Woman and foreigner? Don’t dare bare legs in Gujarat!

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat proudly flaunts its ‘safe’ tag. But, the government is not very sure if foreign tourists, especially women, are safe here. It
admits even wearing sleeveless tops; tight-fitting clothes and heavy jewellery may invite trouble. And, travelling alone is a strict no-no.

The official website of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) carries a travel advisory that would leave any tourist apprehensive. If it has put up a host of do’s and dont’s for women tourists, the website also cautions gays and lesbians. And, it virtually admits that liquor is sold illegally in ‘dry’ Gujarat.

“If you hold a foreign passport, you are allowed a liquor permit and you can buy liquor from certain establishments authorised to sell liquor to foreigners. But, avoid getting yourself in trouble by buying alcohol from locals,” says the site. TCGL has even sent a project report to the state home department on deployment of tourist police on the lines of states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.

The report also includes plans for special tourist police stations. Gujarat director general of police SS Khandwawala, however, feels “there is no need for tourism police because the law and order situation is not alarming. Besides, he says, a majority of foreigners coming to Gujarat are here for business.