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India Travel Q&A: Safety, Scams, Culture & What You Really Need to Know
- Jenn & Leon
- Jul 23
- 13 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
We spent three weeks exploring India, the Land of Culture and Diversity, alongside our good friends Jackson and Marjo.
Our journey was full of contrasts—from incredible highs to unexpected lows—delivering a mix of emotions and experiences that truly tested us.
We’ll share the unforgettable moments, the challenges we faced, and the cultural shocks that made our trip unique. Let’s dive in!
In this post, you’ll find:
Our honest highs and lows from traveling in India
Cultural shocks and surprises we encountered
Highlights include iconic sights like the Taj Mahal and Humayun’s Tomb
Tips for dealing with common challenges like scams and traffic chaos
The Reality of India: Culture, Beauty, and Challenges
⪢ India’s Unique Culture and Heritage
The first thing that stands out when we think of India is, of course, its unique and diverse culture and heritage.
It is a country full of color, faith, and wisdom, and one that will continue growing on the world stage in the years to come.
⪢ The Issue of Cleanliness and Sanitation
That all being said, a close second to this thought is that India is kind of dirty.
We are sorry, folks, because we do not mean to offend, but it really is.
We have been generous with our photos here, in part because we do not want to misrepresent all of India or try to be overzealous and shed a negative light.
We have written previously about our growing understanding of the reasons for this, including poor infrastructure, overpopulation, corruption in government, and lack of education.
The sanitation issue will only continue to get worse, especially when factoring in the terrible air pollution in cities like Delhi and Agra.
The causes are well documented, but ultimately, it all feels a little like excuses.
On ALL sides, that of government and that of people, something needs to be done.
⪢ Why No Trash Cans?
It has to be said that we did travel the famed 'Golden Triangle,' the likes of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
These are tourist-crazy cities, along with being major population hubs.
There are SO many people everywhere, and this, of course, makes keeping things clean difficult. But that being said, how hard is it to install trash cans?
And surely there are enough employable people to empty them?
Life on the Streets: Animals, Traffic, and Chaos
⪢ Sacred Cows Roaming Free
Another major element of life in India's big cities is the combination of animals (namely cows and monkeys) and congestion.
Cows are considered sacred animals in Hinduism, the majority religion in India.
Hindus believe that cows are the mothers of all living beings and that they should be treated with respect.
As a result, cows are often allowed to roam freely in India, even in cities.
In many parts of India, there is simply not enough infrastructure to keep cows off the roads.
There are not enough fences, and there are not enough cowsheds. As a result, cows are often left to their own devices.
The presence of cows on the roads can pose several challenges, causing traffic accidents and spreading diseases.
However, many Indians view cows as a blessing, and they are willing to tolerate the inconveniences that they cause.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement in India to address the problem of stray cows.
The government has introduced a number of initiatives to reduce the number of stray cows, such as providing subsidies to farmers who keep their cows in cowsheds.
However, the problem of stray cows is still a significant one in India, and we do feel it is an issue that needs to be resolved.
⪢ No Control: The Roads Are Chaos
There aren't many places to escape the chaos of the roads. You can find just about everything going on here.
Guys are manually dragging carts and barrows on their backs, horses, cows, rickshaws, buses, cars, vans, and trucks.
Oh, and lest we forget scooters and bikes. Lots of scooters and bikes.
Couple that with practically no traffic controls, no road markings, poor signage, and barely-there traffic lights. It is akin to carnage!
Many Indians will proudly joke about things online in that they are raised in this environment, are used to it, and love seeing foreigners' reactions.
We totally get that, although we are glad that, as foreigners, we are not permitted to drive vehicles on India's roads.
The government of India itself says it is too dangerous—and we agree.
⪢ Old Vehicles and a Lot of Pollution
The intensity of the road system is like nothing we have ever seen.
We have travelled across Asia and seen incredible collections of bikes and whatnot, but the scale in India is unrivalled.
Especially how it all seems to blend and meld with each other, almost traversing seamlessly through intersections with barely a bump or a scrape of note.
It is pretty spectacular to look at, actually, if you can comprehend the madness of it all.
The biggest issues with the chaotic roads are the shocking levels of air pollution; most vehicles seem to be very old and worn here.
And perhaps unsurprisingly, poorly maintained and therefore heavily polluting.
The air is awful, and it is really hard to be outside for too long, particularly in Delhi. No wonder it ranks as one of the worst cities in the world for air quality!
Oh, and by the way, we haven't even gotten onto the honking yet. Yes, the honking. Yes, we have already whined about it, but seriously, the honking!!!
⪢ Crazy 24/7 Honking!
Incredibly, many of the rickshaws and trucks actually encourage honking, such is the custom on the roads here in India.
Honking is a way of life, something drivers do in such a way that it almost seems natural to honk at every turn, every stop, every passing of a vehicle, and pretty much every time one sees a bike or scooter, which is all the time.
This all culminates in cities devoid of anything that resembles peace. There is no quiet, just noise and chaos, 24/7.
You would think it would stop at night or early morning, but it does not. It is constant.
We could never live comfortably in any of the cities we have visited purely for this reason.
We even resorted to using a fan app to try and drown out the noise so we could get some sleep!
Watch Out: Scams, Hawkers, and Beggars
⪢ Scams, Beware!
Many of the scams on tourists in India are very well documented, and you will find them easily in a few searches on Google or YouTube.
That being said, it is a double-edged sword because if you go into India believing you will be scammed at every opportunity, you will never be able to trust anyone. And many people are good people.
The scammers give a bad rep, and most of the time, they are only trying to wheedle you out of a couple of extra dollars. Not the point, but still.
We got caught out a lot, to be honest, in particular with rickshaw drivers overcharging.
We also got charged higher prices at stores, got charged for food on a train even though free food was coming, and stayed in a terribly decrepit hotel, which could not have been further from the pictures we saw online.
We were even dropped off in the wrong spot on our first day here and coaxed into what turned out to be a non-official 'tourist centre'.
It is easy to understand why people try to scam, but very hard to stop them.
We do not know if the Indian government is working that hard to fix the issues, but as long as scamming is so rife among tourists in India, it will continue to give India a bad name.
⪢ Hawkers & Beggars
We have encountered several countries that have a notable amount of hawkers and beggars, but here in India, it feels like it is next level!
Literally within moments of stepping into any public space, someone will be around to approach and offer something.
It is everywhere, especially at public transport points and hotels. The most frustrating thing is that whoever it is, they seldom leave you alone. And if they do at all, they stop and stare. Incessantly. It is weird!
The beggars are, of course, incredibly sad to see, especially the children, of whom we saw such a worrying amount.
This is sadly something that is part of the fabric of India, and we hope this will change.
So much more can be done to help them.
The Bright Spots: Amazing Sights and Experiences
The things that we have spoken about so far came first because they all hit you so quickly!
There is so much that we were prepared for, yet so much that shocked us.
It required far better planning and preparation than we had done, and we were nowhere near as ready as we thought we were.
It took some adjusting, but with our travel experience behind us, we got over it and got out there to see some stuff.
And we certainly did, before we were struck down with food poisoning! Take a look at some of our highlights:
⪢ Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi turned out to be a real gem.
Not just the main attraction, there is also Isa Khan's Tomb and Mosque and the wonderful gardens surrounding and connecting everything on the site.
Gardens, which also happen to be the first-ever tomb gardens on the Indian subcontinent!
⪢ India Gate
The India Gate is a prominent war memorial located in the heart of New Delhi.
It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, a British architect, as part of the larger architectural plan for New Delhi, which was then under British colonial rule.
The foundation stone was laid in 1921, and the monument was completed in 1931.
We headed to this spectacular gate at night, before a unique first-time KFC India experience!
⪢ Vande Bharat Express
In what was our first train ride as foreigners in India, we took the Vande Bharat Express directly to Agra from Delhi.
In this post, we show you what the train was like, how we got tickets, what to do at both stations, and other things you may need to know.
Get your train tickets in India easily through 12Go Asia—we recommend booking ahead to avoid last-minute hassles.
⪢ Taj Mahal
In the heart of northern India, where the Yamuna River winds its way through the historic city of Agra, stands a testament to love that has transcended centuries.
A masterpiece of marble, a symbol of eternal romance, and a jewel in the crown of architectural wonders—the Taj Mahal is more than just a monument; it's a living chronicle etched in white stone.
⪢ Dharohar Folk Dance Show
Udaipur, the enchanting City of Lakes, beckons travelers with its mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Among its many treasures, the Bagore Ki Haveli Dharohar Folk Dance Show stands as a captivating cultural must-see, weaving together the rich traditions of Rajasthan into an unforgettable spectacle.
Health Setbacks and Tough Moments
So to say things had been eventful in India would be an understatement, and on top of that, our descent into the sorry depths of stomach issues threatened to derail our whole trip.
Most of what we saw in India was before this happened, and we saw little thereafter.
Our list of places to see is littered with unticked boxes, as for at least half of our two weeks here, we stayed in our accommodation. By the bathroom. Yes, it was that bad (and well-documented in previous posts, so keeping it brief here).
It was only at this point, as we were leaving Udaipur, that things improved enough for us to stomach a day out (pardon the pun).
After this, we did, however, make it to Amritsar and the famous Wagah Border Ceremony!
This was genuinely one of our best experiences of the whole trip, and you can find out more about this amazing show here.
FAQ – India Travel Q&A: Safety, Scams & Culture
Is India safe for solo travelers and tourists?
India is generally safe, but like any country, it requires vigilance. Stick to well-traveled areas, avoid risky neighborhoods, and keep valuables secure.
The main risk is from scammers and pickpockets in crowded areas.
Aside from this, we advise caution on consuming street food owing to poor hygiene practices and being very careful to check that bottled water is sealed properly.
Bring a good amount of wipes, tissues, and hand sanitizer, and try to avoid public bathrooms. Also pack a medi-kit and Imodium to help with any potential stomach issues.
What common scams should travelers watch out for in India?
Common scams include taxi or auto-rickshaw overcharging, fake guides, gem scams, and unsolicited offers for help or tours.
Always verify prices and use trusted services.
How can I stay safe while using public transport in India?
Use official taxi apps like Ola or Uber, avoid traveling late at night alone, and keep your belongings close.
Are there cultural norms I should be aware of when visiting India?
Yes, dress modestly, remove shoes before entering homes or temples, and use your right hand for giving or receiving items.
How do I handle aggressive street vendors or touts?
Politely but firmly decline, avoid eye contact, and walk away if necessary. Being confident helps deter persistent sellers.
Is it safe to drink tap water in India?
No, stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Always check bottle seals for evidence of tampering.
What are some respectful ways to interact with locals in India?
Learn basic greetings (although English is fairly common), respect religious customs, and ask permission before photographing people or religious sites.
Are women safe traveling alone in India?
Many women travel safely in India, but extra precautions like dressing conservatively, avoiding isolated areas at night, and using trusted transport are advised.
The attention received from men is well-documented, and we would advise traveling with friends and dressing modestly.
We felt much safer traveling in a group, but we did feel uncomfortable on numerous occasions, although this was more from aggressive touts and sellers than anything else.
Get used to being stared at, though, and people asking for photographs.
How should I protect myself against pickpocketing?
Use money belts, keep bags zipped and close to your body, and avoid displaying valuables in crowded places.
What should I do in case of an emergency while traveling in India?
Keep local emergency numbers handy, register with your embassy if possible, and seek help from trusted locals or official authorities.
Final Thoughts on India: The Good, The Bad, and The Memorable
Of all of our 13 countries in Asia, or indeed the 26 others we have visited, India was the most challenging.
Without question, one that tested us to our limits like no other. Of course, anytime one gets ill, they question their surroundings, but even with our stomach problems to one side, India was tough.
Looking back on it all, there is just so much more we could have seen and done, things that may well have tipped the scales for us.
It does kind of feel like most of what we saw was the inside of our accommodations, which says it all, really. Just to put that in perspective, Jenn missed the Taj Mahal. Yes, missed it.
Added to the local scene in the places we stayed, things did not look good.
We have seen some dirty places before, but the things we saw on the streets of India far exceeded anything we have ever encountered.
Couple that with a growing feeling of travel burnout (after a period of 6 countries in 4 months), and we were ready to get out of Dodge.
We left India exhausted, fatigued, and feeling very fragile. It took several weeks for our bodies to fully recover, physically and mentally.
There is never too much time to stay still, though, and sure enough, a month after leaving, we were back on the road again.
Soon, the tough parts of India started to become a distant memory, almost forgotten, and our thoughts now only turn to the good times.
The more we think about it, we have a lot of them!
Being with our friends Jackson and Marjo certainly made the experience a whole heap better, and we thoroughly enjoyed being there together.
Delhi was awesome, especially Humayun's Tomb and the India Gate, and then there was, of course, a brilliant night at the Dr. Zombie Restaurant and Bar.
Navigating trains and buses, riding 8 hours in a Grab to Udaipur, watching a traditional folk dance, and meeting friends in our first-ever hostel stay.
We did so much in three weeks, despite the days spent inside.
We made it work, and we are most grateful and blessed for all of the lovely people of India who helped us through, offered wonderful hospitality, and made us feel welcome.
Oh, and to all of the scammers, y'all know what you can do!
Helpful Resources for Your India Trip
Book India train tickets with 12Go Asia for smooth, reliable travel across cities.
Stay safe and covered with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance.
Get your mobile data with a reliable India eSIM from GigSky and save 10% using code CLOSERLIVES10.
Explore India hotel options and compare prices via our Stay22 India Hotel Map.
Find trusted local experiences and tours on GetYourGuide.
Get your FREE India Country Travel Guide on Closer Lives, with all you need to know before you go.
Watch Our India Playlist on YouTube
Join us, Jenn & Leon, as we travel through India for the very first time—navigating vibrant cities, spiritual sites, ancient wonders, and modern marvels.
This playlist captures our full-time travel adventure across Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Amritsar, and Agra, offering a deeply personal and immersive view of what it’s like to explore one of the world’s most mesmerizing countries.
⪢ What you’ll see in this playlist:
● Our first ride on the Vande Bharat Express, India’s fast and futuristic train.
● A sacred visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the moving Wagah border ceremony
● The majesty of the Taj Mahal—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
● A peaceful boat ride in Udaipur, India’s romantic lake city
● Local street food, spontaneous markets, and the magic of India’s everyday life
If you enjoy our videos and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
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Not much to say that has not already been said here... ultimately, I would say that India is far more than just the Golden Triangle, and that we wish we had the energy to have explored further south. India is not all chaos... but that being said, they need to do far, far more to support the tourist routes as people will always want to see the likes of the Taj and Delhi. Of all of the 44 countries I have visited to date, I have never seen anything quite like it. My stomach hasn't either!