A quick guide for women travelling in India
I have traveled India ample of times and honestly, it is one of my favorite places. India can be truly overwhelming at first, but as soon as you start spending the time you will realize some serious points to be focused on. I would like to give tips. I am sure they’ll truly help you to experience India in a best and safer way.
Public Transportation like local buses and trains can be
stressful. So choose your transport according to distance. In metro cities,
there are better trains available. The most important thing if you are visiting
India, accept the flaws. If you accept and prepare yourself, you are going to
love the wonderful part of it.
1. It’s good to say “NO” at times
Generally, women do
not get aggressive or assertive to early. When we travel to unknown places you
need to show strength and confidence in your act. So that before taking any
negative step people know what you are doing and there is less chance of being
taken advantage of.
2. Fully dress up
India is still a very
conservative country. Though it’s too hot in most of the parts of the country,
it is always good to carry a shawl or a shrug. Also, there are many temples to
visit where short clothes and fewer clothes are considered disrespectful. Also,
the people are not modern enough to understand so revealing clothes may attract
unwanted attention. It’s good to be safe.
3. Travel in a group.
India is not a place to be explored alone - specially SOLO
travel is not recommended if it is the first trip. When it is your first visit,
you are really not too sure about the place, nor you are prepared. So it is
good to take the group trip for the first-timers. Yes, but if your travel
consultant is well aware of India then there won’t be any problem but for
couples - don’t go solo for your first trip.
4. Plan your trip.
This advice is common for all trips, as it’s pre-booked or
pre-planned it saves a lot of time and avoids unnecessary issues. TripAdvisor or
any good local site is enough - Just read about your destination before
visiting. On the most websites, you will find people sharing their negative
experiences and that reading will help you to take necessary actions. There are
many good travel groups available online and they give true opinions.
5. Don’t go out after evening.
I don’t recommend going out on your own after dark unless
you have a group to explore with. Not every part of India is unsafe but I have heard some rural areas or area with
less population, even the cops can be harmful as the corruption level is high
in India. You will not find many local women out after the early evening.
6. Avoid being friendly.
People are friendly in India. They will jump and help you
leaving their own work behind. But males, especially if you are not married,
it’s not too safe to be friendly with.
When locals find out you aren’t married they will ask a lot of
questions. A positive gesture is just fine, but being over friendly can be
dangerous.
7. Buy a SIM card
If you're going to be
in India for a while, you can buy an Indian number for your mobile almost
anywhere, and you'll have the reception in all the cities. That way your family
can always be in touch with you see how you're doing. You also feel more secure
that you can call for help.
India has become a bit modern, there are many global apps
available like UBER etc to avoid local transport. The main thing doesn’t reveal
your details to strangers. Not everyone bad not everyone is good.
In short, India will cut to the core of your soul and
cherish you throughout with great places. It may not be the easiest country to
navigate alone, but that does not mean at any cost you can avoid this place. If
you can keep your heart and mind open and have a good sense of humor, then this
is a destination you won’t want to miss in your life. Hope this tips will make
your trip safe and better.