Traffic, scams, food, solo travel and women travellers – what really matters for safety in North India, and how a private car and driver changes the picture.
Yes – millions of international visitors travel through North India every year without problems. But India is intense, and a little preparation makes the difference between a stressful trip and a wonderful one. This is what Randhir tells every traveller who asks.
The biggest risk is the road
Traffic is the real danger in India, not crime. Driving yourself is not a good idea for visitors. A private car with an experienced local driver who knows the roads, drives calmly and does not travel late at night on country roads is the safest way to get around.
Scams – and how to avoid them
The most common problems are small: overpriced taxis, "guides" who are not licensed and shopping stops with commission.
- Book airport pick-up in advance and look for your name on the board.
- Use licensed guides at the monuments – we arrange them for you.
- Be polite but firm with touts who say a monument is closed.
- With us there are no forced shopping stops – shopping only if you want it, and then at honest places.
Food and water
- Drink bottled or filtered water only – we keep water in the car.
- Eat freshly cooked, hot food; be careful with raw salads and cut fruit from street stalls in the first days.
- Restaurants your driver recommends are tested by our travellers.
Solo travellers and women
Many of our guests are solo travellers, including women travelling alone. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) in towns and at temples, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep your hotel and our WhatsApp number on your phone. Having the same driver throughout the trip – someone who knows you and your plans – gives a lot of peace of mind.
Health
Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations before you go, and take out travel insurance that covers medical costs. Pollution in Delhi can be high in November and December – people with breathing problems should plan more days outside the city.
Our way of travelling
Every trip with us is private: your own car, the same driver from the first day to the last, licensed guides at the monuments and Randhir on WhatsApp 24/7. Read how travelling with a private car and driver works or send us your dates.
