September 2024 | The Timeless Allure of Solo Travel in India
I’m not sure if it’s a global concern or just something within my circles, but it seems that everyone around me has this perception about the safety of solo travel in India.
FYI, this isn’t my first time traveling solo to India, and for good reason—India has always held a special place in my heart. As for safety, I can’t quite recall how I felt during my first visit four years ago as a backpacker, but right now, I feel a deep warmth being back.
I love traveling in Asia for something I feel the Western world lacks—what I call “the exotic.” It’s hard to explain, but it’s like not everything is catered to tourists. In other words, the wabi-sabi. Yes, there are touristy things, but you also get to see real life unfolding around you. For me, that’s the joy of traveling, it is something I value—taking it slow, people-watching, and learning about cultures.
My close people often ask me what it is about India that hooks me so much, and I can’t come up with just one answer. The food in each region, the spiritual beliefs, the incredible history, the architecture, the nature—I could go on forever.
As for safety, I actually feel much safer in India than I did during a two-month trip through Europe. No offense!
I would encourage anyone to come. The only downside for me is the hardship of traveling from Laos, with so many transfers. But like the wise men say, travel while you’re young. Even though I still consider myself young, I don’t feel as young anymore. So please, friends, make time to travel while you can—your body clock is ticking every second.
After all, I’d do it all again. Traveling is part of my identity now.
P.S. How did I forget to mention how friendly the stray animals are here? The cows, dogs, cats, etc. I’ve been “hit on” by so many stray dogs—they flirted with me like we were soulmates. Not once did I feel lonely. Sometimes, I felt like I was playing the role of an lonely movie star, sitting by myself on the fresh sand, but did it last long… Soon enough, the dogs would break through like knights, rescuing me from my solitude. 😉
I am such a charisma(for animals) !