Would you travel to India for a conference?

[ClivetheDestroyer]

I'm just wondering people's thoughts on travelling to India at the moment?
I will have the chance to go to a big conference in Hyderabad next year, but will probably be travelling alone, and all the news stories about women getting attacked are making me nervous.

I often travel to India alone, both for work and pleasure. Never had any problems, but I do take sensible precautions, eg. pre-book taxis and book a decent standard hotel (check for reviews by solo travellers). Take a door wedge if it makes you feel better.

I’ve been to a big conference in hyderabad - I think at the international convention centre. It was huge and very modern. The event had designated hotels and we got a shuttle bus every day. Felt very safe

I was at a conference at Hyderabad university a few years ago. I’d go again at the drop of a hat. Loved India.

But we were travelling in a quite privileged tourist bubble. Good hotels are cheap and taxis or drivers also inexpensive. It’s worth sorting all of that before you go - plus leaving loads of time to get your visa!!!!

I wouldn't, but primarily because I don't think conferences are worth that much carbon. I work in an environmental science field, so it feels extra hypocritical

I've been to India many times. Never had any problems. Just got back from India actually. This time i went to a more remote place where they weren't used to white people.The only issue I had this time was men and women asking me very politely for photos!
Honestly you'll be fine. Just be sensible. As you would be here.

If it’s not something where it’s essential that you’re there (and it sounds like it’s not as you’re considering not going anyway) then please do take the environmental impact into account.

Well I hope those of saying this don’t drive cars or have children, as these are the two ways in which westerners have inordinate impact on the environment. Far more than flying.

Yes

I travelled with a very red headed male ( a work colleague). He was treated like a celebrity for 6 weeks! We got held up everywhere we went for selfies 😂 This was Kolkata so not remote.

Felt safe, arrived on my own, looked for my driver, felt very nervous on that drive to the hotel ( no need, lovely driver). Then used hotel cars the whole trip. An amazing experience.

Yes I would go but I wouldn’t leave the hotel on my own unless in a pre-booked taxi. DD and I were there in 2028 and 2020 on organised tours and we weren’t allowed to leave the hotel on our own. The security staff stopped us. That said, we had an amazing time. Presumably you will stay in the conference hotel, or very near anyway? It’s probably just as safe as other conference destinations such as New Orleans or Rio?

Obviously, it depends where you go, but my experience is that it's safer than places like Rio. I often wander around on my own and have never had a hint of trouble. I've been going to india for years while my husband works there so amuse myself by going out and about while he's busy. The touristy places and big cities are used to seeing westerners . There are some places where I wouldn't feel comfortable walking around alone for too long. This isn't because of fear of sexual attack - more because of all the attention and selfie requests!

Thanks all, you've made me feel a bit better about it.
I have been to India before but it was about 10 years ago. We went to New Delhi and Agra, and as 3 white women travelling together got a LOT of staring and people hassling us for photos, which got quite annoying after a while, but nothing malicious.
I don't know much about the venue, but it's an enormous conference, so I assume it'll be some huge centre.
My mum might also come with me, she has no interest in the subject but she said something about textiles, and we could do a couple of days exploring at either end.

I'm in my early 30s and my mum is 60 btw

AI not.

Pre-book taxis or use a chauffeur service, you should be in a decent hotel, don’t go wandering around at night and you should be fine. Also be very firm if your taxi driver tries to take you “shopping”. I’ve had taxi drivers hassle me about taking me to their mates shop and have had to be really blunt that I have no intention of going shopping. Be very specific about where you actually want to go.

I am Indian origin. Yes, I would go. Hyderabad is a lot safer than Delhi or Agra. But I would
Stay in a very good hotel
Only use cars recommended by hotel
Do not be out late at night or in isolated areas.
Avoid salads and raw food. Hyderabad has fantastic food. Paradise biryani worth trying.
It also has beautiful textiles and handicrafts but I agree you should be firm about not shopping if you don't want to..Usually every city in India has a government emporium for handicrafts sold at a fair and fixed price. Failing those try Anokhi and FabIndia for clothes. They won't upsell or cheat you. Lots of lovely cotton.
Also has amazing architecture that your mum could visit like the Charminar and Golconda Palace.
Be prepared for pestering by beggers. This isnt a safety issue. More a huge inequality issue.
Dress modestly by which I only mean below knee length dresses or trousers are fine..No need to cover your head unless visiting a mosque.

Indians are very hospitable. If there are any local women attending the conference it would be absolutely fine to ask them to show you the city if you want to. Indians like to do that and it would not be rude.

Oh @Lentilweaver you're making me want to go straight back to India! The kindness and hospitality was just beautiful. I have a colleague from Hyderabad and he claims they make the best biryanis in the whole of the Indian sub-continent in Hyderabad.

Stay at a 5 star western brand hotel, get them to book your cars and you’ll be fine.