Safety Guidelines for Students in India

Travel prepared. Practice consciously. Stay safe.

Whether you are coming to India for your first yoga teacher training or returning for a deeper practice, it's important to travel with awareness and a bit of street smarts. India can be a life-changing, beautiful, and humbling place, but it's also complex. Here are some guidelines to help you stay grounded and safe.

1. Traveling solo or as a ‘foreigner’

Arrive during daylight hours whenever possible. It makes navigating a new place much easier and safer.

Dress modestly. In most areas, it's respectful and safer to cover your shoulders, chest, and knees, even in hot weather.

Keep your valuables discreet. Use a crossbody bag, avoid flashy items, and carry copies of important documents.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away. You don't owe anyone your time or politeness if you feel uncomfortable.

Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or rural areas. Use cabs or verified rides instead.

Purchase a local SIM card with data capabilities. Having Google Maps, WhatsApp, and a working phone number is a game-changer.

2. In case of emergency

Emergency Contact Info:

National emergency number: 112 (works for police, fire, and ambulance)
Local police: 100
Ambulance: 102 or 108
Women's helpline: 1091
VIDYA contact: If you booked through us and need help, email namaste@vidyayoga.co . We will assist you however we can.

We also recommend:

Saving your embassy's contact info in your phone
Keeping emergency cash in a hidden spot in your luggage
Telling someone back home your full itinerary and school address

3. Verified transport and accommodations

At VIDYA, we encourage schools to:

Provide clear arrival instructions
Recommend verified taxi services or pre-booked pickups
Prepaid taxis at official airport counters

Uber and Ola (in big cities)
GoaMiles (in Goa)
Help students book clean, safe accommodations near the center If your school hasn't shared this info with you, ask them or contact us, and we'll guide you. Use these when arranging your own transport.

Always:

Avoid accepting rides from strangers or unmarked vehicles
Share your live location with a friend while in transit

4. Cultural etiquette and red flags

Yoga is sacred in India, but so is respect.

Be mindful of:

Shoes off before entering any yoga hall, home, or temple.

No selfies in temples or during ceremonies unless permitted

Public displays of affection are often frowned upon.

Using your right hand when offering or receiving anything.

Red flags:

Teachers who discourage questions

Schools unwilling to share teacher credentials or lineage

Requests for additional payments in cash with no receipt

Over-promising results ("Become a guru in 10 days!")

Before You Fly:

Get travel insurance that covers medical and cancellations

Pack basic meds and hygiene supplies (yes, including toilet paper)

Download offline maps, WhatsApp, and Translate

Arrive with an open heart but a clear mind.

If you have any doubts or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask us. We've seen a lot, and we're here to support honest, respectful yoga experiences.

5. Traveling as a woman in India

India is filled with warmth, hospitality, and sisterhood, but it's also a country where women travelers may experience a different kind of visibility. Most of the time, that visibility is harmless curiosity, but it's good to be prepared.

Things to keep in mind:

Dress intentionally. Loose, breathable clothing that covers the chest, legs, and shoulders tends to invite less unwanted attention. A scarf or dupatta can be a powerful travel accessory; use it for sun protection, modesty, or temple visits.
Stay assertive. A firm "No," a confident posture, and avoiding excessive eye contact can go a long way. You don't need to justify your boundaries.
Use women-only transport options when available; many cities offer women's compartments in trains or women-only cabs, such as She Cab, Ola Women, or Uber Safe (when marked).
Trust women-led guesthouses or yoga schools. Many offer more comfortable, community-driven spaces and are often safer.
Don't be afraid to say no to photos. Some people may ask for selfies; it's okay to decline or politely walk away.

Solo doesn't mean alone:

Share your travel itinerary with someone back home.
Drop your live location when taking a cab or autorickshaw.
Trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, change the plan!

Need a safe place to land?

If you're unsure about a school, town, or journey, message us at namaste@vidyayoga.co. We'll always point you toward verified, respectful places where your practice (and presence) are valued.

One last note

India will challenge and change you in all the best ways. But safety should never be something you compromise on. When in doubt, ask. We're here.

Need help or want to double-check something?
Write to us: namaste@vidyayoga.co