Living in India: Why It Can Feel Like Hell – Personal Experiences

If you’ve ever walked the crowded streets of Delhi or Mumbai, you know the feeling – the heat hits you like a wall, the noise never stops, and everything seems a bit chaotic. Many of us wonder why living here sometimes feels more like surviving than enjoying. In this article I’m sharing my own take on the biggest headaches that turn everyday life into a grind.

The Heat and Humidity Factor

First off, the weather. Summer in most Indian cities pushes temperatures above 40°C, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter. You step out for a short errand and end up drenched in sweat before you reach the corner shop. That constant discomfort wears you down, especially if you work or study indoors without proper ventilation. It’s not just about feeling hot – it affects sleep, energy levels, and even mood.

Infrastructure and Social Hurdles

Next up, the lack of reliable infrastructure. Public transport is packed, roads are jammed, and power cuts happen without warning. Imagine trying to finish an online meeting while the electricity flickers off for the third time that week. Add to that poor waste management, noisy construction, and you get a city that never seems to pause. These daily interruptions add up, making simple tasks feel like missions.

Pollution is another beast. Air quality indexes regularly jump into the unhealthy range, especially in industrial zones. Breathing in that smog daily can lead to coughing, eye irritation, and long‑term health worries. Even a quick walk in the park becomes a decision you weigh against potential health risks.

Social issues also play a big role. Poverty is visible in every corner, and the gap between rich and poor can feel stark. When you see children begging for food while luxury malls open nearby, it’s hard not to feel a mix of empathy and frustration. Corruption and red‑tape make even the simplest paperwork feel like a marathon through endless offices.

Discrimination and gender biases add another layer of stress. Many people share stories of being judged for their skin color, language, or community. These micro‑aggressions chip away at confidence and make social interactions tense.

All these factors—heat, infrastructure gaps, pollution, social inequality—combine to create an environment that can feel oppressive. It’s not that India is a bad place; it’s just that the daily grind can be intense, especially for newcomers or those used to smoother systems.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The same hustle that makes life hard also fuels a vibrant culture, delicious street food, and a community spirit that’s hard to find elsewhere. By recognizing the challenges, you can start planning ways to cope—like using a reliable fan, planning travel during off‑peak hours, or finding green spaces for a breather.

So, does living in India feel like living in hell? For many, it can feel that way at times, but the experience varies widely. Understanding the pain points is the first step to turning frustration into a manageable, even rewarding, part of life here.