Advice for 23 y/o woman traveling solo in India this summer?

Question

I will only be by myself for about a week after a study abroad program finishes. I'm planing on spending a couple extra days in Delhi (where we end the program), and flying to Kolkata for a few days to visit some children I sponsor there. If anyone has experience or knowledge that would be helpful, I would appreciate it!

Answer 1

India has plenty of tourist attractions and you won't be travelling a lot in the one week you say you could spare towards sightseeing. Assuming it's your first visit here, I can offer some helpful suggestions to make for a lifetime memorable trip.

"Delhi" -

Being the capital of India, Delhi offers a rare glimpse to the fusion of 5000 years of Indian civilization + modern democratic values of the country. Many dynasties ruled over this enigmatic city and there is an endless number of monuments that reflect the vibrant cultures of different times (if you've seen Dehi - you've understood India)

From the Mahabharata (epic times) to the Rajputs to the Slaves to the Lodhi, Tughlaq and Mughal rulers, to the British colonial times - Delhi is full of monuments and beautiful buildings that would leave you spellbound with their architecture, history and profound impact on human civilization.

This was the city where India and Pakistan's languages Hindi and Urdu, both were born - home to some of India's elite educational institutions such as the IIT (which sends most Indian scientists to USA to work in places like NASA etc. for which Indians seem to be very proud so don't get annoyed if some Indians bore you to details) St.Stephens College, Lady Shri Ram College etc. and many national media studios, Delhi is fast-paced and thriving city and it's very multicultural. It's also home to a majority of foreign expats in India.

Don't miss the following attractions at least:

1. Lotus temple - this is modelled after the Sydney harbour bridge (or was it the other way around I am not sure) and houses the Bahai faith's only congregation in India http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bahai-house-of-worship-delhi2.jpg

2. Old Delhi monuments, Qutub Minar and Iron pillar of Ashoka (this pillar didn't rust since 2000 years of history - a scientific achievement of ancient Indians) at Mehrauli.

3. India Gate (cemetery to Indian soldiers killed in World War I fighting for British crown), Parliament House, Presidential Palace (Rashtrapathi Bhavan) and Mughal Gardens - the good thing is all these buildiongs are in close proximity to one another.

I don't think you'll get time to visit more than these places so it's better you restrict yourself to Tour packages as they give you a good deal for your time and money.

Don't waste your money online booking - as soon as you get off the airport, you can see India's official Delhi tour guide blocks that give a convenient package.

DELHI IS A CITY OF RIP-OFFS AND SCAMS - SO BE CAREFUL WHEN TRAVELLING ALONE.

When in doubt, ask someone who looks "educated" - don't ask rickshawwallahs and auto-drivers for directions. There are too many smart alecks roaming around like loafers. Delhi can also be quite unsafe to travel alone at night for single women - use common sense and don't encourage strangers much (males over there are a bit macho but females could be dangerous too - crime is highest compared to any other city in India). If you wish to "experience" real Indians, you'll find plenty of Indian families with wives and kids - they'll be only happy to assist you.

For transportation, you can use Delhi's Blue Line buses (eco-friendly), and the newly-developed tube called Delhi Metro Rail - tickets and passes available at counters. Unlike the West, India is still not an internet-friendly country so you have to physically go and purchase your tickets.

"Agra"

If you can sandwich one full day, it's probably should go to see the Great Taj Mahal in Agra, 250 km off Delhi. It is considered among the 7 wonders of the world (at least by Indians) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Taj_reflection.jpg Buses and trains run frequently from New Delhi Railway Station and you can return same day. Also, taxis are available but they can be a rip-off if you don't go through prepaid route!

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Here's what you might miss!

It's sad you have limited time but Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat which are easily accessible from Delhi, have some of the most tourist-friendly places. If you are in Gujarat, it is home to Mahatma Gandhi's famous Ashram from where he led his non-violent struggle against the British (a must-see place I believe for any human being who believes in those ideals of truth and non-violence) and also, Gir Wildlife sanctuary - home to the last species of the Asiatic Lion in its natural habitat. India is a wildlife friendly destination - lions and tiger reserves abound in places like Kanha (M.P.), Sundarbans (West Bengal) and Sariska.

Also, the hill stations such as Shimla, Kulu-Manali and Uttranchal are a must on your itinerary especially when they offer a much-needed respite from scorching summer heat. Dharamshala is a famous destination in the hills and is currently, the dwelling place of Dalai Lama and most of India's Tibetan Buddhist community.

Many Indians visit Kailash Mansarovar (for religious reasons) and Tibet (for that separate visa is issued by the Chinese Embassy in New Delh)- these trips are at an altitude of 25,000 feet and over and certainly, not for the weak-hearted. At least a week is required.

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"Kolkata" - Kolkata is actually a dead and decaying city (I wouldn't normally recommend to tourists) but being the first capital of India, it was the centre of British colonial rule in India - there are buildings like Victoria Memorial, Writers Building etc. Kolkata also has a Tube system (only modern sign of development) - but it's certainly overcrowded, filthy and offensive place.

However, the city "breathes" in the sense people are really very nice and cultured over here. Home to the Bengali community, this city has produced ALL of India's seven noble prize winners and is full of intellectuals of all varieties - singers, poets, dancers, artists, writers etc. Bengali culture is very rich and offers a panorama of experience. Most Bengalis who've moved to other parts of India and especially abroad have contributed a lot to Indian culture development.

Of course there is Mother Teresa's "Missionaries of Charity" at Kalighat -

If you can spare 1-2 days, a visit to Sikkim and Darjeeling is compulsary as they're easily accessible from Kolkata- Sikkim is the only Buddhist-majority state in India - at Darjeeling , close to Nepal border, you can see Mt.Kanchenjunga which is a star attraction for tourists. People are "extremely nice, friendly, honest and hospitable over here" as most of them are Buddhists their values are simple and believe in kindness and compassion.

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Here are some final tips to travelling in India successfully:

1, Any places of worship (except church of course), learn to remove your shoes/slippers at the entrance.

2. Always carry bottled and packaged water with you.

3. If possible, bring canned food from abroad as if you're in Delhi, North Indian food can be upsetting the digestive system. Even if there is no other choice, the rule is to "eat less" and not be ravenous just because the food is delicious- when in India you can buy a local product available at all corner shops called "paan" which is basically, betel leaf wrapped around spices which is very good for digestion after a heavy Indian meal, if you're forced one. As they say, when in Rome.

Indians also smoke beedis (cheap cigarettes) and use strong tobacco in paan and many of them have poor dental and BO standards - please don't be upset with that.

4. Some Indians (but not all of course) have a habit of being pushy, sensitive and downright disrespectful of individual privacy - well,. that's a cultural thing here and Indians are never offended but Westerners can be. Say for example, it's common for people to inquire about the other person's income and other issues that may be considered private. The best way to deal is of course, practice your "lying" skills - if somebody asks me my father's name unexpectedly, I say my Boss's name and so on. Just be casual and friendly but "never" show clear signs of disapproval as Indians just don't seem to buy this "leave me alone" thing - they are just way too curious about strangers - always decline anything politely.

5. Don't wear revealing clothes while travelling around in India although it's OK to travel in jeans, bell-bottoms and waist-length tops in the major cities like Delhi where even Indian women are wearing Western clothes.

6. Indians are also quite freaky about public display of affection. So if you have a male tour guide, DON'T hold his hands in public, don't hug or kiss him out of your generosity it's not needed - Kissing can actually land you in jail as did Richard Gere from Hollywood http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200704162068.htm so watch out about your public behavior.

Moreover, Indians have a stereotype that all foreigner women are promiscuous so it pays to be a bit conservative. Don't allow sterotypes to be taken over.

7. Always DEMAND taxi drivers to run their taxis on meter and if he rips you off, warn him that you have taken note of his taxi number and you may report to Police which is quite legal.

8. If you meet any foreign tourist who seems a bit hippy, stay out of him/her. Chances are the police are on the lookout for any white-skin foreigners for a quick bribe and you both can be booked for doing drugs, or better still end in prison. Fact is India has become a safe haven for all kinds of drug addicts, pedophiles and sicko perverts from the West (e.g. Bhagwan Rajneesh ashram in Pune) - we don't get good tourists like Thailand or China does so there is a general air of "mistrust" for foreign tourists. Whatever you do, stay out of the worst samples that come from the West.

9. English is FINE for communication but it might be helpful to know Indian numbers at least - Ek, do, teen, chaar, paanch, che, saat, aath, nau, dus, sau, hazaar, lakh etc.

10. Be careful of beggars especially little children - don't be over-generous or you could get robbed in daylight.

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In summary, India is a fascinating country and it's worth coming here everytime - compared to the West, it has a spiritual flavor to it that can be overwhelming at times. If you get time to visit Indian villages, we have some of the most beautiful conutrysides.

And yes, it's also a land of poor people but if you choose to overlook that aspect, and follow the beat it's an amazing, life-enriching experience. So carry on

Answer 2

hi!,

Just came back from Delhi where i went with my husband and my sister.
i didnt feel threatend at all in Delhi. The only thing that only bothered me some times, it was that men stare alot. At nights if you are moving always ask the restaurant or a hotel to order you a taxi ( the government ones) . Use the autos only in the morning.

The atmosphere this time is really bad.. the pollution is too much and the heat makes it some times unbearable. Try using the metro.

One thing i realised in India is that the thing u should spend the most is on yr hotel. Try to eat there as well. only if its a 4 star hotel. And still cant never be safe.

My sis ate at one of the best restaurants in bangalore and she got salmonela which almost ruined the rest of our vacations.

When u take an auto ask for the price first. If he says 100 rupees, laugh and say 40 and start walking away. He ll always take us for 40. It worked each time.

Nice place to Visit is the Lotus Temple and if ur planning to go to Agra DO NOT TAKE A TAXI. took us 5 hours to go and another 5 to come back. you can reach there by train.

If you need advice where to stay i can suggest you the hotel i was staying. quite pricey but clean. The metro was 5 min walk from there and had a very good restaurant there. You can email me if you need to ask me.

Finally before u leave your country buy from a pharmacy mosquite wipes, toilet wipes and toilet plastic seats. they
came very handy.
Oh and expect diarrea through the whole duration of your stay. SO take immodium as well.

If you ever have fever run to the hospital.

Good luck and enjoy.
Im planning to go next year as well.

Answer 3

Don't worry

first off all, try to not wear such open tops and small skirts, even though it is warm try to wear long thin skirts or even thin tee shirts..

dont always fall for what people say, as in some people will try to charge more, with money

but in general, people are nice there and Delhi is quite modern compared to some other parts in India

Just enjoy urself

Answer 4

In truth, there is nothing much to worry about. India is a very nice country with a lot of kind people. I'm a Russian, living in India for the past one year. I visited India 5 times before settling down out here, and i would say that there was nothing i could regret about.

Of course, as in any other country, you should be careful and very much attentive, according to the situation. Try your best to follow the personal hygiene in India, eat from cafes, hotels, etc. There are many shops and cafes where you can easily find european cuisine, or any other things you are used to.

Here you can buy any remedies and everything, but better take all the necessary and important medical drugs (in case of headache, temperature...), cream, etc. with you.
Also take with you moist absorbent paper, in case to clean your hands or face.

Be extremely careful on the roads. Even for me it was a great problem, until i started driving by my own.

Here you will find many foreigners, so in truth, many of them stay here by their own. Many of them work in India, so have to manage and cope with the everyday problems.
I don't think you will face any difficulties with the language, because there are many people who speak English, but just in case you can buy or find in Internet some sort of a small phrase-book with the essential phrases and words.

As for the clothes to take with you, so if you are going to visit India in summer, i advice you to take very light clothes with you, t-shirts, blouses, trousers and skirts (may be up to knees or long skirts). If you want you can search for some ready made kurtas (indian blouses) in here. Indian clothes is the best choice for summer time!

I don't think there will be a problem for you to stay in India for a week or two, many people start facing problems after spending a month or so. So be attentive and stay calm!!!

Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

Dress properly, don't show too much skin, and no skin tight clothes. Generally wear light colours, as darks attract sun and mosquitoes.
Keep to well lit areas at night, and beware of rickshaw drivers (don't take night journeys, or go through lonely areas).
Keep Mace handy at all times, as well as a torch, anti-mosquito spray, and anti dysentery tablets.
Drink only bottled water, but don't buy it at railway platforms because it will be adulterated with tap water.
Wear a pouch for your money/documents/maps and emergency medication.

Either than that - you'll love it!

Answer 6

I like girls in jeans. It creates them look more home town like and it doesn't appear to be they try too much but if you are trying to get this fellas attention, this might not be what you would like

Answer 7

I really do enjoy using long skirts once in a while. These are actually more comfortable than Skinny jeans and also not as hot to wear.

Answer 8

Whatever it is,always be confident.never give anyone the impression that you are terribly scared of anything.