- The only source of knowledge is experience. (Einstein)
India can be at once daunting, overwhelming and heady to a visitor, especially a first time, female traveler from the western world. Recently a question by a lady on raahi.com’s Q & A section set me thinking. India is so varied and vast that even for a south Delhi/ Mumbai traveler exploring Bastar/Haridwar or vice versa can can call for major adjustments. Over my two decades of travel following are some my learnings on the road.
- Respect local culture, rather than approaching a destination with a superiority or inferiority complex. As a teenager, growing up in India’s armed forces cantonment I had a chip on my shoulders. I visited my home state with a superiority complex. Until I realized my stupidity. Since then I have a developed a degree of insider perspective. I have come to terms with my roots. I employ the same mind set whenever I visit a new place now whether in India or abroad.
- Try and blend in to the extent possible. Be it in dressing or mannerisms. When traveling by ordinary trains or interstate bus services, I eschew flamboyance. My Nikes & other eye catching apparels are left behind. I pick on neutral shades. It helps me observe people while being in the background.
- Do your homework about the region you plan to visit. Read up its history; get a handle on the culture, contemporary lifestyle, modes of transport etc. While doing a series of articles on Coorg, my initial research helped me gain the respect of locals who were more than happy to show me around and uncover hidden nuggets of their culture.
- Be alert and prepared rather than naïve.
- Avoid getting too adventurous too soon. Work your understanding and then take calculated risks.
- Always inform someone (parents, friends, hotel authorities etc) about your rendezvous thru a call or email. In case of an eventuality it’ll be that easier to track you down
Please fill me in with points you feel can add to this list.
