¿How is security in India?

¿
Rate this post

If you are organizing your trip to India and know someone who has done so before, they may be able to tell you about some bad experiences with security in India they had due to the monsoons (flooding from the high rainy season; health problems (poisoning) and even that they have been victims of fraud or theft. Don’t worry, keep your enthusiasm for knowing India, they may have exaggerated a little.

India is a safe country but you should take some precautions and be well informed about security and health tips. In this article we tell you how to make the most of your trip to India and get rid of any inconveniences.

Let’s get started!

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO INDIA ON YOUR OWN?

As we commented at the beginning, India is a safe country but being such a big country; it has areas where you must transit with caution, while there are other areas where we do not recommend you to visit, which we will mention later.

AND IF I’M A WOMAN, IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO INDIA ON MY OWN?

It is safe to travel to India on your own, but you must take many precautions; so our advice is not to travel alone, and if you do; do not transit through places that look desolate, much less travel at night.

WHAT AREAS OF INDIA SHOULD I AVOID?

Places like Kashmir, Jammu (far from its city), Ladakh, Manipur, the rural areas of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and the border areas of Pakistan.

For more information and recommendations on security in India, you can visit your embassy.

WHAT AREAS OF INDIA ARE SAFE?

Kerala or Goa, for example, which are more relaxed and less noisy areas than Delhi or Mumbai. Similarly, Hampi, Varansi, Anantapur, Haridwar, Rishikesh (yes, where The Beatles!), Mc Leod Ganj, Srinagar, Manali and Leh.

In the case of Delhi, these would be the areas or districts of Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Old Delhi, South Delhi, Hauz Khas, Connaught Place and Chanakyapuri.

MAIN SECURITY ISSUES IN INDIA

1. SCAMS IN INDIA

What tourists suffer the most and what they usually experience from the moment they arrive at the airport. A well known type of scam is that carried out by some taxi drivers, who offer you to hire other types of tourist packages in another company disque government, this usually charges much more. To get rid of them, reject this offer.

On the other hand, beware of sellers of valuable souvenirs and rickshaw drivers (lucky three-wheeled bikes that can carry two or three people in the back).

2. RAINFALL IN INDIA

The rainy season could harm your trip if you have not gone to your destination prepared or this weather phenomenon is aggravated. Be careful when traveling to places like Kerala, Karanatka or Tamil Nadu; here you can even get flooded by the monsoon (particular season in India).

3. DISEASES IN INDIA

security-india-food
Indian food is very rich, but also very spicy and hot, so it is best to eat it in moderation and avoid getting sick. Source: Revistarua.pt.

These are the diseases that usually manifest themselves in this country, and that can give tourists who have not been inoculated any vaccine: typhoid fevers, malaria, hepatitis A, B, C and E, dengue, tuberculosis, chikunguya, swine flu and nipah (virus).

Here we make a special device for you to take care of your stomach, many are the tourists who often suffer from diarrhea (the so-called “delhi belly” or “Delhi belly”) or gastroenteritis from drinking undrinkable water; eating Indian food in excess (which is particularly spicy and hot) or in poor condition (which is easy to access).

4. THEFT, ROBBERY AND MUGGINGS IN INDIA

This is rare in this country, the most likely of these three options is theft, which usually occurs in large crowds or while taking public transport at night.

security-india-tourists
Avoid walking through areas where you see a lot of conglomerate people, let alone at night, there may be pickpockets. Source: Pexels.com.

5. RAPE AND ABUSE IN INDIA

In this case, women are usually the main victims, but the incidence of cases is low; as well as occurring in Indian women. It is preferable that if you are a woman, you avoid going out alone at night or attracting too much attention when you pass through a large conglomerate of people; so you can go unnoticed, keep in mind that in itself you will be calling attention to the Indians.

6. TERRORISM IN INDIA

You could experience its consequences in cities like Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Assam; like the bad signal from the Internet, which even affects foreign phones. For your security we advise you to avoid sightseeing in these areas of India.

7. POLICE BRIBES IN INDIA

This is not so frequent but there are usually cases in which a police officer arrests a tourist for an alleged crime and asks you for a bribe to free yourself, but in no case should you pay fines or bribes for something you did not commit. Inform yourself about your rights and avoid dealing with a police officer you perceive as seeking “retribution”. If you have not committed anything, the only thing they are entitled to do is to identify you (by showing your passport).

HEALTH AND SECURITY TIPS IN INDIA

security india
Annual climate of Agra. Source: Es.weatherspark.com.
  • Always check the weather forecast for the city you are going to, even though India has six seasons; there may be times when you are not prepared.
  • The private health care system is very expensive in India; so the best thing for your health, and your budget, is to buy health insurance.
  • Go to an international vaccination center well in advance and get the necessary injectables, avoid getting sick or putting your life at risk.
  • Keep in mind that there are no public rescue services in India; so if you are going to hike in high mountain areas (over 3,000 meters), it is best to avoid doing so. But if you still plan to do so, go with a group and a guide.
  • Eat cooked food, drink bottled water from a reliable brand and try not to eat too much Indian food if you know you have a sensitive stomach. It’s best to eat small portions of it or go to an international restaurant.
  • Do not smoke in public places, you could be fined; while electronic cigarettes are banned in Karnataka, and sold in Maharashtra and Punjab.
  • If you are a woman, avoid physical contact, exaggerated kindness or smiling at someone you are thinking of rejecting a proposal or invitation; these actions may be considered acts of seduction.
  • Under no circumstances should you carry or use drugs in India. Possession of illegal drugs is a crime that can be charged for up to 10 years, and up to 20 years if the purpose is to sell or distribute, plus a high fine.

Find out more travel tips for India

About what to bring in the suitcase, documentation and requirements, Internet connection, currency exchange, activities, data SIM card for India, travel insurance, where to stay, best time to travel, where and what to eat, among others.

About the author

Herman Rosero

Soy diseñador, me gusta la empatía y entender las necesidades de los demás. En Travelistos te ayudaré a (diseñar) organizar tu viaje, dándote a conocer lugares, actividades, opiniones; que te pueden ser útiles antes, durante y después del viaje.

Add comment

By Herman Rosero

Recent Posts

Recent Comments