Lewis Pullman is calling out the Western perception that lumps India into a single, monolithic destination. In a recent Instagram video, the Australian traveler argued that the country is so geographically and culturally fractured that it defies easy categorization. "You all are sleeping on India," he told his followers, insisting that the typical image people hold doesn't capture the sheer scale of variation present across the subcontinent.
His evidence? A rapid-fire itinerary that spans extremes. He was riding camels through the Thar Desert in Rajasthan just over a month ago. Now, he’s in the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, spending two and a half weeks learning to paraglide. He even pointed out that the same lessons would have cost him at least five times more back home in Australia. The contrast isn't just scenic; it’s structural.
But the real kicker for Pullman is the proximity of these differences. He noted that while he’s currently near the Dalai Lama’s residence, a ten-hour drive in another direction lands you in Kashmir, known for some of the world's best skiing. He compared Punjab to Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, noting that each felt like a completely different world. "Honestly, each state in India is like its own entity," he said, challenging the idea that you can understand one part and assume you know the rest.
The response from Indian netizens has been overwhelmingly positive, validating what most locals already know. Comments flooded in agreeing that "every state feels like a different world" and that the diversity is "truly unmatched." It’s a rare moment of external validation for a truth often taken for granted by those living within the borders.
Pullman isn’t done exploring. He plans to head to India's eastern states next, admitting he’s still figuring out what to expect from that region. His advice to anyone on the fence? Don’t just watch the videos. "Come here yourself. You won't be disappointed." If you’re planning a trip, consider breaking it up by state rather than treating India as a single itinerary. The texture of the experience changes completely from the arid sands of the west to the green, misty valleys of the north.