The Taj Mahal Hotel from Mumbai Harbor
The terrorist attacks in Mumbai that began on Wednesday night continue today with hostages potentially still being held in the Taj Mahal Hotel, one of India’s most luxurious accommodations. Though details are still emerging, it appears that a Pakistan-based group may be responsible for the attacks. There is speculation that foreigners were the target, however, of the nearly 150 people killed and 300 wounded, “only” 10 foreigners have been confirmed dead at this time. (I’m not trying to minimize this terrible fact, just pointing out that a small percentage may be foreigners.) This includes 2 Americans (a father and his 13 year old daughter), one Australian, a Canadian, a Briton, an Italian and a Japanese national.
The U.S. State Department has issued an alert for travelers either already IN India or planning a trip there. (An “alert” by the way is, in their words, “…issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens” including terrorist attacks.) While I’ve often urged people to take these alerts and warnings by the State Department with a grain a salt, I can’t argue with the innocuous language of this alert. It urges travelers to “maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.” Ummm, I don’t mean to sound like a wet blanket, but you should pretty much do that anytime you’re traveling.
The Gateway of India sits on Mumbai Harbor just outside of the Taj Mahal Hotel.
So, with that said, I know that many of you whom are considering travel to India are now second-guessing your plans. Don’t. India is still incredibly safe and no more dangerous than travel in the United States was after the September 11th attacks in New York City. This week’s events were a highly coordinated effort that took place in a relatively concentrated area within a city of 18 million people. Chances are slim that during your travels in India you’d be caught in the crossfire of such an horrific event.
In my book, Wanderlust and Lipstick: For Women Traveling to India, I address the issue of the occasional bombing by stating, “They don’t happen frequently enough to cancel your trip.” I’m not a Pollyanna but I know that it does no good for a person not to travel because something might happen “out there”.
4 Reasons Why You Should Still Travel to India
1) India is a huge, sprawling country. The chances that something will happen to you are miniscule. Imagine canceling your trip to Italy because there was a bombing in Ireland. You wouldn’t even consider it.
2) India has a tremendous amount to offer travelers. Not going to India now would be an irrational response to an isolated incident. It would be like cutting off your arm because your big toe hurts. Millions of travelers (5 million in 2007) travel to India every year without incident.
3) India needs your support. No, I’m not asking you to “go shopping”, as President Bush asked of the American people after the September 11th attacks (obviously he enjoys retail therapy). But I am asking that if you have plans to go to India, don’t cancel them. If you are considering a trip, move forward with your plans. The Indian government, to great success, has been working hard to encourage travel to India – you can be sure they are going to make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists as they cannot afford to see a drop in tourism.
4) Now might be the best time. It’s unfortunate, but tourism generally does drop off to a destination after a terrorist attack. This means that costs on flights and accommodations are often slashed as airlines and hotels tempt tourists to come back.
These attacks have just broken my heart. First and foremost, I’m distraught over the lost lives and the destruction that’s come to this beautiful metropolis. But, I’m even more deeply concerned about the long-term effects of these attacks on the tourist industry. Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to continue on with plans to travel to the subcontinent and you shouldn’t either…
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
Wanderlust and Lipstick: For Women Traveling to India
Beth’s Tour to India, Fall 2009
Beth’s India Photo Gallery
Jacki’s India Photo Gallery
Tina’s India Photo Gallery
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Lisa Chavis says
Well said, Beth!
Dr Abhijit Das says
Dear Beth,
Very well said and thank you for your support. One of the aim of this well organized terror attack was to disrupt the booming tourism industry of India.
Adrienne says
I was thinking what would I have done if I had travel plans for Mumbai or India in general around this time?
I would go.
My family would cringe and probably do away with me before any potential terrorist would just for planning the trip. I understand their worry and concern, but a trip to Hawai’i or Toronto could end all the same. RANDOM.
Everything you said is true though and it will be interesting to see which direction others decide to move in. For those still going to India – enjoy your trip and safest of travels.
A
Scribetrotter says
It’s important not to give in to terrorism. The reason these attacks take place is to disrupt – tourism, governance, security, policy… by staying away, we play into the terrorists’ hands and encourage them to continue – since they see it works.
Beth, I absolutely agree. I wouldn’t change my plans.
Shelley Seale says
Beth,
I couldn’t agree more. I have always felt safer in India than in my own middle-class neighborhood.
Shelley
Cuckoo says
Beth,
This is what was expected from you !! I am so glad that you wrote about it.
Being an Indian, that too based in Mumbai, I can understand how people would be worried coming to India.
I even asked my non-indian friends. Not a single one said they will cancel their trip. 🙂
Richard says
I’m curious if a week and a half later, you still have the same opinion. With the new threat of hijacking, a threat on the airports, calls for “death to Pakistan” from natives, and a possible war with Pakistan, would you still advise people to go?
I ask because I’m supposed to leave for India on Dec 20!!! i’d be there for 3 weeks…
Beth says
@ Richard – absolutely I would still go… I’d stay away from the Northwest, but yes, I’d still go!
Madison says
I bought a copy of your book a month ago Beth, my trip to India is planned for January, and although my family is very worried for me, I still plan on going! If a 19 year old solo female traveller can do it, I would say go for it!
Beth says
@ Madison – have a fabulous time and drop us a line when you return!