5 Facts About Gay and Lesbian Travel in India

Although India doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to gay rights, we think it is actually great for gay and lesbian travelers - either solo or couples. If the concern of being gay or lesbian ever stops your visit to India, these 5 facts may put your mind at ease and get you prepared for a trip to India.

1. Tour guides and accommodations in India are generally friendly to gay and lesbian persons.

Over the past few years, we have organized trips to India for lots of gay and lesbian people and received no complaints from them. So we suppose they didn't receive any downside in India. As a matter of fact, more and more tour and hotel operators are eyeing the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The tourism market in India and many of them are actually training staff to be more accepting and less discriminatory. 

When booking or checking into Indian hotels with your partner, be prepared to be given a room with separate twin beds instead of one double one, but don't take any offense and don't feel hesitant to request changes. No one questions same-sex travelers sharing a room. It's just because most people won't assume you're a couple. By the way, Odyssey Tours always anticipates the requests of travelers regardless of their sexual preference. 

One of the Hotel Room in Goa, India

2. You are safe in India despite the anti-gay law.

Yes, being gay was made illegal in India in 2013 after only being decriminalized in 2009. But in reality, as a foreign traveler, you are left alone. Tourism is a major industry in India, so foreigners will be treated differently from locals. You won't be arrested or fined even if the authorities learn about that (chances are they will never know.

Meanwhile, the government agreed to reconsider its 2013 judgment in February 2016. There is a hope that homosexuality will become legalized in the near future, if not immediately. 

The attitudes of the public towards homosexuality have also shifted. For instance, there have been more discussions and depictions of homosexuality in the Indian news media and Bollywood movies. You won't have to face harassment or things like that.

According to CNN Travel, gays are now choosing India as their holiday destination as it opens up. So don’t be put off by anti-gay law.

3. There are some gay-friendly places in India!  

Although Indian society remains largely conservative, there are some travel destinations that are more gay-friendly than others and can make for great trips.

Two immediate places that spring to mind are Mumbai and Delhi.

Mumbai is the undisputable gay capital of India with a history of gay activism; Delhi is catching up with Mumbai with its annual queer fests and massive gay pride marches; Jaipur has gay-friendly neighborhoods and people.

Down to the south, Kerala provides good opportunities for gay travelers looking for a tranquil getaway. There are several gay-friendly hotels and guesthouses you can stay in. 

Goa is also popular for its holiday gay scene and welcoming nightlife. 

Friendly Boys on the Streets of Mumbai

4. There are some romantic experiences for gay couples in India.

It's not all about the party. Gay couples will also want to seek out romantic experiences. India is full of romantic things to do for gay couples: watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal, cruise the backwater of Kerala on a private houseboat, kick back on the beaches of Goa….so much more.

Water Activies in Goa

5. You still need to be discreet. For instance, avoid public displays of affection.

While traveling in India, it is better for gay or lesbian couples not to show affection for each other outside the hotel room. Otherwise, you may get unwanted attention or gossip behind your back. It is not common for people to show their affection in public places. Straight couples would also get those weird stares if they display. 

Now What?

With all the information that gives you an idea of what you could expect to travel in India as a gay and lesbian, you might want Odyssey Tours’ private assistance to turn your longing India tour into a reality. Please feel free to write to trip@odynovotours.com and share this post!