It’s June – the Pride Month. After the decriminalization of Section 377, everything is getting better for the LGBT community. The best thing is India’s top tourist destinations are quite friendly to this community nowadays. That’s why we have handpicked the best LGBT-friendly places in India.
If you had second thoughts about going on a trip with your partner, it’s time to change your mind. There are some amazing places that you can choose for your trip. In this post, we will share the top travel destinations for LGBT couples. Hence, you can still visit these places as a solo traveler.
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Best LGBT-Friendly Places in India
Since the Indian Supreme Court’s judgment, LGBT-related activities are growing. Be it Queer film festivals or pride parades, people are getting involved in these things. So, why not travel? In the following list, we will share the best LGBT-friendly places in India. Let’s find out:
1. Bangalore
The Silicon Valley of India is one of the most progressive cities right now. Bangalore arranges a Pride Parade every year. Hence, this city also hosted the first Lesbian Dykes on Bikes procession in 2013. You can say, Bangalore is very friendly to the LGBT community.
On the other hand, Bangalore Queer Film Festival is very popular throughout the country. If you are visiting Bangalore for the first time, make sure you cover Butterfly Park, Brigade Road, and Ulsoor Lake.
2. Goa
Goa is one of the best LGBT-friendly places in India. The colorful atmosphere and scenic natural beauty of this state will steal your heart. Make sure you pick this place if you are visiting from outside of India.
The best thing about Goa is you can find a lot of places that are dedicated to gay couples. Some of the top attractions are Vagator, Arambol, and Palolem. However, you can also visit Thalassa to enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner.
3. Kolkata
Besides having a rich culture, Kolkata is one of the most forward-thinking cities in India. The Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk in 2014 got very popular after the Indian Supreme Court’s judgment. Hence, the city of joy hosts Pride Parade every year.
On the other hand, this city also hosts India’s oldest LGBT Film & Video Festival. There are so many places to visit in Kolkata. Plus, you can try several fun activities while exploring the cultural capital of India.
4. Mumbai
The financial capital of India has always been supportive of the LGBT community. You might know about the popularity of the Mumbai Queer Film Festival. Hence, it’s also the biggest queer film festival in South Asia.
On the other hand, Mumbai’s pride parade is popular as Queer Azaadi March. If you want to explore the beauty of Mumbai, make sure you visit the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Worli Seaface.
5. Jaipur
Undoubtedly, Jaipur is one of the most-visited tourist destinations right now. However, the pink city is also popular as one of the best LGBT-friendly places in India. Even though Jaipur isn’t as progressive as other cities on this list, the city is thinking differently nowadays.
Jaipur started the first pride parade called Queer Gulabi Pride in 2015. You can have an amazing experience while visiting Jaipur. Make sure you explore the top paces with your partner. Read our complete Jaipur city guide to get more information.
6. Delhi
Being the capital city of India, Delhi is very friendly towards the LGBT community. You might know that Delhi played a crucial role in the decriminalization of Section 377. The first Delhi Queer Pride Parade started in 2007.
There are so many things to explore in this place. Make sure you include Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, and Red Fort in your trip plan.
Top Travel Tips For LGBT Couples
If it’s your first time traveling to a tourist destination in India, you have to consider some factors. LGBT isn’t a new thing for India. There is so much evidence of ancient practices. Still, a large part of Indian society treats these things as taboo. So, we will share some helpful tips in the following list. Let’s find out:
- Before you plan a trip, make sure you get all the information regarding the place. You can follow some travel blogs to get information. Plus, you can also join some LGBT travel groups.
- Choosing a tourist destination is a crucial part for queer couples. The good thing is most top cities are very friendly toward gay couples.
- When you are in India, try to avoid public displays of affection. Hence, most straight couples also avoid these things while traveling.
- Nobody will harass you when you are traveling in India. Being gay isn’t a crime in this country anymore. However, you can contact the Police or high authority if something happens. They are very helpful.
Conclusion
Pride month is all about celebrating freedom and discovering yourself. In this case, travel can play a huge role. If you are ready to explore this beautiful country, you can choose one of the best LGBT-friendly places in India. For more information, make sure you read our travel tips.
Ruchira is the founder of India Travelpedia, a writer by passion and profession. Besides writing, she’s a travel buff, foodie, and culture enthusiast.
