country that is bold and unabashed, life in India greets its visitors with a barrage of unique cultural and social elements. Though it goes without saying that the beauty of traveling is experiencing a vastly different culture and society from your own, India can be challenging to the unknowing. And what kind of guidance would we be giving if we didn’t touch on the difficulties – and a few hard truths – about life in India.
For many tourists, traveling internationally can be a relaxing, carefree experience with the biggest hitch being a baggage delay. But if you’re reading this site, it’s likely you agree that the magic of life only starts when you step out of your comfort zone – and India will push you out of yours. It’s impossible to truly experience a new country and culture without being faced with new realities and ideas that challenge your norms.
Two sides to every coin
Life in India involves vast gaps between the rich and the poor, and it is the second-most populated nation in the world. But that is also why it is so culturally wealthy, far surpassing the United States’ own designation as a melting pot.
The world’s biggest democracy and homeland to one of the oldest civilizations, India has made significant contributions to arts, science, philosophy and – of course! – food and trade, and so much more.
Recognizing the duality of life in India is important when planning your trip, because in a country with such structural, economic and class disparities, the bad does come with the good.
A necessary disclaimer
A lot of nuances are needed here. I would never wish for anyone to think I was speaking negatively about such an incredible place. But the fact remains that life in India can be overwhelmingly different from what many are used to. Our intention in this article is to prepare you for the challenges you might encounter while traveling to India. We even hired an Indian editor to make sure we aren’t speaking with false authority.
That is also why we are going to be talking about some hard truths, and not enough about the immense contributions the country has made to the world.
Lastly, India is a world in itself with hundreds of cultures, provinces, languages, beliefs and more… It is simply impossible to sum up such a vast, culturally rich country. Some things that apply to certain parts of India don’t for other parts. However, we still have made some generalizations about life in India for the point of informing the uninitiated.
We had the trip of a lifetime! But I agree that it is not for everyone. One thing is for sure, one does not simply “go on holiday” to India – one travels in the fullest sense of the word. If your main expectation from a vacation is beach vibes & chilling out, you would be better off picking a spot like Bali or Tulum. India is more for people who are ready to trade their comfort zone for an immense cultural experience.
While you are there, you are quickly exposed to many of the negatives to life in India. As your mind is preoccupied with the challenges you face every day during your trip, you can appreciate it more upon return home when you are thinking in retrospect. India is a fascinating experience that takes a little while to digest (much like Indian food for many newbies 😉 ).
Our Guide for Surviving in India
If you are planning a trip to India, you might be asking yourself:
- What health advice do I need to consider? Do I need vaccinations?
- What are prices like?
- When and where should I go?
- How do you get an Indian visa?
- What should I prepare before I go?
- What should I bring?
For these kinds of questions, skip to our essential India Survival Guide.
Life in India Overview
Size: 3.287 million km² (The seventh largest country in the world in landmass)
Population: 1.3 billion (according to 2016 World Bank data). The second highest population in the world, but expected to exceed China by 2030.
Capital: New Delhi
Other major cities: Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Bangalore, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Goa, Jaipur
Currency: Rupee
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