Mixed experience in India — beautiful but overhyped

India is undeniably beautiful. Taj Mahal and the area around Delhi have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed rogan josh and appreciated extraordinary spiritual sites. That's all real.

But traffic and pollution in cities was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.