First Time in Delhi
Hi,Ok I arrive in Delhi in less than 2 weeks and only have my first 2 nights booked into a decent hotel! I'm supposed to be on a budget, so I want to down-grade to a cheap-ish hostel for the subsequent few nights, but it is my first time travelling alone and as a young female solo traveller I know I need to keep security in mind - any recommendations?!
Also, is anyone else going to be there around the same time or know of hostels that are good places to meet other back-packers?
Any advice from other women would be particularly helpful!
1
The cheapest hostels are in the Pahar Ganj Area, where most backpackersstay. I don't like this part of Delhi, but you would be able to meet up easily
with other young travellers. Good luck...
2
http://www.smyleinn.com/ it's in Pahar Ganj, well as zauberberg said you can meet traveler easily in this areaSafe trip and have fun
5
it is my first time travelling alone and as a young female solo traveller I know I need to keep security in mind - any recommendations?!The main likely annoyance is to be scammed. Therefore one advice:
When you arrive at the airport, unless you want to go by subway, take only pre-payed taxi from the booth inside the airport. Doing this do not accept any assisstance from persons roaming the arrival area even if they have a badge saying something like "board of tourism" etc. Once in the taxi, don't engage in any conversation whether your hotel booking is confirmed or not. This is not taxi driver's business. Should he tell you this hotel has been recently closed - don't believe it. On arrival, check if the hotel you were taken to is the hotel you have booked.
Otherwise Delhi is quite safe. Enjoy you stay!
6
Metro is closed for the time being so you will have to take pre-paid taxi. Do not look lost and do not tell taxi driver it is your first time in India. Be firm, nonchalant and just say you want to go to Main Bazaar, Pahar Ganj, beginning of the street, opposite New Delhi railway station.Look at maps.google.com. Than you can walk and check numerous back packer places.7
Thanks so much for all the advice! Will definately check out smyle inn. I've heard Karol Bagh is a slightly safer area to stay in - anyone tried both?10
Delhi safety records are an issue. Especially when it comes to women. As a local I find it overhyped, but the sad truth is that Delhi still has the highest number of sexual assault cases against women in the country. Thats not to say that you will be raped in broad daylight - its just a matter of keeping your guard, like you would in any other city.Try not to stay out too late, or dress revealingly. As far as possible, stick to public transport - Metro's the way to go. They've even got coaches reserved for women. Otherwise stick to Autos or radio cabs. Autos make bargaining practically indispensable as they like fleecing, but the Radio Cabs are metered and perfectly fitted out. And while shopping or at tourist sites, be wary of scamsters. When in doubt, just ask any person who seems thoroughly disinterested in you - like a store owner or passing students or women.
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I can understand why the OP may be getting confused with all the above.Put simply
At the airport, make sure the taxidriver knows exactly where you are going preferably in front of the Taxi-controller - be firm and not over-polite;
Go later to one of the recommended hotels in PaharGanj, there's plenty in the LP & RG, and decide on your new flop after viewing it and agreeing a price - breakfast included?;
You will meet plenty of others around this backpacker ghetto, no need to arrange owt in advance;
Read your new guidebook carefully
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Try:1. Youth Hostel
5 Nyaya Marg
Chanakyapuri
110021 New Delhi
India
Tel. 91 11 26116285 24101246
Fax. 91 11 26113469
hostelbooking@yhaindia.org
2. International House for Women
92A Sant Nagar
East of Kailash
New Delhi 110065
Tel: 00919711293116
