India had always been at the top of my travel bucket list – it was only a matter of when I would go. So when I finally visited India this year, I was beyond thrilled! Friends who have traveled to India alI forewarned me of the same things. But after traveling to India, I can say that many of these cautionary tales are just misconceptions about India.
Here are 10 of the most common misconceptions about India:
1. It’s Smelly
As with all places, there are areas that smell better than others. I was surprised that roads weren’t more smelly given the number of cows roaming the roads and pooping freely. Restaurants didn’t envelop you in a cloud of curry. The cremation ghats in Varanasi gave off an unmistakable burning smell, but you won’t notice anything from a distance. At no point did I feel the need to gag or wear a face mask. Visit India when the temperature isn’t soaring through the sky – heat can make any place smelly!
2. It’s Dangerous
India got a bad rap for the high number of crime against female travelers and the intimidating nature of Indian men. As a traveler, you can encounter danger and bad people in any foreign country. If you notice a lot of staring, it’s only because you look different. It helps not to return the gaze; as long as you take all the usual safety precautions, everything should be fine. I was lucky to be part of a private tour and was escorted everywhere by a driver and a guide – the only danger I faced was trying to make it to the other side of the road alive. If it’s your first time to India, I would highly recommend having a guide.
3. There Are Only Squatter Toilets
I prepped for my trip to India by packing my arsenal of tissues and hand sanitizer – both very much needed. I also packed a Shewee, the original female urination device that allows girls to pee standing, but didn’t end up using it! Most of the toilets at major tourist attractions are Western toilets and pit stops we made on road trips were to guest houses, which all had Western toilets.
4. Everyone Does The Head Wobble
I worked closely with an educational assistant in my classroom, who was Indian and she would always do the head wobble. I fully expected to see this dizzying gesture through the different cities we visited but not a single person I met did the head wobble! Turns out, this gesture is only common in Western parts of India.
5. It’s Like Aladdin
This cartoon depiction of India is only fantasy. If you have an exoticized impression of India, you’ll soon discover that it’s simply untrue. Many major cities in India are highly developed and you won’t see a snake charmer in sight!
6. Indians Speak Indian
Saying that Indians speak Indian is like saying Canadians speak Canadian. Indians speak a bunch of different languages, based on the state. The more prominent languages include Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Urdu. But since there is a huge service industry in India, many people in India speak English and it’s no problem getting around.
7. You’ll Experience a Huge Culture Shock in India
Indian culture is so deep rooted, and it’s definitely not North America, so certain things will be culturally shocking (but so fascinating) if you’re visiting for the first time or haven’t traveled outside your comfort zone. But on second look, some customs are much like ours – they wear jeans, use cell phones, are into pop culture, and live like normal people. Life isn’t one big Bollywood production!
8. All Indians Are Hindu
Varanasi is the perfect example to show this isn’t true. Varanasi is considered to be the holiest Hindu city in India, but there is also a mosque and Christian cathedral in the city. It was neat to see busloads of Buddhist worshipers from Korea, Thailand, and all over the world descend upon the pilgrimage site of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
9. Indians Only Wear Sarees
Yes, I saw a lot of women dressed in sarees, and on some days, I wore one too! But they were also dressed in kurtas (a tunic and legging combo) and in major cities, a lot of people also wear jeans.
10. There Are Slums Everywhere
India is one of the most impoverished countries in the world, with a huge percentage of people living on under a dollar a day. In spite of the extreme poverty, India is making great strides in development and this is evident particularly in larger cities in India. Many people who haven’t visited India may only see the extreme deprivation the media and movies choose to portray.
I had a whirlwind trip to India but I’d seen enough in 8 days to want to return. If you had doubts about visiting India in the past, know that many misconceptions are just that. I would highly recommend India as a travel destination.
Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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goisy says
Great post, I really enjoyed finding your blog!
Wander with Laura
mytravelmonkey says
Great post – and I would agree with you on most! I spent some months in India and never ever felt like I was in danger. The Indian head tilt is quite frustrating though when you do get a person doing it! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Deb Che says
Amazing that you spent quite a bit of time in India. I would like to have more time to travel throughout the country at some point – there’s so much to see. Thanks for reading & hosting #MondayEscapes!
Liz says
I’ve never been to India but I’d definitely like to go! I think most of the misconceptions are somewhat over-generalizations. India is a place I’d love to see for myself! 🙂
Deb Che says
You should totally go if you have the chance! India’s always been at the top of my travel bucket list and I enjoyed every moment of it 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Kat says
I chuckled when I read your post. You’re right, lots of misconceptions about India. I have been to India 9 times over the past 5 years and have had enjoyed my adventures very much. And no, I didn’t get Delhi Belly or didn’t stay in a dodgy, grungy, dirty hotel – I don’t know why a lot of blogs out there are written in such a way that if a traveller does not experience these things, then it is assumed that the traveller has not experienced India! Thanks for sharing 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Deb Che says
9 times to India – that is impressive! Like you, I didn’t get Delhi belly or stay in dirty accommodations. Food wise, you just have to take the necessary precautions and it should be fine 🙂 It was my first time to India and already, I want to go back. The culture is so rich that you can’t possibly take it all in on your first trip. Which city or state was your favourite? Which cities would you recommend visiting?