10 SAFEST PLACES FOR WOMEN TO TRAVEL

There was a time when women were asked not to go out of the house alone. They should be accompanied by a family member. Hence, they used to be confined to their houses and the surroundings. Time has changed. Women have now proved equal to men or above them in various fields because of their higher education and occupations. They are on the move 24 hours, most of the time alone, as their jobs or education demand. Yet they are not safe in some places, especially when it comes to holidaying. A look at some of the  holiday safe spots for them to enjoy without an ‘extra baggage.’

Women travelling alone  is not that risky provided they  take some safety measures. When I say safety measures, it does not mean you carry a gun or  a sharp knife with you. Safety while travelling means to learn about the place and chart your travel plansi n advance,before you set out ona journey.  The first and foremost  you should remember is: Don’t make any compromise on  privacy, safety and the quality of the place  you choose to stay  in order  to balance your budget. Prefer government registered hotels. Avoid reaching your destination in the night and  looking for a place to stay. Avoid strange-looking people offering help.

When you ask me to pick up some of the safe and beautiful places  in Kerala where a woman alone can spend her holidays fearlessly, I will surely include Kumarakom.  Reaching the place by air, train or road is easy.  The best attraction there, ofcourse, is the tranquil backwaters. There are many quality resorts on the banks  of the lake, giving a panoramic view of the backwaters. No need  to have  any kind of tension for a woman, even if she is holidaying  alone. People there are very friendly, helpful  and they do have a broader approach to the visitors. Travelling to Kumarakom during offseason (April-September) will be more cheaper as the place is a favorite destination of  foreigners and  it will be crowded and expensive during the  season time. 

Fort Kochi is yet another place a woman should visit, I feel.  People have a lot of misconception s about  the place, that it is a centre where pick-pocketing and physical assaults are common.  But these things happen anywhere, if you are not careful about yourself, especially  in an unfamiliar place.Youcan  take care of yourself by avoiding dark alleys and pocket roads  at odd times.  In fact Fort Kochi is a beautiful holiday  destination. You will definitely enjoy the cosmopolitan crowd, Cafeterias offering all types of  food items  of  various countries are commonplace.

Season: October-March is the best time to visit.

Munnar is my favourite.  The brilliant sights of picture perfect green valleys, tea gardens,the undulating mountain ranges, all that we see here are just amazing. It’s actually a heaven on earth.  Reaching the place may  make you a little tired but once you  are there, I’m sure, you would love the place. You will get all sorts of resorts, budget to high luxury,  and plenty of  homestays,  but don’t forget to check whether they are government-registered.

Varkala is another place where a woman can go alone and stay back for days without any risk. The place is a nice beach destination and safe for women. Varkala is more or less like Goa. People here are friendly  and used to see  visitors from various parts of the world. They  have a  very positive mindset.

Poovar,15kilometers away from Kovalam, is a good holiday destination in Kerala for women.It is easy to reach by flight, train, bus or car. Poovar offers good resorts to stay and a very good beach experience. The best time to visit the place is August-March, when the climate is moderate.

 For women who love waterfalls and a little adventure, I suggestAthirapilly. Ladies can go alone or can go as a group even for a day out. Athirapally is a perfectplacefor a day’s escape and  relaxation, away from your work pressures.

Some of the other places in South India for a safe holiday for women are

Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry andCoorg.

Rock-cut monuments, panoramic view of sculptures and an awesome beach will make you fall in love instantly withMahabalipuram. When you visit the place, avoid choosing  the  peak summer season. Pack good cotton clothes in your travel kit as it is the ideal cloth for the climate here.

Pondicherry, this place will take you to a different feel, as if you are somewhere in France. French type buildings, French culture,all will provide  you  a  feel of  holidaying in a European country.

Coorg is a very safe place as  the people here are very courteous to the visitors. Coorgians are known for their hospitality. The Tibetan Monastery, Dubare Elephant Camp, Tadiiandamol Peak etc.,  are some of the  must see places in Coorg .

Mysore, an easily accessable and an incredible place to visit. Once you reach Mysore the place will provide you with a lot of attractive places like Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi hills and lot many. October – February is the ideal time to visit Mysore as the weather at that time is very cool. During October Mysore will be completely engaged in Dasara celebrations. It will not be safe for women to go to Mysore to witness Dasara celebrations alone as the place will be crowded with lakhs of people.

Wherever  and whenever you travel, be self-reliant and well prepared. Always carry necessary amount of cash, a map, a guidebook and a phrase book with you. Try to know more about the place you are going to visit, which will make you more safer and happier. Don't think reserved and sit stressed, go out and see the world.

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