Main roads often have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. Heavy traffic, including overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, and livestock, is the norm. Travel at night may be avoided unescorted. It is advisable for women not to travel alone especially to the smaller towns in India. Women are advised not to wear shorts and mini-skirts in these places.
Beaches are fine, especially in Goa.
Most Indian states have developed many small tourism motels along the major highways - the trouble is that not many buses stop at them. So you just need to smile and make a request. Another option is to travel expensive in luxury coaches that are sure to take care of all their clients' needs. Apart from the aged, kids are sure to win hearts all over India. Travelling with them can be a real joy as even strangers will stop to smile at them, ask their names, hand them candy and help you with them.