Why Travelling To India Can Change Your Life
Stepping out of Delhi’s airport, I was hit with the reality of India. It’s overwhelming, chaotic, filthy, and smelly in a way that makes your senses sit up and take notice. You can't help but feel like you're stepping into a whole new world—a world that’s alive, raw, and unpolished.
Arriving in India was a game-changer. The weight of history here is heavy—this is the land where the Indus Valley Civilization once thrived, where empires rose and fell in grand spectacles of power. Visiting the ancient sites is like peeling back layers of time. But honestly? I didn’t know much about it before I came. My understanding came from books, random conversations with Indian colleagues back in the Middle East, and the occasional documentary. But it was the movie that stuck with me—Mahatma Gandhi. Watching the film gave me a whole new perspective on the struggle for independence, the deep, raw conflict between Hindus and Muslims, and the quiet yet powerful force of Gandhi’s message to unite a fractured nation.
The movie, and the history it captured, shook me. It made me think about how the fight for freedom had a lasting impact, not just on India, but on the world. Gandhi's fight wasn’t just about independence—it was about holding a fractured society together in the face of overwhelming odds. It’s one of those things that stays with you long after the credits roll, a reminder of how people can rise up and shape the course of history.
Visiting the Taj Mahal was a moment of pure awe, a reminder that some things truly live up to the hype. The sheer beauty of it is almost too much to take in—like a dream set in marble. But honestly, it wasn’t just the monuments that left an impression. North Indian cuisine? That was a whole other adventure. Sampling dishes like Mutton Rogan Josh had me hooked. Seriously, I can’t stop talking about it. Rich, tender, and full of layers of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that stays with you, making you crave it long after the meal is over.
And when I got back to Dubai, I couldn't help but share the whole experience—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. India has a way of leaving you with stories, some that make you laugh, some that make you scratch your head, but all of them unforgettable. It’s one of those places that gets under your skin, and you find yourself endlessly talking about it once you're home.
A number of locals are accommodating, non-pretentious, and gratified of what they have, truly humbled to meet some. Aggravation and strain to tourists are the main concern of several otherwise. If there's anything good outcome about this trip, it's literally survival of the constant stress from those few who never cease to hustle, treating foreigners as prey to get ready money assertively. Travelling solo here without a plan is a huge oversight. While revealing vulnerability, this trip still thought me to further appreciate little things in life.
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife of three, Mumtaz Mahal.
With locals in the area. Lady on the left wasn't open about this, my guide convinced them that I don't bite...
The GOOD
Landing in capital New Delhi was impressive! It is a place of affluent few and home to renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites, rich in history and culture. From the streets to restaurants, food scene is splendid and It's a consumer paradise for retail shopping spree. Affordability and easy to get to considered, this city by far can be visited all-year round.
The India Gate is a war memorial to 82,000 soldiers of the undivided British Indian Army who died in the period 1914-21 in the First World War. Located astride the Rajpath, the center of government buildings of New Delhi, on the eastern edge of the ceremonial axis, formerly called Kingsway.
The BAD
Despite the right outline to be a tourist powerhouse, the city lacks sense of security for visitors, especially for women. With much publicized crimes against rape victims, it is more than enough discouragement for a place to visit. India is one of economic giants in the world, infrastructure and public transport does not reflect that reputation. Lack of proper facilities for tourists and filthy surroundings boosts much needed attention.
Waited for an hour 1/2 to get visa on arrival in New Delhi airport. 30 minutes per person, it was that bad! Wasn't in a rush so no biggie.
India Gate Guards. Nope! not like the guards in Queens palace in London.
The UGLY
It doesn't matter if you're foreigner or not, once identified newbie, travel becomes adversity and it empties out the pocket. Some private sectors and even government-run arrangements are tourism rip-off.
This must be a the city of worst taxi drivers in the world. Claiming to be immune of travel scams, this city proved me completely wrong. Even with a five star hotel arrangement to drop me off less than 2km to the local bus station heading to Agra, the driver who doesn't speak English or pretends can't, managed to collect 2,800 Indian Rupees, argument was utterly worthless. It goes on and on, from restaurants charging more than the menu price, budget hotels staff and hagglers on the road...It's just so exhausting!
Releasing the stress of waiting in immigration. This gigantic Kingfisher beer did the trick..
Places to Visit in New Delhi, avoid TAXI at all cost and take the metro....
The Lotus Temple
Completed in 1986, this Baha'i House of Worship is notable for its flowerlike shape, it serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in the city.
Laxminarayan Temple
The temple is adorned with many shrines, fountains, large garden and also houses Geeta Bhawan for discourses. Also known as Birla Mandir was built from 1933 and 1939 inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The side temples are dedicated to Shiva, Krishna and Buddha.
Akshardham Temple
Also known as Delhi Akshardam or Swaminarayan Akshardam, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture. Officially opened on November 2005, this place attracts 70 percent of all tourist who visit Delhi.
Jama Masjid
Completed in 1656 AD with three great gates, the Jama Masjid was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and was inaugurated by an imam from Bukhara, present day Uzbekistan.
The Red Fort
Residence of the Mughal emperor of India for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It houses a number of museums. This magnificent infrastructure was the ceremonial and political centre of Mughal government.
World class New Delhi International Airport. It is the busiest airport in the country in terms of passenger traffic in the country since 2009. While inside the terminal, it is spotless. Going to arrival area seems contaminated by rubbish.
India's third urban mass rapid transport system of the country and the first modern system, Delhi Metro is a great transport for tourist for easy access to major attractions of the city.
