Let me look at the basic reason behind writing this article. At times I have received a number of questions, from my foreign friends around India. Few of them are true, realistic, and as generic as what India is famous for and a few of them are too far from reality. I thought of busting a few myths and explaining realities better.
India is a daunting country and the thought of exploring it is exhilarating as well as scary at the same time.
There are two extremes, immense richness and poverty existing simultaneously, so do in most of the Asian countries. Though thanks to the economic developments of India, we have a large segment of the fastest emerging middle class. If I have to sum up India in one sentence, similar to the curry we eat, I will call it “Spicy”. It is neither sweet nor sour, fully spicy.
Yes, my country has some flaws just like any other country on the planet. The one thing which I can say with a guarantee- one can love it or hate it but cannot write it off.
Table of Contents
MYTHS
The difference in culture
Travelers are often shocked by the cultural difference. India living in metros is quite different from that of living in small towns and villages. Even within the country each state follows a different culture. I have heard few complaints around this, my primary question- Why do we travel? As a traveler I believe we travel, to get exposure to a new culture, good or bad let’s keep that for later.
One needs to understand India is very different culture-wise, and that is the beauty of the country. Instead of complaining, one needs to look at the diversity and enjoy it.
People lie a lot
This is one allegation, which we come across frequently. Well, there is not much to answer and the reason is difficult to explain. However, if we dig deeper we find out genuine causes, like poverty at times give birth to survival skills, which might not always be good. Yes, at times you will find taxi driver, temples fleecing you. I know this cannot be an excuse for unacceptable behavior. In order to curb the menace of these lying touts, state governments have intervened and have put a process in place.
The trick is to get away from touts and go for authentic booking agencies. And always remember, at none of the religious places, it is compulsory to donate. Many Indians visit the temples, shrines, or churches and don’t donate.
I call my country a pandora’s box where one moment a stranger will happily give his/her train seat so that you sleep peacefully. Whereas on the other hand, a stranger would dupe you. India is definitely a roller coaster ride, where you will also come across a few of the warmest people.
Rooms are bad
This is another such allegation which I vehemently refute. While booking a room opt for OYO, AirBnB, and choose from amongst proper hotel chains. Go for at least 3-star hotels, and you will not feel the hassle. Please read the hostel tips from here.
We being Indians don’t prefer staying in those shady rooms at Paharganj Delhi. If you have a budget of $20, you will easily get a decent stay.
Trust me you will get luxury at one-fifth of the cost of what you get in the west. Please book your rooms in advance and don’t rely on these drivers, who will take you to places where their commission is fixed. You are not the only ones, they apply this trick on us too.
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When you plan to visit any state for eg. Rajasthan or Gujarat visit the state tourism website like http://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/, they have authentic staying options along with separate foreign travelers tab. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, always try out state tourism guest houses. They provide comfortable living at a bearable price.
Taxi drivers cheat
India has got OLA and UBER, download the app enter the destination, and get the authentic cab ride. If you are in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai please take the metro. I have seen so many foreigners purchasing metro cards, and traveling happily.
At the airport there is a government taxi booking agency, one can ask for the location from the security forces, present at the airport or those stall owners. They will definitely guide you. You have to reach the booth, tell them your location, the officer will show you the charges list. Book your taxi through them. As all the taxis are registered under the government, so they cannot act funny.
I will give you a rough estimate, if you are at Indira Gandhi Airport Delhi, during the day and you want to take a cab and travel anywhere within the city, it will not cost you more than $14. I am talking about authentic cab service and not something dicey.
Also, go on tuk-tuk only once or twice to experience India.
India is unsafe for women
Regarding women’s safety, we do have our issues but now strict laws are in place.
Please understand the documentary “Daughters of India”, is not a completely honest depiction. They have picked up the males from the lowest strata of society. Had that been the case, Indian women wouldn’t have been working and creating impact in different fields.
You will come across a few of the finest males here, who are ready to protect you. I have been born and brought up here, trust me things are not that bad. We don’t get raped the moment we step out of our homes, as it is sadly depicted at few places. This is true you cannot roam around alone in the night. Or while returning late, it is always better to inform someone or see if someone can accompany you. If you have to travel, go for authentic cab booking agencies.
Solo Travelers
India is an intense experience, being an Indian the more I travel, the more I am amazed at the natural beauty and the diversity this country has to offer. Things are changing fast and cleanliness is being taken care of. I would suggest, if it is your first time, try traveling in groups. There are many travel women groups on Facebook.
FINAL WORDS
I believe partially the problem lies in the fact when travelers mention, India can be covered in a dirt-cheap budget. Yes, it can be but then the experiences might not be that good. If you want to be safe and enjoy the country, ensure making a realistic budget.
Also, in case of trouble head to the nearest police station, they are there to help you out. Fortunately, these days you will find many young Indians on the road out traveling and experiencing things. They can also be a good guide.
Traveling to India is an experience where you will witness many things, with an open mind you will relish this experience forever.
Very good post about the worse myths around Indian travel busted. Highly informative for travellers. Keep up the good work.
Excellent post! Good informative for all the travelers especially for the foreign visitors.
I love India; I have been there 3 times. But I experienced some unpleasant and dangerous situations during my trips. Not everything is black and white. You can travel alone, and nothing will happen, but you may experience misfortune. You have to be very careful because social disparities are enormous, and there is a greater chance that something will happen. The first time in India, I was with a group of friends, and I was robbed (backpack with a camera) at the train station. The police shrugged. The witnesses pretended that see nothing, although it was in the middle of the day, and there were plenty of people around. Another time 2 men tried to attack me on a beach in Mumbai. I walked. Luckily someone came to help me. Third time in Delhi, the rickshaw driver didn’t want to stop then I asked. Although we had a well-established route and the place where I wanted to get off, he took me a completely different direction against my recommendations.
I already knew Delhi because it was my third visit, and I saw that it was on purpose. Despite my requests, he didn’t want to stop. Suddenly, from the bend, another man jumped into the seat next to the driver. Despite my screams that they didn’t want to stop. I jumped out of a rickshaw in the middle of the street. I don’t know, and I don’t want to know what their intentions were. Do not get me wrong, because despite these situations, I still love India, and I would like to visit more places. And it’s a genuinely great country worth seeing, but you have to be very careful. And I am sure I will not dare for solo travel again.
I fully agree with you and feel bad, that you had such an awful experience. Even we are fed up with these rickshaw pullers and local auto wala. They are the ones who play dirty and bring a bad name to the country. The police never reacted, that was bad. In such a case always note down or memorize the name of the official and report him to the nearest police station. I agree it might be daunting, whenever you travel next time, do take my number. I am in Delhi, in case of need I will come and I will share a few helpline numbers with you.
Thank you!!! It was a few years ago, and I hope everything changes for the better. I dream about going back to India because it’s a beautiful country! So many places I have still on my bucket list. Unpleasant surprises can meet us all over the world 🙂
It’s like that with every country and people who haven’t been there and really acclimated to the culture. I definitely believe you can’t let media or a few incidents dictate a nation, person, or race.
I fully agree Naveed and Indian media need some checks. They highlight these issues left, right, and center. They do not have a realistic take on the issues, that is my primary concern.
I’ve been hoping to visit India for the first time sometime in the next few years. Being scammed by taxi or tuk-tuk drivers has always been a concern of mine, so it’s great to know that there are government-licensed taxis and Uber!
Hey Carrie, don’t get scared, research well. Everything is present on Google, if you still have some questions feel free to ping me.
Great post with a number of issues that needed to be addressed. We returned from India in March, as the world was shutting down. We had an amazing trip and enjoyed the diversity and vastness of the country.
This is a fantastic post! I am a solo traveller and when I visit India, I will take your advice and go with a group. I completely agree with you that the best part of travelling is the diverse culture. I would love India with so many different cultures to experience. Thanks for sharing!
This was such a great & honest read. I love that you defended your country while being realistic to what others may have heard. I have heard the economic discrepancy exists in India like many countries, but from those I know who have traveled there, they’ve told me it’s a truly beautiful country! I hope to make it myself someday!
I have had bad experiences in other countries too – Bed bugs, dirty sheets, broken toilets, got our passports robbed! But then, when the same things happen in India, it is highlighted and there are many opinions people share as to how bad traveling to India has been. The point is, every country has its shades of grey, good and bad. We just need to be mindful about them, and be extra cautious, choose everything wisely.
This is the problem, I have heard that if you haven’t been mugged in New York, then you haven’t arrived in the city. Same I have heard about Rome, but it seems people have given the trophy to Indians for horrible treatment towards travelers. The point is everywhere things are more or less the same and while traveling one should keep a decent budget in mind.
I went to India with work for 6 weeks and travelled around a few weeks of it. I was in the south but I felt safe, I was cautious but the same as other countries when travelling. I absolutely loved it.
Wow this is a really interesting post! This is something that I had never really thought about! Interesting peoples perception vs the truth!
This is a great idea to dispel some of the myths about India. Certainly when we visited we saw how different city life was from the rural areas. Although we find wide variations in living conditions in both. I am sure taxi drivers are no worse in India then we have found in other countries. Rome was really bad. I think you need to be careful everywhere and not lose your common sense. Or let preconceived ideas impact your approach.
I love this so much. We were supposed to be in India in April 2020, which is now 2021, and when I tell people that, they ask “why?” and you’ve now given me better verbage to talk about India – so I thank you! I am so excited to visit.
Please do visit India, you will love it. Also, do let me know or ping me, once you are here or before coming. I will be glad to assist you in any way possible. I am sure you will have a nice experience in India.
I want to visit India so badly! I have heard certain cities are worse than others, but for the most part, if you are careful and attentive then you won’t have a problem 🙂 Thank you for clarifying these misconceptions!
Very well-written post! I enjoyed reading it. It has a lot of information for all travelers – national and International. 🙂
Great and informative post! It is always important to consider the cultural difference while traveling and consider that what may be normal for someone in their home country is not going to be normal in another country. I love the fact that India has such a great diversity of culture among the states. Traveling would not be what it is if every single country was the same and people lived and behaved the same ways. That diversity is what makes it such a great adventure!
That’s very informative. Every country has both sides and you have mentioned it rightly about India thank you
That’s true and often focus more on the negative sides.
Your words have indeed touched me deeper! It’s a kind a pain we all know some where but don’t talk much about it. True lines ‘india can be covered in a dirt-cheap budget.”
Roshni, this dirt-cheap budget, has created all the havoc and misunderstandings. We are all ambassadors of this beautiful country, let’s make the visitors feel welcome.
Subcontinent have been know for its culture mainly so this myth saddens us
Same here Senyah, it saddens me too.
Glad that you chose to bust the myths around traveling in our country. Very well written. I do agree on the documentary point
Thank you for busting these myths about my country. India is as safe as any other country in the world… Misfortunes can happen anywhere.
It is true that there are so many misconceptions about India. For many, it is still a land of snake charmers where the roads are filled with elephants. The problem is a lack of understanding and also the tendency to generalize based on limited experiences.
This is so true Sandy, people judge based on the wrong assumptions and sadly spread it further. Probably the articles like these will clear up the air.
Excellent post and a much needed eye opener.
This information was the need of the hour.
Thanks a tonne Sanjay, I believe it was long overdue.
I am glad someone wrote this post! There are so many misconceptions and myths about India. Thanks for busting these myths.
Thanks a tonne Sundeep. I believe as travelers and writers we need to have an open head and bring these truths out. The perception around India needs to be changed.
Good going…writing such posts. We need more of these and clear some highly popular misconceptions about Indian tourism
Wonderful read Ramya. Its true that most of the foreigners have misconception about India and I guess its because of the stories from past , where a few might experienced bad treatment but I’m sure it happens in every country. Nice read
It’s nice that you dispel these myths for people outside India, but there are still many things that can go wrong for many people. But a good honest post can help calm some nerves like this..
Finally someone spoke it out! These myths often make people doubt their decision to travel to India. Very well written.
i’ve definitely heard a few of these too but i feel these can be applied to any third world country from the pov of a first work traveller. there will be a difference in dealing of things, no doubt but one has t have a broader mind view to be able to enjoy these experiences as well. a lot of backpackers appreciate south east asia for its ruggedness but certainly, these countries are not devoid of options for tourists that demand certain comforts and luxuries. there’s never a single side to any coin!
Excellent post! This post is Good informative for all the travelers especially for the foreign visitors and you concentrate on all the myths for travellers.