On our recent trip to India, we spent time in Delhi and Agra. It wasn’t a perfect journey—few adventures are—but it was one that left me with a lasting appreciation for the country and its people.

The Good

India is filled with incredible people. We were shown genuine hospitality by friends and colleagues who arranged private drivers and even a guided Taj Mahal tour at no cost to us. Beyond the generosity, countless strangers offered simple kindness—directions, smiles, and warm greetings without expecting anything in return.

And then, of course, there’s the food. Spices, flavors, and dishes that I’ll never forget. Despite all the warnings, we never experienced food poisoning in the entire month we were there. Eating carefully, choosing reputable places, and sticking with bottled water worked for us, and the meals were extraordinary.

The country itself is visually stunning. India is greener than I expected, with architecture and colors that stop you in your tracks. The Taj Mahal is breathtaking, but so is the vibrancy of everyday streets.

The Bad and the Ugly

Yes, poverty and pollution are visible realities. Trash in certain areas can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared for it. People do stare, especially at my fiancé who stands out with blond hair and blue eyes. Some locals were pushy about money, though a firm “no” was usually enough.

Yet, even in those challenges, there were silver linings: children giggling and waving at us in curiosity, traffic that felt chaotic but strangely rhythmic, and an overall sense of life lived intensely.

What Surprised Us

We expected more difficulties. Instead, we found manageable chaos, resilience, and kindness at every turn. The experience humbled us and reminded us that beauty often comes hand in hand with complexity.

Why We’d Go Back

India is not all good, and it’s not all bad. It’s an adventure that tests you and rewards you in equal measure. For us, the positives far outweighed the negatives, and we’d absolutely return—this time to explore the south, the mountains, and regions beyond the well-trodden Delhi-Agra path.

Travel is about balance: knowing what to expect, embracing imperfection, and leaning into discovery. If you’re inspired to explore beyond the ordinary, we share more stories and itineraries at ventanatravel.com.