Hyderabad

[ScandiNoirNuit]

I will be travelling here for work next week and will be there alone over the weekend so was hoping to do some sightseeing or something outside of the hotel. Does anyone have any recommendations and do you think I will encounter any issues as a single western woman?

I last visited India 15 years ago and got a lot of hassle as a solo female traveller but hoping things might have moved on, especially in a big city like this?

I got hissed at and spat at in the street when I went to Hyderabad. I was wearing trousers and a t-shirt - nothing revealing. It was the most extreme reaction I had anywhere in India. The interesting place to go is the pearl market near the Char Minar (sp?). I went an equally long time ago so couldn't say if things have moved on. Are you blonde? This seemed to gain me extra attention.

Sorry to hear that @Poppybetty and I can well believe it based on my previous experience. I am just hoping things have evolved a bit and it isn’t so unusual to see solo western women, or that you aren't deemed fair game for any unwanted attention. I don’t particularly want to spend the weekend in a work hotel but also don’t want hassle when I’m not there by choice and most likely knackered from work!

Does anyone have any experience of other travel in India recently as a solo female? Eg Mumbai, Delhi?

@ScandiNoirNuit how was your trip? Did it exceed expectations?

The important thing to consider about Hyderabad is, there are two distinct parts ‘the old city’ and the uptown area which encompasses Banjara hills, hi tech city etc. the old city is where all the great restaurants (famous Hyderabad biryani being the highlight) and markets are and the iconic ‘charminar’, while banjara hills is more affluent up market and modern. Hyderabad old city has quite poor infrastructure due to its layout and you will find lots of orthodox Muslims which is potentially why you may get funny looks as a western solo female traveller. Having said that, people are friendly - but men aren’t used to seeing women not covered up so being unveiled can attract attention - having said that there are plenty of Hindu women walking around in sarees which is totally normal. It could be the western attire that potentially gets the attention. Anyway I hope you did get some see some of the great city