'India is a dump, won't be going back': British-Indian tourist's review after 3 years in country

The Reddit post generated significant traction and sparked a polarised debate on platforms like X. (Representative Image)

A British-Indian traveller recently concluded a three-year exploration of India, only to share a scathing critique of the country on Reddit. The traveller voiced dissatisfaction with India's infrastructure, civic sense, and tourist experiences, drawing unfavourable comparisons to neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Thailand.

Motivated by wanderlust, the traveller embarked on his journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the experience left him disheartened. In the post, he remarked, “India is a dump, and Indians objectively treat it like a dump,” citing issues such as poor roads, crumbling infrastructure, widespread filth, and a perceived lack of civic responsibility.

The user criticised the disparity between India's status as the fifth-largest economy with a wealthy elite class and its apparent neglect of public spaces and heritage sites. He observed that graffiti, spit stains, and litter marred the historical monuments that locals profess pride in. Additionally, he noted that basic explanations about these sites often came at an extra cost.

The traveller also condemned what he perceived as exploitative pricing, particularly for tourists. He highlighted subpar hotels charging disproportionately high rates and lamented over basic amenities such as clean water and reliable transport. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “I’m just done with India, and trust me, I tried to give it a chance.”

After relocating to Vietnam, the traveller praised the country’s well-maintained streets, dependable taxi services, and quality food, calling it a stark contrast to India. Despite his disappointment, he maintained that he did not regret his travels but had no plans to return to India.

The Reddit post generated significant traction and sparked a polarised debate on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. While some users echoed his sentiments, others defended India, citing its progress and cultural complexities.

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

One commenter shared, “India is a complicated mess with the best and worst of humanity existing shoulder to shoulder.” Another remarked, “India is a country of extremes. You’ll see an extremely developed nation in Mumbai but a starkly different reality in nearby villages.”

Critics of the traveller’s post pointed out that comparisons to countries with higher per capita GDPs, such as Vietnam (USD 4,346) versus India (USD 2,484), lacked nuance. Others argued that it had become trendy for expatriates to criticise India while idealising life abroad.