Survive Guide - South India and Kerala - page 1027

» Most cases are reported in urban centres and prominent tourist towns, and have involved lewd comments, invasion of
privacy and groping.
» Other cases have included provocative gestures, jeering, getting 'accidentally' bumped into on the street and being
followed.
» Incidents are particularly common at exuberant (and crowded) public events such as the Holi festival.
» Women travelling with a male partner are less likely to be hassled.
Staying Safe
The following tips will hopefully help you avoid uncomfortable situations during your journey:
» Keep conversations with unknown men short - getting involved in an inane conversation with someone you barely
know can be misinterpreted as a sign of sexual interest.
» Questions and comments such as 'Do you have a boyfriend?' or 'You're very beautiful' are indicators that the conver-
sation may be taking a steamy tangent.
» Some women wear a pseudo wedding ring, or announce early on in the conversation that they're married or engaged
(regardless of the reality).
» If you feel that a guy is encroaching on your space, he probably is. A firm request to keep away usually does the trick,
especially if your tone is loud and curt enough to draw the attention of passers-by.
» The silent treatment can also be very effective.
» Follow local women's cues and instead of shaking hands say namaste - the traditional, respectful Hindu greeting.
» Avoid wearing expensive-looking jewellery and carrying flashy accessories.
» Check the reputation of any teacher or therapist before going to a solo session (get recommendations from travellers).
Some women have reported being molested by masseurs and other therapists. If you feel uneasy at any time, leave.
» At hotels keep your door locked, as staff (particularly at budget and midrange places) can knock and automatically
walk in without waiting for your permission.
» Arrive in towns before dark. Don't walk alone at night and avoid wandering alone in isolated areas even during day-
light.
» Act confidently in public; to avoid looking lost (and thus more vulnerable) consult maps at your hotel (or at a restaur-
ant) rather than on the street.
Taxis & Public Transport
Being female has some advantages; women can usually queue-jump for buses and trains without consequence and on
trains there are special ladies-only carriages.
» Solo women should prearrange an airport pick-up from their hotel, especially if their flight is scheduled to arrive after
dark.
» India's larger cities may have prepaid radio cab services such as Easycabs - they're more expensive than the regular
prepaid taxis, but promote themselves as being safe, with drivers who have been vetted as part of their recruitment.
» If you do catch a regular prepaid taxi, make a point of writing down the car registration and driver's name - in front of
the driver - and giving it to one of the airport police.