Information on Safety tips when you travelling to India
From the point of view of violent crime, India is safer than most Western countries, especially for non-Indians. Personally, I feel much safer here than in the US. Though of course there can be problems, as there can be anywhere—especially in tourist areas—common sense, alertness and respect for the culture will keep you safe in most circumstances. The number one hazard is traffic, not crime or disease. When contending with the traffic here, you need your full attention. A moment’s distraction can spell disaster. For this reason, one of the riskiest things you can do is to walk around or drive while talking or sending text messages on a cell phone, which is the cause of a huge number of accidents in India. If you have to answer a call, or make one, get off the road before you do. Whenever you are riding in a car, keep the doors locked, especially at night. Keep your handbag and other valuables away from open windows, and roll the windows up if you stop at a light where there are beggars or itinerant vendors (unless you actually want to buy something), or tough-looking guys on motorbikes who are taking too much interest in you.
Carry a flashlight when you go out at night, for safety as well as to avoid stepping in undesirable substances or tripping over hidden obstacles that may litter the path. Power outages are a daily occurrence all over India, and you don’t want to be caught outside without a light. When walking along the road at night, even if the road is fairly well lit, carry your flashlight by your side so vehicles can see you easily. A lot of drivers still resist using their headlights at night, which results in many accidents. A small keychain flashlight is convenient because you can keep it with you all the time, so if you return home unexpectedly late in the evening, you at least have that much light. In many places, walking around at night is not safe, especially for women. Ask the locals what the situation is. Also Visit – holiday packages in India
Never accept food or drink from strangers, especially on trains or buses or around major tourist sites. Instances of travelers being drugged and robbed are not uncommon. When people offer, it is better to thank them while politely and firmly declining. A smile and simple hand gesture are sufficient. Most people understand and are not offended. However, if someone has ill intentions, he or she may pretend to feel hurt by your refusal and your lack of trust. This is just an act. You’re not declining their hospitality while at their own house, and you certainly have no obligation to trust someone you just met. Even if they offer something that appears unopened, or if they take a cookie from a package before offering some to you, politely decline.
After sharing a compartment with someone for many hours or days, you may feel that you know them enough to trust them, but remember that you are seeing them completely out of context so it is unwise to let your guard down. While most of the people you meet will be sincere, there is always the risk that they aren’t. Don’t forget that con artists usually have charming personalities. Always lock your door at night. In hotels, etc., you should keep it locked all the time, even when you are there during the day. An open door is an invitation for anyone to come in.
Avoid protests, demonstrations, and big, disorderly crowds. Demonstrations are especially hazardous because the police tend to be brutal in their control tactics. If you find yourself in a pushing, shoving crowd, get out as quickly as you can, without drawing attention to yourself by stopping to take photos or even asking someone what’s going on. A crush like that can turn into a stampede or riot in seconds. It just takes a shout or an incident of some sort. If someone goes down, then others start falling on top of them and people panic. Even if they stay on their feet, children and small adults can get smothered in a packed, seething crowd. Also Visit – Luxury Tours in India
If you attend a major religious festival where the crowds are dense, get up and out of the action to a place where you can observe from a safe distance. Look around for a vantage point such as a balcony, a rooftop, or a stairway. Don’t be shy about asking the locals if you can join them there. Usually, they will be delighted if you do. Not only can you see better than from the midst of the crowd, but also it is much safer. Besides, even if you are in the front row for a major procession, you may not be able to see well because of a line of policemen standing in front of you. And up front is not the place to be if they start swinging their lathis (sticks) at an unruly crowd. Religious stampedes happen fairly often in India, and a number of people get killed or seriously injured in them every year.
During the Kumbha Melas, the world’s largest gatherings, there are auspicious times when several million people want to bathe in the same place in the river at the same time. At the Kuinbha Meta or even the smaller annual Magh Mela in Allahabad, which also attracts a few million people, though the crowds are not nearly on the same scale—the safest plan is to hire a boat to go out on the important bathing days.
If you will arrive at an airport or train station late at night, pre-arrange a ride, especially if you are alone. Prepaid taxis are usually OK, but not always. Don’t let the driver bring a friend or “brother” along, especially if you are alone and it’s nighttime. If the driver gets lost getting to your destination, he may demand more money from you even though he isn’t entitled to it. If he does, don’t argue. Just say something vague but noncommittal like, “OK, let’s go.” Whether you actually give him some extra money once you get inside with your luggage is up to vou. If you are uncertain, ask someone at your destination whether paying seems appropriate. Don’t pay if he is clearly trying to cheat you. You can also report him later if doing so seems worth the hassle. Taking his name and license number and threatening to report him will often solve the problem. Also Visit – India Luxury Hotels
If your driver suddenly stops on a dark, deserted road for no apparent reason, tell him in no uncertain terms to keep moving. In case there is a mechanical problem or flat tire, stay in car with the doors locked while he deals with it.
If you are approached by an armed robber, it’s recommended to hand over your wallet, your money, your jewelry, etc. without argument. These are all less important than your life. If you keep your real valuables well hidden with just enough money in an accessible wallet for your daily needs, you run much less risk of a significant loss in this and other situations.
Keep people informed of your whereabouts. If you have a pre-planned itinerary, write it down and include telephone numbers where you can be reached. Leave a copy or two with family members or a trusted friend. If you are traveling without any fixed plan, try to keep in touch with someone by e-mail at least once or twice a week.
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