Some Tips for Women Travelling to India

Guest post by Ashwin Sharma

While most stereotypes about India are true – India is poor, rowdy and noisy, it is also full of wisdom, knowledge, beautiful sceneries, rich in tradition and culture. And this culture shows in its wonderful people not only they are nice but really friendly and that makes visiting this chaotic country such a joy.

Here a few tips for solo travelers to keep in mind while enjoy their journey to a sparkling India:

Go with an open mind:

Don’t be a cliché. A famous English writer Aldous Huxley quoted: To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.

It’s important to be cautious but don’t be cynical. India is an exciting destination for the first time travelers and vibrant too. It’s bound be a culture shock if you are oblivious to the Indian culture and their way of doing things. Indians are the nicest, helpful people you will ever come across.

Stay in Residential Neighborhood:

Most travelers start their journey to India from New Delhi and end up staying in Paharganj, Delhi like most foreigners which is the most unpleasant place start. Instead take a budget hotel in Central or South Delhi or Residential Apartments in South Delhi.

Wear Indian Clothes:

Don’t fill your bags with clothes to an extent they are about to burst. Travel light and prefer wearing Indian clothing. A kurti or a suit (a traditional dress) are very comfortable and inexpensive. You can also wear jeans and a tee or a Sari. Indians are more respectful to the people who are suitably dressed.

Though you can wear anything in nightclubs and discos but you have to be a little careful. A little knowledge would help a lot. But in big cities you don’t have to worry much about your clothes.

Food:

Most people have their apprehension about the Indian food and specially about the street food. There is nothing in the world as good as the Indian food. Most people have their worry about the hygiene but the most unhygienic food turns out to the most yummy food ever made.

Find other like-minded travelers:

It’s not a problem finding fellow travelers in India. There are many websites from where you can learn about other travelers. Monthly meetups of travelers are held in some cities. And don’t be uneasy about an Indian fellow traveler. They are very warm and helpful.

Bookings:

It’s not at all essential to have a guide. You can do all the bookings by yourself. Be it a cab,bus,train or plane. Indian railways offer online bookings and so do many travel portals from where you can book low cost flights to any destination in the country. Also read a bit about the destinations where you are planning to go.

The best way to travel in India is travel unplanned. India might not be rich but it’s people are kind, helpful and happy. The people here know how to live peacefully and happily. They appreciate what they have and value relationships. And these people make your journey in India safe and memorable. So, let your inhibitions go and visit the land of contrast and learn a new chapter of your life.

Author Bio: Ashwin Sharma is a travel blogger currently working for Cheapoair