Travel Safety in India: What You Need to Know

General Travel Advisory For India

1. Awareness and Vigilance

• Always be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant, especially in crowded places like markets, tourist attractions, and public transport.
• Avoid displaying valuable items like expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or high-end electronics in public.

2. Safe Accommodation

• Choose reputable hotels, guesthouses, or hostels with good reviews. Most established accommodations have security measures in place.
• Lock your room securely and use the provided safes to store valuables.

3. Communication

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have emergency contacts easily accessible.
• Install reliable travel apps that can help you navigate and find safe places to eat, stay, or seek assistance.

4. Travel Insurance

• Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.

5. Donation Scams

• It's not mandatory to give donations. Be wary of people walking around asking for donations and always ask for proof of their affiliation with a reputable NGO.
• Legitimate organizations usually have proper identification and documentation.

Health and Hygiene

6. Drinking Water

• Avoid tap water; opt for bottled water from reputable brands. Check the seal before consuming.
• Use water purification tablets or portable purifiers if you need to drink tap water.

7. Food Safety

• Eat at well-reviewed restaurants and street food stalls. Popular places with high turnover often have fresher food.
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods, and peel fruits and vegetables yourself to ensure cleanliness.

8. Vaccinations and Medication

• Consult your healthcare provider about necessary vaccinations before traveling to India, including those for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
• Carry essential medications and a basic first-aid kit.

9. Mosquito-borne Diseases

• Use mosquito repellent and sleep under mosquito nets to prevent diseases like dengue and malaria.
• Wear long sleeves and pants in areas with high mosquito activity.

Transportation Safety

10. Public Transport

• Buses and trains are widely used in India. While generally safe, it’s advisable to travel in reserved compartments or book first-class tickets for added security.
• Be cautious of your belongings and avoid traveling alone at night.

11. Taxis and Ride-sharing

• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola. Avoid hailing cabs directly off the street.
• Even if you do hail an Auto rickshaw, always ensure there's fully working meter to avoid overpaying. If you don’t find a metered taxi, then fix the amount beforehand. 
• Confirm the driver's details and share your ride details with a friend or family member.

12. Driving in India

• If you plan to drive, be aware that traffic conditions can be chaotic. Ensure you have an international driving permit and comprehensive insurance.
• Always wear a seatbelt and adhere to local traffic laws.

Safety for Solo Travelers

13. Research and Planning

• Plan your itinerary in advance and research the areas you intend to visit. Familiarize yourself with local customs and norms.
• Avoid remote areas at night and stick to well-populated, well-lit streets.

14. Interactions with Strangers

• While Indian hospitality is renowned, exercise caution in interactions with strangers. Trust your instincts and avoid sharing personal details.
• Politely decline offers from strangers for food, drinks, or rides.

15. Emergency Contacts

• Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local police, your country's embassy, and trusted local contacts.
• Download safety apps that can quickly alert your contacts in case of an emergency.
•            100-Police
             102-Ambulance
             112-National Emergency Number
             101-Fire

Safety for Women Travelers

16. Dressing Appropriately

• Dress modestly, especially in rural areas or when visiting religious sites. Covering your shoulders, chest, and legs can help avoid unwanted attention.
• Wearing local attire like kurtis and salwar kameez can help you blend in and be more culturally appropriate.

17. Public Behavior

• Avoid walking alone at night. If you need to go out, use a reliable taxi or ride-sharing service.
• Be cautious in accepting invitations from strangers and always meet in public places.

18. Women-only Services

• Utilize women-only sections in public transport like the front coaches in Delhi Metro or women-only ride-sharing options.
• Consider staying in women-only accommodations or hostels.

Region-specific Safety Tips

19. Urban Areas

• In major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. Stay alert in crowded areas. Keep money within your reach, and ensure you have extra cash incase you become a victim for pickpocketing. 
• Use reputable transportation options and avoid traveling alone at late hours.

20. Rural Areas

• Rural India can be very safe but is less equipped with modern amenities. Always inform someone of your travel plans.
• Be aware of local customs and dress codes.
• Carry necessary medications and cash as Medical facilities and ATMs might be scarce in rural areas. 

21. Tourist Spots

• Popular tourist destinations like Agra, Jaipur, and Goa attract large crowds. Be cautious of scams and touts.
• Hire licensed guides and avoid unofficial tour operators. Most places do not require physical guides, so beware when people tell you that it's mandatory to hire a guide, check local sources to verify such claims. 

Natural Calamities and Travel Risks

Monsoon Floods

• Monsoon rains from June to October cause flooding and landslides.
• Towns and villages may be cut off, disrupting travel and essential services.

• Heavy rainfall from June to September leads to flooding.
• Coastal and backwater regions are highly vulnerable.
• Avoid travel during peak monsoon periods; follow local weather updates.

Cyclones and Tropical Storms

• High-risk areas: East coast (September to December), Bay of Bengal (April to June, September to December), South India (June to November).
• Cause high winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall, leading to flooding and mudslides.

• Assam and Meghalaya face heavy monsoon rains, causing frequent floods.
• Roads and transportation are often disrupted.
• Plan visits outside the monsoon season.

Earthquakes

• Northern and northeastern India lie on active fault zones, especially along the Himalayas.
• Earth tremors can cause landslides and infrastructural damage.
• Limited emergency response vehicles, equipment, and medical facilities could increase the impact of an earthquake.

• Kutch Region, Gujarat: Prone to earthquakes due to the Kutch fault.
• Maharashtra: Latur and Koyna regions have significant seismic activity due to local fault lines & reservoirs.
• Central India: Madhya Pradesh experiences mild to moderate earthquakes.

Landslides

• Extreme weather can cause hazardous landslides, affecting infrastructure, roads and communications. 
• Plan travel with awareness of seasonal weather events such as snowfall and torrential rain causing natural disasters like rockfall and landslides in hilly regions.

• Prone to landslides, especially during monsoon (July to September).
• Road travel can be hazardous; check weather reports and travel advisories.
• Winter snowfall (December to February) can make areas inaccessible. Ensure your travel plans are flexible and have contingency plans.

• Home to popular trekking routes and pilgrimage sites, Uttarakhand faces significant risks from landslides and flash floods, especially in the mountainous regions.
• Monsoon season is risky for travel. Obtain reliable weather information and travel advisories