A viral travel video by Lewis Pullman is winning hearts online after a British tourist sarcastically labelled Meghalaya an “absolute scamming state”. Far from being a criticism, his remark turned into
a heartfelt tribute to the locals who went out of their way to help, host, and care for him.
Shared on Instagram, the clip begins like a warning for fellow travellers. Pullman tells viewers, “I’ve just spent three weeks in the state of Meghalaya, India. Turns out it’s an absolute scamming state, so here’s the three biggest scams I experienced to be aware of.”
However, as the video progresses, it becomes clear that his statement was entirely sarcastic. Rather than talking about overcharging or unpleasant travel experiences, Pullman used humour to highlight the warmth, hospitality, and generosity he encountered during his stay in the northeastern state.
His first “scam” involved a trekking guide. According to Pullman, he had agreed to pay the guide Rs 2000 for his services. But instead of simply completing the trek, the guide spent seven hours with him, invited him to his family home for dinner after dark, and then refused to accept any payment.
“He spent seven hours with me, invited me into his family home for dinner after we got back after dark, and then when I tried to pay him, he didn’t accept any cash, wouldn’t take my money,” Pullman said in the video.
The second incident took place while he was hitchhiking. A couple stopped to offer him a ride, and just 10 minutes into the journey, they invited him to their home for tea. What Pullman expected to be a brief stop turned into a memorable three-day stay.
“Three days later, mate, they finally let me go after feeding me the most delicious meals I’ve ever had and giving me a bed for two nights,” he said.
His third complaint was about how difficult it was to experience the usual hardships of travel in Meghalaya because people kept stopping to help him.
“Can’t even get any time in my own thoughts. Can’t even struggle with it because the first car to go past always stops for me, mate,” he joked.
By the end of the video, Pullman’s admiration for the state was unmistakable. “Tell you what, Meghalaya, you’re bloody unreal. I love it. I love you,” he concluded.
Meghalaya, often referred to as the “Abode of the Clouds”, is known for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, caves, mist-covered hills, and famous destinations such as Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Mawlynnong. But for many travellers, it is the warmth of the people that leaves the strongest impression.
The post quickly gained attention online, with many social media users praising both Pullman’s humour and the hospitality of the region.
One user commented, “The man who invited you home is the one of the ministers of Meghalaya.”
Another wrote, “Posting good things about India don’t give you reach. So bro found a clickbaiting hack 👏”
A third user said, “U wanna explore india? Explore northeast tis is the place where evn the indians learn how to respect and become polite a place where love comes and peace comes.”
“I absolutely love respectful travelers like you. I’m sure they loved your company too. Also, if I may, what was that leaf in the video? Was it betel leaf? If so, that must’ve been an experience,” another comment read.
One more user summed up the mood perfectly, writing, “I need to be scammed 😍”
