{"id":9073,"date":"2017-10-09T14:57:11","date_gmt":"2017-10-09T13:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=9073"},"modified":"2020-01-30T12:59:00","modified_gmt":"2020-01-30T11:59:00","slug":"things-you-shouldnt-do-while-travelling-solo-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/things-you-shouldnt-do-while-travelling-solo-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things You Shouldn’t Do While Travelling Solo in India"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019re travelling solo to India<\/a> and you simply can’t wait, which makes sense because India is beautiful.<\/a>\u00a0No matter what happens it’s guaranteed to be an adventure, but that doesn’t seem you can’t prepare! Since you’ll be travelling solo, you need to be twice as diligent about taking care of yourself, which is why we\u2019ve put together this list of 10 things you shouldn’t do while travelling solo in India.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Read our guide about India for solo female travellers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Our experience has taught us that there\u2019s no such thing as being too prepared, so brush up now and concentrate on having a stellar time once you arrive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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As an Indian female traveller who has moved all around her country – solo and otherwise \u2013 my single most important piece of advice would be to not underestimate the value of research. Because, there is more to India than just The Golden Triangle<\/a>! For its multiculturalism and ecological diversity, India is a treasure trove for every type of traveller. I\u2019ve learnt that blending in with the places and its people \u2013 to the extent possible – is the best way to experience it. Consult with your host to understand local nuances better as these vary across the country. – Elita, Nomadic Thunker<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

1. Don\u2019t Drink the Tap Water<\/b><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s nothing worse than coming down with a stomach bug when you\u2019re on your own and there\u2019s no one to look after you. You could quite possibly feel like you\u2019re dying a miserable death, as coming down with a serious case of diarrhoea or cholera is no joke! There are ways around this, though\u2026you can carry a SteriPEN or similar water purifier with you that can sterilise the water you drink. Otherwise just make\u00a0sure you stick to bottled water throughout your journey and skip the ice in restaurants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Don\u2019t Ask for a Beef Steak\u2026 Anywhere<\/b><\/h2>\n

You might be a big fan of beef back home, but in India you will be frowned upon or even worse for insisting that you want to eat beef. Cows are sacred animals in India and you\u2019ll see them roaming the streets freely alongside everyone else. It\u2019s an absolute insult to even consider eating them and you could land yourself in hot water \u2013 with no one to back you up \u2013 if you make a scene about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Dress a Little More Reservedly<\/b><\/h2>\n

This is especially applicable to women. While the weather will no doubt be extremely hot, try and avoid walking around in your hot pants and cropped tops. Indians can be quite reserved and this is seen as disrespectful towards their culture. Humidity friendly clothing options can include maxi skirts, capris, flowy tops and loose, lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton or jersey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Respect the local culture. While Indians in small towns and villages are friendly and helpful, it\u2019s always good to be mindful of the local culture. Like it or not, the country is still in a state of limbo as far as modernization is concerned. So unless you\u2019re in one of the metro cities, avoid or exercise caution with regards to skimpy clothing (if it\u2019s hot, loose cottons would help), public displays of affection (hand holding is fine), staying out late and befriending random strangers when inebriated. Also be careful while selecting guides; we\u2019d advise against going along with local touts. – Ankita & Mohit, Trail-stained Fingers<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4. Don\u2019t Forget to Sign Up for Travel Insurance<\/a><\/b><\/h2>\n

You’re going to be far from home and alone so why not just let your parents relax and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with the security of travel insurance. Err on the side of caution by taking up some comprehensive travel insurance, as it\u2019s not expensive and will be your very best friend if the worst happens. Should you get injured, travel insurance could be the difference between you having to navigate your way through local hospitals on your own or being flown back home to familiar territory.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel light. You want to be mobile in India as you wander down narrow roads and squeeze in packed transportation. Also, do research on a safe place to stay — especially traveling as a woman. I felt less stressed knowing my lodging had a good reputation and would give me good advice on any of my “off the beaten place destinations”. – Tara, Tara Shupe Photography<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5. Don\u2019t Be Offended by a Barrage of Questions<\/b><\/h2>\n

Travelling alone will result in you meeting people and them wanting to make you feel at home. Indians do this by way of a multitude of questions, some of them quite personal. It\u2019s best not to get offended, as these are seen as more of a bonding exercise. They\u2019re simply trying to get to know you and make you feel more at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to India, Answered by Indians<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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6. Keep Your Left Hand Out of Bounds of Contact<\/b><\/h2>\n

Indians eat with their right hands and reserve their left hands for ablutions (washing oneself, typically as part of a ritual purification). Trying to shake someone\u2019s hand with your left, or even reaching out to them with your left hand, is totally rude. Always remember that right is right, even if you\u2019re left-handed.<\/span><\/p>\n