A British-Indian traveler, who recently completed a three-year journey across India, shared an unflattering critique of the country in a Reddit post. The traveler voiced dissatisfaction with India’s infrastructure, civic responsibility, and tourist experiences, comparing them unfavorably to neighboring Asian nations like Vietnam and Thailand.
Starting the journey during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourist described India’s roads, infrastructure, and cleanliness as inadequate.
“For the fifth wealthiest economy with an elite class of immense wealth, there is no excuse for such neglect,”
the post remarked. They criticized heritage sites for neglect and vandalism, mentioning graffiti, spitting, and discarded food that tarnish the cultural landmarks. Even basic explanations about historical sites reportedly came with extra charges.
The traveler also highlighted overpriced accommodations and subpar services compared to other countries. They noted that modest hotels charge exorbitantly, even in areas where property values are relatively low. Additional frustrations included water shortages and a general lack of public responsibility. Expressing disillusionment, the traveler concluded, “I’m done with India, and trust me, I tried to give it a chance.”
Have a look at the viral post:
British Indian tourist goes to India for 3 years and calls it “a dump”.
He says even other poorer countries in Asia like Vietnam are better.
India is in denial about it’s global reputation. pic.twitter.com/0TKyz1w85H
— Deedy (@deedydas) December 19, 2024
Praise for Vietnam
After relocating to Vietnam, the traveler shared positive observations, praising its well-maintained streets, dependable taxi services, and high-quality food. The experience in Vietnam served as a stark contrast to their Indian journey.
The traveler, being of British-Indian origin, expressed a desire to appreciate India but concluded they could not. While they didn’t regret the journey, they have no plans to return.
Online Reactions
The Reddit post triggered significant debate online. While some supported the criticism, citing similar observations, others defended India, emphasizing its progress and cultural complexities.
One user commented, “India is a complicated blend of extremes – it offers the best and worst of humanity side by side. It’s a love-hate experience.” Another shared a polarizing perspective, calling India a place of “peaks and valleys” where one learns to adapt to chaos.
However, some pointed out the economic disparity between India and Vietnam to contextualize the differences in infrastructure and services. Others argued that critiques often oversimplify India’s nuanced realities, contrasting its rich cultural heritage with its developmental challenges.
Comment
byu/Odd_Imagination_6306 from discussion
inTravelNoPics
The debate continues to generate traction, sparking diverse opinions about India’s unique appeal and the challenges faced by tourists.
