It is a known fact that Indians were allowed into many restaurants in England. But have you heard that Indians are not allowed entry in some places of India? I guess our colonial roots are the reason for such a discriminatory practice against one’s own people even in this day and age of digital existence. These are five places in India, where Indians are not allowed.
1. Free Kasol Cafe in Kasol
Sometimes the nicest looking things are not what it looks like and here is one such example. This cosy coffee joint in Kasol does not serve Indians. This cafe became notorious after an article about its owners refusing to entertain Indians attained media publicity. The cafe allowed only foreigners, mostly Whites!
Well, one understands that cafes do have the ‘right to reserve admission’ but that should not be done on the basis of nationality, religion, race or caste.
2. Uno-In Hotel in Bangalore
Bangalore, known for its cosmopolitan culture will surprise anyone when one hears of this hotel, which was started as a joint venture with Nippon Infrastructure Company to only serve their Japanese clientele. But when the incident of not allowing Indians by the hotel was reported by the press and media, the hotel was soon shut down by the law enforcement agencies on charges of racial discrimination in 2014.
3. ‘Foreigner’s Only’ beaches in Pondicherry
Pondicherry was a French colony and is a cherished destination for foreigners who come to India. It’s breezy beaches and French boulevards offers a wonderful cultural appeal. However, Pondicherry has many beaches that are exclusively meant for foreign tourists and it’s off limits for Indians.
4. ‘Foreigner’s Only’ beaches in Goa
Goa is considered to be the Pattaya of India, witnesses a high density of foreign tourists. Plus there are an equal number of Indians who visit Goa, so no wonder Goa too has its own share of discriminatory practices on its beaches. Many shack owners complain that Indians at times are ill-behaved on seeing a bikini-clad woman, and this makes female tourists very uncomfortable. Some restaurant owners have complained about Indians who tend to be lewd and negatively loud which foreign tourists do not appreciate.
5. Highlands Hotel in Chennai
Highlands Hotel in Chennai has a signboard at the entrance that says “Welcome, Namaste, pray stay at this worthy lodge.” But this kind-hearted welcome is only if you are a non-Indian or an Indian in possession of a foreign passport. Many hoteliers and restaurateurs prefer foreigners to Indian people, not just because of commercial reasons but because they feel that Indians are very demanding as regards room service and make too much noise which disturbs other hotel guests.
Indian tourists do need to learn a bit from their foreign counterparts about etiquette, behaviour and decorum. One hopes things will change as the middle-class Indian tourists have also become globetrotters much like their western counterparts.
