Is it Safe to Travel to India?- Travel Advisory for India

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“Is India safe for tourists?”
“Is India a safe country?”
“Is it safe to travel to India?”

These are the common questions for any foreigner who is planning for a travel to India.

With its kaleidoscope of landscapes, cultures, and history, India has long been a dream destination for global travelers who often ditch that dream due to the safety concerns it’s associated with. Drawing insights from several sources and traveler accounts, this guide explores whether India is safe to travel, what safety concerns travelers face here, and how they can combat those to enhance their travel experience.

Is India safe for Tourists?

India’s current ranking of 131 out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index 2022 indicates that India poses moderate safety concerns to travelers.

Just like various other popular destinations across the world, concerns like petty theft, scams, and infrastructural issues are common in India, especially in crowded tourist hubs like Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, Agra, and Mumbai.

Traveling in India offers a rich tapestry of experiences, and millions of tourists visiting India annually aren’t ever met with any major incidents courtesy of proper planning, research, and precautions. However, it’s always essential to be aware of safety considerations to have a safe and enriching journey.

We have put together an overview of India’s current safety landscape and provided tips to help you enhance your travel experience:

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How safe is India: Safety rankings and statistics

Global Peace Index: India ranks 116th out of 163 countries, implying moderate safety issues.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory: India stands at Level 2 classification, denoting “Exercise Increased Caution”, due to crime and terrorism.
City Safety Rankings: New Delhi and Mumbai rank 48th and 50th out of 60 cities respectively in the Safe Cities Index put forth by The Economist.

Key safety concerns in India

Some of the most common safety concerns travelers face in India include:

• Petty crimes like pickpocketing, theft, and bag snatching in crowded markets, tourist attractions, and public transport are frequent.
• Many tourists also report scamming, inflated pricing, misleading information by vendors and sellers, as well as counterfeit products if they’re not careful.
• Many travelers dining at uncertified streetside joints complain of contaminated food and water as well as bad air quality in urban areas.
• Female travelers may experience harassment or unsolicited attention in some areas.

Is India safe for female travelers?

New reports indicate that most women travel safely in India without encountering a single incident throughout their trip.

However, female travelers, especially solo female travelers, should always be cautious regardless of where they’re traveling in the world!

As per the National Crime Records Bureau in India, crimes against women have gone down significantly in the past few years.

Government intervention, women-centric laws, 24/7 helpline services for females, public awareness, and initiatives like women-only transport compartments in buses and metros have vastly reduced crimes against women, even including petty theft and indecent behavior.

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Tips for women traveling in India

While India offers diverse experiences, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, especially for female travelers. Women traveling in India must adhere to these basic tips and guidelines to ensure safety.

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• Research well before you travel. Familiarize yourself with India’s culture, norms, customs, and regions to make plans and informed decisions during your travels.
• Pick your accommodation well. Choose hotels or guesthouses with positive and authentic reviews in safe neighborhoods.
• Dress modestly. Do not wear overly exposing clothes and avoid unwanted attention. Respect local norms by dressing conservatively in religious places, temples, and auspicious ceremonies like weddings.
• Avoid isolation and stick to well-lit populated areas, especially after dark. Avoid walking alone in secluded places.
• Use reputable transport services like registered taxis or rideshare apps. Always share your ride details and live location with family and friends.
• Use women-only services if you feel unsafe using public transport and facilities. Stick to using women-only cab services and train compartments offered in a majority of tourist-friendly cities across India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
• Stay connected with your loved ones and friends. Keep someone you trust (possibly someone within proximity) regularly updated about your location and plans. Share your itinerary and hotel’s contact info with your family and friends.
• Dine at genuine establishments after checking their online reviews. Drink bottled water at local establishments. Carry essential medications to keep common concerns at bay.
• Trust your gut. If a situation or person feels off, distance yourself from it and seek assistance immediately.
• Travel with an open mind and heart, while also remaining cautious and aware of your surroundings.

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Where is it safe to travel in India for female travelers

Here are some women-friendly destinations in India for solo female travelers! While these places are known for being

Other than a rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, these popular locales in India are known to be some of its safest cities that also practice responsible tourism.

• Kovalam, Kerala: Serene beaches, lush surroundings, and friendly locals that are respectful of travelers, especially women.
• Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: The Yoga Capital of the World that attracts thousands of solo travelers every month, most of them women!
• Udupi, Karnataka: A rich coastal town renowned for its safe beaches and hills as well as welcoming locals.
• Hampi, Karnataka: A UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its ancient temples, gorgeous sunsets, boulder-strewn landscapes, and utterly hospitable community where female travelers feel at ease.
• Shillong, Meghalaya: The Scotland of the East that attracts the world’s solo female wanderers with its pleasant weather, picturesque landscapes, and a matrilineal society that has made Meghalaya a respectful and safe haven for women.
• Pondicherry: The former French colony that attracts tons of female travelers with its posh French architecture, tranquil beaches, well-planned layout, and progressive, open-minded locals.
• Kasol, Himachal Pradesh: A quaint village in the Parvati Valley offering scenic beauty, a vibrant café culture, hip vibes, and a welcoming local community!
• Varkala, Kerala: A coastal town renowned for its vertical cliffs, vibrant cafes, laid-back atmosphere, and hippie beaches that have made this modern beach destination a safe haven for solo female travelers.
• Chennai, Tamil Nadu: The capital city of Tamil Nadu that ranks among the safest cities for women in India and prides itself on having the highest literacy rate!
• Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: A progressive city in the south noted for its vigilant policing, widespread community awareness, and countless safety measures that have made it one of the top destinations for female travelers in India!
• Goa: India’s Party Capital recognized as the safest city for women in India in 2017 with a Gender Vulnerability Index (GVI) score of 0.656!

Basic safety measures for traveling in India

• Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
• Stay connected with friends and family. Share your itinerary with someone you trust, update them of your whereabouts at all times, and maintain regular communication.
• For transportation, opt for government-certified cabs like Rapido or Uber. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.
• Avoid commuting via unlicensed auto-rickshaws or taxis.
• Book your trains and buses through official platforms like IRCTC.
• Choose reputed hotels or homestays with verified positive reviews that offer 24/7 security and are located in safe neighborhoods.
• Drink bottled (or boiled) water, especially in local establishments and small eateries. Do not drink tap water.
• If you have a delicate stomach, avoid eating street food. Dine at certified restaurants, cafes, shacks, or joints that offer freshly prepared food.
• Carry a basic medical kit with essential medications and vaccinations.
• Keep your valuables in a sturdy money belt, an anti-theft bag, or the hotel safe. Avoid displaying valuables.
• Steer clear of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
• Learn basic phrases in either Hindi or your destination’s regional language to communicate better and understand basic signage.
• Keep contact info of hotel staff and local authorities handy in case of emergencies.

Impact of local safety initiatives

People often ask “Is India safe as compared to other third-world countries?” India has made major strides in improving safety for travelers in the past 5 years!

Several police tourism units have been set up in major destinations and have been widely successful in aiding travelers to explore these places with ease and comfort.

Helpline numbers like 112 (emergency services) and 181 (women’s helpline) have been greatly helpful in eliminating crimes against women travelers on a large scale.

Apps like MySafetyPin and Safetipin have been established to provide area safety ratings to travelers based on lighting, crowd density, presence of police authorities, and user reviews.

Setting up CCTV surveillance in major cities and towns too has proved useful in identifying and eradicating incidents of snatching, mugging, scamming, and crimes against women.

Understanding cultural sensitivity

Merely knowing whether India is a safe country isn’t enough. It’s also important to acknowledge and respect the various cultural norms, religious beliefs, and diverse traditions the country has to have a wholesome travel experience!

More often than not travelers end up stirring trouble when they fail to understand the importance of cultural differences while traveling across India which greatly damages their experience.

Basic etiquette to follow while traveling in India:

• Remove your shoes before entering a temple or sacred sanctum.
• Dress conservatively in rural areas and religious sites. Make sure your head, shoulders, and legs are covered.
• Speak politely and avoid confrontations. It is wiser to distance yourself from unpleasant situations or persons instead of picking a fight.
• Avoid public displays of affection. They’re frowned upon in most regions across India.
• Seek permission before taking pictures of locals, temple interiors, and deities.

Traveler accounts & Reddit insights

Online travel forums and platforms like Reddit display a mix of experiences.

While some travelers recount unpleasant incidents of cultural misunderstandings and talk about challenges like overcrowding and theft, most travelers describe this country as a life-changing, welcoming, and warm destination!

There is but one key takeaway from these personal stories and traveler accounts – the importance of proper research, planning, preparedness, and adaptability.

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So, what do you think? Is it safe to travel in India? Would you consider visiting this delightful destination promising tons of positive experiences, vibrant culture, great food, and breathtaking landscapes? While there may be challenges, proper planning and adopting safety measures can make your trip to India enjoyable! Book now and discover its unique charm!