Tips for women travelling by themselves in India

When preparing for a trip to a different culture, women have specific things to keep in mind, besides the passport, money and debit card: travelling alone in a safe manner. Even if you are used to moving around by yourself, not knowing some cultural guidelines may expose you to unnecessary situations. In this article are gathered some tips for women travelling alone that I´ve collected before coming to India. I´ve just arrived here, so I still don´t have much experience; anyway, being aware of some things makes me feel more confident, and if you are about to travel, I hope this might be useful.

-Moving inside safe areas. This is central. I am staying in Gokulam, Mysore, and although everything is prepared to receive western people, you feel an intense energy, that increases as soon as you move a few blocks from the main street. Instead I haven´t felt fear in any moment, it is good to stay in safe areas, where people are used to seeing foreigners. Also try to move on trustworthy transport; do not take any rigshaw, ask for a driver to someone you know, as at your accommodation.

-Respecting the traditional way of dressing. Many women are wearing saris, the traditional dress, so it is recommended to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and your legs under your knees. To have these parts of the body uncovered can be seen as unrespectful, as well as “a permission” to touch your body without your consent in crowded places; it can even be seen as provocative and a sexual invitation. I´ve seen many foreign girls who wear sleeveless shirts (nothing bad needs to happen), but I prefer avoiding uncomfortable situations. You can also use a silk scarf or a pashmina, removing it when you are inside a place, and covering your shoulders again if you are back on the street.

-Avoiding the men´s sight. Many men on the street have a strong gaze and will try to make visual contact with you. Don´t hold their sight. Tip from girls that have travelled out of the cities, into small towns: you can wear sunglasses, so they do not know what you are looking to.

-Respect your limits. When I was planning the trip, I decided that this was going to be an explorational one: I won´t travel around, I will stay in Mysore for the time the study period with Sharath Jois lasts and then I´ll be back home. I wanted to live the experience of being here by myself, see how I feel, and be more prepared for a longer travel if I decide to do so. Always respect your boundaries, don´t do things if you don´t feel strong and confident enough.

-Wearing a wedding ring. I don´t do it, but it is one of the advices I received: and if you will be travelling through different places, it could be an easy way to avoid undesirable situations or people asking about your private life.

Swami Vivekananda points out the story of Sita as the one that shaped women´s subjectivity in India, and says that motherhood is constitutive of womanhood. Sita, “all patient, all sufering”, was Rama´s consort, an avatar of Lakshmi: she is kidnapped and held captive by the demon Ravana. After a year, when Rama finally rescues her, the husband doubts her fidelity. She is sent to the fire juice: if she is impure, the flames will consume her; if she held castity, will be untouched by the fire: of course she came out unharmed¹.

Have a nice trip, take care of yourself, and enjoy.

1. _{Although Vivekananda´s assertions are useful for an approach to cultural idiosyncrasy, seen from today his position about the reasons why women must receive education has a strong traditional and sexist imprint (it is good to keep in mind that his talk in Chicago at the Religions Parliament was in 1893).} ↩︎