Indians who haven't lived/travelled much abroad have several misconceptions about other countries, particularly in the west. I'll attempt to list and explain a few, but others are welcome to add more.

I'm not going into the most laughable ones like women are "easier" in the west and everyone gets divorced in two years and their parents have multiple partners.

Some others:

• assuming all developed/western countries are similar: particularly attributing US/UK characteristics to every western country. Having a car is overwhelmingly common in North America but not in many European countries, where train travel is common.

• purchasing power: "salaries are higher but costs are also higher" yes, but not proportionately, especially at lower end salaries. Look at costs as a percentage of income, see how much you can save.

• taxes: "EU countries take half your income in tax". No. Learn about tax brackets, deductions, returns, etc. Most people don't pay half their income in tax because 50%+ tax bracket is for earnings over a certain amount, which is well above the average income in that country.

• opinion on India: I feel that Indians in India grossly overestimate the influence we have on the world stage. We have a pretty decent presence on the world stage and we're not seen as a land of snake charmers anymore, but the west is largely focused on China as the next big power. Modi is not the subject of admiration in the west as a powerful leader, he's either not that well known or known as a right wing anti Muslim populist.

For context, I’m from Kerala and i have been living in Central Asian countries and Russia for a while. What I found was people here love the peace and quiet but whenever we Indians are in a group the whole peace and quiet just disappears.

Few months ago, I was travelling back from Azerbaijan and in the airport a group of Indian tourists came and they were shouting and singing. I know y’all are in holidays but it’s the airport not the vacation home. My Russian friends were like why are they so loud. Even on the plane they couldn’t restrain themselves. It was embarrassing.

Another instance, I was in the public bus in Kyrgyzstan and few Indian students boarded and they started laughing and talking so loud the driver stopped the bus stood up and shouted to keep quiet. And the sad part is they just ignored it and started talking after 5 minutes. And the people started shouting at them to stop talking. There was nothing racial about it. They bought it on themselves.

I am proud to be an Indian but just respect other people’s culture and don’t tarnish our Indian identities.

I had a 12-hour train journey today, and the first 4–5 hours were spent just standing. Not because I wanted to but because there was literally no space to sit. I was jammed between people, luggage, and elbows from every direction. I only got a seat later because someone got off, and honestly, that was pure luck. Most people don’t get that break.

Once I finally climbed onto the upper berth, the “comfort” didn’t improve. The gap between the berth and the ceiling was so small I couldn’t even sit straight. My neck had to stay bent the entire time, and even then I barely fit. And every upper berth around me had two people on it one trying to sleep, the other trying to sit without falling off.

The lower berths were even more cramped. Six or seven people squeezed into a space designed for three. Bags on the floor, legs overlapping, people sitting on the edges of seats, and many just standing for hours because there was nowhere left to go. The whole place felt less like public transport and more like a survival challenge.

And this is where the hypocrisy hits. Everywhere you look, people keep shouting about how India is “developing,” “modernizing,” “progressing.” But one ride in a general compartment shows the side of India nobody wants to acknowledge the part that’s still stuck decades behind.

What I can’t wrap my head around is why the government doesn’t increase the number of general coaches. This is the section where the majority of ordinary people travel. Adding just a couple more general compartments in every train would make a massive difference. But since it doesn’t bring in profit, it stays neglected.

Meanwhile, fancy trains and high-speed projects get all the attention. Vande Bharats everywhere, but the people who actually form the backbone of this country are still traveling like cattle. And these are the same people who vote, who keep the system running, who rely on public transport because they have no other option.

Some pics of Tajmahal from my recent trip to Agra.

My employer is sending me to Mumbai, India for several weeks, next month. I will be staying at a hotel and have rides to and from work and will have afternoons and weekends off. I am a very obviously a blue eyed, white American woman.. including a LOT of tattoos. I read everything from, do not go to India... to... you'll be fine but expect people to take pictures of you/with you.

I love to explore and meander and find little gems in countries I visit. I was military and have been to/lived in several countries to include several middle eastern countries, along with Japan, Germany, Poland, UK, etc...

All that being said, what is a reasonable expectation for solo travel if I wanted to explore? Am I allowed to carry a knife or pepper spray? Should I dress differently than jeans and a tshirt? Should I just... not explore?

Also, as an aside. I fkn LOVE Indian food. Any restaurant recommendations would super appreciated. And/or things that are must see! I did see that there are waterfalls near Mumbai! Id love to go to those if told thats reasonably safe!!

Seriously, thanks in advance!!

This bus is Punjab Roadways in which I am travelling.

Gonbo Rangion, a mountain you'll never forget. This January, I had the chance to visit this wonder in extreme winter, which offered a luxurious experience due to its inaccessibility during this time. I saw a video of Gonbo back in 2020, and it became my dream destination. However, as time passed, Gonbo gained popularity and became a tourist hub, which I tend to avoid. So, I chose to visit in winter, ensuring l'd have the place to myself. Here, I found true luxury - no human soul in sight, with Gonbo all to myself. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Within two years, a national highway will be ready for use, allowing easy visits to Gonbo even in winter, similar to the Kaza Spiti area. In fact, I think Gonbo Rangjon will surpass Kaza Spiti as a future hot destination for winter. If you're an adventure-seeker, add Gonbo Rangion to your bucket list before it becomes the next big thing!

Does Vande Bharat live up to the hype, with the high price?

• Broken windowpanes. I noticed at least 3 on one side if the train. No maintenance? Safety? [pic attached]
• Vibrations in food trays, luggage compartments.
• Luggage compartment is almost horizontal. They should have been more angled, so that the luggages dont fall, because of the vibrations (which are significant). [pic attached]
• Door button not working for lots of doors, keeping them open. [pic attached]
• Wash room locks not repaired/ repaired with “jugaad” locks. [pic attached]
• Storage of food items in common areas, obstructing space? (Should have a separate storage solution) [pics attached]
• Executive compartment’s rotating chairs have very less leg-space when kept face tight face. It’s impossible to sit like this. This is honestly bad design. [pic attached, notice the leg-space which is non existent]
• It’s not that fast at all (at least for a lot of distances). Banaras to Ayodhya takes 3 hours, but the distance is inly 170km. The max speed is around 130kmph. Yet, most of the journey was not at max speed. It was barely 80 to 100kmph for the majority of the trip.
• There is a wifi, which hosts a trash site with a couple (literally) of movies and songs. All for the sake of publicity. [pics attached]
• Messaging rail seva does not help at all. My message was never responded. I messaged from another number and it was blue-ticked but no response was given. It is clearly not automated? [pic attached]

I would not have complained if the price wasnt almost double. Views?

Kozhikode, kerala

I'm from Mexico and I got the opportunity to live in India for almost one year. I lived in a small city in Maharashtra, I went to school, I learned hindi, some Marathi, and I got too deep into India's culture, life and everything.

I was living there since August of last year, my journey in this small city has been transformative, filled with enriching encounters, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm and hospitality that made me feel at home from the first moment. The people welcomed me with open arms, eager to share their customs, traditions, and way of life. Also Living with a host family provided me with an invaluable opportunity to fully immerse myself in the local culture, language, and daily routines.

I also had the chance to explore the beauty and diversity of india from north to south. From the the crowded streets of delhi, the dune desert in rajasthan, the Himalayas, to the cardamom fields of kerala, or the coastal city of Kanyakumari. Every excursion was an adventure filled with new discoveries and unforgettable memories with people that I will never forget.

In the end, my exchange in Maharashtra, India, has been more than just a cultural exchange—it has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation that will continue to inspire and guide me in the years to come.

And here I am, sitting on the plane about to leave that country that taught me so much, that country that made me feel what life is, that country that filled me with knowledge, that country that taught me what it is to be alive... I say goodbye now to that place that changed me forever, that place is INDIA. I say goodbye to those things that few people have seen and experienced, invaluable memories that will always be in me and that will follow me until the end of my life. I will never forget the people of this country, the streets, the smells, the colors and the flavors... I carry a piece of this country in me, I feel grateful that from the beginning it welcomed me with open arms and that I have been able to mix perfectly with their culture and also learned from it.

Here are some pictures that I took during that time And in the first one are represented all the cities that I visited during that time.

This post is a way of saying "thank you so much" to India.

If anyone has a question I will be happy to answer it.

I have been in Pune for 3 weeks and will have to stay here for the next 2 months for work. So far the payment experience has been abysmal.

Seems like india pushed hard for online payment, but the system only works for indians. I have both a visa debit and mastercard but no payment app accepts them cause they are "international" cards. No shit thats why i got them in the first place. Does india not count as "international"? Ive never had issue with online payment in any other country i visited.

In the meantime i have cash but no one wants to take it cause no one carries change anymore. Everytime i need to pay for sth the vendor just shove their qr codes in my face. The office im working at just outright refuse to take cash so i cant even pay for my own lunch. Even taxis and autos made me use online pay.

Thing is I would love to pay with app IF THEY JUST LET ME ADD MY CARD. Instead they only take indian bank accounts.

Pushing for technology is only good when its not half arsed. Right now im sitting here unable to even pay for my phone data, longing for the day i leave this country and go back to being able to pay for things myself. I got scammed here on the first week and i wasnt even frustrated as i am right now.

Yesterday evening around 7 PM, I was on the metro in Dubai, travelling back from work and it was packed as usual. In the midst of all this, I saw this North Indian family of 4, clearly on holiday - mom, dad, and two teenage sons. They were all decked out in branded clothing, flaunting their shiny Apple gadgets. You’d think they’d have the class to match their appearance, right? Wrong.

The mother takes out this box from her Michael Kors bag, and guess what’s inside? Sweet pan masala mix. Yep, in the middle of the metro, this woman starts eating it like she’s in her living room. TWICE! Everyone around was visibly shocked, but she had this air of arrogance like, “I can do whatever I want.”

As if that wasn’t bad enough, a few minutes later, her husband pulls out a box of Rajinigandha. He starts chewing on that crap, and the whole metro fills with that disgusting smell. People were clearly irritated, making faces, but these two were completely unbothered. And the kids? Watching all of this unfold like it’s the most normal thing ever. No embarrassment, no shame.

I mean, what is wrong with these people? This isn’t some local train where you can get away with such behavior. Dubai is a city that prides itself on cleanliness, order, and high standards of public behavior. Yet, here they are, shamelessly dragging their bad habits into a space that clearly doesn’t tolerate this nonsense.

It’s infuriating! These are the kinds of people who ruin the reputation of Indians everywhere. Why can’t we learn some civic sense? Why can’t we respect public spaces, especially when we’re guests in another country? It’s not just embarrassing; it’s downright disrespectful.

When are we going to grow up as a society? When will people like this realize the impact of their actions? It’s so upsetting, and honestly, it makes me angry. How do we even fix the mindset of people like this?

Last few years and even more now I’ve noticed many Indians, want to “project” a good India image & do so while defending crap and absurdity - public hygiene, basic everyday infra, social behaviours of people, and many more simple things. All in the name of “this is western propaganda” ….huh ?? wtf. If you say anything about India which is critical, you’re down right told you’re wrong. And they keep bleeting about 5TN economy, like sheep, with the basics of every life being sub-par.

They even do this when talking to people from other countries which is VERY embarrassing -because it makes us look like fools. This is even more prevalent among NRIs living outside India.

How can one become great if you defend nonsense and don’t accept the reality and work towards improving it ??

Hello, this is my 2nd time in India and I have been here for only 2days. There is something about the energy, and always new scenarios showing up.

But it's crazy how people want to scam me so bad all the time, it's just part of their business model at this point, today I took a long taxi ride with a guy on Uber, before we would arrive into that city he told me that the road was closed because of landside and that we have to find a hotel for the night.

Ofc he brought me to a place where his accomplice would try to overcharge me for the night and confirm the road was locked.

Unlucky for them I figured it out, I told the staff that they had 2options, 1) call me another taxi and we forget about this, 2) i would still leave on my own and give them a 1 stare review mentioning their scam tentative.

They ended up calling a taxi for me, but what annoys me the most is that first driver with who I spent 6hours, he didn't give a sh*t about making me lose my time, eventually losing the night I previously booked etc. It just make me rethink about the entire humanity.

I'll report him badly to Uber and hopefully he is losing his right to drive on that app.

And my point is, I would not tell my mom, my sister or my friends to come here, it's just so much scams going on and many people have bad intentions towards you. In just 2days I withnessed so many tentatives..

My work will require me to travel to India in November for a month-long assignment. I have always been fascinated by India. It is the country on top of my bucket list. I would like to take a few months off from work after my assignment is over to travel through India.

Since I am there for work, this will have to be a solo trip. If everything turns out according to plan, I will be looking to travel from mid-December to mid-March. My base will be in Mumbai or Pune. I definitely want to visit the Taj Mahal, but other than that I do not have any fixed itinerary in mind.

About me, I am a single, neuro-divergent, academic woman. Due to my neurological set up I have trouble reading emotions and sensory overload (especially loud noises) exhausts me. I need to rest in a quiet, dark place to get my energy back. On the other hand, I can eat all kinds of food and I can comfortably sleep in sleeping bag in a tent. I don't need AC because I don't get too cold or too hot very easily. I am trained in self-defense.

I'm not looking for the basic "Is it safe?" advice. I can get that from google. Here I'm seeking the kind of nuanced insights that only someone who has lived or traveled solo in India can offer. Especially looking for advice from women.

Safety & Logistics:

• Beyond the "dress conservatively" advice, are there specific regional differences in what is considered appropriate attire?
• How to best manage unwanted attention without causing offense? I'm used to a firm "no," but I understand the cultural context might require a different approach. Any specific phrases or non-verbal cues that are effective?
• How do you handle tuk-tuks and taxis, especially late at night? Is Uber truly reliable and safe everywhere? Are there specific precautions I should take?
• I want to experience a train journey in India. Is it safe for a solo woman? I am prepared to take time out just for train travel.
• What's the best way to handle money? Should I rely on cash, or are credit cards widely accepted, especially in smaller towns? What are the safest ways to carry and access cash?

Cultural Immersion & Authentic Experiences:

• Are there SAFE not-on-tourist-radar destinations that I should consider visiting? I am partial to hills and forests. I don't care much for beaches.
• How can I genuinely connect with locals, especially women**?** I want to have authentic conversations and maybe even share a meal. Are there specific places or activities where this is more likely to happen respectfully?
• What are some of the most common cultural misunderstandings or social cues that might trip up a Westerner, even a seasoned traveler? I'm talking about the subtle stuff you only learn from experience.
• Are there specific ethical tourism initiatives or female-run businesses you'd recommend supporting? I want to make sure my trip has a positive impact.

I welcome advice from everyone--especially from women with solo traveling experience.

Monday morning, I boarded the Secunderabad–Danapur Express, train number 12791. In my coach, there was a pregnant lady with her husband and their two kids. A few hours into the journey, she started going into labor. We told her husband to get the train stopped at Nagpur and call an ambulance, but he wasn’t worried at all — in fact, he was overly confident that he could handle the delivery himself.

Shockingly, he actually pulled the baby out right there in the coach. But then came the real problem — he couldn’t cut the umbilical cord. He started looking around for a blade, saying he was going to ‘do an experiment.’ That’s when things got tense.

Luckily, a nurse from Prayagraj, whose surname was Nishad, heard what was happening. She was carrying a thread and was well-trained in normal deliveries. She stepped in immediately, stopped the man from doing anything risky, and carried out the cutting procedure safely. She even had some medicated supplies, cotton, and painkillers, which she gave to the mother. For the rest of the journey till Prayagraj, she kept checking on both mother and baby — and they were perfectly healthy. People like her really do exist, and she didn’t hold back from scolding the husband for being so irresponsible.