Comments on: Is it Safe for Women to Travel India?

By: Alok

Alok — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 18:19:13 +0000

I agree with the OP that nowhere else in the world is the journey just as fun as the destination as it is in India. I’d like to correct her on several occasions. One of these is She says about dressing modestly and India being a conservative country. Imagine wearing ‘Indian KURTA’ in Europe or your native country. People will be attracted because you look different and lady remember People are almost the same all over the world It’s upon your perception of that place

By: Sully

Sully — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:03:47 +0000

Thank you to Candace and to most everyone else for your realistic and respectful perspective on safety for women in India. I am on my way to India for 3 weeks in late Feb, and know that I will be following your advice right from my arrival. Unfortunately, I am arriving into Mumbai at night, but with a pre-paid taxi and the tips you shared about the cell phone call from the cab, I feel prepared to safely reach my pre-arranged lodging. Thanks again!

By: Maitreya Vyas

Maitreya Vyas — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 16:27:27 +0000

As an Indian I think you highlighted well all the points … somehow I feel ashamed of my country with these vagabonds I see many women across the street facing staring and comments which makes me sad because of illiteracy this is on high. I think blogs like these should be on all advisory sites of foreign govt.

By: Francesca

Francesca — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 22:38:19 +0000

This is a great article, yet I am toying with the idea of crossing India off my list. Why? Mainly because I feel reluctant to go to a country where such treatment of women is not only mainstream but something where the onus is on the victim to be vigilant against. I have been to conservative countries before, even worn the hijab in some regions, yet my brief experiences of India’s border regions have been something different. So many backpackers have told me of gropings, leering, and dangerous situations they have narrowly avoided through what seemed to be quite accidental, small misteps. While a part of travel is accepting the home countries values, beliefs, I bulk against the idea that women should expect to be constantly vigilant lest they want to experience something unpleasant.

Overanxious? Perhaps, yet in my mind there are many many countries to explore that do not have these problems.

By: Mel

Mel — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 18:06:54 +0000

Candace – thank you for this positive article and tips on travelling in India for women.

I have visited India twice – the first on my own ten years ago for about a week, starting in Delhi and crossing the Nepalese border via Lucknow and Varanasi.

The second time with my husband for two weeks, starting in Kochi and finishing in Chennai. We just returned today.

I had uncomfortable experiences travelling alone – such as men leering and yes, the occasional grope – this happened in Delhi and in overcrowded places and on public transport, and the only advice I can provide is to be extra cautious and vigilant in these types of places. Even in Varansi and Lucknow, a city of about 3 million people – I did not encounter any problems.

India is not an easy place to travel for women as well as men, as I came out of this trip being affected by the immense poverty more than anything else. But the interactions I had with locals – the care and generosity expressed to me – trumped any negative (which were minor in my perspective) experiences I had. There was no doubt that I would return to travel more in this country that really shakes up your whole being and soul.

Our travels in South India (Kerala & Tamil Nadu) were a dream, and both my husband and I have noticed the massive differences in travelling between the north and south. No hassles and not much haggling even. It may have helped that I was travelling with my husband but even when I was out and about on my own – I was treated very well.

Whenever you get on a plane to go to a foreign country, you take a risk. And if you exercise the right precautions (in India, that would be avoiding travelling alone at night, dressing conservatively which is a must) – then the chances of anything bad happening will be very low. Personally, I’d rather take the risk and be extra cautious than give up on a dream of visiting a place that I’ve always wanted to go.

Agree with Candace’s tips – that if you haven’t travelled much previously or on your own – it may be much easier to “tackle” India by either joining an organised tour, or otherwise starting your travels in the south (e.g. Kerala) where it is much more laid back than the north.

For my husband and I, who have travelled widely to various parts of Middle East, Asia and Africa, to India separately and together, we are planning to return again, and again to this beautiful country.

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 16:07:13 +0000

I am traveling to India for the fourth time at the end of the month and, while I have always traveled alone or with a friend, I’m bringing my 12-year-old daughter with me this time. Although will be with friends while in the country (both Indians and U.S. nationals) who can help her with local customs, etc. and while she will never leave my sight, I’m having her read this article, as it contains a lot of common-sense advice applicable to a number of situations in which she may find herself. Thanks

By: Jeny

Jeny — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 10:03:56 +0000

I really enjoyed reading your article about women travelling in India. To me India always feels like one of those countries I would like to visit, because it’s a country you should experience once in your life. Even though it might push you beyond your comfort zone. I have mixed feelings if I think about India, but that’s mostly because of the stories people tell me about it. But I like the fact that you not only focus on the bad things, but also on the good things that happen. I will definetely keep in mind your tips and consider travelling with a group.

Thank you for sharing this.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 08:59:13 +0000

For the first full-time job in my life, I had to travel to India and had just come back this morning for a week-long work trip. As it was my first time going to India to face the customers, my supervisor accompanied me on this trip throughout.

It was a rather uneventful and safe trip other than a little fright when during the last car ride to the airport at Bangalore, the driver took a different route to relieve himself…

Nevertheless, it made me feel a little unsafe, especially if I had to travel alone next. Moreover, my parents are most worried about me, and I am just in a dilemma as my job requires me to travel to India.

I am pondering if I should tell my supervisor and boss about my dilemma and see if I could avoid travelling to India all together or in the worst scenario, quit the job or somehow un-worry my parents.

By: Peg

Peg — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 00:20:29 +0000

In reply to Eric.

Candace
I am really enjoying all the info you have written! My first visit to India will be with a family that found me on FaceBook last year! I am soooo excited….I will be there for over 2 months. They are so sweet and kind. But also I have learned a lot about the culture in a year. I have to stay at the Mumbai airport fo r3 hours when I depart. Are there people there I can find that will direct me to the correct terminal, etc? Just wondering….
But other than this ….wow I am so thrilled.

By: Nanette

Nanette — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:47:30 +0000

In reply to amy.

Like most people who have posted comments on this blog, I was doing some research about travelling solo to India… and like most of the women, was trying to find out how safe, or not, this notion was.

I’m so glad to have read this blog. It has just heightened my desire to visit India, and will take all the comments and suggestions on board. In reply to your comments though, amy, how does one react to this part of your review :
Eve teasing is a big issue(men fondling women on the street) and while not entirely preventable, it helps to be aware of your surroundings and the time of day.

What should one do/say and how to react should a man fondle a woman on the street?