Rape is so common and brutal that many have sarcastically referred to New Delhi as the “rape capital” of India.
India is no longer a paradise for tourists, especially women.
The Indian government has enacted strict laws against rapists. However, this does not make the situation safer. So it is most important for tourists to protect themselves.
And here are some tips for female travelers when traveling to India.
Things to do
1. Ask your hotel or guesthouse to arrange a taxi or auto rickshaw for you instead of taking the bus or subway, especially at night.
2. Make sure your room has an inside latch. And lock it securely for your safety.
3. New Delhi seems to have a very high rate of violence against women. So use the women-only compartments on the metro and don't wander around alone. You could be the victim of a gang rape in this dangerous country.
If you get lost, go to hotels or restaurants for help instead of asking for directions from strangers on the street.
4. Don't be out on the streets after dark. Take taxis and rickshaws to get to restaurants like Indian women do.
5. When you get lost, stay calm and find a reputable restaurant or hotel on the roadside to ask for help or look at a map. Do not ask for directions from the crowds of "bums" on the streets of India. A 51-year-old Danish woman is the latest victim of gang rape because she trusted unsafe directions and was dragged into dark corners.
Things not to do
1. Avoid wearing revealing or see-through clothing. It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs when traveling to India, rather than shorts or skirts.
2. Stay away from and do not engage in friendly contact with strangers who try to approach you at tourist attractions. Instead, you can chat with local women. The same should be done when traveling by subway or bus. Indian women also never talk to strange men on trains, unless that person is their husband.
When in India, it is best to avoid interacting with strange men.
3. Don’t stare at a stranger. In India, it is considered a turn-off. Instead, look down and avoid eye contact. This will show the other person that you are not interested in talking and interacting with them.
4. Never drink alcohol from strangers. Indian women rarely drink alcohol in public, even in hotel bars. So be very careful with any strange man who offers you a drink!
5. When you have to walk alone on the street or in deserted places, walk quickly and have your mobile phone in hand. Set it so that you can call the emergency number as quickly as possible to ask for help if you have an accident or just feel unsafe.
