Travelled to Europe as an Indian – my observarions

Traveling Europe as an Indian: Observations from France and Switzerland

Images: Switzerland (1, 2, 3, 5) | Paris (4, 6)

This summer, I visited France and Switzerland, and one of the most surprising discoveries was how far my assumptions had wandered from reality.

As an Indian traveler, I had often questioned the idea that Europe—particularly the notion that everything is meticulously planned and impeccably organized—could live up to the hype. Could a country truly be that flawless?

After my trip, I must admit I was mistaken.

Of course, neither country is without its imperfections. We were visitors, seeing a snapshot of daily life. Yet the overall experience exceeded my expectations.

Switzerland felt almost like a fairy tale. The mountains, lakes, villages, trains, buses, and boats all seemed to operate in harmony. Even the train journeys became part of the sightseeing itself.

What struck me most, though, was the way people live. Public rules appeared to be followed, public transport was used by people of all ages, and I observed families traveling with young babies, elderly individuals moving independently, and a visible, shared appreciation for outdoor living and leisure.

Having traveled extensively within India—visiting nearly every state, including the Northeast—I know India has extraordinary beauty. The difference wasn’t simply in scenic appeal; it lay in the combination of beauty, infrastructure, accessibility, cleanliness, and the way people interact with their surroundings.

Before the trip, I wondered, “How can a country be this perfect?”

Of course, perfection is relative and unattainable. But returning home, I better understood the hype.

The experience revealed that people there are living in distinctly different ways, and it was enlightening to witness.