Backpacking in India – Here’s what you need to know!

India is undoubtedly a dream destination for backpackers! You can easily travel on a low budget and experience a culture unlike any other. From staying with friendly families in home-stays or other backpackers in hostel dorms to travelling like a local on inexpensive train journeys, backpacking in India will offer you an unforgettable adventure. So get ready for the best backpacking trips in India!

Whether solo travelling, in a couple or as a group, we can help plan the best route for you

Why is India so inexpensive?

There are multiple reasons as to why travelling in India is so inexpensive. With a weaker currency, a great network of public transport and cheap food options, backpacking India alone is such a low budget travel destination.

Hostel stay in India should not cost more than 6 to 8 USD a night. Even transport on A/C trains and buses will not set you back by more than 15 to 20 USD per journey.

India is a food haven for vegetarians and has a few interesting options for carnivores too.  The costs of meals in India are ridiculously low and a budget of 15 USD should be enough for all meals. For more infos on costs of travelling in India here.

A great way to keep costs down is to eat the street food – cheap, yummy and fulfilling too

How Tough is Backpacking in India?

A lot of backpacker hostels, budget home-stays and economic public transport make India a very backpacker-friendly destination. However, it really depends on the region you would be visiting, as different regions will be cheaper or more expensive. Destinations for backpacking in India are for example, Rajasthan is easier to backpack than in the Northeast or on unbeaten paths in central India. South India has great infrastructure and local transport but accommodations are relatively more expensive. Hotels in Mumbai are expensive too but the on the other hand food is very cheap.

Rajasthan has many tourists visit and it is easy to travel around. Photo by Cordelia Persen @Flickr

Why choose India for your backpacking adventure?

Of course, one of the main benefits of backpacking in India is the fact that one doesn’t need to break the bank for a satisfying journey. Yet there is so much more to the travel experience in India. You can experience the unique culture that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

The bright colours and interesting details of everyday life, the variety of religions and respective customs, the landscapes and nature, the traditional architecture and interesting stories behind it, the dynamics of the young generations and the wisdom of the elderly – all of this makes India an experience of a lifetime. And is a perfect backpacker’s guide to India!

Furthermore, travelling in India definitely pushes you out of your comfort zone and makes you run into situations you never thought you would be in. Dancing and singing with locals on a night train, eating spicy food you actually enjoy, being the centre of a selfie with local kids or sleeping under detailed wall decorations which are centuries old. Many of our guests had the time of their lives in India. If you’d like to see the experience of other backpackers, you can  read their testimonials here. 

India’s also a great place to make friends and learn about the local culture

What can I see backpacking in India for two weeks?

Two weeks in India is ample time to explore one region well.  On a much faster paced trip you could see a little more.

North India

 In North India, you could explore Delhi, Rajasthan and Agra (Taj Mahal). This is probably the most popular tourist route in the country. It’s also one of the must do backpacking trips in India  Start off in the capital, followed by a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and then onto culturally rich cities of Rajasthan.

The places you would be visiting on this route are rich in history, culture and architecture.  Great rail and road networks and an abundance of budget hotels, home-stays and hostels make North India a backpacker paradise. Here’s an example tour with more details on this type of trip.

Spirituality

North India is also home to places of spiritual importance.  You could start this route in Delhi and visit Amritsar which is home to the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple is the most important site of worship in Sikhism.  You can then make your way north to Dharamshala which is home to the Dalai Lama and the in-exile Tibetan government.  From Dharamshala travel to Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world and home to a lot of adventurous activities like river-rafting and bungee jumping.

Click here for a detailed list of options on travelling for two weeks in North India.

Explore the massive forts and beautiful palaces of the mesmerizing Rajasthan

South India

South India is very different from the North, beautiful in every sense of the word. It’s blessed with beautiful beaches, forests and great food. It’s also a great region for backpacking despite higher accommodation rates.

You can fly into Mumbai and start your trip there. It’s possibly the most expensive city in the country and not a very touristic city. There aren’t many budget accommodation options in Mumbai, but backpackers tend to like it due to its authenticity.  From Mumbai make your way south to Goa.  Goa is full of picturesque beaches, gorgeous churches and historical Portuguese colonial architecture. Inexpensive alcohol, great seafood and relaxed laws are the reasons why Goa is extremely popular among Indian and international travellers.  A bus ride later you can be in Hampi, a relaxed backpacker town known for its ruins and interesting rock formations. Hampi is a great place to bike around. You can then travel to Kerala with a stop in Mysore (known for it’s palace and great food). Find out more about this trip here. 

A Tropical Destination

Kerala is one of the most visited states in the south, containing hill-stations amidst tea plantations, waterfalls, national parks and the backwaters.  You can take the state bus/trains in Kerala to travel and most places have enough budget accommodation options. There aren’t many hostels but low priced homestays make up for it. Tamil Nadu, the neighbouring state, has great temple complexes and colonial cities. Click here for a detailed list of options on traveling for two weeks in South India.

Goa is a beautiful place to enjoy the beach, weather, nightlife, and so much more for a backpacker

How much can you see in four weeks backpacking in India?

The rise of e-visa has led to a lot of travellers visiting India for a month since backpacking in India is extremely inexpensive compared to other typical destinations.

You could either choose to spend your month in North India and explore Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra and places like Dharamshala, Amritsar and Rishikesh.  This route is extremely popular among backpackers visiting India for a month because of easy travel connections and budget accommodation options.

A lot of travellers also choose to combine North and South India.  Flying into Delhi, visit Agra and make their way south to Rajasthan, Mumbai, Hampi, Goa and Kerala.  If you have a month and would like to experience the cultural richness of the north and the great landscapes of the south, this is the route we recommend. Click here for a detailed list of options on traveling to India for 4 weeks.

Yoga retreat in Rishikesh

Why should a backpacker like you pay for the services of India Someday?

Being such a unique and complex place, planning a trip to this degree can be quite an overwhelming challenge in India. Even the most experienced traveler reaches their limits in India due to the vast selection of places to visit, travel routes, accommodations, experiences and especially the complexity of transport.

With India Someday you can get the right amount of assistance to help you plan your trip backpacking in India without reaching too far into your pockets. With no hidden costs and a highly personalised service, we can make sure that your Indian adventure is well thought out as well as cost-effective. We guarantee you that we won’t charge more for the hostels and hotels than the rates you can find online and due to our extensive knowledge and experience we know the most inexpensive route and transport options for you.

This is how we can support your backpacking adventure:

• Travel planning according to your budget
• Transparent pricing with detailed cost break down
• Flexible travel planning with you in control
• Fast & immediate support during your travels
• Tips for sightseeing & experiences

If you want to get the best out of your backpacking adventure in India plan your trip with us now.