"You have more time for travel in South India", a number of people have told me. "It is different."
I was no stranger to South India. After all, I had lived in Kerala for eight months. I like to visit some places in Karnataka, Chennai a few times, and took a notorious rickshaw Chennai to Mumbai. In Chennai, I realized that people rarely got a second look, in contrast to many other places in India, where often lewd and groups of men looks photographed. It was refreshing.
So on a whim I decided to start a solo trip through Tamil Nadu. I wanted to see the temples of the state and my husband interested in me, it was not. Also, I wanted to experience what it would be to a single white woman traveling alone and on a budget.
Planning the trip
He had a route planned whirlwind six destinations in 10 days. In addition to flights traveling to and I would to any destination by bus or train and in hotels with prices ranging from 500-2000 rupees ($ 10-40) per night. I researched, planned and made all my travel plans myself - I really want to be alone. It would not a travel agency or travel agency, the search for me. And I did not know a word of the language (Tamil), so that they face other travelers who were new in India, have no advantage.
Knowing that Tamil Nadu is one of the most conservative states in India, I made sure that I did accordingly - only Indian clothes and all short sleeve (unlike I wear sleeves Kurtis often at home in the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai).
It was customary with some trepidation and paranoia I key to Madurai airport, my first goal, wondering what to expect. How people treat me and how difficult it would be to travel on my own?
My first impressions
I began my adventure by four hours guided walk with the people of Madurai in the morning (more on that in future articles). He gave me a fabulous introduction to the city. The friendliness of the people, it soon became apparent, including women. They were open-minded and called me to take their pictures. In addition, women can often be seen in places usually dominated by men. The women sat on the roadside and chai drinking in the photo above is an example. Other places where women alongside men. Restaurants in behind the front desks in hotels
In a few days I felt relaxed and all tension is released. Although I was alone, I felt safe, secure and confident. It was a strange and unexpected sensation. They speak good English and was very helpful. I could easily find their way around the bus, which was one of my biggest concerns. People also take care of their own affairs tend. Seemed simple and dignified. I had to feel a little dignity. I have constantly harassed by traders or to keep up with guard against sexual harassment. In a target Chidambaram, have not another foreigner all the time I was seen there. However, I was not looking for open or disturbed.
Do men approaching me on the street? Yes, a few times. Although generally wanted a photo of representing himself. In other parts of India, I am to see cameras focused on me, rather than monuments. When men of Tamil Nadu photographed me, I did not easily or unpleasant to realize about this. In general, they were very respectful to me.
Why Tamil Nadu is best for women?
I have to try a little research to find out why Tamil Nadu seemed a better place for women. Apparently, as far back as the era of Tamil Sangam literature, about 350 may assign up to 300 AD date before Christ. This literature has represented the education of women and their acceptance by the public. They had a lot to choose freedom, their own partners, and actively participate in social and community work. Although there was a decline in the status of women since then despite Tamil Nadu is still widely used in India before many other places.
I know that other women travelers may have a different experience of Tamil Nadu for what I did have. However, there were a number of other things that I liked in the state, all of which helped me to take my time immensely. In general, the roads in good condition, and buses are a convenient and affordable way to travel. The hotels we stayed in was clean, efficiently managed and represented good value. Compared to some parts of India, Tamil Nadu is informal and not crowded. The temples are beautiful, and its extensive grounds are peaceful.
I can not wait to return! (The only downside is that I am not a fan of small meals south of India, but that is beyond the scope of this blog)!
If you are a woman who is planning to visit India and are not familiar with the culture, I do not recommend this very informative book about safety for women in India.
Read my travelogue Tamil Nadu Madurai, Rameshwaram, Tanjore, Chidambaram, Pondicherry, Tiruvannamalai.
