Safety in India
While few foreign destinations are totally free of strife or at least concerns in this turbulent modern world, travel in India would not be complete without some prudent cautions.
The legacy of generations of fractious often violent confrontation from religious extremist elements prompts advice that foreigners traveling India aught to take seriously.
Like so much of what makes India unique, the extremes and contradictions abound and one takes these into ones stride as part and parcel of an exotic adventure. The culmination of an exciting trip to India that will bless you with a sense of a once in a lifetime experience will be complete when none of the potential ills will have eventuated- such is the value of wise precautions.
There is an extensive list of terrorist attacks in just the past 3 years that attended public places frequented by tourists; restaurants, train and bus stations, hotels, markets, sporting events.
Government authorities of Australia and UK advise against traveling to rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and areas near Pakistan. Particularly you may wish to consider avoiding traveling on days preceding and on November 5th (Dwali),January 26( Republic Day), September 10/11(Eid), August 11-Sept.9(Ramadan), August 15(Independence Day).
Be alert and aware of what you are eating and drinking on trains, as there have been reports of travelers being drugged and robbed. Never leave your luggage unattended on trains at any time.
Keep a tight, close grip on your ATM cards, wallet and passport and visa as there has been an increase in handbag snatching – in this instance Delhi has been singled out.
Always keep photocopies of all of these in a separate location in your luggage.
In addition make certain you have copies of your medications prescriptions, eyeglasses.
Always travel in a group and never alone after dark.
As with all parts of India, eat only at major restaurants and never at a road-side stall.