Safety as a woman traveller
Is it safe for a woman to travel alone in India?
Well, that is the million dollar question on everybody’s mind. And it is a sad day that beautiful, gorgeous India has to answer for it.
Keith Bellows, of the National Geographic Society, said of India “I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds... I had been seeing the world in black & white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant Technicolor.”
As an Indian woman, it breaks my heart to know that my sisters from around the world may be missing the wonderful and completely irreplaceable experience that is India, because of the fear that it isn’t a safe place for women. Yes, there have been horrific incidents that warrant the fear; but there are also beautiful safe havens that can make travelling that much more safe and wonderful. I found such a haven in the BASIS resort.
One reason why the BASIS resort is safe is because the program is a far cry from the gimmicks of mass tourism. The honest endeavour of the program is to portray the real India in all her glory, so the places you visit are not those that are bombarded with tourists or overrun by locals trying to sell you something or the other. All the destinations incorporated in the program are authentically Indian sans the mad rush and harassment that has become synonymous with travel here.
Another reason is that most tours are planned as a group, so you won’t have to risk travelling alone. The locals are very well acquainted with the Moozhiyils and extend their guests the same respect and courtesy. You will have them looking out for you and giving you a hand with anything you need. As a lone traveller to Kerala, I was a bit wary. I am Indian, but an Indian woman travelling alone is strange a sight for locals; and I am usually never spared the stares in my other travels. This wasn’t the case here. People were very respectful and kind.
Above all else, is the sense of security you feel with the Moozhiyil family. The gracious hosts Matthew and Leelamony Moozhiyil are the most loving and caring hosts you will ever find. BASIS truly becomes your home as they extend the hospitality that India is known for. The kind of adopted me I think! They never intrude and let us enjoy ourselves and the beauty of the place; but when you sit down with them for a meal or cook or travel with them, you instantly feel at home.
Anna, a British blogger and travel enthusiast, has travelled extensively in India speaks about her travels: “While I agree that India can be a difficult country to travel in, and that you need to be cautious when traveling in India, please don’t let fear stop you from experiencing the most amazing, mind blowing, magical and life changing travel destination there is – it really is Incredible India and the rewards certainly outweigh the challenges!”
I couldn’t have said it better myself! So please do visit India; it’s a truly beautiful place. You can get more information about the BASIS resort here: http://www.basis-reisen.de/
Some helpful links that share some good safety tips:
http://www.global-gallivanting.com/safety-tips-for-women-traveling-in-india/
http://www.adventurouskate.com/solo-female-travel-in-india-is-it-safe/