"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness," wrote Mark Twain. Yet, many travelers still encounter warnings like "Don't go to Bihar" when planning trips. Such advice often stems from exaggeration and perception rather than first-hand experience.
Canadian Tourist's Journey
Caleb Friesen, a Canadian tourist, received such warnings during his first visit to India in 2017. He was backpacking through Goa, Mumbai, Agra, Varanasi, and Kolkata, planning to hitchhike to Delhi. People cautioned him that Bihar was dangerous, backward, and not recommended for foreign travelers. Despite these warnings, Friesen decided not to change his plans.
Surprising Encounters in Bihar
Upon arriving in Bihar, Friesen found the reality to be quite different. The people were curious, friendly, and sometimes worried for his safety. These seemingly mundane encounters were significant and happened quickly. Later, when he mentioned visiting Uttar Pradesh, he received similar warnings, but again his experience was positive. Traveling through Uttar Pradesh posed no threat; he encountered warmth and hospitality.
Universal Perception vs. Reality
Friesen realized this was not a one-off experience. After several years in India, he understood that people are often wary of regions they have never visited, relying on hearsay. These narratives may have some basis but tend to exaggerate. Interestingly, he observed the same behavior in Canada during a hitchhiking trip from British Columbia to Ontario. Residents of one region would warn him about the next, yet the journey was enjoyable. This highlights a general human tendency to fear the unfamiliar.
Implications for Travelers
In an age of continuous news influx, it is easy for tourists to develop preconceived notions. Negative news travels fast, but good news travels faster. Places like Bihar or Uttar Pradesh may have bad reputations due to preconceived notions rather than real experiences. For modern travelers, especially in a diverse country like India, the takeaway is simple: awareness and caution are essential, but they should not be confused with assumption. Friesen concludes that Indians should travel more, see more of India, and fall in love again with the country.
