HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY!
We are inundated with
news of how the world is becoming an unsafe place for women. But that shouldn't
stop you from exploring the unseen and unknown. We list out safe places (as per
our personal experience) to travel in India:
HAMPI
It’s a temple town
rich with ruins and attracts a lot of international tourists – mostly
backpackers, hippies and young travellers due to the archaeological
significance of the place. The locals are aware that tourism constitutes a main
part of their income and make sure that they preserve it.
Nivalink's Experience
When a team member
visited the place, she found it extremely safe. ‘I was travelling alone and
never once was uncomfortable. People are friendly and offer you honest
advice.’
SOUTH GOA
While there have been
reports of incidents, Goa still remains one of the most liberal states in the
country. If you head south, you will find that the pace and people are still
very laid-back. People like giving you your space and most of them aren't judgmental
about what you wear or drink!
Nivalink's Experience
A team member
recollects, ‘I was in Colva recently and it was a brilliant. I have heard
stories about how people would stare at you if you wear swimsuit but nothing of
that sort happened. I was oblivious of what I was wearing and could enjoy the
beach without any hang-ups.’
RAJASTHAN
The desert state is
pretty liberal and safe for women travellers. People are warm, ready to help
you and at times go out of their way to ensure you have a good trip.
Nivalink's Experience
Our team member
shares her experience with us, ‘I had been to Rajasthan with a few of my
girlfriends and none of us felt insecure. We went for shopping, desert safari,
paragliding and sight-seeing all by ourselves. What was nice that there were
sign boards that announced to beware of pickpockets, we knew that we had to be
careful.
AHMEDABAD
Voted as one of the
safest cities in India for women travellers, one of our team members also
vouches for it.
Nivalink's Experience
She says, ‘I was at
Ahmedabad for a day and the place was impressive. I went around and explored
the many attractions on my own. I tried out the brilliant vegetarian Gujarati
thali and shopped for textiles and handicrafts. There is no nightlife as such
because alcohol is prohibited in the state. May be that’s one of the reasons
why people are calm and helpful.’
SIKKIM
It’s one of the least
populated states in the country but the number of solo female travellers is a
sign that the place is women-friendly.
Nivalink's Experience
A team member
recollects her trip to Sikkim, ‘Apart from being gorgeous, the people are also
very nice. The weather is cool year around and so are the people. I visited the
sights, attractions and various restaurants on my own and was very comfortable.
I also chanced upon a lot of fellow female travellers and they had positive
tales to share. Sikkim is definitely a must visit.’
HAVELOCK ISLAND
For ladies who seek
solitude and safety, Havelock Island is as remote and as secure as it can get.
Nivalink's Experience
One of our team
members says, ‘There aren’t any other commercial activities here besides few
resorts and dive centres. But no one will disturb or threaten your space while
you are here. I enjoyed scuba diving, savouring some seafood and just relaxing.
The locals are warm and will help you in case you are lost. But medical and
emergency facilities are basic and you have to go to Port Blair even for a
medical check-up.
However, there are few tips that you shouldn't
ignore
- Dress modestly, research about the place you
are visiting
- Keep important phone numbers handy (helpline
number and police number of the place you're visiting) and your GPS
working.
- Make sure your mobile phone battery is charged
well and save some contacts under SOS (save our souls) option on your
mobile, in case of an emergency.
- Inform your near and dear ones about
your whereabouts.
- Learn few words in the local language before
your travel like please help me etc.
- Don't hesitate in talking to strangers and
getting familiar with your surroundings, but never let your guards
completely down.
- A pepper spray or small pack of red chili
powder can definitely find space in your baggage as your security makeup.
- Carry adequate cash and do keep help line
numbers of your debit/credit cards in place.
- Trust yourself and rise above fear!
