“our church did a mission trip to India ten years ago. The pictures/videos they took were almost beyond belief. Absolute filth everywhere”
India can be a real culture shock for Western visitors - perhaps the most shocking on Earth. Defecating in public spaces is like the national sport, trash is typically just piled on the roadside until someone finally throws a match onto the pile, and foodborne illness is rampant. Lepers can be seen begging in public.
Different parts of the country are quite different though. You can see all kinds of things, incuding billionaires in Bombay, with their Personal skyscrapers topped with helipads.
We spent a total of about 11 weeks wandering around India.
There are plusses and minuses as in all societies.
India is a very historical country with incredible historic sites. India is a very religious society. There are incredible religious temples, festivals and history. The people of India are very interesting in their culture and habits.
One thing about India is that one moment you are experiencing unbelievable beauty...the next you see something that disgusts you.
For those who only go to nice resorts so as to avoid anything or persons that they may not like...do not go.
If you want to be stimulated in all ways...go to India.