GENERAL COMMENTS ON TRAVELING TO INDIA
Some of the following tips should be useful for almost any travelers to India, but the majority of suggestions are intended mainly for Westerners who are traveling independently (rather than on a tour), and mainly for mid-budget travelers.
These suggestions and comments are based on our own experiences, but we don't have all the answers. If in doubt, rely on your own preferences and instincts.
If you've traveled in so-called less developed or third world countries before, you probably have a fairly good idea of what to expect in India. If you've only been in the wealthier countries, talk with others who have been to India, read the general introductory material in guidebooks, and think realistically about what you expect and how comfortable you like to be when you travel.
Assuming that you'll stay in hotels at least some of the time, we suggest looking for the mid-priced options, the smaller hotels that cater mainly to Indian business people and families and to independent travelers, and also consider guest houses at the upper end of the low budget range. These places are usually clean and reasonably comfortable, but far less expensive than the big luxury hotels that cater mainly to Westerners on package tours and to wealthy Indians.
We welcome your comments and criticisms, and we will try to respond. If you'd care to send us your own travel tips or suggestions for hotels, etc., we'll seriously consider posting them. If we do post them, we'll give you credit, unless you tell us you prefer to remain anonymous. However, we reserve the right to edit for brevity and appropriateness, and to not post at all if we're too busy or feel the comments aren't quite right for this Web site. Please contact us at:
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Westerners often ask us if traveling in India is safe, particularly in light of: (a) concern about risks of illness; (b) risks of traffic accidents; (c) the bombing and other terrorist incidents in some Indian cities; and (d) the occasional communal rioting between Hindus and Muslims in India.
We can't decide for anyone else, but our own answers for ourselves are:
(a) Health concerns. If you follow the normal health precautions for travelers to less developed or tropical countries regarding food and drink, including the suggestions in our Top Ten India Travel Tips, and take anti-malarial medications, the risks of illness can be kept to a minimum. Although fairly serious illnesses can occasionally occur (we once had our own experience with malaria in India), usually the worst that happens is an intestinal or stomach upset lasting only a day or two. Many travelers to India never get ill at all.
Having said that, there are indeed some more serious health risks. An article in the 17 March 2008 issue of Outlook (a major Indian weekly news magazine) describes how cases of neurocysticercosis, brain cysts caused by the tapeworm Taenia Solium, are rising in cities across India. Eventually the condition can result in inflamed brain tissue with pain, blackouts, and epileptic seizures. It is extremely difficult to treat effectively. Vegetables grown on the banks of rivers or on urban outskirts are often grown in human sewage contaminated with the tapeworm eggs, and only extremely rigorous washing of the vegetables can dislodge the eggs. Needless to say, the washing should not be with tap water. Thorough washing with potassium permanganate is typically recommended. When eating out, the best advice is probably to avoid salads, green coriander (cilantro) garnishes, and (because these dishes are usually lightly cooked) to avoid shredded cabbage and carrot mixed into chow mein, and vegetable stir-fries. Also, of course, be careful to consume only boiled or purified water (including in ice cubes and various drinks) as mentioned elsewhere in these Travel Tips.
(b) Accidents. Unfortunately, the accident rates on Indian roads are among the highest in the world. You can minimize the likelihood of injuries by traveling by train, air, or bus (larger vehicles are generally safer than smaller ones). Air travel is still much statistically much safer than travel by car. Although occasionally a train accident makes the news, train travel in India is generally quite safe. If you travel by car, use a good local driver, avoid traveling by night, and try to avoid highways with a lot of truck traffic (see the section of our Travel Tips on hiring a car and driver).
(c) Terrorism. In recent years suicide bombings and other terrorist acts have occurred in some cities, including Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, and Jaipur. It was only in the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai that Western tourists were specifically sought out as targets. These events (though obviously tragic when they do happen) are rare enough that it seems pointless to worry about them. The hazards of road accidents are much more cause for everyday concern.
There can be a risk of banditry in some remote areas, but most tourists are highly unlikely to encounter it. When in doubt, ask the opinions of local people.
(d) Communal conflicts. Communal riots tend to go in cycles, and there can be many years of quiet. Usually any riots are localized, although there can be flare ups in several cities at once. Westerners are not specifically targeted in this type of violence, and if you hear of disturbances while you are in India, merely try to avoid the problem areas. India is a big country, and there are always vast regions free of that type of trouble. Assuming you stay away from areas of disturbance, the most likely way you would be affected personally is by occasional one-day, city-wide strikes that can be called by a religious group, usually fundamentalist Hindus. In such a case, the main effect on you will be inconvenience, as you will probably not be able to make use of any public transportation (usually until after 5 pm), and it's probably wise to stay in or near your lodgings and avoid getting close to any demonstrations or marches. In general, we feel the many benefits of traveling in such a fascinating and hospitable land far outweigh the extremely remote chance of any violence affecting us.
OUR PERSONAL "TOP TEN INDIA TRAVEL TIPS"
HOME STAY SUGGESTIONS
TIPS ON HIRING A CAR AND DRIVER
SUGGESTIONS ON TIPPING
ASHRAM SUGGESTION
TimeBridges Publishers Home Page
Copyright © 2002 Gary Worthington. All rights reserved.
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