An Australian traveller’s Instagram post is reshaping global conversations about India. In a viral video that has crossed 1.8 lakh views, Duncan McNaught criticises how social media highlights only India’s extremes while overlooking its warmth, history, and unmatched diversity. His remarks arrive as global travel resumes in full force, giving new relevance to how online content shapes perceptions of destinations.
A Call to Look Beyond Stereotypes
McNaught, who began a three-month journey across India in September 2025, says friends and online comments once warned him against visiting. “India is dirty, stinky, and the food will make you sick—that’s the story I’ve heard from people who never even visited,” he recounts in the viral video.
Yet his own experience quickly upended those warnings. “Social media has done India wrong. There is a negativity bias, and for India, this means people film only its extremes,” he explained, adding that such clips overshadow the country’s beauty, hospitality, and vibrant culture.
His Instagram caption elaborates on the same idea: “In reality, India is a beautiful country full of rich culture, diverse landscapes, and amazing people. I’m not denying its problems; any country of 1.5 billion people will have its own challenges, but it’s sad to see how India is portrayed to the world.”
Capturing India’s Everyday Rhythm
The traveller paints a lively picture of his surroundings. “Every street feels alive, with cows, dogs, donkeys, and people all moving to the same chaotic rhythm that somehow works,” he said in the post.
For McNaught, that rhythm—whether found in Delhi’s bustling markets or the quieter corners of Rajasthan—is precisely what makes India unique. He called it “one of the most beautiful, raw and unforgettable countries I have ever seen,” promising to share more glimpses from his route over the coming three months.
Viral Video Spurs Global Reactions
Social media users quickly joined the conversation, many echoing his admiration.
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“Hands down, India is the coolest place I’ve been to,” wrote one viewer.
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Another commented, “I visited last year expecting little, but I absolutely loved it. I’m going back in a few weeks.”
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A third added, “Still my favourite country! Honestly, they have the best people and food in the world.”
These reactions highlight a common theme: travellers often find India richer and more welcoming than the online stereotypes suggest. Indian followers thanked McNaught for offering a perspective that celebrates everyday life rather than sensational incidents.
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Why the Message Matters
Travel analysts say the impact of McNaught’s viral video lies in timing. Global tourism is climbing back to pre-pandemic levels, and many rely heavily on Instagram or short-form video when choosing destinations. Negative snapshots—traffic jams, overcrowded trains, or isolated hygiene concerns—can dominate feeds and overshadow a nation’s broader story.
By sharing positive yet realistic observations, McNaught provides a counter-narrative rooted in first-hand experience.
A Deeper Look at Indian Culture and Hospitality
India’s complexity makes it both challenging and rewarding for visitors. From the Himalayas to the beaches of Kerala, landscapes vary dramatically. Festivals like Diwali and Holi fill streets with colour, while centuries-old traditions continue alongside cutting-edge technology hubs.
Seasoned travellers often say the nation’s magic lies in small moments: a vendor offering tea to a stranger, families welcoming visitors into their homes, or spontaneous conversations on crowded trains. These everyday interactions rarely make it to trending reels but leave a lasting impression—something McNaught highlights through his planned updates.
Travel Community Responds
Several travel bloggers and influencers have reposted the clip, calling it a needed correction to one-sided narratives. Some note that portraying India only through poverty or chaos can discourage travellers, affecting local economies that depend on tourism.
Indian tour operators also welcomed the attention. “Visitors like McNaught remind the world that our culture and hospitality speak for themselves,” said a Delhi-based travel consultant, pointing to the rise in repeat visitors from Europe and Australia this year.
Broader Lessons for Social Media Users
McNaught’s experience underscores a wider lesson about digital culture: short videos rarely capture the full picture of a destination. Experts suggest that travellers cross-check information, read diverse sources, and remain open to unexpected encounters.
The enthusiastic response to this viral video shows a growing appetite for authentic travel stories that balance beauty with honesty.
As Duncan McNaught continues his three-month Indian journey, his posts promise to reveal more of the country’s landscapes and traditions—reminding viewers that India cannot be reduced to a single storyline. His viral video is more than a travel diary; it is an invitation to see beyond stereotypes and experience a nation where every street hums with life and history.
