Holiday to India- help

[holidayquestionhelp]

Hi,

hoping someone can help here. My BF and I were thinking of going to India on holidays. We haven’t really decided where yet, we’re both just really keen to go. I’m just worried about safety- I know that might sound silly but I’m just worried that it might be unsafe after seeing various things on the news, or that I could get into trouble for sharing a hotel room with my unmarried boyfriend? I know that realistically bad things could happen anywhere but I’m just slightly worried.

im also worried about the smog as I’m severely asthmatic.

just wondered if anyone could advice or speak from personal experience? Thanks so much. We’re really keen to go if possible x

I travelled around India with a female friend around 10 years ago and had an amazing time.
I felt safe with her but was almost attacked when alone on one occasion as I was very isolated.

Just be aware. I would definitely go back but never alone.

I travelled all over India with young children and never felt unsafe. But always get a tour to organise an itinerary and tour guide for you. But people WILL come up to you and ask loads of personal questions and ask for photos etc and it depends on the kind of person you are if you find that intrusive or not. The people are generally very friendly and polite and you will be welcomed. But poverty is everywhere so be savvy and watch out for scams and people trying to fleece you out of money.

I loved Goa and Kerala but my favourite was Shimla in the mountains. Just stunning. I also loved Amritsar and we did a farmstay in The Punjab which was epic.

Delhi is interesting but filthy and the pollution and traffic are something else. Maybe go for a day and do a tour. If you're asthmatic I would probably avoid though.

I jusy don’t understand why they were staying in a tent in a very rural area.

You've specifically said India so I may be BU to suggest this, but have you considered Sri Lanka as an option? Significantly less air pollution and a bit cooler, and I felt very safe there

With a boyfriend you'll be totally fine. Two women you'd feel less safe and may experience harrassment. I would organize a driver or join an organized tour for some parts of it at least- there are plenty of local companies to choose from.

You might also like to consider Sri Lanka if you want to avoid pollution but experience similar food

This alone (FO travel advice for India) would be enough to put me off.

Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Serious sexual attacks involving both Indian and foreign nationals have been reported. British women have been victims of sexual assault, including rape, in Goa, Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai and Kerala. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala were lovely and felt quite safe. Everyone friendly, helpful and inquisitive in the not-so-touristy areas. Spent a lot of time visiting temples, so dressed conservatively (covering legs and shoulders). A friend based in India organised our trip, including drivers, flights and an overnight train. Stayed in a mixture of places. Only got ill when we stayed in a five star hotel for two nights.

I love the place. Lived in Goa for a while. Used local trains, planes and private drivers for internal travel. I've done several back packing holidays with a female friend with no issues. Usual safety precautions as anywhere else. I found the smog in Agra dreadful. Can't say I noticed it in Delhi.
I've traveled to Jaiselmer, Palitana, Diu, Mahaballiporum and Hampi as well as the Golden Triangle. Planning a solo organised trip next year around South India. I'd go back tomorrow

I'm ethnically Indian. My parents moved here in the early 90s.

I don't enjoy "going back" and personally would not recommend as a holiday destination. I genuinely find being there depressing and would rather be in the UK.