I’m currently living here from past two years. Except from pickpockets, i have never seen any of the issue you wrote in this crap review. Enlighten me with such a shitty writter who did this research or experienced it.
Being cheated and ask for extra moneyh
I went to Delhi and My first was wow, its a huge airport. Delhi was my transit point before taking another plane to Srinagar Kashmir. This is when things started to go down. My drone was being confistificsted and when u retrieve it back, its difficult as heck. They even ask for extra moneyh to show me the way to custom room. Plus, this and that guy just pass me and pass and suddenly they ask “Why did you follow me?” when what they did is exactly showing me the way to where i go. I went on April 2019 and wow its hot like the backside of aircond blowing through your face. Plus, theres a lot of people infront of the gate outside the airport. Im a little bit scared since they keep their eyes on me like i did nothing wrong. Weird country, but wishing they have a one-way flight to Kashmir. Don’t wanna step my feet on Delhi anymore. Sorry. 2/10 for Delhi and 11/10 for Kashmir
depends on you
well i live in delhi and it seems whorver wrote this is stupid, you cant just talk shit about any place. yeah pickpocket is an issue other than that nothing. Definately one has to take normal precuations like you would in any other country. Yeah i wont recommend going out at night in bus rather go for metro if you have private vehicle than that is better. the thing is whenver foreigners come they fall prey to taxi / auto drivers , beggars specially dont trust anyone like that, there are good guys but greedy are more. so just plan and if you face anyproblem go on twitter and write to delhi police ,or in emergency i would recommend calling them. Well i guess twitter is more effective for general type issues .
Delhi. Is nice some places very dirty some places are clean. Must be careful when shopping must have small bank notes instead big notes for payment .For me those young guys shop owners like Palika Bazar are very rude and dangerous when you don’t buy their products they are selling some are very aggressive too.better to avoid these place.some tuk tuk drivers are money minded they can’t see foreigners they increase their fare actually people are not so friendly when compared in ,,15 years ago..Frankly I prefer South of India .
Culturally-rich city overshadowed by poverty
There’s no way I would drive around Delhi, their traffic is insanely busy and chaotic, people, small kids and animals all over the place. A taxi is cheap enough to allow for you to easily move around the city. As for safety, yes, mugging is a daily occurrence so I keep all my belongings in my front pockets.
very safe I left a bag on the street and a local gave it to me not the police THIS IS A VERY SAFE PLACE
Unsafe places in delhi
Point out the unsafe places..
Delhi has placed which are safe to visit while also having many shady regions infested with druggies and thugs and criminals!
One such unsafe shady place is Subhash nagar mear pacific mall
WONDERFUL DELHI
I have been to Delhi many times over a forty year period and I have grown to really love it. I have never experienced any violence or threatening behaviour, etc.
The tourist touts around Connaught place are a real nuisance-avoid at all costs. I had my phone stolen once in Paharganj, but it was sticking out of my pocket, so partly my fault. The police were helpful, but ineffective. One policeman bought me an ice-cream as a kind of compensation!
It would be terrible if anyone avoided Delhi because of supposed dangers. If you are careful and vigilant, there is nothing to fear.
The thing to fear most is fear itself!
Don't go with money or even with mobile phone
I were staying in a room in paharganj, when I came out to the street for food, some boys attacked me purposefully. Some how I escaped, but on the next day, at morning 7.30, when I was walking through the main road to parliament House, two thieves came in a byke and snached my mobile phone. I complained to police station, but they did nothing.