Reflections on Traveling in India: The Good, The Bad, and Why I’d Go Back

India: The Good, The Bad, and Why I’d Go Back

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.

Trek to Rudranath Shrine in India

Rudranath shrine trek india

We set out for Rudranath, the toughest of the five Kedars, at the crack of dawn. The four of us were brimming with excitement as we began the trek at 7 a.m., but the mountains had their own plans. By the time we had climbed a significant distance, two of our group had fallen ill. Their faces pale and voices weak, they made the difficult decision to turn back. It was a hard blow, but my remaining companion and I pressed on, determined to see this journey through.

As we continued, the trail grew steeper, and the air thinner. Just as the solitude of the path began to settle in, we encountered two men in their thirties. They, too, were on their way to Rudranath, and after a brief exchange, we decided to trek together. The energy of the group was revitalized, and together we pushed through the demanding terrain. Hours passed in a blur of effort and conversation until, by 6 p.m., we reached Luiti Bugyal. The view was breathtaking, a sweeping meadow bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. It was as though the earth herself was rewarding us for our perseverance.

Our moment of serenity was interrupted by the forest officials who found us at the bugyal. They were stern, advising us against continuing. “It’s dangerous to trek after 6 p.m.,” they warned, insisting that we stay the night. But our resolve to reach the temple was unwavering. After some discussion, they reluctantly allowed us to proceed, but not before recording a video in which we each stated, “If we die, it will be our responsibility.” The gravity of our decision hung in the air as we set off into the gathering dusk.

The final leg of the trek was grueling, each step testing our endurance. The full moon cast an eerie glow on the rocky path, illuminating the shadows and adding to the surrealness of the night. Yet, despite the fatigue and the perilous route, the camaraderie among us was extraordinary. The company of each other was like a beacon, guiding us through the darkness, keeping our spirits high as we navigated the treacherous trail.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the Rudranath temple at 1 a.m. The temple stood silent and majestic, bathed in the soft moonlight, a reward for our determination. The journey had been arduous, the route unforgiving, but the bond we had forged and the sense of accomplishment made it all worthwhile. In that quiet night, with the temple before us and the moon above, we felt truly alive.