As an Indian, it comes as quite a surprise that there are places in India where its own citizens are not allowed. It was years and centuries ago when Indians were frightened to live in their own country and it was due to the British Raj. Today, we are independent yet not permitted to enter these places. So, why are we banned from these places? Here’s the answer.
1. Uno-In Hotel, Bangalore (currently non-operational)
Uno-In Hotel, Bangalore
Uno-In Hotel Bangalore, is one among the rare hotels constructed and owned by Japanese people in association with the Nippon Infrastructure company in 2012. The 30 room hotel and restaurant was formed in order to cater to the needs of the Japanese population in the city, which seems to be growing day by day. After a while it came to light that the hotel prohibited hiring Indian staff which led it it being shut down for racism and discrimination.
2. Free Kasol Cafe, Kasol
Free Kasol Cafe, Kasol
This Israeli restaurant is situated in Himachal Pradesh’s tourist hills, Kasol and is known as Free Kasol. It is again a restaurant that does not allow Indians to enter. The owners refuse to serve Indians maybe because their loyalty lies with foreigners or they make more money through foreigners. We need to make the owner realize that in India there cannot be discrimination on the basis of sex, caste, and other factors.
3. A Certain Hotel, Chennai
A Certain Hotel, Chennai
A former Nawab’s residence which has been transformed into a hotel in Triplicane doesn’t allow Indians to stay there. To our surprise, this hotel only allows people who possess a foreign passport. Many rickshaw drivers in the city know it as the ‘firang place’ and many of the travel books have omitted this hotel due to its discriminatory policy. When asked how the hotel is from inside, someone said, it seems like it a heritage hotel owned by a person having a bad day. How this hotel is still being allowed to run in India is a question that begs to be asked of the Chennai government.
4. “Foreigners Only” beaches, Goa
“Foreigners Only” beaches, Goa
And there is a stretch of beach where you can see foreigners laying and resting but unfortunately you are not allowed to enter the space because it is for foreigners and not for Indians. To support this policy the owners say that Indians make lusty gazes at the foreigners and hence they are not allowed.
5. “Foreigners Only” beaches, Pondicherry
“Foreigners Only” beaches, Pondicherry
After Goa, Pondicherry is probably one of the most beautiful coastal towns with striking features everywhere. However, Indians are not allowed to visit some beaches which have some expensive French and Indian architecture. Probably for the same reason as in Goa.
Author: Rima Chowdhury
