“A public toilet would be amazing”: Female Israeli traveller shares her experience and why we can’t help agreeing

In a country whose motto is “Athithi Devo Bhava” (The Guest is God), a female tourist from Israel couldn’t find a “single toilet” in Almora, Uttarakhand. A short video of an unidentified Israeli woman is going viral on Instagram and other social media platforms where she is recorded saying, “Hello Indian people, I am from Israel… we don’t have washrooms to use here”. She further explains that it was her second visit to the market and she still couldn’t find a single toilet in the region. “A public toilet would be amazing here”. The video has clearly resonated with many travellers. In it, the woman appears composed yet visibly frustrated, addressing the camera with a straightforward appeal: improve public toilet facilities so visitors can comfortably eat, drink and explore more. Her message comes across as a sincere, practical request rather than a heated complaint. Even as she admires the charm of the small hill town, she draws attention to a pressing issue that needs urgent attention.In the video, she further says, “You can’t stay long in a market without using any toilet”. She requests local authorities to improve infrastructure. It is the best way to attract more tourists who want to “come, have fun and enjoy.”More about AlmoraAlmora is a postcard-perfect town but what the woman traveller says, it’s missing essentials. Set in the Kumaon hills, the hill town is noted for offering stunning Himalayan views. The town is home to some pretty and colourful old bazaars. Life here is slow, laid-back and perfect for those seeking silence. The viral videoBut there’s no doubt that the viral video shows a reality which often goes unnoticed: the absence of basic public amenities in the town. Clean toilets are a basic amenity. Also, the clip echoes a bigger truth which is tourism is not just about scenic views but is also about exploring the place within comfort zone and without mental pressure or anxiety. Sometimes, the smallest details—a clean and accessible public toilet—can shape the biggest impressions.Public toilet is a basic amenityBut the message is simple and clear that tourists don’t just come to see a place—they come to spend time and make memories in it. The best part of the video is that she doesn’t end it with criticism, but with a suggestion for betterment. Build better facilities, and more people will come, stay longer and spend more.