"My honest experience after weeks across 8 cities"; foreigner woman rates Indian cities

For most foreign travellers, India is an overwhelming country. It is one of those nations that doesn’t wait for you to adjust. It just challenges your sense of reality, especially for those coming from small and less populated countries.

This is the story of one foreign traveller (discoverwithemma_), who spent weeks travelling across eight cities. She not only shared her experiences on social media but also rated these nations on 1 to 10. Emma’s brutally honest account includes Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Mumbai, Goa and Kerala. Now let’s talk about these cities and see which cities scored the highest and the lowest on her chart. Delhi: -1/10“I don’t care what anyone says, Delhi was overwhelming. The stares, the chaos, the constant noise. I definitely felt on edge. I would not want to be alone here AT ALL!!!”Well Delhi is not for everyone! For someone who is not accustomed to car honks, traffic, pollution mixed with smog and (staring), the city is not for them.

For many first-time visitors, Delhi is overwhelming. The foreigner describes feeling “on edge” as there were eyes following her every step. Well having said that, the fact is Delhi’s rawness is its reality.Agra: 3/10

“Yes, the Taj Mahal is beautiful. But beyond that, the horns and scams make it hard to relax. Locals are used to tourists, but it still felt like everyone wanted something from me.”Agra is famous and attracts lakhs of tourists every year because of the Taj Mahal.

Let’s be honest, the Taj Mahal is beautiful but beyond that there’s chaos, honking and scams. Tourists are magnets for touts. The traveller said, “it felt like everyone wanted something from me” is so real. Despite all this, the Taj Mahal remains an experience of a lifetime. Jaipur: 5/10“Better than Delhi and Agra, but still very traditional. I got stared at constantly, though not in an aggressive way. Exploring the forts felt safe enough 🙏🏼 but solo at night? Nope😅”Jaipur is beautiful and regal. The Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur impresses with its royal history, regal forts and pink-coloured buildings. brings a measure of calm after Delhi’s storm.

Though the traveller called it “better than Agra,” she was still a little flabbergasted with old-world conservatism. She felt the stares were more curious than threatening. Pushkar: 6.5/10

“Tiny, spiritual, calm. Pushkar felt like a breath of fresh air after the big cities. Locals were respectful and mostly chilled out. Although we did get scammed here (shock 🤣🤣). Just be mindful that it gets quiet after dark, so plan evenings in advance.”Pushkar, a small and peaceful town in Rajasthan, comes to life during the famous Pushkar Mela organised here annually. Rest of the time, the town’s tourist activities are centred around a sacred lake and Brahma temple, which is supposed to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Hindu God Brahma.

For her, Pushkar “felt like a breath of fresh air”.Udaipur: 8/10

“A total vibe shift. Beautiful lakes, polite locals, and way less chaos. It’s the first place in North India where I actually felt comfortable walking around alone in the daytime. If every city felt like Udaipur, India would be a dream to travel😍🇮🇳”Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’, impresses with its calming silence, pretty lakes, cultural beauty and warm locals. The traveller said, “A total vibe shift” and it’s true. Udaipur is cinematic yet so real! The hotel on Lake Pichola is a huge draw. It’s where you can relax and sip chai by the lake. Don’t forget to shop at the local colourful markets. Udaipur relaxes your senses. Mumbai: 6.5/10

“It felt safer, you see women out alone, people mind their business, and Uber is easy. But it’s still busy and unpredictable. Safer than most, but not 100 % “relaxed.”Mumbai is chaotic but in a controlled manner. There are high-rise buildings, glitz, glamour, history, sea, culture, sea food and shopping, everything! You can spot film and TV stars shopping for flowers on the streets or just going on a morning walk. The traveller said, Mumbai felt safer” as women walk alone and public transport works easily. Yet the city is unpredictable. Goa: 8/10“Finally, freedom. You can wear what you want, walk around by day, and no one cares. Just stay cautious with nightlife - don’t leave drinks unattended and avoid dark beach walks. By day though? Absolute paradise.”Goa needs no introduction! After reaching Goa, the traveller said “Freedom” and “absolute paradise”! From beach parties to adventure sports, Goa makes you feel safe at all times.

The destination offers the version of India that feels international without any efforts. Goa is India’s easy smile after weeks of intensity.Kerala: 9/10

“The calmest, cleanest, most respectful state I visited. Locals are polite, transport feels safe, and the vibe is completely different to the north. If you’re new to India, start here 💚🌿”Kerala is called “God’s Own Country” for a reason and the reason is justified. The traveller advises “Start here” as Kerala is where everything feels balanced. It’s a beautiful mix of clean cities, an educated population, respectful locals and delicious food. Kerala restores faith in the country.By the end of her journey, the traveller’s summary said it best:“India is intense, beautiful, frustrating and heart-warming all at once. You can have the best day and the worst day in the same hour.”For many Delhi’s chaos can be overwhelming, but a trip to Kerala makes them feel calm and safe. But we need to remember that everyone’s journey is different and experiences vary from person to person. Also journeys are not meant to be comfortable but provoking, inspiring, memorable and meaningful.