India was ranked the 66th safest country for travel in 2025, while Pakistan was ranked slightly better than India. I am amazed by the statistics as much as you are!
Maybe this is true or maybe not.
The recent horrifying instances that were inflicted upon foreign female tourists somehow consolidate this fact. You have to remember that every assault that foreign women carry home rewrites the Indian story!
The infamous Karnataka attack on Israeli tourists will soon fade from the headlines like all others before it! But you cannot separate the fear foreign tourists feel from the constraints that Indian women endure. Both stem from the same rotten root, and we have barely begun to calculate both exact costs.
However, all these perceptions of mine were shattered by a mind-blowing experience that I had when I was travelling to Uttarakhand via Delhi!
It was when I met a UK couple who were on their first visit to India.
As I settled into my seat on the journey to Uttarakhand, I struck up a conversation with the couple sitting next to me. They introduced themselves as The Wanderlust Kids—a UK-based family of adventure-seekers documenting their travels on YouTube.
His wife laughed. “Honestly, we thought we were prepared, but nothing quite readies you for the sheer energy of this city!”
I smiled knowingly. “Let me guess—the traffic?”
“Oh, absolutely!” she said. “We tried crossing the road near Connaught Place, and it was like playing a real-life video game! But once you get used to it, there’s a rhythm to the madness, isn’t there?”
Her husband nodded. “We took our first-ever rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, and that was an experience in itself. Dodging people, squeezing through tiny lanes, the nonstop honking—it was wild!”
I chuckled. “And did you try the food there?”
His eyes widened. “Oh, don’t get me started! We had parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali—so crispy and stuffed with everything imaginable. And then, jalebis as big as our heads!”
His wife sighed happily. “And the chaat! We tried golgappas—what a flavor explosion! But I have to admit, I almost choked when I had the spicy one.”
I grinned. “That’s part of the experience! So, what else did you explore?”
“We went to India Gate in the evening,” the husband said. “The atmosphere was so lively—families picnicking, kids running around, street vendors selling everything from ice cream to glowing toys. It was so different from the daytime hustle of the city.”
His wife added, “Then we visited Humayun’s Tomb the next morning. It was stunning! Honestly, we were amazed at how peaceful it was compared to the rest of Delhi. The architecture, the symmetry—just breathtaking.”
“And the markets!” the husband exclaimed. “We got lost in the chaos of Sarojini Nagar. I’ve never seen so many clothes and bargaining in my life!”
His wife smirked. “Let’s just say, I did most of the shopping while he stood there looking overwhelmed!”
I laughed. “That’s Delhi for you—chaotic, beautiful, and full of surprises.”
They nodded in agreement. “It’s unlike anywhere we’ve ever been. We’re definitely making a vlog about this—Delhi deserves its own episode!”
Curious about what drives them, I asked, “What makes you travel the world?”
The husband smiled, glancing at his wife before answering. “We just have a real passion for travel and want to show our kids the world.”
His wife nodded. “You know, we believe that the best education isn’t found in textbooks—it’s out there, in the world. Seeing new places, meeting different people, tasting new foods… it changes you.”
Her husband added, “We don’t just want our kids to read about history; we want them to walk through it. Instead of learning about Mughal architecture in a classroom, they can stand in front of Humayun’s Tomb and touch the walls. Instead of hearing about diverse cultures, they can experience them firsthand.”
I leaned in, intrigued. “That’s such a unique way to raise a family. But isn’t it challenging?”
“Oh, absolutely!” she laughed. “Traveling with kids isn’t always picture-perfect. There are meltdowns, missed flights, and days where everything goes wrong. But those are the moments that make it real.”
Her husband grinned. “And that’s what we love sharing—real, raw, unfiltered travel. Not just the glamorous side, but the chaos, the surprises, and the beautiful mess of it all.”
“Exactly!” she said. “We want them to grow up knowing that the world is bigger than their backyard. That kindness exists everywhere, that cultures may be different, but people, at their core, are the same.”
Her husband added, “And that adventure isn’t just about the places you go—it’s about the stories you collect along the way.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “That’s a lesson even us adults need to remember.”
As we continued our journey, I realized their passion wasn’t just about travel—it was about perspective. About embracing the unknown, making memories, and finding magic in the little things.
And as they say—some journeys aren’t just about reaching a destination. They’re about discovering a new way of seeing the world.
I asked, “What’s been the most challenging thing you’ve faced in India?”
The husband exchanged a glance with his wife before answering thoughtfully. “Honestly? The street begging caught us off guard. It’s heartbreaking to see.”
His wife nodded. “Back home, we don’t see it as often, and it was difficult explaining it to the kids. But at the same time, it has opened up important conversations about privilege, kindness, and how different life can be for people around the world.”
“That’s what we’ve noticed too,” the husband agreed. “Even in the busiest streets, there’s this warmth, this resilience. It’s humbling.”
His wife smiled. “And the people! They are so friendly! Almost too friendly,” she laughed. “Everyone wants to say hello, take selfies, and some even want to touch the kids. We weren’t expecting that.”
I chuckled. “Ah, yes! People here adore children, especially foreigners. It’s their way of expressing love and curiosity.”
“That’s exactly what we realized,” she said. “At first, it felt a bit overwhelming, but then we understood—it’s not about invading personal space, it’s just pure affection.”
Her husband nodded. “You don’t really experience this level of warmth in many places. People here genuinely want to connect, to share a smile, to welcome you.”
I smiled. “That’s India for you—intense, unpredictable, but always full of heart.”
“Absolutely,” she said. “And that’s why we love it. Every challenge is also a lesson, every unexpected moment turns into a story.”
As our conversation flowed, I could see that while India had thrown surprises their way, it had also left an undeniable mark on them. Because beyond the chaos and the culture shock, they had found what India truly offers—connection, warmth, and an experience unlike any other.
I asked, “What’s been your best moment in India so far?”
The husband grinned. “Honestly? We love the craziness of Delhi!”
His wife laughed. “It’s wild, it’s chaotic, but it’s also full of life! One moment, you’re dodging rickshaws and cows in Old Delhi, and the next, you’re standing in front of an ancient monument, soaking in centuries of history.”
“The contrast is incredible,” the husband added. “One minute, you’re in the peaceful gardens of Humayun’s Tomb, and the next, you’re in the middle of Chandni Chowk, being swept away by the crowd. But somehow, it all just works!”
I smiled. “That’s Delhi for you—organized chaos!”
“And the people!” the wife chimed in. “Everywhere we go, people are so welcoming. Whether it’s the chaiwala striking up a conversation or a stranger helping us find our way, there’s this warmth that makes you feel at home.”
“And the food!” her husband exclaimed. “We thought we knew Indian food back home, but wow—we had no idea! Every single meal has been an adventure. The butter chicken, the chaats, the biryanis… and oh, the lassi! We’re eating way more than we should, but how can we not?”
“Exactly!” she said. “And the best part? We’ve barely scratched the surface. There’s still so much to see, to taste, to experience.”
“So, what’s next after Delhi?” I asked.
“We’re heading to Nepal!” the husband said. “Excited to see the Himalayas, explore Kathmandu, and soak in the spiritual vibe.”
His wife nodded. “But India isn’t done with us yet. We know we’ll be back—there’s just too much to experience in one trip.”
I smiled. “That’s what India does — it pulls you in and leaves a piece of itself with you.”
They nodded in agreement. “And we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
As we continued our journey, I could tell—India had left its mark on them. From the chaos of Delhi to the warmth of its people, from the explosion of flavors to the deep-rooted history, they had found something unforgettable.
And just like every traveler before them, they weren’t just leaving with memories—they were leaving with stories.
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