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

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.”