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| Photo: womentravelblog.com |
Given India's rape epidemic (there's honestly no other way to term it), countries and travel organizations around the world are increasingly wary about women visiting India. A little while ago, Japan issued a warning to its female citizens interested in traveling to India, following two allegations of rape on its citizens. In one case, a Japanese tourist said a man, claiming to be a tour guide, raped her while dropping her at her guest house. In the other, a Japanese national in Bodhgaya was allegedly kidnapped, robbed and raped by 6 men from Kolkata.
A look at some of the travel advisories issued:
The UK
“Avoid travelling alone on public transport, or in taxis or auto-rickshaws, especially at night. If you have to use a taxi get them from hotel taxi ranks and use pre-paid taxis at airports. Try to avoid hailing taxis on the street. If you’re being collected at the airport by a hotel driver make sure they have properly identified themselves before you set off.”
The US
“Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. When possible, travel around the area with groups of friends rather than alone.”
Canada
“Women should avoid travelling alone, particularly at night, on public transportation, taxis and auto-rickshaws, as well as in less populous and unlit areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches. Dress conservatively and respect local customs.”
Australia
“Exercise vigilance at all times of the day, avoid walking in less populous and unlit areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches, and take care when travelling in taxis and rickshaws. Avoid travelling alone on public transportation, autos and taxis, particularly at night.”
Additionally, countries like France and other members of the European Union have also issue warnings, asking women to exercise "utmost caution. Several recent incidents show that foreign women or expatriates can be the victims of such incidents in India."
Travel blogs and experts paint a slightly prettier picture of India.
Lonely Planet
“You're very unlikely to experience violent crime as a woman traveller in India; it’s sexual harassment that you may experience – more so in tourist towns and larger cities in the north of the country. Rude comments, voyeurism, and men ‘brushing against’ or groping women are all common.”
In another blog, travel writer Candace Rardon describes her experience in India very warmly. “While travel in India will require heightened attention and common sense, let me assure you it is worth it. Although I did encounter men who stared at me inappropriately, there were countless others who in no way treated me as a sexual object – farmers and pharmacists, shopkeepers and teachers, men whose warmth, kindness, and compassion moved me in unexpected ways.”
However, no warnings or advisories have been issued in the neighbouring country of Nepal, despite there having been many case of sexual violence on Nepalese citizens in India. The two countries share a soft border, and it is virtually impossible to keep track of immigrants working without labour permits in India.
Courtesy: http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/heres-what-the-world-tells-foreign-tourists-heading-to-india-and-its-scathing-230573.html
