Our children's first encounter with India!
We arrive in Delhi in the afternoon. In this case we flew from Mumbai and so it is a domestic flight. We booked this trip with a local travel agency and have a private driver for the coming days. The reason why is actually simple; safety. Traveling to India with children is not something you do every day.
India faces significant issues with violence against women, a worrying fact that often gets the spotlight. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2021, more than 31,000 cases of rape were reported in the year, which equates to an average of 85 cases per day. Furthermore, a report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found that 33% of women in India have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. These statistics highlight the need for careful consideration of safety and measures such as traveling with a private driver, especially for women and families visiting India.
Although the statistics on violence against women in India are alarming, many tourists experience a relatively safe travel experience. The Indian government and tourism authorities have made significant efforts to ensure the safety of visitors, especially in tourist areas and popular destinations. Tourists are often accompanied by local guides and drivers who are familiar with safety protocols. Despite the safety challenges, as evidenced by the statistics, tourists can generally expect a well-organized and safe experience as long as they take the necessary precautions and are well-informed about their surroundings. However, it is always wise to follow local safety guidelines and opt for additional safety measures, such as a private driver, to ensure a worry-free and safe trip.
So, you will probably be able to travel relatively safely as a typical Western tourist. My wife and children are Sinhalese and therefore quickly look local. I would never let my wife go out on the street alone in India, and certainly not my children. In Sri Lanka, where this problem also occurs to a lesser extent, she does.
India was a topic of discussion for a long time about whether or not to go. In the end, we found a compromise: Shamila's condition was that we would travel with a private driver. The costs for this service are relatively low, which makes it a great solution. India was not on Shamila's list of favorite destinations, because she, understandably, has a strong preference for Sri Lanka. For me, Marcel, India has been on my wish list for a long time, but somehow the plane always seems to set course for the pearl of the Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka.
However, we must say that we both love the splendor, Bollywood movies and everything India has to offer. I myself am a great lover of culture and history, and I can't wait to discover this beautiful country. As for the filth that they always warn about, we are going to experience it. Since I lived in Egypt, I can assure you that I am used to quite a bit.
After our arrival we are nicely awaited. A bus comes to pick up the four of us, a local driver is ready, and we are personally welcomed
by a travel agent. With his perfect English and friendly attitude everything feels good right away. The drive to our four star hotel (Suryaa) just outside the busy center takes the rest of the afternoon.
Going outside by yourself, is it safe?
On the first night we decide to experience India by just going outside. It is very different from Sri Lanka, but I have not
the feeling that it is unsafe. We explore a local market with shops, where we do not encounter any other tourists. Although we get a lot of curious looks, we are not approached aggressively. After walking around for a while, we decide to eat. Because we are only in India for a few days and absolutely want to avoid a “Delhi belly”, we choose to eat at McDonald's, also to accommodate the children.
What a strange experience! No beef (obviously), so the entire menu consists of chicken. We enjoy a McButter Chicken, just like the locals. It is hysterically busy, but it is an experience never to forget.
And yes, I must admit that the first prejudices about India are immediately nuanced; we do not feel unsafe and the mess is no worse than, for example, in Egypt.
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