10 Shocking Things I Saw in India

I knew prior to visiting India, that I should prepare myself for some pretty shocking sights. Honestly, living in Asia was preparation enough as I dodged oncoming traffic, received the most curious stares, and learned to expect the unexpected. Even so, there were a few things in India that left me speechless.

1. A dead camel in the middle of the road

It’s extremely common to see camels throughout India. Since I had never witnessed a camel outside of a zoo, my eyes were glued to each and every one I came across. Camels are fascinating creatures, and one of the goofiest looking animals I’ve ever seen. While most of my encounters with camels were positive ones, one particular incident shook me.

As we were driving along backroads in India, our bus began to decelerate as we approached a large object in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, it was a dead camel. Whether it had been hit by traffic, or simply died of natural causes, I don’t know. But to see such a large, delicate creature in the middle of a “normal” road in India was shocking.

2. Cars driving towards oncoming traffic

Driving in Asia, in general, is a nightmare. I’ve talked about this many times on the blog when referring to Korean drivers, but India takes it to a whole new level. Surprisingly enough, I felt safer on the roads of India, then I did in Korea. AND INDIANS DRIVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.

Let me repeat that, it’s normal to drive into oncoming traffic in India. And not just on small, village roads. We were on highways and had {what we considered} near-misses with large buses and rigs driving the wrong direction. I’ll never understand the organized chaos of driving in India, but they have it down to a science. The drivers are actually so good at what they do, even if it doesn’t feel that way initially.

3. A small child playing with barbed wire

Another uncomfortable sight I witnessed in India, was a small child {not more than 3 years old + unsupervised}, playing with actual barbed wire. You could see the sharp pins sticking out along the wire, as the child simply held it in curiosity. Unfortunately, we were passing by in a vehicle {and not walking along the road}, so there was nothing to be done to prevent the inevitable. I still wonder about that little nugget, and hope she didn’t hurt herself.

4. A floating dead body in the Ganges

When you visit Varanasi, cozying up to death is expected. Cremations are constantly happening along the Ganges, dead bodies are being transported throughout the Ghats, and ceremonies take place to honor the deceased. That being said, it can be shocking when you actually see a floating dead body within inches of your boat. Of course the body was covered in fabric, so it took me a moment to register what I was seeing. Even so, it was the closest to death I’ve ever been.

Related: A Quick Guide to Varanasi

5. Women and men puking out of driving cars

This was an extremely common thing to see in India. From the moment I landed in Dehli, and was transferred to my hotel, I saw a woman puking out of a moving vehicle like it was no big thaaang. It was one of those, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we aren’t in South Korea anymore” moments.

As I continued my travels throughout India, I noticed it happening more and more, and not just to women. It’s so common, cars just continue driving along at the same speed as before. To this day, I’m unsure as to what the cause is, but maybe someone can enlighten us in the comments below.

6. Cheering in the movie theater

I don’t want you thinking every “shocking” thing in India, lends itself to being negative. In fact, one of the most shocking things I witnessed in India was extremely endearing. When I went to see a Bollywood film in Jaipur, I was caught off guard when the entire theater began roaring with cheer anytime the main character did something courageous/sassy/badass. I would expect that during a live performance, but in a cinema? It made for an incredible atmosphere, and an overall great experience.

7. The most disgusting toilet in the world

I’m not even sure some of the toilets in India qualify as such. The train toilets were the worst. Ever. This is a forewarning to get your business done before boarding if possible. Most of the toilets in India are squatter toilets, aka holes in the ground. You’ll most likely need to fill a bucket with water to “flush”, and toilet paper is no where to be found. That being said, many hostels and hotels provide western toilets {with toilet paper}.

8. Naga babas {high naked guys covered in ash}

Something you definitely don’t see everyday: Naga babas. Essentially, these men walk around naked, covered in human ash, high as kites. They are known to be spiritually higher than “normal, everyday” humans that walk the earth. They don’t feel anything; be it emotions, temperature {hence the nakedness}, or physical pain. That being said, they are also constantly high on something… so there’s that.

Strangely enough, we saw a blonde, 20-something year old, hanging out in the tents with the naga babas. The look in his eyes was one I’ll never forget. Clearly he was there in an attempt to get on a “higher level” as well. Gap year to the extreme?

Related: 50 Photos to Inspire You to Visit India

9. Buffalos charging down a normal road

You don’t forget your first buffalo stampede, let me tell you. While it may have only been a couple buffalos, the impact was intense to see them running towards us on a standard road. They were hugeeeee. And out of control. Something must have spooked them, but suddenly four or five buffalos started running, and locals yelled for everyone to get out of the way. No one was harmed in the process, but it gave us all a quick fright.

10. Trucks decorated like women

And finally, truck drivers in India decorate their trucks to look like their girlfriends. I imagine since they spend so much time together, their relationship with their truck is an important one. Not gonna lie, it was partly cute, and partly creepy AF. But mostly amazing.