Solo Woman Traveller- Travel to India
“Umm, yeah.”
“Alone?”
“Yes.” (Actually no, I am going to stuff an entire army of Ninjas in my tote and let them loose at the first hint of trouble.)
You may have had a lot of conversations like this. Each time, you try to come up with new and creative responses to the disbelief people feel when they hear that you are a solo woman traveller on your way to discover an unknown country. Travelling solo can be a wonderful experience. It makes you strong and frees you, but at the same time, in an unfamiliar country, it can be quite daunting. So what can you do to travel smart? Especially to India? The Wander Girls team has come up with a set of general guidelines for the solo women travellers and backpackers who desire to travel to India.
1. Plan your itinerary
There are two types of travellers – those who prefer to plan out every last detail of their journey, and those who prefer to go where the roads lead them. But when you travel to India, solo or in a group, planning your itinerary somewhat might be a good idea. That will allow you to experience the best of the country, without falling prey to scammers. Relieved of the hassles associated with booking tickets, making reservations and searching for credible guides and shops, it will allow you to make the most of your trip. You could get our team to help you with your trip planning or trip packages for all requirements for travel to India
2. Exploring India by dark
Labyrinthine streets of Indian cities are quite interesting, but it may not be a wise idea to manoeuvre them alone in the night. Touts and thugs are not in short supply here, so find a highly recommended travel agency, which will be with you every step of the way on your discovery of India.If you want to experience nightlife in India, connect with some other travellers or locals who will be able to help you. Don’t do anything you won’t do back home – like accepting drinks from unknown people, and avoiding dark alleys – and you’re set!
3. Be sensitive towards local customs
India has baffled visitors for centuries. It is a country of such mind-boggling contrasts that it is difficult to imagine such diversity existing harmoniously. Though India has its own share of strifes, it is mostly a peaceful country. Try to dress in loose clothes that are not revealing, to draw attention away from yourself, and to deal with the oppressive Indian heat. You can pick up some beautiful kurtas and dupattas at places like Fabindia. In metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, you can adopt a more liberal outlook towards clothing, but stick to what you see other women wearing. In many religious places, you will be required to cover your head or covering yourself fully. A dupatta will come handy here.
4. Swimwear
India has a large, beautiful coastline with magnificent beaches. The general attitude towards beachwear is, however, not very relaxed. In places like Goa, which see a great influx of foreign tourists, you can wear one-piece swimsuits. But on other beaches in India, take the cue from local women – they generally stick to wearing salwaar-kameez, or t-shirts and pants.
3. Be assertive
Indians love to stare. It is not always offensive or lecherous – most times, the stares are just curious. Being a foreigner in India will elevate you to instant stardom – people will ask you to pose for photos with them or ask you questions about your country.
Be prepared to face unwanted attention. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, don’t be afraid to scream. Draw attention of the public by shouting for help and confronting your attacker. While you’re at it, learn a few local words. They’ll take you far, trust us!
4. Mobile and a pepper spray
Keep your mobile phone with you. While getting into any rickshaw or taxi, note down its number and convey it to a member of your travel agency or your group. Or else, simply pretend to have informed someone. Also have a pepper spray handy. It will serve you well in case a persistent admirer does not get the hint.
5. Transport
All local railways have special compartments for females. Make use of them whenever possible. In case of long distances when travelling in railways, opt for first AC, second AC or third AC compartments. Stay off the streets after dark, especially in areas where you feel uncomfortable even during daytime. Ask your travel agency to make reservations of trains, buses or private vehicles for you. Though you can reserve tickets online your agency can save you the endless lines, complicated procedures and due to their comprehensive knowledge.
6. Smoking and drinking
Smoking in public places is not permitted in India. There are, however, lounges in many good hotels where you can smoke. Alcohol is not served in some states, so it would be a good idea to make sure that you have necessary permits and licenses. Your travel agency will be able to help you out.
That said, travelling responsibly is mostly about common sense and India has a lot to offer to the smart traveller. Come to India, to explore it’s cities and small towns, to learn about India’s culture and diversity that vary from region to region, to admire the poetry of stone that is the Taj Mahal, or to see thousands of lamps float down the waters of the Ganges at Varanasi, or to learn yoga and meditation in one of India’s yoga hubs, or to relax on the sandy beaches of Goa, and know that India is a place where you come truly alive! Get in touch with The Wander Girls for all your travel to India requirements!
