Feminine solo journey in India

On this sequence, Lonely Planet’s staff of writers and editors solutions your journey issues and gives ideas and hacks that will help you plan a hassle-free journey. We requested Mumbai-based LP editor Akanksha Singh – a self-confessed management freak who finds touring solo the final word in freedom – to subject this query.

Query: ​​I’m 27 years outdated and have traveled solo by myself in Europe and North America. Subsequent yr, I’m planning a month-long journey to India, and am questioning when you have any ideas for a feminine solo traveler?

Akanksha Singh: A tacky quote graffitied on a wall outdoors a stoner cafe in Rishikesh some has stayed with me through the years: “You don’t go to India. India visits you.” In different phrases, India is an expertise that aches as a lot because it thrills. And should you haven’t traveled a lot outdoors the International North, I’d say that is doubly true. 

But from the velvet seashores of Andman and Nicobar to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, it’s one of many few locations the place you possibly can journey at your personal tempo, at any price range. You possibly can gap your self away in a lakefront cabin in verdant Maharastra, trek the unspoiled Markha Valley or immerse your self in mythology in Hampi. 

Whereas it’s exhausting to condense all the protection dos and don’ts for a rustic this large and various, listed below are just a few tricks to get you began. 

Kind out your communications proper once you arrive 

The very best security measure for solo vacationers? A neighborhood pay as you go SIM card. This may provide help to make prepare bookings and use transport apps like Ola and Uber (which generally provide rides between cities, too), amongst numerous different duties. Owing to safety considerations, there’s little or no free public wi-fi in India. Information plans in India are, nonetheless, largely reasonably priced (as little as $2 for 1GB a day), which implies you possibly can keep related all through your journey with out denting your price range. 

You possibly can decide up an area SIM card as quickly as you arrive in India, even on the airport. To take action, you’ll want to hold an unlocked telephone, photocopies of your passport and a few passport-sized photographs. Regardless of the nation’s efforts to “go digital,” getting a SIM remains to be a paper-heavy course of – so put together to be affected person.

Be aware of emergency numbers must you want them: 100 (for the police) and 181 (a devoted ladies’s helpline). 

Funds nicely – some upgrades are price it

The unhappy actuality of touring in India is that you simply’re more likely to be safer should you pay high rupee for sure necessities, akin to lodging and transport. In case you’re touring lengthy distances by prepare, think about splurging out on an air-con firstclass (1AC) ticket, which comes with seats that convert into beds and compartments with lockable doorways. 

Earlier than you get right into a taxi or auto rickshaw, guarantee the driving force will cost you by the meter, and don’t allow them to decide up strangers to carpool in your trip – in the event that they do, get off. And your mom was proper: by no means settle for rides from strangers. 

Costume modestly 

Costume codes fluctuate by Indian vacation spot. Whereas it’s greatest to take your cue from locals, as a common rule of thumb, should you’re someplace hotter, go for loose-fitting linen and cotton t-shirts and trousers. Additionally carry a shawl or sarong to cowl up additional if wanted at holy websites, and observe that few Indians put on swimwear to seashores (you’ll even see some ladies swimming in saris).

Think about easing into the extra touristy areas

To your first style of city India, begin in Mumbai. As a Mumbaikar, I’m biased, it’s true – however I’ve received knowledge to again this up. Mumbai is the second-most-honest city in the world (after Helsinki), safer for women than different Indian cities and an excellent place to get your total bearings.

In case you’re an particularly nervous or inexperienced traveler, think about touring India’s south and northeast first. I’m certainly not suggesting you limit your self geographically; if we girls did this, we’d by no means depart the protection and luxury of our properties. Nevertheless, components of northern India – notably more-visited locations like Agra, Jaipur and Delhi – are tougher to navigate as a solo traveler.

If in case you have second ideas, there are at all times women’s travel groups you possibly can look into becoming a member of for a part of your time right here. I’ve by no means used one, however buddies who’ve suggest them, and have even shaped lifelong friendships by means of them.  

Search out women-only areas wherever they’re out there 

In an effort to equalize in opposition to a largely conservative, patriarchal society, ladies are provided just a few “perks” in India. Wherever these can be found, use them: the women’ compartments in trains; “household” areas in eating places; women-only queues at ticket counters, put up workplaces, and so on. 

Belief your instincts

It’s a cliché as a result of it’s true: there’s no substitute for going together with your intestine. It is a nation of over a billion individuals, so the whole lot is scaled up – from scams to incidents of sexual harassment.

For essentially the most half a agency, loud “no” can rebuff undesirable male consideration. That stated, it’s greatest to keep away from revealing you’re touring alone. In truth, if you wish to, you’re welcome to steal considered one of my many faux male buddies and boyfriends I’m on my technique to meet and who I at all times occur to be on the telephone to at any time when I’m on task someplace new: Ravi, Rohan (he’s skilled in jiu-jitsu), Raj, Rishi, Rishabh…