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PRECAUTIONS FOR WOMEN TRAVELERS
India is a protective and conservative country especially when it comes to its women.Some western habits do not go well with Indian culture when it concerns women.At the same time it is a great place for women travelers with few necessary precautions taken now and then.
- India is by and large perfectly safe for women travelers, even for those women who are travel alone. But in heavily visited places like Goa, Rajasthan and Hampi it is advised not to walk alone in secluded spots, especially after dark.
- Women are expected to dress modestly covering themselves well. Many people may not agree to women wearing shorts and short skirts in India. Dressing graciously and staying well groomed improves the impression that is made on the local people. It helps lessen eve-teasing and sexual harassment.
- People are fully-clothed at beaches too.Be sure to find out the right attire for the beach you are visiting. (In some places like Goa, where visitors to the beach are mostly foreigners, it is alright to wear bikinies on the beach but it is still offensive to be dressed in western swim wear away from the beach).
- There are usually cars reserved only for women in local trains and few seats in the front in some buses,these could be used to avoid unnecessary interactions with impolite men .
- Friendly chats with men that are strangers is considered flirtatious, this could often lead to sexual advances. Its best advised to befriend woman than men in most cases.
- Dressing in traditional Indian clothes like Salwar Kameez or a saree will in general earn Western women more respect .A little interest and liking towards Indian culture and traditions will help break the ice and helps the situation get more friendly.
- Places like discos and night clubs are less conservative and could be visited to let the hair down.
- Outside bigger cities, it is unusual for people of the opposite sex to pat or touch each other in public spaces. Therefore it's best to say a polite namastey than shake hands unless the other person willingly offers one.
- Young women should be cautious about being at isolated and lonely places at nighttime. Cities are usually safe. It is commonsensical that one should take proper care if one is out after dark.
- Festivals like Holi, New Years and Christmas Eve are heavily crowded and women are soft targets for impolite passes and aggressive sexual advances, it's advised not to be alone at such times and always be in the company of reliable acquaintances.
- Except in major cities women do not smoke. A woman who smokes/drinks is associated to being too open in much fof the country's growing middle class.
- In general you will find that there is respect and great concern for your safety and wellbeing. People sometimes go out of their way to help and assist you, just that you need to follow certain precautionary safety measures for a smooth and pleasurable travel.