By News18,Sahas Mahapatra

Copyright news18

When we think of drains or “naalis” in India, we often picture narrow, neglected channels carrying dirty water. But in Germany, a similar structure holds an entirely different charm.
RJ and travel vlogger Purkhaa shared her amusing and eye-opening experience from Freiburg, a picturesque town in Germany, where small water canals called “Bächle” run through the old town. Rather than being ignored, these tiny streams are clean and well-maintained.
What Looks Like A Simple Drain Is Actually A Historic Attraction
In her video, Purkhaa begins by speaking in Hindi, “I have come to Germany and a place called Freiburg. What do you think this is?” while pointing to the naali. She shakes her head and explains that in German, it is called “Bächle.” The camera shows crystal-clear water flowing in the canal. The place looks clean and charming, unlike the usual image of a drain.
She pans the camera to capture people sitting beside the Bächle, happily dipping their feet in the cool water. Children are seen playing by the canal, some even placing paper boats in it and watching them float along the stream. One man takes it further by attaching a small paper boat to a string and skilfully navigating it through the canal.
Purkhaa comments on how special the place is, saying that people spend money just to come and see these tiny canals. She emphasises how unique this cultural feature is, considering the way people interact with it, turning it into a small but joyful experience.
Towards the end of the video, she moves the camera close to the Bächle to let viewers appreciate the water quality and atmosphere up close.

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A post shared by Purkhaa (@rj_purkhaa)

People Had Mixed Reactions To The Video
The post, shared on August 17, has gathered over 8 lakh views so far. Many people found the comparison interesting and shared their thoughts.
A user commented, “Mere German boyfriend ne muje ye dikhaya, saying it is a brook with so much of happiness, I was so disappointed.”
Another comment read, “Business idea part 21 ghar baithe German Snaan,” joking about enjoying a German-style bath at home.
Some praised the well-planned design of European cities, saying, “These are planned cities. No comparison with India. India is rich in culture.” Others simply appreciated the clean water, with one user writing, “Water is clean.”
This video reminds us that even the most ordinary parts of a city can hold cultural charm when seen from a different perspective. It shows how the same structure, a drain, can serve entirely different purposes depending on the place.