28yo woman wanting to travel Goa and Kerla alone

Beno

Hiya,

I want to go to Goa and Kerala in January for a month to travel. Ill be on my own and Im getting quite worried reading some of the posts on here about women getting felt up and hassled big time. I was going to fly into Goa and bus it around for a few weeks, then train it to Kerala and do the same. Can any other women travellers tell me their experiences in Goa and Kerala please? I am quite scared now and considering just skipping India. I have travelled in s.america and s.e asia and all over Europe but that doesnt seem to be a pre-requisite for being prepared for India.

Main tings I am worried about are: Being hassled non stp, being felt up, being lonely and not meeting anyone, not feeling safe.....the usual I guess.

Anyway please give me a shout back if you have any positive or negative feedback. Many thanks Beno

wichy

I never travelled alone in India (always with some friends, except 1 week in Delhi where they say there are lots of problems for lone foreign women - never meet any), and can't say too much about Goa - but in Kerala I think to travel as a solo female is a safe and pleasant thing. Of course you'll have lots of stares on you, but not in a bad way - mainly just because you're different, and Indian people are curious. And in Kerala skin tone really does matter, so if you have a light skin tone - they will look. But people in Kerala are really very friendly and nice, so you'll always find someone to talk to and will never feel lonely (but prefer to talk to women). I think a common sense is enough to be safe in this part of India.

Have a good trip!

__________________
Past the point of no return...

rondel

I actually think India is quite a safe place to travel. I can't speak as much about Goa, I know crime has risen there, I also know there are a lot of solo travelers there so you'll find company.

As for Kerala, I have traveled extensively through Kerala alone and I agree that with common sense you'll be fine. And you'll definitely meet people if you go some place like Varkala where there are more young foreign travelers.

I think the "being felt up" thing only has a chance to happen if you're in a super crowded bus or train, and that can be mostly avoided. I wouldn't worry about that at all. And if someone does put their hands on you, if you yell at them, or smack them or whatever, believe me you will have everyone else there coming to the rescue. My experience has been that people want to look out for me and want my safety.

As Wichy said, you will be looked at as a curiousity. I'm tall and blonde and there's no way around not being noticed. I hope you won't let your worries stop you from going. India is so magnificent (and Kerala is my favourite). With common sense traveling, you'll be as safe here as anywhere else. And you may end up being like so many of us after your first trip to India...planning your next trip back.

wichy

By the way, me and my friends had an experience in an over-crowded early-morning bus from Munnar to Ernakulam. When we boarded - it was empty, so we sat at different benches near windows to enjoy views, but some time later, I think 2 hours before Ernakulam, we found that we're in a bus really FULL OF MEN!!! There were no woman at all on sight And a young man was sitting next to me, but I think he was soo afraid of me, he cant move all the way We spent at men's company about 2 hours and felt absolutely safe, and thay even didn't stare at us (perhaps sometimes they stole some glances but again - not in a bad way). It was just simple people going to their work - as it was a simple local bus, and I did not in a minute feel they are a problem for me. My experience with Malayalam people was really great, and this year I'm going there again!!!

single_traveller

hi beno.i would say that if one has a basic common sence about certain things like how to dress up in india < dont wear too revealing clothes in general public> ,avoiding dimly lit streets in certain places and mixing with the right crowd then india is perfectly safe.In goa you would meet a lot of foreigners so you wont be lonely.karela is among the safest state here in india.just do certain things in india like.try taking taxis from the airport or with people who have a website even if they r a bit expensive and avoid drinking in pubs with complete strangers.Avoid pubs or hotels that r too lonely or cheap.thats all.i hope that you make up your mind about india and have a pleasent journey.bye

__________________
A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles

Beno

Thanks for all your advice girls. Makes me feel a lot better about it now. Beno xx

Brisso

I think physical sexual harassment is the exception rather than the rule. It is unlikely in those locations you will be alone as a traveller anyhow - it's easy to meet fellow adventurers. Go without fear and enjoy!

suryakant78

hi beno

You have misunderstood india. The problems with women are everywhere even in u.s., u.k. and japan. While tarvelling you have to keep few things in mind.
1) dont use cloths which reveal body like ultra mini skirt, transperent cloths etc.
2) stay at good hotels and in market place. so you can return safely late in night
3) Don't drink so much that you loose control of yourself.
4) Carry detailed city maps wherever you go. It works !!!
5) keep all important phone numbers with you. like city police station, hospital, doctors, hotel owner / manager etc. It will help in diffuculties. Surf the internet to gather phone numbers.

Wish you happy travelling in India.