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‘India is not dirty’: This city impressed New York vlogger with spotless sidewalks, trash-free roads, clean transport

Travel influencer Chloe Jade defies stereotypes about India's cleanliness, praising Kerala's well-maintained public spaces, including spotless sidewalks.

Published on: Mar 22, 2026, 11:40:56 IST
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India's diverse culture, rich heritage, deep spiritual ties, and warm hospitality have been strong draws for tourists from around the world. Every year, a large number of travellers visit different corners of the country to immerse themselves in the culture. One such tourist, Chloe Jade, a travel influencer from New York, found her way to Kochi, Kerala, and she was mighty impressed.

Chloe Jade praised Kochi's cleanliness in her latest video. (Chloe Jade)
Chloe Jade praised Kochi's cleanliness in her latest video. (Chloe Jade)

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‘India is not dirty’

In an Instagram video shared on March 21, Chloe challenged common stereotypes about cleanliness in India and documented her experience in the city, stating, “India is NOT dirty.”

People say that India is dirty, but for me, this is not dirty,” she begins in the video, which has since gained traction among viewers on social media. She adds, “I am travelling in Kerala, India, right now and a lot of the time, the first thing that someone says is ‘INDIA IS DIRTY.’ Now, it’s my second time here, but both of those visits are eight years apart, and while certain parts of India are somewhat dirty…you cannot say that about the whole country.”

In the video, Jade highlights the well-maintained sidewalks and roads, notes the absence of litter, and describes public spaces as ‘spotless.’ She stresses that travelling in India means looking beyond what you see in the media and experiencing a wide range of things, since the country is huge. “India has so much to offer and is really a traveller’s paradise,” she added.

The clean kitchens and public transport

In the clip, Chloe also showed inside the kitchen of a restaurant she ate at during her time in Kochi, highlighting the lack of trash on the floor and the care taken in preparing meals. She specifically praised the quality and taste of dosa, calling it ‘absolutely amazing.’

One of the key highlights for Chloe was her experience of travelling on the metro ferry in Kochi. She praised the cleanliness on board and the efficiency, and also highlighted that it operates on renewable energy. Comparing it to a traditional metro system, Jade exclaimed, “When you see inside, you will be asking yourself, why do people say that India is dirty?

She also praised how passengers maintained orderly behaviour, respected personal space, and contributed to a clean environment on board; even the waterways outside were completely clean. In the end, she encouraged viewers to explore more of India and Kerala, describing her stay as thoroughly enjoyable.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Krishna Pallavi Priya
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Krishna Pallavi Priya

    Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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