Skeptical about visiting India?

Backdate to December 20th, 2016:

We arrived back in Kolkata today after two and a half weeks of backpacking. We had an awesome time experiencing different parts of this incredibly diverse country. We were lucky to get to visit Delhi, Agra, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Mumbai. Upon landing back in Kolkata, I came to realize how small it looks compared to when we first landed. It's funny how differently you see a place once you've conquered it and the fear has washed away. In the same way that when you graduate from high school and look back at the building and it seems much smaller than the day that you first walked in.

When we first arrived in India (in the middle of the night not knowing what we were doing), I was filled with anxiety. Fear of the unknown, confusion over all the stereotypes I'd heard of, and honestly scared of getting robbed or worse...and this fear had only been made worse by the surprising amount of friends that have told me they have absolutely no desire to ever travel to India whatsoever (reasons including rape culture, uncleanliness, difficulty traveling, pickpocketing...the list goes on).

India may be known to some for stark income inequalities, male dominated attitudes, and for it's dirtiness. And those perceptions may be true in some communities and areas. But there is so, so, so much more to India. Having been here for four months now, I can confidently say that India is a beautiful country worth visiting to understand that it is so much more than what is portrayed in the media.

I feel the people I've encountered that won't give India a chance are too quick to judge. How can you base your attitude about an entire country and it's inhabitants on what the Western media portrays? For me, it was really important to see what India was like with my own two eyes - to be able to decide for myself.

I think a lot of us Westerners don't realize that people in India recognize the importance of education, awareness, and change. They have come a long way since Independence. But don't forget - it still was not that long ago since the British physical presence ended in 1947. And the repercussions of their rule are still extremely noticeable. Nonetheless, awareness of many issues is on the rise - from human rights, environmentalism, and gender equality, to corruption and fraud. India is striving to advance itself and be the best it can be. Attitudes are changing, difficult conversations are happening, and people are certainly passionate about continuing to work towards a country they are proud of. And the younger generations, including the many friends I made, are fiery with that passion. 

I'm happy to say that it's been a once in a lifetime experience. And India is a country I recommend to anyone seeking a new perspective on what it is like being a human and living on this Earth. The adversity, rich culture, amazing food and incredible people you meet will alter you in ways you can't imagine.

I hope those of you out there who are skeptical give it a chance. With an open mind and heart you might be surprised at the treasures you find. It's not a perfect country, but I have yet to visit one of those. So, take a chance. Be safe as always. And let your perspective on life be changed.