While India is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, there are certain aspects that have drawn criticism. For example, a Japanese tourist who is currently in India has posted on Reddit about her experience of staying in the country.
While she plans to visit Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh, Ladakh and then north eastern India soon, constant noise and sound have been difficult for her, she has written in her social media post.
“But, it’s also hard to be here.”
In a long post on Reddit, the tourist has also sought help from locals.
She writes: Hello. I’m a Japanese who is currently in India to travel. First off, I will say that I like India. The food is tasty, one of my favourite food is steamed bun with peas, and ‘rajma’ i was able to buy pretty Indian dresses at a reasonable cost and most people are helpful when asked for help . But, it’s also hard to be here. The environment is always very loud, it’s so overwhelming. There have been times that I have broken down crying in my room due to the overstimulation. The music is so loud, if someone is having a wedding far away, I will hear the music and firecrackers like it’s happening right next to me. And they are relentless. The honks are almost always blaring, especially the trucks and it feels like complete sensory overload. There have been people celebrating minor festivals on the roads, completely blocking them and playing loud drums and music. I just wish things were quieter. But I’m just a tourist and must adjust to the country. I don’t mean to be rude. Does anyone have any advice to help? I cannot wear earplugs all the time and in bed. Or should I just deal with it and visit a quieter part of India, if they exist? Thank you so much for any help
“My new course of action will be to visit Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh, Ladakh and then north eastern India… and to avoid v. popular hill stations. i look forward to enjoying them! I got many recommendations for south India, which I’ll visit if i ever go there (don’t want to overstay right now),” her post ends.
Excessive noise can be overwhelming for some people due to its impact on the brain and body. When exposed to loud or constant noise, the brain’s stress response is activated. This triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and heightened tension. Over time, prolonged exposure to noise can wear down an individual’s ability to cope, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and even physical symptoms like headaches or dizziness.
A constant barrage of sounds can hinder concentration, reduce productivity, and negatively impact sleep quality.
How to stay calm in such a situation?
Staying cool during extreme loud noise requires mental and physical strategies. First, use ear protection such as noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block or reduce the noise intensity. Focusing on controlled breathing helps maintain calm, as deep breaths can counteract stress. Creating a quiet escape, like a soundproof room or a space with white noise, provides a mental break. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as grounding exercises, to refocus attention away from the noise. Regularly taking short breaks from the noisy environment can help prevent sensory overload. Staying hydrated and maintaining a relaxed posture also reduces stress during exposure.
