Do your analysis

Going to India is simply not the identical as going to the Caribbean, Greece and even Thailand. It’s large, numerous, conventional, historical … and it may be an amazing journey vacation spot. Understanding as a lot as you’ll be able to concerning the tradition can assist put together you. For instance, many vacationers go to Rajasthan, however that doesn’t imply the desert state is westernized. Removed from it—Rajasthan is likely one of the extra conventional states in India. Sporting a tank high and shorts is simply not applicable in Rajasthan and may invite undesirable consideration. Alternatively, in sure components of Mumbai, like Colaba and Bandra, carrying revealing western clothes is far more acceptable.

Alter your expectations

If you’re from a western nation like Canada, the U.S., the U.Okay., Germany or Australia, you can’t come to India and count on that you’ll freely be capable of do all of the belongings you do at residence. It’s a must to settle for actuality: India is a standard society within the throes of nice change. It is extremely clever to play it secure, as I do, and put on unfastened, modest garments; chorus from overly pleasant behaviour with unknown males; and be very cautious about transferring round at night time.

Be assured, not well mannered

I’ve had many on-line discussions with girls who journey commonly in India about staying secure. Most of them stress that the way you carry your self performs a big half in your expertise. If you’re assured, you might be much less prone to entice undesirable consideration they are saying, and I agree. Apparently, rapists search for girls they understand to be straightforward targets; girls who don’t appear like they may put up a battle. As a Canadian, I come from a tradition of politeness, however generally in India—usually, in truth—well mannered doesn’t work. If I really feel somebody is harassing me for no matter cause, I’ve develop into very adept at both changing into very chilly and ignoring them, or changing into shortly offended and saying “jaao,” loudly, which implies “go” in Hindi.

Watch the way you relate to males

In India, it’s a must to watch out about the way you relate to some males—particularly, much less educated males working in service, transportation or hospitality. In different phrases, if you’re overly pleasant with an autorickshaw driver, you can inadvertently be giving him the unsuitable alerts. It’s unlucky that overseas girls are generally seen as extra “out there” than Indian girls, too—which doesn’t assist.

Once more, notice that a lot of India continues to be a standard society, and in sure components of society the genders don’t combine. Most of the males in India are simply not that subtle in terms of flirting and courting, and so forth. Clearly, there are many educated and well-travelled males within the fashionable metros, like Delhi and Mumbai, who perceive the alerts we take with no consideration within the west. However heaps don’t and can take your friendliness as an open invitation for intercourse. Err on the facet of warning.

Use transportation methods

I’ve travelled throughout India, on in a single day trains, in numerous autorickshaws and taxis, and generally even on the backs of bikes. I’ve by no means felt unsafe, however I’m cautious and I’ve give you a few methods, particularly for journey at night time. For instance, when leaving a bar or restaurant, get somebody to stroll you to an auto or taxi. Or name somebody, and loudly inform them the variety of the taxi, so the motive force can hear. Plan your journey so that you don’t arrive in the midst of the night time; and attempt to have somebody meet you on the prepare station or airport. Many motels and excursions supply this service. All the time let somebody know the place you’re going, and keep linked to buddies and contacts by way of social media.

Carry a cell phone

Carrying a telephone is crucial for each security and comfort, I imagine, as India is a cell phone obsessed nation. All the things is finished by way of textual content meesage, together with prepare tickets and manicure appointments. You should buy an affordable telephone, or get a SIM card on your common telephone, once you get to India. Pay as you go charges are very low cost. Simply ensure you have a replica of your passport and Indian Visa, and a passport sized picture with you once you go to the shop to get the telephone or SIM card.

Put on Indian garments

Indian garments are gentle, comfy, cheap and applicable to the local weather and the necessity for modesty. I often put on the three-piece salwar kameez, or Punjabi swimsuit; or a kurtah and trousers when in India. However carrying Indian garments is a bit controversial amongst my Indiaphile buddies. Some say it simply attracts extra undesirable consideration; others say it attracts respect and protects you. I’m within the second camp. I’m a giant believer within the “when in Rome” philosophy of journey.

Not solely do I put on Indian garments, however I additionally put on Indian jewelry, and inform individuals I’m married to an Indian man and that I reside in Delhi. The household is the strongest social construction in India. Because the spouse of an Indian man, I’m perceived as Indian, as a part of the society—an insider—and much more importantly, as somebody whose actions are most likely carefully tracked, and who will probably be missed. I really feel my gold Indian ring attracts a veil of safety round me … it really works for me.