Is Varanasi safe for solo women travellers?

Varanasi is generally considered safer than many North Indian cities for solo women travellers, particularly in the ghat area where there is constant activity and visibility. Standard precautions apply: avoid isolated areas after dark, use reputable transportation, stay in accommodations with good reviews near the main ghats (the Assi Ghat neighbourhood is particularly popular and well-reviewed for solo travellers), and dress modestly near temples and ghats. The cultural respect for pilgrims extends to women performing religious rites.