There is no denying that India is a country filled to the brim with many gorgeous historical sites and the most breathtaking natural scenery. The addition of mouth-watering food choices and amazing shopping areas truly makes it the perfect vacation destination.
However, due to the type of society and culture it has, India isn't exactly the safest place for tourists. In the light of the most recent reports of violence against foreign and local women alike, many women may be reluctant to visit India and for good reason.
But if you must go, it is wise to bone up on some safety tips for women traveling in India.
On Taking Buses and Trains
Women traveling in India by themselves need to avoid buses and trains at all times as these places tend to get really crowded hence, the chances of getting violated and harassed increase.
You better be prepared to spend a bit more on private cabs as you are safer within its confines. Taking a cab will cost you more money yes, but you cannot put a price on your personal safety, especially in a place where violations against women are quite common.
On Choosing Accommodations
For women traveling in India who are doing it all alone, you must be willing to pay a bit more for good accommodations as well.
Saving money by saving on your hotel is quite tempting as you will have more money for food and shopping but again, a sleazy but cheap hotel is not exactly the safest option for a lone traveler.
Try to check for hostels or hotels online and read what other travelers have to say about each and every hotel or camping site.
If you are going on a biking tour and plan on camping, do be careful where you set up camp, because if you read up on what happened to the Swiss tourist in Madhya Pradesh, you will quickly realize the dangers of camping just anywhere.
Rishikesh has some amazing campsites and so does Spiti located in the lush green hills of Himachal Pradesh. If you're making your way to places close to the Himalayas, it is safe to camp in Binsar although it and the adjoining villages are not the easiest to traverse.
There are a number of reputed travel groups in India that offer camping tours and a search on Google will give you a list of them. There are even separate groups just for women travelers, like WOW (Women On Wanderlust).
Camping with a reputed travel group is always the safest option, even though it may not be the most adventurous. That way you get both, the advantage of a safe journey as well as the ability to camp in a beautiful spot in India.
Avoid Raucous Festivals
Women traveling in India, whether alone or in an impromptu group, are better off avoiding crowded areas and especially festival crowds.
It may be fun to join in on all the gaiety, but just like with festivals in any other country, men will take the opportunity to molest a woman if it is easier for them to fade into a crowd.
Again, it may be fun but you need to consider the risks, and at the end of the day, it is simply not worth it.
Dress Appropriately
You may dress in mini-skirts and crop tops in your own country and no one will bat an eyelash, but you cannot do so in India. Remember, this is a country that is predominantly Muslim and Hindu and they aren't used to women showing a lot of skin.
Wear pants, leggings, cotton T-shirts, and if you must wear a tank top to battle the heat, at least have a scarf to cover yourself up when needed. Wearing the local garb, like kurtas and churidars along with a dupatta, or even jeans and a tee shirt, is often the most comfortable way to travel in India.
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