Backpacking in Bangalore?

Kanak Hirani Nautiyal

Relax maadi. It's safer than other cities, say tourists here, who nevertheless take a few precautions.

Blonde, blue-eyed and holidaying in Bangalore? Do it without a worry. The news of a Japanese tourist being raped in Pushkar on April 2 hasn't raised the panic levels for tourists in the city yet.

But with Bangalore attracting a huge population of foreigners, here on either work or leisure, BT asked if they ever felt unsafe while walking around the city.

For Jantine Van Herwijnen from Holland, this is her third visit to Bangalore. "The first time, I stayed at a hotel on MG Road.

I'd walk around at night and it was okay."This time around, Jantine is staying near the city bus stand. "They had a TV and the sheets were clean so I thought okay.

But I dare not step out at night in that area."Jantine's never felt afraid for her safety in Bangalore, although she was followed once. "I turned around and yelled at the guy following me. Now I only walk on the bigger, more crowded streets."

Jasmine and Gaby Landes have been in Bangalore for four years now, and things, they say, have changed. "Four years ago, it used to be safer at night,"says Jasmine, a student at a city school.

The Pushkar rape hasn't worried them though. "It can happen anywhere in the world,"says Gaby. Yet, there's no taking chances. "If I wasn't with a guy, I wouldn't walk down these streets at night. I don't even feel comfy going clubbing anymore,"says Jasmine.

Most people here feel Bangalore's safer than any other city. French national Jezebel Bernard has been in Ahmedabad for the last six months, and finds Bangalore better in comparison.

"I'm more comfortable here. People look more open - I guess they're used to seeing foreigners. But I still wouldn't go out alone at night."Jezebel admits she isn't even prepared if something happens during the day. "I don't carry anything with me for self defence,"she says.

Daniela Ferrante has been here five weeks and plans to stay in Bangalore for the next six months. The girl from Switzerland was taken aback by the city's violent behaviour after the death of Dr Rajkumar. "I stayed at home that day. But India is dangerous anyway. The precautions I take? I try not to travel alone, especially at night."

But Thomas G, a doctor in computer science from France, would recommend Bangalore as a holiday spot to all his lady friends.

"Bangalore's safer when compared to any other city. The South is different from north India. You can come here and never have to worry about your safety."