How is it Like Being a Female Traveler in India?

Whether you are an Indian or a foreigner female in India, situations are more or less similar for you. However, it is obviously a little more challenging to cope with people for foreigners coming from western nations. Nevertheless, let us discuss how it feels to be a woman in most parts of India, and how you should deal with the challenges.

You get attention, sometimes unwanted stares as well

Women, especially when they are alone, get special attention from men. No matter your clothes or looks, men will look at you at least once or even more times, depending on where they come from. When you are a foreigner traveler in India, you are visible from a distance, which may attract unwanted stares in your direction. Although you are safe in most parts of India, it is still advisable to cover your body with loosely fitted clothes, especially when you use public transport. You can wear whatever you want in your hotel and home.

Be on your guard all the time

Even though most cities and villages in India are safe, unfortunately, you cannot take your safety for granted. You have to be on guard every moment, even when you are with other men. It is better to be aware of your surroundings and notice the kind of people around you. If they seem suspicious, take care of yourself and your belongings. If everyone seems normal with your presence, you can relax and enjoy your time.

Befriending people

Since you are new to any tourist destination in India, you would want to talk to the local people. It is always interesting to know the local culture, learn new things, and make new friends. However, it is more than important not to share your contact details and accommodation address with everyone you meet. Use your discretion to decide whom you should trust, and the people you should forget after talking to them for a while. When you are new to a place, you may not be able to judge the intentions of strangers. Therefore, it is crucial that you be careful while dealing with intimate details about yourself. Once you are sure of a person’s intents, you can go ahead and befriend him or her. However, it does not mean that you should be paranoid all the time and never trust anyone, but you should take everything with a pinch of salt.

Drink safely

Whenever or if you want to drink, be safe with your friends. Drink alcohol only as much so that you do not lose your senses, especially when you have to take public transport to travel back home. If you want to drink as much as you want, be in a safe company and place.

Hanging out at different places

If you want to go to late night parties, it is always better to have to company of a male friend. However, if you do not have anyone to accompany, go to a high-end bar or disco, and return around 11 pm on the safer side. In the metropolitans, you can rent a car without driver or hire cab to reach your hotel. However, when you are traveling in small towns, you must reach your place before 9 pm, or ask your hotel about the maximum time to hang around in the city. Villages in India stop functioning after 7-8 pm, so it is better to follow the local norms and be safe.

Be it anywhere in the world, you have to be careful about your wellbeing all the time, and India is no exception.