A popular Australian travel vlogger has sparked widespread discussion online after declaring that India should be on everyone’s travel list at least once in their lifetime.
Duncan McNaught, who has spent the past four months travelling across India, shared a now-viral video on Instagram outlining what he described as five compelling reasons to visit the country.
Posting to his followers, he called India “the safest, most affordable and diverse place to travel to”, urging people of all ages to experience it for themselves.
The video stitches together scenes from his journey – trekking through mist-covered mountain ranges, sipping roadside tea with locals and taking part in the lively celebrations of an Indian wedding filled with music and dance.
Other clips show him sampling regional dishes and exploring bustling streets as well as quieter rural settings.
In the footage, McNaught describes India as a destination that offers every kind of landscape. From snow-capped mountains and sandy deserts to tropical beaches, dense jungles and waterfalls, he says the country “has everything”.
“It’s got amazing food, it’s affordable and the people treat you like family.”
He also highlights India’s vibrant festivals and what he calls its unmatched sense of energy and spontaneity.
Encouraging young backpackers in particular, he adds that travelling through India can change the way a person views the world. “If you want perspective, just go to India,” he says.
“It will give you a perspective you’ve never had before.”
The post has attracted hundreds of thousands of views and prompted thoughtful responses from viewers. Many agreed with his portrayal of India’s cultural depth and emotional impact.
In January McNaught sparked cheers at the historic Kailasa Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra, after leading visitors in patriotic and devotional chants. He shared the moment on Instagram with the caption,
“Am I ready for my Aadhaar card?”
In the video, McNaught turns to the crowd inside the temple complex and shouts “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”, drawing an immediate and enthusiastic response from fellow visitors. He then follows with “Jai Shree Ram”, prompting an even louder chorus.
The clip quickly gained traction online, with many social media users praising the spontaneous interaction. Some described the moment as wholesome and a reflection of the vibrant energy often seen at Indian heritage sites, while others applauded the vlogger’s apparent connection with local culture.
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