Travelling to India is often described as a soul-stirring, transformative journey—rich in history, culture, and spiritual discovery. But for solo travellers, especially foreigners, the experience can also be deeply overwhelming. Polish travel vlogger Wiktoria, who spent nearly six weeks exploring India on her own, recently shared an honest and heartfelt reflection on her journey—something she described as “the truth of India.”
In her post, Wiktoria shared a series of slides talking about both the beauty and the challenges she faced.
Her account goes far beyond postcard moments or curated travel content. Instead, Wiktoria opens up about the striking contrasts, the beauty and chaos, and the emotional toll of navigating the country alone. From breathtaking landscapes and world-class yoga to culture shock, pricing disparities, and sensory overload—this is India through the unfiltered eyes of a solo female traveller.
Here’s what she discovered—raw, revealing, and essential to know before setting out on your own Indian adventure.
“Serious Trash Problem”
One of the first things that caught Wiktoria off guard was the rampant littering. “People throwing garbage right on the street,” she wrote. More disheartening than the sight itself was the reaction from some followers who defended the behavior. It was a harsh introduction to one of the country’s deeply ingrained civic challenges—a visual pollution that clashed with the otherwise vibrant surroundings.
“Your Budget Is Your Experience”
Wiktoria discovered that India reveals itself differently depending on how much you're able to spend. Budget constraints can push solo travellers into the thick of daily chaos, while deeper pockets offer the luxury of escape—quiet hotels, private transport, and curated experiences. “Money can buy you comfort and distance from the side of India many tourists don’t want to see,” she reflected. In India, how you travel is very much shaped by what you can afford.
“The Best Transport System”
Contrary to the perception of chaos, Wiktoria praised India’s transport system. Sleeper buses, affordable train fares, and a user-friendly online booking process made intercity travel surprisingly smooth. “You can easily buy a bus ticket one day in advance to travel from one city to another (with multiple options daily),” she noted, calling it one of the most efficient public transport systems she’s encountered.
“Rich in Culture”
India’s diversity wasn’t lost on her. From one region to the next, every city offered a distinct vibe, architectural style, and cultural flavor. “It feels like you're discovering something new every time,” she said—whether wandering through a centuries-old fort or sipping chai in a quiet corner of the South.
“You're Just a Walking Wallet”
Being a foreigner in India can often feel like being a magnet for attention—and not always the welcome kind. “Every time you step outside, people stop you, even when you clearly say NO,” Wiktoria shared. The constant barrage of offers, sales pitches, and tuktuk calls made it hard to enjoy a peaceful moment outdoors. “It gets exhausting,” she added, and eventually, it wore her down.
“You Have to Be Extra Careful”
Wiktoria’s solo journey wasn’t without caution. “You never know if you can trust someone or if they just want to scam you,” she wrote. That level of constant vigilance is mentally draining—especially for solo women travellers. Her advice? Trust your gut, always. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away.
"The Best Yoga"
For all its chaos, India also offered Wiktoria moments of profound peace—especially through yoga. “India is the birthplace of yoga,” she noted, “where you can explore and experience all its various forms" in the most authentic way possible. Whether in traditional ashrams or community classes, her practice found deeper meaning on Indian soil.
"Incredible Nature"
India’s landscapes left Wiktoria in awe. From mountains to beaches to deserts, the changing landscapes across the country are "absolutely unique and worth travelling for.”
"Lots of Animals Everywhere"
One of the most unique aspects of daily life in India, Wiktoria observed, was its coexistence with animals. Cows, monkeys, cats and dogs roamed freely through streets. But this, too, came with heartbreak. “Sadly, many of them aren’t taken care of,” she added.
“Different Prices for Foreigners”
Another jarring reality she faced was dual pricing. “Sometimes it’s even 10x more,” Wiktoria wrote, referring to the significant difference between what locals and foreigners are charged at many attractions. For budget-conscious travellers, this can make certain experiences unaffordable, if not outright exclusionary.
In her post caption, Wiktoria didn’t hold back about the realities of travelling solo in India. She asked, “Do I recommend going solo? No! Not because it’s dangerous -but because it’s really overwhelming, and it can get too much."
Wiktoria found that travelling solo in India is completely doable—she did it herself and came through just fine—but it takes a significant mental toll. Constantly having to brush off persistent beggars, street vendors, and the relentless calls of tuk-tuk drivers can wear you down. When you’re with a companion, it’s easier to find moments of relief, sharing the experience and escaping into conversation. But on your own, the intensity hits differently, making every outing a more demanding challenge.
Wiktoria’s advice to solo travellers, especially women, is straightforward and firm. She stresses the importance of trusting your instincts and acting quickly if something feels wrong. As she puts it, “If anything feels off, ALWAYS walk away. That gut feeling? It’s not random. Trust me, every single person I met who felt ‘a bit off’ turned out to be someone who tried to scam me, overcharge me, or take advantage of me." She emphasizes the need to be direct because polite refusals often get ignored, making the situation worse. It’s a tough reality of travelling in India—one that isn’t easy to face but is crucial to understand.
The response from her followers was mixed but thoughtful. Many appreciated her honesty, seeing her reflections as a rare dose of realism. One Indian commenter wrote, “It’s a nice observation, we Indians agree on almost all the points. It’s called constructive criticism which many influencers don’t do, just aim to show one particular side of India. Thanks for being honest, lots of love.” Another praised her blunt honesty, saying, “This is the most honest, most accurate thing any foreigner has ever said about INDIA. Just pure facts, whether good or bad, just straight facts! That’s it.”
Despite the hurdles, Wiktoria’s journey left her inspired rather than discouraged. She spoke of India’s incredible landscapes, spiritual depths, and layered complexity with genuine affection. “India is amazing, but it’s one of the toughest countries,” she summed up. Her story isn’t meant to warn travellers away but to prepare them for what’s really out there. India isn’t always easy—but it’s unforgettable.
And maybe, just maybe, it’s that very challenge that changes you.
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