Two Travel Influencers Feel Pondicherry Is The Most Unsafe City For Women, But Do You Agree?
Pondicherry–a charming French-inspired coastal town known for its stunning beaches, French cafés, and spiritual retreats has long be a loved destination for solo travellers. But recently, two travel influencers, Soni Saloni and Tarana Chauhan, sparked an unexpected debate by calling it one of the most unsafe cities for women in India. Their claim? Repeated instances of people trying to take their photos and videos without consent and an overall uncomfortable vibe. But is this just an isolated experience, or is Pondy truly not-so-pretty behind its pastel walls?
One user shared an experience similar to Saloni and Tarana’s. “As soon as I saw the question my answer was Pondicherry! Creepy vibes, arrogant people, unwanted video and photo shoots. I had worked with one guide who is an government employee. I had hosted already hosted 3 groups with him and 4th one was about to start. He started calling me to meet at night for drinks at his home. He said his wife would be home but obviously I said no and met him at the hotel restaurant. He was constantly pushing me to have drinks with him. It was so creepy, and those 20-25 minutes felt like forever in hell! Luckily never had to work with him again and blocked him everywhere. But this was an experience in my early travel days and it took a huge toll on me for months!”
Many female travellers shared their personal experiences while visiting Pondicherry
Not everyone agrees with the influencers’ perspective. Many solo female travelers and locals argue that Pondicherry is just as safe (or unsafe) as any other Indian city, depending on how you navigate it. This was why another user criticised the influencers for calling Pondicherry unsafe, and instead, put the blame on travellers. “Calling my hometown the ‘most unsafe place’? That’s a bit much…Tourists have done a fine job ruining this beautiful place..littering, reckless behavior and let’s not even start on how they treat it like an open bar and dating ground…Funny how they create the chaos and then complain about it…I hardly see any PY registered vehicles at signals anymore..sorry you had a bad experience, but labeling it the most unsafe? That’s a reach!”
It is disheartening to hear about women facing uncomfortable situations while travelling, and that theirs was not an isolated incident. While some areas of Pondicherry might feel unsafe, many users believe branding the entire city as dangerous for women may be an overstatement. Do you think Pondicherry deserves this reputation, or was it just an unfortunate situation for these influencers?
