Mountain town in West Bengal, India
Is Darjeeling LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Darjeeling LGBTQ+ friendly?
Decriminalised, and the Darjeeling hills are relaxed with visitors; no visible local scene and families are conservative.
LGBTQ+ laws in India
Decriminalised in 2018. Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata have queer scenes and Pride marches, but families and small towns are conservative. Discretion advised.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | Partial |
LGBTQ+ friendliness across India
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Goa | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Mumbai | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jaipur | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Agra | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Rishikesh | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Bangalore | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Udaipur | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Kochi | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Kolkata | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Hyderabad | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Manali | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Dharamshala | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Leh | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Chennai | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Pondicherry | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Varkala | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Hampi | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Amritsar | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jodhpur | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jaisalmer | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Pushkar | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Palolem | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Anjuna | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Darjeeling | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Munnar | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Alleppey | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Andaman Islands | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Shimla | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Varanasi | 2/5 · Hostile |
Quick answers
Is Darjeeling safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Decriminalised, and the Darjeeling hills are relaxed with visitors; no visible local scene and families are conservative.
Is same-sex marriage legal in India?
No.
More about Darjeeling
Going to Darjeeling solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Darjeeling meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- Indian Visa Online (e-Visa and e-Arrival Card)
- Bureau of Immigration, India
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- West Bengal Tourism
- Indian Railways (IRCTC)
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.