Female traveling solo to India
Replies: 18 - Last Post: Feb 10, 2013 12:09 AM Last Post By: lensman_jaipur
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Female traveling solo to India
I am an obviously western (blonde, blue eyed) 34yo unmarried woman and will be traveling to India alone for two weeks in February. I know it's not much time. I would appreciate any advice regarding itinerary. I like natural settings and small villages best. A couple days in the big cities would probably suffice for me. I've read good things about Rishikesh? Any advice/ suggestions would be great!!Katie
1
Rishikesh is definitely an option. But it isn't exactly a small village. And if you are planning Rishikesh then New Delhi's the big city that you are looking for. But last day I read about a village in Himachal Pradesh called Kinnaur. Seemed to me like the perfect getaway from someone looking for a quiet time. I'm afraid I have very little information. And small villages won't have the best of hotels. Don;t be surprised if there aren't any hotels at all. So it all depends on what you are really looking for.4
#3I don't think someone like KHE44 who's traveling for such a short period of time should go to a real village. That said, Kinnaur should be very cold in February.
5
Hi Katie,You can travel to the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand where it will not be very cold but you can still enjoy the rustic environment in a remote area. Mukhteshwar or the Corbett national park amybe good choices. Just do a day trip to Agra to see the Taj that should leave you enough time for your rustic adventures
8
Katie ---India is extremely challenging even for the natives let alone first time visitor like yourself. Here are few comments:
1. Two weeks is not enough time to visit India.
2. In your case, based on the information in your post, I strongly urge you to reconsider travelling solo.
3. Small villages/towns are not safe for you.
4. Solo travel or small towns may be fine for experienced travellers.
5. Places like Nainital, Ranikhet, Rishikesh, Darjeeling, and locales in Himalyas will work but they will be extremely cold.
Most touristy places in Rajasthan will work during this time of the year. There are special resorts in Rajasthan, however, they are extremely expensive.
Keep reading, evaluating, and reconsidering. Watch out for proposals from huksters!
9
A lot of alarmist posts here, and the odd sleazy male.Not sure why you wanted to say blonde and blue eyed unmarried female traveling alone unless you are wanting a flood of sleazy men after you, which I imagine you will have gotten.
I would advice Rajasthan and/or Madya Pradesh....and to stick to reasonably well established tourist trails unless you are a seasoned traveler.
India is not a difficult country to travel in, and it's not that unsafe....don't know why people are saying otherwise.
The north will be cold...take a look at places like Udaipur, Bundi, Orchha, Mandu, Maheshwar, Sanchi, Shekawati area of Rajsthan, Ranakpur, Kumbelgarh, Dungapur.... These will give you some less chaotic, smaller places to visit that have tourist infrastructure.
While India is quite safe, the usual precautions apply, avoid walking by yourself too much at night, lock your bedroom door from the inside...don't drink with, or talk too much with strange men...they really will take it the wrong way and you could find yourself in danger...but as I said..don't be paranoid about the danger.
10
The truly sound advice is written by #8 & #9.You are a first time traveller just stick to the normal route of Delhi, Agra & Rajesthan - plenty of fellow-travellers, good communications and logstics. The more laid back option is Kerala as stated by Flamnagan but transit thru the Gulf.
And if you just want to chill out - take a package to Goa.
You haven't given the impression of doing any reading up on the place - get yourself a guidebook and think it thru'.
My serious advice is ignore all the horny males that will send you pms and report any that are even marginal and also the pesky touts who should also be reported.. your phrasing is just inviting lowlife flies to the honeypot.
11
Katie,I travel alone in India but I am older and wartier than in the past! You might consider Udaipur and see if Piers or Elke at Mountain Ridge B n B can put you in touch with some of their tourguides. Piers is in Nepal but I believe he could set you up safely and nicely for some nature tours. Look on trip advisor or mountain ridge website in Udaipur.
I don't know if you are prepared for the constant barrage of aggressive touts who will seize your luggage, try to force you into their cabs and go to the hotels and shops they get kick backs in. I found it worst at Jaipur and Agra, but all bus and train stations are bad.
Try to always have someone with a sign to pick you up at airports and stations. And save the mainstream hotels for when you get an upset tummy. I stayed in Amritsar eating toast and tea and watching all the Hindi soaps to pass the time til I felt able to crawl on to my next adventure.
12
Rishikesh certainly is the best option. Rishikesh is certainly becoming a big city but the area across River Ganges is not a part of Rishikesh. If you cross Luxmanjhula and stay on the other side in between Luxmanjhula- Ramjhula area you will be in a quite surrounding of village like atmosphere. In Rishikesh you can indulge yourself doing daily yoga classes or Yoga course. You can also opt activities like white water rafting, Trekking or in Ayurvedic treatments.13
come to the south it is enjoyable and if you are a western woman thats alone just be careful you will be stared at alot! lol but kochi is nice so is trivandrum and the best small villages are along the backwaters of kerala14
Hi Katie,I am also planning a trip to India in Feb for two weeks.
None of my friends r free .. So going on my own - 34 female ... But would prefer a company.
It will be my first time in India .. And same as u .. I want to experience the real India .. Not too keen on cities but few days dont mind
I was planning Mumbai, Goa .. Kerala .. But Can be flexible :)
Get in touch if interested ..
J
