‘It’s an absolute scamming state’: Australian tourist’s viral Meghalaya post takes an unexpected turn

A light-hearted social media post by traveller Lewis Pullman (@lewispullman_ on Instagram) is drawing attention online after his humorous description of Meghalaya as an “absolute scamming state” turned out to be a heartfelt appreciation of the warmth and generosity he experienced there.Shared on Instagram, Pullman’s video begins like a warning to fellow travellers. In his own words, “I’ve just spent three weeks in the state of Meghalaya. Turns out, it’s an absolute scamming state.” And he was here to reveal the three biggest scams he encountered during his stay. But instead of recounting unpleasant tourist experiences, he uses the phrase sarcastically to describe moments where locals went far beyond what he expected, offering kindness, hospitality, and genuine care. His first story, or what he called his first big scam, had to do with engaging the services of a trekking guide. Apparently, Pullman agreed to pay the guide INR 2,000 in exchange for his services. However, according to him, the guide stayed with him for seven hours and then went on to invite him to his family home to eat dinner, and when it was time to pay, refused to accept any money. The audacity!The second incident that Pullman jokingly described as a “scam” happened while he was trying to hitch a ride. A couple stopped and offered to take him along. Around ten minutes into the journey, they invited him to their home for tea. What he expected to be a brief stop soon became a three-day experience. According to Pullman, the couple welcomed him warmly, let him stay for two nights, gave him a comfortable place to sleep, and served some of the best food he had ever tasted.Given his adventuresome nature, his third complaint revolved around hitchhiking in the state. According to him, it was impossible to spend quality time alone with himself or struggle along the roadsides. As mentioned by Pullman, “Can’t even get any time with my own thoughts. Can’t even struggle... Because the first car to go past, always stops for me.”If you found the above statement humorous, then the entire video clip would surely make you happy. Concluding the video clip with an evident love for the place, Pullman referred to Meghalaya as “unreal” and mentioned that it quickly became one of his most favorite destinations. He further added that he did not know much about the state before his visit, but soon after his visit, it became one of his most cherished destinations out of the many places he traveled to. In addition, Pullman also claimed that the hospitality offered there is among the best he ever experienced.Also referred to as the “Abode of the Clouds,” Meghalaya is one of the states in India that truly stands out visually. The state is known for its scenic locations like Shillong, root bridges of Cherapunji and Mawlynnong, waterfalls, caves, mist-laden hills, and diverse cultures indigenous to it. But for many travelers, it’s actually the human aspect of tourism in the area that makes the most impact.Unlike other popular tourist content which emphasizes overcrowding, overpricing, or various scams that target travelers, Pullman’s post is an exception to the norm since it completely changes the perspective. Through the use of warning phrases, he conveyed the message which was not only sincere but funny at the same time.The viral experience shows the importance of being remembered not only by nature and historical landmarks but by the local population as well. In this specific case, the locals made their destination more unforgettable through their hospitality.