A French tourist shares his 46-hour train journey in India – what he said is spine-chilling!

Let’s be honest– India’s railway journeys are often romanticized. For many tourists, hopping on a long-distance train is part of the “authentic” Indian experience. But what happens when expectations meet reality– and reality is loud, cramped, and full of surprises you didn’t sign up for?

French YouTuber Victor Blaho recently found himself in that very situation. Hoping to soak in the spirit of Indian travel, he set out on a 46-hour train journey that took him across Mumbai, Varanasi, Agra, and Delhi. But instead of finding adventure, he found discomfort, chaos, and– according to him– moments of near breakdown. His candid video on his YouTube channel about the experience has now gone viral, with many viewers both sympathising with and questioning the suffering.


“It’s very dirty, it smells”
In his video titled “DO NOT Attempt a 46H Train Journey in India – It BROKE ME!”, Victor didn’t hold back. Travelling in sleeper class and third AC, he documented scenes of unclean compartments, trash-filled floors, and an atmosphere far from restful. At one point, he spotted a rat running across the aisle. A cockroach showed up not long after.

“It’s very dirty, it smells,” he said, filming the ground around him. It was clear that the lack of hygiene was one of the biggest shocks for him, especially coming from a completely different standard of public transport back home.


Noisy nights and restless hours
What made things worse was the constant movement and sound. Sleep was almost impossible. The combination of chatter, footsteps, bugs, and tight spaces took a toll on his mental state.

“Between the mice, the bugs, the people talking loudly, people walking back and forth, I am not sleeping here tonight,” he shared in frustration. In another moment, he added, “I mean I can’t lay down. I saw a bug here. I’m not going to put my head here.” His voice and expression in the video made it clear: the journey was testing his limits.


Friendly faces, overwhelming energy
While India is often praised for its hospitality, there are times when constant social interaction can feel like too much– especially when you’re already tired and anxious. In Victor’s case, a fellow passenger approached him for a chat and didn’t stop there. He introduced Victor to his girlfriend over a video call and then revealed that he had another girlfriend in a different city. The man continued talking, eventually making Victor talk to even more people over video calls.

After finally getting a moment alone, Victor confessed: “It’s been three weeks in India. I want to go home now… I need peace, I need quiet, I need a clean bed.”

“Despair & borderline insanity”
Three days after the journey, Victor posted on Instagram, sharing how deeply the experience had affected him. His words were raw and honest: “46 hours on the lowest train classes across India… my main emotions? Despair & borderline insanity.” He didn’t end the post without a tip for future travellers though. “No, I don’t enjoy suffering– learn from my mistakes: if you’ve got the budget, book the highest class possible.”