Kerala hailed India’s safest and cleanest state by solo women travellers

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has earned glowing praise from solo women travellers, with a foreign tourist describing it as India’s “most respectful, safest, and cleanest” state, an endorsement that has brought cheer to the state’s tourism sector.

Emma, a solo traveller and vlogger who spent eight weeks journeying across eight Indian cities, rated Kerala 9 out of 10 and urged first-time visitors to begin their Indian travels in the southern state. “Kerala is the calmest, cleanest, and most respectful state I have visited. Locals are polite, transport feels safe, and the vibe is completely different. If you’re new to India, start here,” she wrote in her Instagram post, which has gone viral.

Tourism department officials said Emma’s journey from Delhi to Kerala has sparked widespread discussion online, especially among women travellers comparing safety and comfort levels across Indian cities.

Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said the comments came at a time when Kerala is positioning itself as a preferred global destination for women. “Kerala Tourism has rolled out several women-friendly initiatives that have received international appreciation. Such testimonials reaffirm our commitment to ensuring safety and inclusivity,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Delhi-based traveller Rinzu Susan shared her experience of visiting Kerala, noting that she “never encountered anything creepy or unsafe.” “As someone raised in Delhi, I had my fears about travelling alone in Kerala. After my first solo trip, I did two more, one alone and another with a female friend. Never faced anything unsafe. Kerala is undoubtedly the safest place for women in India,” she said.

She added that the state’s cities and villages were exceptionally clean and welcoming. “I felt safe, secure, and protected throughout my visit. The warmth of the people and Kerala’s diversity made every moment special,” Rinzu said.

Her post later went viral on Reddit, with users praising Kerala’s culture of respect and its calm social atmosphere.

Tourism officials said the testimonies from women travellers underline Kerala’s growing reputation as a safe, inclusive, and responsible tourism destination, a place where hospitality feels both traditional and forward-looking.