Attack on Female Israeli Tourist in Karnataka

On the night of Thursday, March 6, 2025, a terrible incident happened near Hampi in Karnataka, India. A 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old woman who owned a homestay were attacked while they were stargazing by a canal. They were with three other travelers—one from the United States, one from Maharashtra, and one from Odisha. The group was relaxing, listening to music, and enjoying the night sky near Sanapur Lake, close to the famous Hampi heritage site, when three men on a motorcycle approached them.

At first, the men asked the group for petrol. Then, they demanded 100 rupees (a small amount of money). When the group refused to give them the money, the men became angry. They started attacking everyone. The attackers hit the three male travelers and pushed them into the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal. Then, they turned to the two women—the Israeli tourist and the homestay owner—and gang-raped them. After the attack, the men stole two mobile phones and 9,500 rupees from the group and ran away on their motorcycle.

The three male travelers faced different fates. The man from the United States, named Daniel, and the man from Maharashtra, named Pankaj, managed to swim out of the canal, though they were hurt. But the man from Odisha, named Bibash, was not so lucky. He went missing after being pushed into the water. The police and rescue teams searched for him, and sadly, his body was found on Saturday morning, March 8, 2025. He had drowned in the canal.

Is it safe for women to travel to India alone

 

Essential India Travel Guide: Travel Tips And Practical Information

Traveling in India as a foreign European or American woman can be a deeply rewarding experience due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. However, like many other countries, it’s essential to be aware of safety practices, especially for solo women travellers. India is vast and varies greatly from region to region in terms of safety and cultural norms, so understanding how to stay safe is key to having an enjoyable trip.

Understanding Cultural Norms

India has distinct cultural traditions, many of which revolve around conservative values. Foreign women, especially those from Western countries, may stand out due to differences in appearance, dress, and behaviour. In many parts of India, especially rural areas, it's uncommon for women to wear revealing clothing, and modest dress is preferred. Wearing attire that covers the shoulders, chest, and legs can help travellers avoid unwanted attention. In more cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai or Delhi, women tend to have more freedom in how they dress, but it's still advisable to dress modestly to avoid misunderstandings.

India Travel Survival Guide For Women

Safety Tips for Women Travelers in India

1. Choose Accommodations Wisely:- Stay in well-reviewed hotels or homestays that are known for their security and hospitality towards female travellers. Many cities offer women-only hostels or specific floors in hotels for female guests.
2. Research Before Traveling:- Different regions of India have varying levels of safety, so it’s important to research where you’re going. Some areas, especially in larger cities, can have higher rates of street harassment or petty crime. Southern cities like Kochi, Bengaluru, and cities like Udaipur and Jaipur in Rajasthan are generally considered safer than some of the more densely populated cities in the north.
3. Be Cautious of Public Transport:- Public transportation can be overwhelming, especially during peak hours. Trains and buses can get crowded, and in such cases, pickpocketing or harassment can occur. Many cities have introduced women-only compartments or sections on public transport. If traveling long distances, book private taxis through reputable apps like Uber or Ola, or hire a registered taxi from a trusted source.
4. Stay Connected:- Always keep your phone charged and have a local SIM card for emergencies. Share your itinerary with a trusted person back home and keep them updated about your whereabouts. It's also a good idea to register with your embassy in India, so they can reach out in case of any issues.
5. Blend In and Stay Low-Key:- Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Carry minimal jewelry, and don’t flaunt expensive electronics or cash in crowded places. The less attention you draw, the better. Additionally, learning a few basic Hindi phrases can help in gaining respect and ease communication with locals.
6. Be Assertive in Uncomfortable Situations:- If you ever feel uncomfortable or harassed, don’t hesitate to firmly say “No” or “Stop.” If needed, raise your voice or seek help from bystanders. In most cases, locals are very supportive and will come to your aid if they see you in distress.
7. Trust Your Instincts:- If something feels off about a location or person, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation. India can be overwhelming, but your intuition is often your best guide.
8. Avoid Traveling Alone at Night:- While it’s common to explore during the day, try to avoid traveling alone at night, especially in isolated areas. If you must, opt for well-lit streets or places with more people around, and always arrange transportation through a trusted service.
9. Be Wary of Scams:- In some tourist-heavy areas, foreigners may be targeted by scammers. Be cautious if someone offers unsolicited help, especially in tourist hubs or transportation hubs. Always verify information from official sources, and be sceptical of people offering too-good-to-be-true deals.
10. Carry Essentials:- Always have a small first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, and some bottled water with you. Tap water in India is generally not safe for drinking, and it’s better to rely on bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues.

Special Initiatives for Women Travelers

India has made strides in making travel safer for women. Some cities now have dedicated women police patrols, women-only metro coaches, and taxis driven by women for women. Additionally, there are apps and websites specifically designed to assist women travellers with safe accommodation and verified transport options.

Emergency Contacts

It’s essential to be aware of the local emergency contact numbers. In India, you can dial 112 for emergency services, which includes police, fire, and medical assistance. Many cities also have special women’s helplines to address issues of harassment.

Finally

While traveling in India as a European or American woman requires some extra precautions, it can still be a safe and enriching experience if approached with awareness and careful planning. By respecting local customs, staying vigilant, and following basic safety measures, women can enjoy the incredible beauty and culture of India. With the right mind set and preparations, solo travel in India can be an empowering and memorable adventure.

 

Travel India alone as a woman

Traveling to India alone as a woman is an experience that can be both daunting and rewarding. From the chance to explore unique cultures and experiences, to developing greater self-confidence and emotional intelligence, India has much to offer to those brave enough to take the journey. Despite the potential challenges, traveling to India alone as a woman can be a unique, rewarding, and life-changing experience that provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. In this essay, I will discuss the various benefits of traveling to India alone as a woman, including the opportunity to explore unique cultures, develop greater self-confidence and independence, foster an appreciation of different cultures and beliefs, gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and its people, challenge and push oneself outside of their comfort zone, and develop greater emotional intelligence. 

Traveling to India alone as a woman provides a chance to discover and explore places, cultures, and experiences unique to India that would otherwise be inaccessible. From the hustle and bustle of Mumbai to the serene beaches of Goa, India offers a variety of unique destinations that can be explored by a solo female traveller. Additionally, the country is home to a rich and diverse culture, with a variety of languages, religions, and customs that can be experienced first-hand. Interacting with locals and learning about their customs and traditions is an experience that can only be had by traveling alone, and the chance to immerse oneself in the culture and explore the country at one's own pace is an invaluable opportunity. By traveling to India alone as a woman, one can gain access to unique places, cultures, and experiences that can provide an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. 

Traveling to India alone as a woman can be a unique and rewarding experience that provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. By taking on the responsibility of navigating a foreign country, managing finances, and making decisions independently, women can build self-confidence in their ability to handle difficult situations. Additionally, relying on their own judgement and problem-solving skills can help them develop greater independence and resilience. This is especially true in India, where the culture and customs may be unfamiliar and require more self-reliance than in one's home country. Ultimately, this experience can be life-changing, allowing women to gain greater self-confidence, independence, and resilience. 

Traveling to India alone as a woman can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as it provides the chance to meet and interact with new people, fostering an appreciation of different cultures and beliefs. Additionally, by engaging in conversations with locals, travellers can learn about the customs, values, and traditions of the people in India, as well as gain a better understanding of the various religions practiced in the country, such as Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism. Furthermore, travellers can gain a greater appreciation of the diversity of cultures and beliefs by interacting with people from different backgrounds. Thus, through the chance to meet and interact with new people, traveling to India alone as a woman can foster an appreciation of different cultures and beliefs, which can be a life-changing experience. 

Traveling to India alone as a woman provides an invaluable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country's history and its people. Visiting historical sites and monuments can provide insight into the country's past and its people, such as the Taj Mahal, which is a symbol of love and devotion, or the Red Fort, which was the seat of power for the Mughal Empire. Additionally, learning about the culture and traditions of the region can help to appreciate the diversity and complexity of the country. Interacting with locals can give a unique perspective on the history and culture of the area, allowing travellers to gain a more personal understanding of the people and their customs. Exploring the local cuisine can also be a great way to gain an understanding of the country's culture and its people. Through these experiences, travellers can gain a greater appreciation of the country's history and its people. Ultimately, traveling to India alone as a woman can be an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and an appreciation of the country's history and its people.

 

Traveling to India alone as a woman can be a life-changing experience that provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. Women who embark on this journey often come back with a newfound sense of confidence and independence, having explored the country without the constraints of a predetermined itinerary. This allows them to experience the culture and people in a more intimate way, and to challenge themselves in ways they never thought possible, such as learning a new language or trying a new cuisine. This newfound sense of self-discovery and exploration can be incredibly empowering and can lead to a greater appreciation of the world around them. Ultimately, this experience can be a transformative one, providing women with the opportunity to grow and develop in ways they never thought possible. 

Traveling to India alone as a woman presents an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and a chance to challenge and push oneself outside of their comfort zone. Such an experience can be intimidating and overwhelming, yet it can also be incredibly rewarding. For instance, a woman may find herself in a situation where she must navigate a foreign language or culture, or even a situation where she must rely on her own intuition and problem-solving skills. These experiences can be daunting, but they also provide an opportunity to grow and learn. By pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone, a woman can gain a greater sense of self-confidence and independence, as well as a greater appreciation for the world around them. Furthermore, these experiences can provide a unique perspective on the world, allowing a woman to gain a greater understanding of different cultures and customs. Ultimately, traveling to India alone as a woman can be a unique, rewarding, and life-changing experience that provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. 

Traveling to India alone as a woman can be an opportunity to develop greater emotional intelligence. This is because it requires the individual to be able to effectively manage their emotions in unfamiliar and challenging situations. For instance, when navigating a new culture, language, and customs, women must be able to recognize and address their emotions in a healthy way. If a woman finds herself in a situation that is making her uncomfortable, she must be able to identify the source of her discomfort and take steps to address it. This could involve asking for help from locals, or simply taking a few moments to pause and reflect on the situation. Through this process, women can gain greater emotional intelligence, which can be a valuable asset in their personal and professional lives. Ultimately, this can make their experience of traveling to India alone a truly life-changing one. 

Traveling to India alone as a woman can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as it provides an opportunity to gain a greater awareness of the power of the individual to make a difference in the world. By relying on her own skills and abilities to make decisions and navigate new situations, a woman can gain a greater appreciation for the power of the individual to make a difference in the world. For instance, she may be able to observe first-hand the impact of her own decisions and actions on the people and environment around her. This can be a powerful reminder of the power of the individual to make a difference in the world, as well as the importance of self-reliance. This unique experience of traveling to India alone as a woman provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and a greater appreciation for the power of the individual to make a difference in the world. 

Finally, traveling to India alone as a woman can be a unique, rewarding, and life-changing experience that provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth despite the dangers. It offers a chance to explore places, cultures, and experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible, as well as an opportunity to develop greater self-confidence, independence, and resilience. Through interactions with new people, travellers can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country's history and its people, while also challenging and pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone. Ultimately, traveling to India alone as a woman can be an opportunity to gain a greater awareness of the power of the individual to make a difference in the world, and to develop greater emotional intelligence. It is an experience that can be truly transformative, and one that should not be missed.

My book called “India Travel Survival Guide For Women” will guide you how to be safe in India. "India Travel Survival Guide for Women" is the ultimate guide for female travellers planning a trip to India. This book provides practical tips and advice for staying safe and making the most out of your journey. From navigating the cultural differences to finding the best places to eat and sleep, this guide covers all the essential information needed for a successful and memorable trip to India. It also includes information on solo travel and travel with children. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this guide will help you make the most of your time in India.

India Travel Survival Guide For Women

India is a vast and diverse country, and the level of safety for women can vary depending on the region and city. In general, solo travel for women in India can be challenging, as the country has a high incidence of sexual harassment and assault. However, many women still travel alone to India and have positive experiences. 

It's important to take necessary precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas, avoiding traveling alone at night, and dressing modestly. It is also important to be aware of the cultural customs and norms, and to be respectful of them. 

It's a good idea to inform someone of your travel plans and to check in with them regularly. It is also advisable to be aware of the local emergency numbers, and to carry a phone with a local sim card. 

It is also recommended to research the specific location you are planning to visit for more accurate safety information and to stay informed of any current safety warnings. 

It's important to keep in mind that India is a complex country, and the best way to stay safe is to be aware, informed and take appropriate precautions.

Pickpockets in India, How to be Careful

Imagine yourself walking up to the counter at McDonald’s looking at the menu with you hungry eyes, you order your hearts out and are ready to gorge on burgers and fries but hold on a second. You need to pay the fellow behind the counter before that; but horrors of horrors you cannot find your wallet! It’s gone and along with it the credit cards, driver’s license and more! The pickpocket has robbed you off the joy of the burgers and more!

How would you get it back? Lodge a complaint at the police station you would think. Well that could hardly be of any use as the person who performed the little magic trick on you may have long disappeared into the crowded streets and also because you may have a jam packed itinerary!
Want to avoid the above situation then read on!

It is very difficult to spot pickpockets in India; you could be extremely careful but still they may hit you. But again it’s always better to be careful and at least make it very difficult for them to make you a victim. Pickpockets generally disguise themselves. They may appear as wealthy businessmen and women carrying babies, or even impersonate tourists to strike unsuspecting targets.

How protect your valuables from the pickpockets in India

Never carry your wallet in your back pocket, as it’s very easy then for a pickpocket to sneak it away from you. The safest options are Front pockets or money belts or bags under your clothes. Backpacks and purses also draw the attention of pickpockets. If you need to carry them, you should hold it under your arm, cover it with your hand and never ever carry it on your back.

You could also actually carry an easily accessible “mock” wallet in your pocket so pickpockets never hunt for your real wallet.

Also remember do not look like a target to them. They generally hit tourists or people who look lost, bewildered, unfocused or distracted. If you seem sure of yourself, your surroundings and have an air of someone who knows what he’s doing then there are less chances of you being hit. Remember, most pickpockets want to avoid altercation. If you don’t look like the safest mark in a crowd, they would most likely let you be.

However as I said before; you could take all the precautions and still fall victim to the pickpockets of India. To minimize the damage keep a separate list of everything in your wallet or purse, especially all credit card numbers and the customer care numbers you could call to block the cards. This makes it a lot easier to straighten everything out if somebody does dupe you. You could stash your money, credit cards and identification in different places, so you’re less likely to lose it all at the same time.

Such steps however small they may be actually help you have a holiday free from rogues in India feasting on your money at the expense of your vacation and peace of mind. Remember pickpockets in India is everywhere and are well trained. They use their trade to steal every single on unsuspecting tourists.

Beware of child abduction in India

India is a fun place but if your child is kidnapped all the fizz would just disappear from your life forever. If you happen to travel to India, you need to be careful with your children and keep an eye on them.

As a parent myself, I need to tell you about the child kidnapping industry in India. Tourists and Indian residents alike are venerable to child kidnapping. Although something like this can happen anywhere in the world as in the case of Madeleine Mccann. Madeleine Mccann was abducted by an unknown person on the evening of 3 May 2007 while holidaying with her parents in the Algarve of Portugal and has still not been found. Similarly, as a parent you too need to take utmost care of your child when holidaying in India.

Child kidnapping industry in India

Missing children in India

About 11 children are kidnapped in India every hour of the day of which half of them are never found. Child trafficking is the third largest profitable industry of the world and India seems to be in the thick of it. India is not only the source, but a destination and transit point for this heinous crime.

Your guess to what happens to these abducted children is as good as mine. Please read them to understand why kidnapping of children takes place.

Kidnapped children used as camel jockeys in Middle East

Why children are abducted

To be used as prostitutes; the biggest reasons for child abduction,

Child abuse and sexual exploitation,

Used as light weight camel jockeys in Arabic nations,

Organ trade and harvesting,

Ransom, as the Indian economy booms so does rise in child abduction,

A case of cannibalism has also been reported,

Human sacrifice to please the gods,

Used as forced labour, domestic servants, work in factories

Used as beggers by gangs after hands and legs are chopped off (read about beggars in India),

Child trafficking to international borders,

Forced into marriages,

Illegal adoption,

Medical trials; yes it does happen

Shipped and used as child soldiers in other countries to fight.

Kidnapping of your child is something that you must be careful of when travelling in India. The worst places for child kidnapping include;

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have the largest number of people trafficked. Trafficking is also high in Rajasthan, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Some child safety tips while in holidaying in India

Tell your children not to wander off,

Ask them not to talk to strangers,

Carry your child’s hair for DNA identification,

Don’t make them wear provocative clothing that may appear attractive older men,

Make sure your child knows their name and address, contacts in India,

Always keep an eye on your child,

If you are on the Indian Railways, make sure you don’t completely go to sleep. Many children are

kidnapped while both parents are sleeping. Watch the video below.

Instruct your child to “yell” when they think that they are being abducted. The Indian general public is very respondent in such matters. A crowd will quickly accumulate and might even beat the abductor.

Child abduction – Real story with English subtitles 

A personal story

When I was a child of three years, me and my parents had gone to Kathmandu in neighbouring country of Nepal. Nepal is a beautiful country with identical culture and language. Indians often travel to Nepal for shopping and site seeing.

While my mum was shopping in a “saree shop”, I wandered out of the shop several meters away. I quickly realised that I was lost and did not know where my mum was. I started crying and some Nepalese students took me and started to take me to the police station. En route, I saw my dad in a road side garage getting his car fixed. I shouted out to him and came immediately. He asked the boys to give his child to him which they refused and took us all to the police station. There the matter was sorted and I was returned.

Now if I had been in the wrong hands of child kidnappers, I would have been easily been kidnapped and god knows what would have happened.

Moral of the story is, keep an eye on your child, and instruct them not to walk away from you, hold their hands all the time. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

A child being abducted on CCTV of Mumbai station

A man was caught abducting a small girl seen in a series of CCTV footages. You can see in this video that a man sits close to a sleeping family on the railway platform and then in a flash gets up and walks away with the child. It’s that easy. That is why you need to alert and cautious when travelling in India.

Beware of child abduction in India

This article is not to frighten or scare you away from India but to alert you that kidnapping and abduction of children do happen. Just be safe, child abduction does happen.

Beware of this travel scam in India

India can be a dangerous place if you aren’t careful. You think of a travel scam and India has it all. Don’t get us wrong, I am not trying to scare you; most Indian people don’t go around scamming tourists. But there are people who thrive on scamming and robbing unsuspecting tourists. Here’s a story I would like to share with travellers to India. It was sent to me by a fellow tourist to India and it is my duty to advise people to be careful.

Hi Shalu

I have just been reading your travel advice for India and it has been really helpful. I just wanted to a share an experience my husband and I had at Delhi train station on 16th Nov. We had booked the 6.45 am train to Dehradun and had arrived at the station found the departure board and couldn’t see our train. Our Airbnb host has told us the train usually goes from platform 1. A well dressed English speaking man approached us and explained that the board was not working and guided us to a more official looking English speaking man who asked us where we were going and told us that our train had been cancelled. He told us that a pre paid taxi had been arranged and when I asked to see his ID. He just spoke louder with more authority and wrote an address down saying that all would be sorted at the Tourist Office DTDC at the Baba Kharak Singh Marg.

They then ushered us into a taxi before we really had time to collect our thoughts together. We were taken to a travel agent who proceeded to tell us we would have to pay 21,000 rupees to fly to Dehradun he also phoned the coach station and handed us the phone to speak to a man in English who told us there were no coaches for the next 4 days. We realised we had been scammed and demanded that the taxi that had brought us to the travel agent took us back to the station.

I had been trying to phone our Airbnb host in Delhi but we had no signal in the travel agent and conveniently no Wi-Fi. There were 2 men in the taxi one who spoke very good English and tried to make out that he didn’t know the man at the station who had put us into his taxi, he said the man at the station had said that we had asked to go to the travel agent. So he took us to another travel agent and he said he could arrange something for £200. Luckily at this point I finally managed to speak to our host who told us to come back to her and we would sort something out. She was so shocked and told us the trains never get cancelled. We were put into a taxi and the driver offered to drive us to Dehradun for 6,000 rupees.

We went back to our lovely friend in Delhi who helped us organise an air conditioned Volvo bus at 12.30 that day for 700 rupees each! We felt so stupid for having been taken in. I think we fell for all their reasoning about the currency shortages and the fact we couldn’t see our train on the board, the fact that they spoke very good English and were very convincing and it was only our second day in Delhi and we were overwhelmed by the train station. What we should have done in hindsight is taken a porter, as we now know having travelled a few times by train. They know exactly what train goes where. So my advice to anyone travelling by train is to get one of the official porters wearing the red scarves and they have metal arm band stating they are official to help them if they are in any doubt! I hope this helps some of your readers and that sharing our experience prevents others from falling for the same scam.

It all worked out in the end and we really enjoyed our coach ride which we would not have experienced if we had not been scammed! Apart from this experience we have had a truly incredible time in India!!!!

Kind regards Julia

Rape in Delhi by a taxi driver

Sadly another rape case has been reported in Delhi. This time it was a female passenger going back home from a party on a Friday night.  In this particular case, the rape was committed by Shiv Kumar Yadav, a 32 year taxi old driver. I have been reading news about this story and it seems that this man was a sexual predator and terrorised local women. By the time he was 21 years old, he was already molesting women and had several cases registered against him for assaults, rape and carrying firearms.

My new book “India Travel Health Guide: Health Advice and Tips for Travelers to India”

I am happy to announce my new book called “India Travel Health Guide: Health Advice and Tips for Travelers to India”.

Most of the time, a traveler to India will be fine if they have their travel jabs sorted out and if they take a little bit of precaution. But there are other risks such as rabies, insects, dengue fever, and so on that could be an issue for some. This book has all the health advice for traveling to India one will ever need, it even has a section on celiacs. In addition, the book also details what to eat, how to cope with traveler’s diarrhea, how to cope with air pollution, guide on street food, avoiding quacks or fake doctors, has a guide on restaurants, about India’s garbage problem and so on. I have also included essential health words, phrases and sentences in Hindi that might come in handy if required.

My new India travel guide book now on Amazon

I am excited to announce my new India travel guide book. After the success of my other guide books on India, I thought another one was due. It is now finally available on Amazon both in the kindle and paperback format. The book is called, “Essential India Travel Guide: Travel Tips And Practical Information”. Obviously, for the kindle format you will need a kindle reader. Currently, the “Kindle Paperwhite“, is the most popular while the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9″ Tablet is latest one and selling like hot cakes on Amazon. Just take a look at the number of reviews it has.

A study trip to India becomes sexual harassment trip

Michaela Cross, a 23 year old American student of “South Asian Studies” from the University of Chicago who travelled to India in 2012 to study has written a document called “India: The Story You Never Wanted to Hear” on CNN’s ireport under the name “RoseChasm”. She describes how she was sexually harassed, groped, stalked, stared and masturbated at. It was so bad that she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder upon her return to the United States. 

India Travel Survival Guide For Women now in paperback

My book “India Travel Survival Guide For Women” (previously in Kindle edition) is now available in paperback. The reason for the slight delay was because I was waiting for the proof (printed copy for myself) to arrive from the publisher & distributor (Createspace) in the United States. This allowed me to see exactly what the paperback would look like in my hands. Once it was in my hands, I had to preview the final version. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised with the printed version which I then approved. It took them about 4 days for them to make it available for sale on Amazon. I am also planning it go for “Expanded Distribution” which means it will be available to larger audiences through more online retailers, libraries, academic institutions, book stores and distributors such as Barnes & Noble within the United States and Europe. You can find the US version here and the UK version here.

My India travel survival guide for women ebook now available on Amazon

I want to announce that I have now released an ebook about travel safety for women travelling to India. The book is called “India travel survival guide for women”. It is available on kindle format on Amazon and I hope to get it out in paperback too.

This is the first book of its kind. I had a good look on Amazon and I am convinced that is no other book like it. There are some other books that are based on solo travel in India but this will perhaps be the first one by an Indian woman giving it a unique perspective.

Be careful of rape in India - tips for female travellers and demand for justice

Having lived Delhi, I used this think that Delhi was a relatively safe place for women. There used to be incidences of crimes against women but mostly it used to go unnoticed. But now I am very concerned about the security of women in India. Day in and out, there are cases of brutal attacks on women. Having travelled in public transport especially on local buses, I too had my share of unwanted activities such as being whistled at and being commented by anti-social elements.

But a crime of unspeakable horror has occurred in Delhi that has left not only Delhi, the capital India but the entire nation thinking. One that hit the Indian psyche is the recent GANG RAPE of a 23-year old student in Delhi by 6 men who then beat the woman with iron-rods, robbed her belongings, stripped of her clothing and dumped her dying on the road. The woman and her friend had boarded an unlicensed bus to return home after watching a movie. The driver and other occupants of the bus closed the door and hit the friend with an iron rod. The woman was dragged to the back of the bus where Ram Singh (one of the rapists) raped her. The five other men also raped and tortured the woman and beat her friend with iron rods while driving the bus around the city. (Update: She is now dead due to organ failure following serious injuries to her body and brain).

101 travel tips to India

India is a place that can capture your heart, no wonder tourists come back for more. India is a hectic, daunting place with overcrowded bazaars, noisy music, pungent spices, dusty roads, cow dung on the streets; a mesmerizing place that will make you addicted to this amazing country. It will cast a spell that few will forget from the moment they step off the plane. Here is a compilation of travel guide and travel tips for India that you need to know before you make your trip to India. But mind you, these travel to India tips is not the complete list. Bookmark this page for more tips on India from me!

1. Come with an open mind

2. Stay healthy

3. Keep cool. India is a hot country, try to keep cool, drink plenty of water and don’t get dehydrated

4. Avoid crowds

5. Be careful with your money

6. Wear modest clothes

7. Drink bottled water

8. Avoid booking taxis from hotel

9. Although no vaccinations are required for entry to India however consider taking the hepatitis A,Typhoid and malaria vaccinations. Other health risks could include dengue fever, bird flu, polio, meningitis, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, diphtheria and rabies

10. Do not show or flash your money in public

11. Don’t wear too much gold that will attract attention

12. Try not to take too much luggage with you; you can find what you need in India

13. Don’t eat too much if you are not used to spicy food

14. Take it easy and slow down. India is not a day trip, you need months. So tailor your trip accordingly

15. Always carry a handkerchief

16. Take care of children to avoid abduction

17. Learn how to use the Indian toilets

18. Beware of scams and touts. Avoid timeshare scams in Goa. If you do get pressured in to buying one, go through a timeshare exit when you leave

19. You can always bargain with the prices. Negotiate everything, prices, guides, fares, etc

20. Always carry a bar of soap with you. You might consider taking anti-bacterial wipes or gel and toilet paper

21. Wear a cap to avoid the heat on you head

22. Be calm, India is a hot, crowded place and tempers can easily boil. Stay calm

23. Be prepared to wait. India has more than 1.21 billion people, be prepared to wait at cues

24. Acknowledge that Indians and foreigners have to pay different tariffs and entry fees at historical monuments and museums

25. Don’t get cheated or over charged

26. Learn some Hindi or the local language. India has 22 official languages. Think of it this way, each Indian state has a different Indian language. Hindi is the official language and spoken by 60% of the population. English is common across India. Here’s my Hindi book for your travels in India

27. Always wash your hands before you have your food

28. Learn salutations used in India, such as Namaste (Hindi), Vanakkam (Tamil) although “Hello” or “Hi” is fine

29. You might consider becoming a veggie in India. Firstly, as most Indians are vegetarian and there are great vegetarian food to be had secondly a dodgy meat kebab is more likely to harm you than undercooked vegetables

30. Get more understanding where you are and about the local place

31. Tailor your trip accordingly

32. Walk like a pro, show or pretend that you know the place. Don’t let anyone know that this is your first trip to India

33. Don’t give too much to beggars perhaps Rupees 2 – 10. There are people who pretend to be beggars. Once you give a handout, be prepared to be swarmed for many more

34. Buy from reputable shops. There are fake and counterfeit goods that may look like the real thing but they aren’t, common ones include Ray-Ban sunglasses

35. Beware of corrupt police officers. Corruption and inefficiency are present in many aspects of the Indian police force. Be prepared to pay bribes to get your case registered

36. Beware of fake notes. Pakistan is trying to destabilize India by pumping fake currency

37. Avoid local buses (not coaches), take taxis or autos instead

38. Some people say avoid street foods; if you want to test your karma, go ahead

39. Don’t just go to India just for the weed

40. Always make hotel reservations in advance. Hotels will take photocopies of your passport and visa

41. Make sure your hotels are air conditioned or at least has a ceiling fan

42. Be alert on trains unless you are on the Maharaja Express

43. Just be safe and watch out if someone is being too friendly

44. Don’t eat or drink anything any one gives you while travelling, it may not be safe

45. Indians in general are very friendly people but crooks take advantage of this. Basically, don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, they could be spiked. Exercise a high degree of caution

46. Tips are acceptable in India usually room service (at the end of your stay not after every service)

47. Keep your passport with you at all times and hide it

48. Keep several photocopies of your passport and tickets

49. Keep your travelers checks with you at all times, don’t just leave them in the hotel room

50. Keep your suitcases locked at all times. This is not to say that everyone are thieves but who knows opportunists might be lurking around

51. Buy some local clothing like a Kurta, a saree or a salwar kameez and blend in

52. Learn dietary habits of Indians. Many are vegetarians. Hindus don’t eat beef, Muslims don’t eat pork. Don’t offer them anything that they can’t eat

53. Remember photography in many places is not allowed such as airports, sensitive controversial religious places such as Mathura and Ayodhya. You might need special permission to take photos or shoot videos. If you are a casual tourist then it will be fine. You might have to pay a “camera fee”

54. When entering shrines and temples remove your shoes. Some temples prohibit the entry of leather goods such as belts and leather wallets

55. Wear sunglasses, look cool and keep the extreme sunlight out of your eyes

56. Many Indian roads are poorly constructed, be prepared for bumpy rides

57. Carry your own medication. Sometimes fakes are sold in India

58. Remember alcohol is available in India except some states such as Gujarat. Kingfisher beer is a popular one in India

59. If you are expecting to eat beef curries and pork sausages, forget it

60. “Holy” cows are revered (not worshipped). Show respect. Stroke her if you can. Mooo

61. No tips for taxi drivers

62. Always use pre-paid taxies from airports and stations (not all stations have pre-booking services). If that’s not available, fix the price before you take the ride

63. Bargain with the guides at historical places. Rupees 100-300 is fine for 30 minutes to 1 hour

64. Don’t always trusts travel agents for booking tickets, they overcharge. Book at airports and train stations if you can

65. Never accept a free ride from anyone, use relevant transport

66. Keep money in various pockets so that if you get pick pocketed in one then you’ll have money in the other

67. There is a remote possibility of a terror attack in a crowded place from Islamic terrorists

68. Foreigners are known to have been kidnapped by Maoists also called Naxalites (Outlawed groups that want Communist rule) in exchange of prisoners. Two Italian tourists were abducted by Maoists from the Daringbadi area of Kandhamal district, in Orissa on 14 March 2012. They are active in states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Orrisa

69. Remember Kashmir is disputed with Pakistan. Always travel to Kashmir by air. Although violence has decreased, there is a remote possibility of bomb or grenade attacks, shootings and kidnappings

70. Remember state of Arunachal Pradesh is disputed with China. (the Chinese wants to engulf the entire region)

71. If you trek mountains, remember there are no rescue services above 3,000 meters. Only the Indian Air Force can rescue you once they know you are there. Don’t hike alone

72. Always buy travel insurance before coming to India

73. Goa is the epicenter of tourism in India. Tourists have been coming to Goa for drugs, stay away from drugs. Drugs are illegal in India

74. There have also been incidents of rape in Goa, women travelers must be careful

75. Tourists leaving India will not be allowed to re-enter India again for 2 months

76. Beware of the weather in India. Weather in India can be severe such as heavy rains during the Monsoon season between June to October

77. If you lose your passport, report to the police station and get a report. Talk to your embassy or consulate for replacement or other travel arrangements

78. Consider emailing images of your passport, tickets, other important documents to yourself just in case you need to retrieve it later

79. Be careful with your hand luggage, snatching do occur. There is very little or no risk of street robbery in India. “India is not Somalia”

80. The electrical supply is 220/240V and 50Hz. Carry the appropriate “round pin” electric connectors similar to European ones

81. Remember Indian Standard Time (IST) is 10 ½ hours ahead of American EST, 5 ½ hours ahead of GMT/UTC and 4 ½ hours behind Australian EST

82. India is not disabled friendly. There are very few facilities at airports, trains, coaches or hotels. However Indian people are generally very helpful in this regard and will be more than willing to help disabled people

83. Carry mosquito repellents or nets with you

84. Have your hip replaced in India for a fraction of a price you would pay in the USA or avoid the 2 year waiting list in the UK. Thousands of medical tourists come to India. One such good hospital is the Apollo Hospital in 20 Indian cities

85. Don’t be alarmed if you get waken up in the early hours of the morning with the sounds of prayers from loud speakers

86. Don’t be surprised to see poverty on the streets

87. Be extremely cautious when travelling alone at night

88. Try to organize money in various ways such as traveler’s cheques, cash, credit cards

89. You cannot buy mobile sim-cards in India without permission. In Jammu and Kashmir, local government does not allow roaming facilities to foreigners. The best thing is to take your own mobile with roaming

90. Although India is secular country but religion is sensitive in India. Don’t go around converting people, you will need a missionary visa. Not a safe thing to do

91. The death penalty in India is alive and kicking for some crimes such as murder, kidnapping for ransom and drugs

92. A daily dose of pro-biotics or yogurt pills a month before coming to India and during your stay can help reduce stomach upsets

93. Politics is big in India. Try to be neutral

94. Homosexuality is not socially accepted in India and homophobia is prevalent. Although homosexuality is not a crime in India, Indian society is struggling with gay rights. By the way men do hold hands in India

95. Remember that it is unusual for the opposite sex to kiss in public

96. Note the emergency phone numbers are: police (100), ambulance (102 or the nearest hospital), medical and fire emergency (101)

97. Can use internet cafes to access the internet at a price of about 10-20 Rupees per hour. There are only a few Wi-Fi hotspots in India although there are wireless internet services

98. International calling is cheap from India. The country code for India is 91. Use a telephone booth if there are no international calling facilities from your hotel. They are known as a PCO (Public Call Office) and they offer STD/ISD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing/International Subscriber Dialing), or national and international long distance

99. Try not to drive; it’s not safe for the faint hearted. If you must then be prepared to encounter mad truckers, speeding maniacs, honking taxis, wandering cows, suicidal pedestrians, pot-holed tarmacs all at the same time

100. If it’s your first time in India, book a tour. You’ll know exactly where you’re going

101. Don’t be over cautious or be nervous, India is a safe country

If you want more travel advice or travel tips to India feel free to contact me. You can also buy some of my books on India.

Are cabs in Delhi safe for tourists?

Auto-rickshaws at Connaught Place, New Delhi. Source: Prolix6x’s photostream

Delhi is a big city. It’s home to more than 18 million people. More than 5.18 million foreign tourists came to India in 2010. (Annual Report 2012-11, Ministry of Tourism) A large proportion of those tourists first land in the capital and from there set off to explore this vast land. According to another report titled ‘Tourism survey in the State of Delhi,’ about 1.8 million foreign tourists and more than 21 million domestic tourists come to see the splendid capital each year. A large number of those tourists hire taxis or cabs to move around the city. Unfortunately, a small proportion of them become victims to impostors pretending as taxi drivers. This makes tourists uneasy and quite soon all taxis are regarded as driven by crooks. While it’s understandable why this happens, it’s not wise to put them all in the same category.

In this article, we will have a balanced look at the current situation and you will also read how you can stay safe while still enjoying your visit to this wonderful city in a taxi.

Travelling India Alone

Freya Stark says ‘To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.’ One cannot possibly ignore the romance associated with travelling alone, exploring new and wonderful places and experiencing the unknown. But when you are in a foreign land or town; it is always better to know certain dos and don’ts to ensure a safe and secure travel.

Tips on travelling India alone

Source: Eric.Parker's on flickr

While travelling to India alone especially for a female, the key is to dress modestly and avoid travelling at nights in taxis, auto rickshaws unless in cities. In that too certain cities like Delhi are not the safest in the world at night especially for Women, hence avoid any sojourn at night alone. While travelling always opt for pre-paid services wherever available like cabs or autos; that way you could be sure of your safety to a certain extent. When travelling alone in India be sure to stay in reputed hotels.

The reviews on various travel sites could be of help to ascertain that you pick the right hotel. Hiking alone is a strict no-no especially for women. It goes without saying do not trust strangers, which in your case would be everybody and never accept food from an unknown person; a polite no is always better than taking the risk of being dazed and looted.