After highly publicized reports of female sexual assaults in India, some are rethinking their travel plans, and even bowing out of their scheduled trips altogether in favor of less worrisome destinations.
Traveling in India, like most developing countries, requires an increased sense of awareness and discretion. Women especially need to exercise caution, since it’s a common practice for men to engage in annoying and offensive behavior such as staring, groping and stalking.
Eve-teasing (public molestation of women by men) can happen quite frequently, and should never be chalked up to “just part of the travel experience.” Be assertive, and protect yourself at all times.
Local women typically do not travel alone, so if you’re solo, you will attract more attention since it’s not a cultural norm.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be careful of who you trust, but don’t be paranoid. Not all men will gawk at you, harass you or attempt to cop a feel when you’re distracted, so while it’s important to constantly be on guard, it’s also important to be open to positive new adventures and people you’ll encounter throughout your journey.
India can be overwhelming, exhausting and challenging, but if you research and go prepared, it can be enchanting and exciting. There are many wonderful reasons to visit the country, but staying safe needs to be a priority, so here are a few things to keep in mind:
TRANSPORTATION
1. Personal space on trains is nonexistent, so make sure you have a good grasp on your belongings at all times. If you take an overnight train, wrap your purse around your arm in a way that’s safely guarded while sleeping. You don’t want to be robbed.
2. Don’t take a sleep aid while on a train or bus because there’s no one announcing the stops, so you want to be alert enough to know where to get off, and also, you don’t want to wake up without your luggage.
3. Get an upper berth if traveling overnight to avoid potential issues with men.
4. Dress conservatively. You don’t want someone staring at you for hours because of what you’re wearing. Or at least cover up with a sleeping bag or blanket.
5. Sit next to other women if possible, and always ride in women’s cars on the train when the option is available.
6. Splurge for first class if you can.
7. Don’t take public transportation at night alone. Try to only go by yourself from 6am-6pm.
8. Don’t get off at a station at night if you don’t know exactly where you’re going.
9. If you get off a train or bus to use the restroom, take your things with you.
10. It’s common to be swarmed by vendors and drivers when getting off at your stop. Ignoring them doesn’t always work, so be firm and tell them NO! Walk with your elbows out if you have to get through the crowd and always be on guard with your belongings and who is around you.
11. Text the auto-rickshaw or taxi number you’re in to someone and make sure the driver sees you. If you don’t see it, ask for it. The driver may not speak your language, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Also, either call someone or pretend to talk to someone while you’re in route to your destination.
12. Don’t let a taxi or rickshaw driver let someone else into the car with them like a friend of theirs. You don’t know what they’re intentions are. Tell them not to bring a companion along for the ride. If they insist get out. Open the car door even if you’re moving to show them you’re serious. It’s not worth the risk.
13. Hire a prepaid taxi or auto-rickshaw whenever possible instead of flagging one down. This can prevent bothersome drivers trying to get your business, outrageous fees and misbehaved drivers— but not always—you have to still be cautious.
14. When walking, keep your purse close to you at all times so passing motorcyclists can’t snatch your bags.
THE LOCAL MEN
15. Men are not shy in India. They can be very aggressive and will approach you sometimes. Don’t be too friendly, watch your body language, and don’t make eye contact or smile at them. I know that probably seems rude, but many will take it the wrong way and think you’re coming on to them. Be assertive when telling someone you’re not interested. Demand the respect that you deserve, and don’t be afraid to show some attitude.
16. If eve-teasing does occur, don’t be afraid to make a scene and scream. It is not acceptable for men to behave in this manner at all. Also look for other females who will hopefully come to your aid. Indian women unfortunately endure this type of harassment and know what it’s like, so often times they will help.
17. Try to steer clear of groups of men. Cross the street if need be. Don’t be paranoid, just be smart.
18. Lie and say you have a boyfriend/husband that you’re meeting soon or wear a fake wedding ring. You need to protect yourself, and if you have to be a little harsh, then so be it. But, not every man is like this so don’t worry. It’s not considered impolite to walk away. Don’t think twice about it, just do it.
19. Locals will want to take pictures of you, and with you, because as tourists, we look much differently than them. Beware, though. Once one person asks, there will be a long line of others wanting to snap a selfie with you. However, if groups of teenage boys or men approach you and you’re alone, politely decline. Sometimes they can be a little too grabby and try to touch you inappropriately, so be cautious. Use your best judgment.
20. Street kids will swarm you begging for money, and it can be a little overwhelming, so be prepared. Also be careful in this situation, because while most of the time they do just want your spare change, sometimes they will surround you as a distraction to steal your belongings.
21. Vendors can be very intense and lively when persuading you into their store, so only go in if you want to. Don’t go just to be polite, and don’t ever let them corner you. Just keep walking and ignore them.
DRESS CONSERVATIVE
22. It’s incredibly important to wear conservative clothing, which means no shorts in public, ladies—no matter how hot it is (long skirts or dresses are acceptable). Don’t reveal any cleavage or your shoulders. Wear a scarf if you’re wearing a tank top. For one, you don’t want to draw any more attention to yourself and two; you don’t want to be disrespectful of the culture. However, in Goa, it’s much more acceptable to dress westernized, so bust out that bikini and hit the beach! You’ll still, however, get a lot of looks, so be mindful of that.
23. When deciding what to wear in India, weather can play a huge role into your choices. The country can have crazy monsoons or drastic heat waves that are suffocating. It can be difficult to breathe because of the humidity, so always be aware of what season you’re going and pack accordingly. During this time, dress in loose clothing and colors that won’t show you sweating or that will be see through when damp. You’ll get enough stares, so don’t attract more.
24. It’s not necessary wear traditional Indian women’s clothing, but if you’re interested in doing so, you can find this type of wardrobe at the local markets, or you can shop online ahead time at places like fabindia, although it may be more expensive.
25. If you’re a blonde or redhead, sometimes you can attract more attention, so wear a hat or scarf if this becomes the case.
26. Wear closed-toed shoes. The streets can be filled with debris and trash, so you want to protect your feet. However, if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and want to get away fast, it’s more challenging to do so in flip- flops.