India is a lot more than garbage and cows on streets: Polish woman says ‘don’t follow stereotypes’, praises highways, metros, hotels

A Polish woman who has lived and travelled in India for the past 10 years has challenged the common social media portrayal of the country as dirty and overcrowded, saying India offers far more than images of rubbish and cows on the streets. Dominika Patalas-Kalra highlighted the country’s modern transport, new highways, natural beauty, luxury hotels, metro networks and colourful festivals in an Instagram post.

In an Instagram post shared on July 28, Dominika said people visiting India often focus on negative stereotypes, while overlooking the country’s modern infrastructure and diverse attractions. Her video has garnered more than 9 lakh views and nearly 60 thousand likes.

“If you think India is just rubbish and cows on the streets, you are wrong. India can really shock you with comfortable and modern transport, new highways, amazing stadiums, beautiful nature, luxurious houses, big societies, modern metro with great connections, amazing attractions, great hotels, fabulous sunsets even in the middle of the city, and colourful festivals almost every week,” she said in the clip.

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A post shared by Dominika Patalas-Kalra (@domipatalas)

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Why Dominika Patalas-Kalra says social media shows only one side of India

According to Dominika, many people who travel to India focus on rubbish and cows on the streets because such content performs quickly on social media.

“People show rubbish and cows because this ‘sells’ very fast…” she said, arguing that such images can attract millions of views and reinforce a limited perception of the country.

However, after a decade of living and travelling in India, Dominika said she has encountered many aspects of the country that do not fit those stereotypes. Her post highlighted several areas that she believes deserve greater attention.

Dominika praises India’s transport and new highways

Dominika described India’s buses and trains as “very comfortable and modern”, saying they are on par with, and sometimes even better than, those in many European countries.

“With lots of space for my long legs,” she added.

She also pointed to India’s rapidly expanding highways, saying new roads are being constructed quickly and have reduced travel times between cities. According to Dominika, people can now travel from Delhi to a hill station in just three hours.

Luxury hotels and India’s diverse natural beauty

Luxury hotels were another aspect of India that impressed Dominika. She said the standard at many hotels can provide an experience that feels exceptionally grand.

“Most of the hotels have such a standard that you can feel like a king living in a palace,” she said while praising hotels across the country.

Dominika also highlighted India’s geographical diversity. She noted that the country’s vast size means travellers can explore mountains, deserts, beaches and other landscapes, offering a wide range of experiences within one country.

Why Dominika Patalas-Kalra highlighted India’s metro system

The metro system was another feature she praised, describing it as safe, modern and punctual. She said it is “very convenient to travel to work and just to explore the cities.”

Dominika also drew attention to India’s stadiums, citing one particular feature that she found striking.

“Have you ever seen any stadium with the view of the Himalayas? I’ve seen it in India,” she said.

She added, “This country has lots of things to offer, don’t just blindly follow the stereotypes.”

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How did the internet react?

Dominika’s post received enthusiastic responses from her Indian followers, with several users thanking her for highlighting aspects of the country that they felt are often overlooked.

“Finally…someone with more than $2,” one user commented.

Another wrote, “Thank you, ma'am, for seeing the beautiful side of India.”

A third user said, “So true, India is way more beautiful than the world thinks.”

Another commenter wrote, “This video is enough to all these people who always complaining about roads,clearness,education , infrastructure thank you mam and I appreciate your work but actually where are you from you not looks like indian”

One more user commented, “India will be fully developed by 2047 by god's grace”.