10 Reasons Why You shouldn't Travel to India
You shouldn’t travel to India without uncovering why it leaves so many travelers both captivated and conflicted in their love hate relationship with India.
Don't travel to India without understanding what makes it such a uniquely vibrant yet overwhelming destination
Living here as a foreigner with my Indian husband has given me a perspective that goes beyond what most tourists experience. I’ve seen how travelers often approach India, and while many fall in love with its authenticity, others leave feeling overwhelmed or with stereotypes reinforced.
Social media can amplify these misconceptions, focusing on challenges like poverty, traffic, or cultural differences. The truth is, India isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s a place that requires an open mind, adaptability, and an appreciation for its unapologetic uniqueness.
If you’re considering a trip to India, take a moment to reflect on whether this destination aligns with what you’re looking for. To help, here are 10 reasons why India might not be the right fit for every traveler.
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1) You shouldn't travel to India if you get easily overstimulated
India is not for the faint of heart. You’ve probably heard the saying, “India is not for beginners,” Which rings true in many ways. But here’s a little secret: I wasn’t exactly an avid traveler before I first landed in India either. The key to enjoying the authenticity and culture of India? Bring along an open mind, an open heart, and a genuine excitement for the wonders you will find over there. Only then will you find absolutely no regrets of traveling to India.
That said, if you’re someone who gets easily overstimulated, here’s what you should know to keep your trip from turning into a stress-fueled meltdown:
The Noise
The sound of honking horns can be heard all hours of the day, from the crack of dawn to midnight. You’ll always hear cars, scooters, and buses honking their way through the streets. Is it overwhelming? Oh, absolutely. Is it avoidable? Not at all. However, the honking isn’t always aggressive—it’s more of a driving language. Instead of getting frustrated, take a breath and embrace it as part of the local aesthetic and lifestyle. You’ll soon learn that honking in India isn’t personal or mindless; it’s just communication.
The Chaos
The movement in India is chaotic yet fascinating. You’ll see people weaving through traffic, scooters dodging pedestrians, and even cows and street dogs confidently navigating the roads. It may feel overwhelming, but this “organized chaos” is second nature to locals.
As for you? Well, you’re the only one who feels out of place, and that’s okay. Sure, as a foreigner, you might feel like a fish out of water. But here’s the best advice I can give you: stop trying to figure it out. Embrace the beautiful unpredictability and just go with the flow. The less you fight it, the more you’ll love it.
The Heat
Now, let’s talk about the heat. The combination of noise, crowds, and heat can lead to sensory overload, especially during long days of exploring. Don’t undermine the heat no matter where or when you are traveling India.
Dehydration and fatigue are no joke, especially when you’re already adjusting to everything else. So, pack light, breathable clothing, keep water on hand, and don’t be afraid to take breaks.
2) You shouldn't travel to India if you are not willing to try new foods
If you’re not ready to try out new foods, India might not be the place for you. Indian food is as diverse as the country itself—every region offers completely different dishes, ingredients, and flavors. Traveling from North to South is like flipping through cuisines of completely different countries.
And yes, the food is mostly Indian. And while that sounds obvious, it is really only just Indian food. You might find a pizza or asian restaurant here and there, but it’s never authentic. So you’ll really have to stick to Indian cuisine mostly.
Some dishes will blow your mind and become lifelong favorites. Others might make you rethink your life choices. The trick is to stay open-minded. Don’t be that person who declares, “I don’t like Indian food.” without having actually tried even a fraction of what’s out there. I promise you, there’s something you’ll fall in love with—whether it’s paneer tikka masala or sambar or something else entirely.
3) You shouldn't travel to India if you’re not ready to step out of your comfort zone
India is not a “sit back and relax” kind of destination. It’s really intense in all aspects. You might have to adjust to cold showers, sporadic internet, or public transport that doesn’t always arrive on time. These are small trade-offs for the kind of adventure that pushes you to grow.
It’s not about sacrificing comfort entirely—it’s about finding the beauty and joy in the unexpected. For instance, a bumpy rickshaw ride might lead to a hidden gem, or the market haggle you dreaded could leave you with a priceless story to tell.
4) You shouldn't travel to India for the sole purpose of fulfilling your Eat Pray Love dream
While India is deeply spiritual, it’s not a one-size-fits-all destination for instant enlightenment. Movies like Eat Pray Love might paint a romanticized picture, but real spirituality in India is rooted in history and cultural complexity.
So if you’re booking a ticket to India with visions of mountaintop yoga sessions and instant enlightenment, you might want to pause for a reality check.
India is diverse in its faiths. It’s Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, and more. Each religion is practiced with a devotion that’s inspiring, but it’s not necessarily the cinematic Eat Pray Love experience you might have in mind.
So, if you’re seeking a spiritual journey, go for it. Just do your homework. Be open to the unexpected, and know that finding peace in India might look different from what Hollywood led you to believe.
5) You shouldn't travel to India just to prove that you can
India is one of those places people like to add to their bucket list because it feels like the ultimate test of a “true traveler.” It’s exotic, challenging, and promises a cultural experience like no other. But if your primary motivation for visiting is to prove your travel credentials—or worse, to flex on social media—maybe rethink your plans.
India is not a checklist item, and it’s definitely not a backdrop for Instagram.
So if your main goal is to ride an elephant for a selfie or bargain for earrings you’ll never wear again, you’re missing the point.
Traveling to India should be about connecting with its people, culture, and history—not just collecting “likes.” If you approach it with an open heart and genuine curiosity, you’ll have stories worth sharing, not just photos. And remember, the most meaningful experiences in India rarely make it to the highlight reel of your camera.
6) You shouldn't travel to India for influencer photos
We need to talk about the elephant in the room—literally. Taking pictures of the rare elephant you might find for that stereotypical Indian aesthetic you’ve been waiting for is not entirely the real India. The same goes for posing in a sari you bought just for the gram or creating clickbait content like “Living in the Slums of Mumbai for 24 Hours.”
India is a living, breathing country—not a set for your influencer photoshoot. Yes, the Taj Mahal is breathtaking, and the palaces of Jaipur are gorgeous, but some of these places are more than just backdrops to your Indian aesthetic photoshoots. They’re homes, histories, and livelihoods. If you’re only visiting to add aesthetic shots to your feed, you’re doing both yourself and India a disservice. It’s cringe and not real.
Instead, focus on being present. Let your stories and memories, not just your photos, be what you take away from your trip.
7) You shouldn't travel to India expecting to be at all similar to the western world
India is a world unto itself. It doesn’t follow Western norms, and that’s exactly what makes it such an extraordinary place to visit. But if you’re expecting the comforts and familiarity of home, you might find yourself overwhelmed or disappointed.
India’s rhythm is deeply rooted in its own traditions and way of life. This is the land of arranged marriages and joint families—concepts that might feel entirely foreign through a Western lens but are perfectly normal here. You’ll also encounter cultural complexities like the caste system, which still has an undeniable influence on the social fabric. These differences might be difficult to fully grasp or accept at first, but they’re part of what makes India, India.
You might notice fewer global brands, as Indians often prioritize their own customs, traditions, and products. India isn’t trying to be a Western country and that’s its charm.
So rather than seeking what’s familiar, embrace what’s new and enjoy India for what it is.
8) You shouldn't travel to India if you are sensitive to poor air quality
Air quality can be a serious concern in parts of India, especially in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. If you’re someone who is particularly sensitive to pollution or has pre-existing respiratory issues, it’s important to think twice before making the trip—or at least plan carefully. Even if you don’t intend to spend much time in heavily polluted areas, you’ll likely pass through major hubs where air quality can be poor, especially during certain times of the year.
Winter is notoriously bad, particularly around Diwali and wedding season when fireworks and celebratory smoke fill the air. Instead, consider traveling during early spring or after monsoon season when the air tends to be cleaner. And if air quality is a major concern, focus on destinations with cleaner environments, like hill stations or rural areas.
The reality is that air pollution is a part of daily life for many Indians, and while locals have adapted, it can be a shock for travelers. If this is something that worries you, it’s worth reconsidering whether India is the right destination for you.
9) You shouldn't travel to India if you’re not willing to adjust to the lifestyle
Understanding and respecting cultural norms is the key to enjoying your time in India. For instance, dressing modestly is more than just a suggestion—it’s also about respecting cultural norms and reducing unwanted attention. Videos of tourists in revealing clothing being stared at by crowds of men often go viral, but these moments are more about cultural misunderstandings than inherent danger. Indian women typically dress conservatively, and adopting similar attire can help you navigate public spaces more comfortably.
Beyond clothing, other cultural adjustments can also help you feel more at ease. For example, tipping isn’t a widespread practice in India and might even lead to awkward situations or assumptions. Similarly, pedestrian rules (or the lack thereof) might feel chaotic, but being assertive and observing how locals manage can make a huge difference.
Traveling in India often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new norms. If you’re unwilling to adapt, it might be harder to fully appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the country.
10) You shouldn't travel to India if you are looking for a reason to hate India
It’s easy to focus on India’s challenges—pollution, poverty, or chaotic traffic. Some travelers might use these observations to reinforce preconceived notions about “the real India.” However, using these observations to reinforce negative stereotypes does a disservice to the country and its people.
As a traveler, it’s your responsibility to go beyond surface-level observations. Instead of seeing differences as faults, view them as opportunities to learn and understand. Complaining about India’s imperfections only deepens divides, and the last thing this world needs is more reasons to distance ourselves from one another.
Conclusion
Bottom line is India is a home to a big population of people. And it’s not designed to cater to foreign expectations—it’s a land for its people, shaped by its traditions and way of life. It’s their country and their lifestyle, you’re the one who is a guest of their country.
If you come to India and leave disappointed, just know it was not created or intended for you. Imagine someone coming to your home and complaining about certain things that they don’t like because it’s not what they are used to. Only travel in India if you come with respect and good intentions. It is a country for the people who live in and love India for what it truly is.
– Maeve & Kart
Ram ram!
We’re Maeve & Kart – an introverted American girl with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast Indian boy with a sweet tooth on the other.
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We write for all aspiring travelers, folks in long distance and multicultural relationships, and those kindred spirits out there looking for advice on life in India as a foreigner.
As an American/Indian couple, we are currently living together in India in a cross cultural relationship as a result of one of few successful long distance love stories.
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Maeve & Kart
Our Long Distance Story
We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
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