What to Know Before Going Backpacking in India

India is unquestionably a backpacker's dream destination! On a budget, travelling in India is a great way to acquire a taste of the country's culture. From homestays with warm and friendly families to hostel dormitories with other travellers. Backpacking in India is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes everything from local trains to hitchhiking. A backpacking journey unlike any other you've ever experienced.

Is it costly to backpack in India?

Why is travelling in India so cheap? This is a commonly asked subject among backpackers. There are a variety of reasons why travelling in India is affordable. With a weaker currency, a well-developed public transportation system, and inexpensive cuisine, India is unquestionably the best place to go backpacking in India on a budget. In India, hostels should not cost more than $6 to $8 a night. Even air-conditioned trains and buses will not cost you more than 15 to 20 dollars every travel.

India is a vegetarian's paradise, and depending on where you go, you'll likely find some delicious non-vegetarian fare as well. Whether it's seafood in the south or red meat in the north, you're in for a real treat. Meals in India are extremely cheap, and a daily budget of $15 USD is certainly than sufficient to cover the expense of food.

Is India a safe place to visit for backpackers?

India is a backpacker-friendly location because to its abundance of backpacker hostels, low-cost homestays, and fast food or street food culture. Aside from that, the accessibility and low cost of public transportation are other advantages. However, the cost of travel varies greatly depending on the place you will be going. Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, two popular backpacking locations in India, are much simpler to travel. Lesser-known locations, such as the Northeast or off-the-beaten-path areas, are still reasonably priced, but lack services geared toward backpackers or visitors in general.

South India offers excellent infrastructure and local transportation, although lodging is more expensive. Hostels in major cities such as Mumbai and Bangalore are equally pricey, but the availability of low-cost food and public transportation offsets the cost of lodging. Take a look at our complete guide to the cost of travelling in India, which includes a cost breakdown for all important costs.

Is it Safe to Travel Alone in India?

Backpacking in India is not the same as backpacking in Western nations, although it is certainly safe to travel alone in India. You have nothing to fear in India's most popular backpacking spots. There will be a plethora of hostels and homestays where you may meet other travellers with whom to explore the area.

Locals are typically eager to assist. If you're wondering if it's safe to travel alone in India, the answer is yes. Unless, as a traveller, you are compelled to take some mindful safety precautions wherever you go. As a country with deep-rooted cultural traditions, India has its own set of rules that you should follow.

Travel suggestions for solo backpacking in India:

• Travelers from other countries are more likely to be victims of petty crime. It is critical that you maintain a tight check on your valuables at all times and keep an eye out for them.
• It is recommended to observe basic clothing etiquette in order to avoid sticking out in huge gatherings. Your go-to motto is to cover your shoulders and knees. Even though city dwellers may dress more provocatively, dressed conservatively will help you avoid unwanted attention. Wear loose-fitting slacks and long t-shirts or kurtas. When you're in a tourist town, you can wear your dresses and shorts. When it comes to the Indian standard dress code, places like Goa are great for letting loose.
• Avoid public displays of affection, as this is still frowned upon in some locations.
• Consider your options before putting your faith in someone. Although Indians may be exceedingly warm and kind, believe your instincts and think hard before putting your faith in someone.
• Avoid going out alone after the sun has set. Certain neighbourhoods and streets, especially after dark, may be exceedingly dangerous. It's easy to become a victim of crime or physical assault on empty streets after the sun has set, whether you're a man or a woman.
• Make certain to buy a local SIM card. As a result, you'll be able to stay in touch with local acquaintances you meet along the road and compile a useful list of emergency local contacts.

Why Should You Travel to India on a Backpacking Trip?

Of course, one of the biggest advantages of backpacking in India is that it is not necessary to spend a lot of money to have a good time. However, there is so much more to India's tourism experience. Backpacking in India allows you to immerse yourself in a completely other culture while also exposing you to the realities of the subcontinent. Due to Orientalism, a reality totally different from that has been regularly projected across the world.

The vibrant colours and fascinating details of daily life, the diversity of religions and their respective customs, the landscapes and nature, traditional architecture and the fascinating stories behind it, the dynamics of the young generations and the wisdom of the elderly – all of these factors combine to make a trip to India a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And it's the ideal companion for those who want to learn more about the region's rich history and unique culture.

Furthermore, travelling in India forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and puts you in situations you never expected to find yourself in. Dancing and singing with the locals on a night train, eating hot food you might really like, becoming the subject of a selfie with local youngsters, or resting under centuries-old ornate wall art. In India, many of our visitors had the time of their lives.

What would the cost of a backpacking trip to India be?

Traveling to India has several advantages, one of which is that it caters to all types of travellers. Backpacking in India costs around USD 45 or EUR 40 per day per person. This is the upper limit, which includes lodging, food, and transportation. Tours and activities would be charged separately. You could get away with much less, but then you'd be stretching your limits and comfort zones.

India Backpacking Destinations - A Two-Week Itinerary

Two weeks in India is enough time to thoroughly explore one region. You may see a little more on a much speedier trip.

North India

You might visit Delhi, Rajasthan, and Agra in North India (Taj Mahal). This is undoubtedly the country's most popular tourist route. It is also one among India's must-do backpacking adventures. Begin in the capital, then go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, and then to Rajasthan's culturally rich towns. The destinations you'll see along this path are historically, culturally, and architecturally significant. North India is a backpacker's paradise, with excellent rail and road networks and a plethora of low-cost hotels, homestays, and hostels.

Spirituality

North India is also home to spiritually significant locations. This journey might begin in Delhi and end in Amritsar, which is home to the Golden Temple. In Sikhism, the Golden Temple is the most significant place of devotion. You may next go north to Dharamshala, which houses the Dalai Lama shrine and the Tibetan government in exile. Travel from Dharamshala to Rishikesh, the world's Yoga capital and home to a variety of adventure activities such as river rafting and bungee jumping.

South India

South India is considerably different from the north, and it is stunning in every way. It has magnificent beaches, woods, and delicious food. Despite the increased lodging costs, it's an excellent place to go backpacking. You may travel into Mumbai to begin your journey. It's the most costly city in the country, with a small tourist population. There aren't many low-cost lodging alternatives in Mumbai, yet backpackers choose it for its genuineness. Make your journey south from Mumbai to Goa.

Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, churches, and Portuguese colonial architecture. Goa is immensely popular among Indian and foreign travellers due to its low-cost booze, excellent seafood, and liberal restrictions. Make your journey to Hampi via bus from here. A laid-back backpacker village with intriguing rock formations and ruins. Hampi is a fantastic area to go biking. After that, you may travel across Kerala, stopping at Mysore (known for its palace and great food).

A Trail Through the Tropics

Kerala is one of South India's most popular tourist attractions. With tranquil hill stations nestled among tea plantations, waterfalls, national parks, and backwaters. In Kerala, you may travel by state bus or rail, and most locations offer plenty of low-cost lodging alternatives. There aren't many hostels, but low-cost homestays compensate. The neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu offers magnificent temple complexes and historical cities.

India Backpacking Destinations – One Month Itinerary

Because backpacking in India is incredibly affordable compared to other popular backpacking locations, the introduction of the e-visa has resulted in a large number of visitors visiting India for a month.

North India

You may spend your month in North India, visiting locations like Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, and Dharamshala, Amritsar, and Rishikesh. Because of the simple transport connections and affordable lodging alternatives, this itinerary is particularly popular among backpackers visiting India for a month. It's the ideal route of India's must-see backpacking sites.

The greatest of India's north and south

Many tourists combine their trips to North and South India. After arriving in Delhi, go to Agra and the bustling state of Rajasthan, then south to Goa, Hampi, and Kerala. This is the itinerary we propose if you have a month and want to see the rich history and diverse culture of the north as well as the gorgeous lush green landscapes of the south.

Advantages of Backpacking in India with Rajasthan Tour Driver

Because India is such a large continent with so much to offer in each location, arranging a trip of this magnitude may be a daunting task. Due to the huge number of sites to visit, travel routes, hotels, experiences, and notably the intricacy of transportation, even the most seasoned tourist finds their limitations in India.

With Rajasthan Tour Driver, you can get just the perfect amount of support planning your backpacking vacation in India while staying within your budget. We can ensure that your Indian experience is well-planned and cost-effective, with no hidden expenses and highly personalised care.

We guarantee that we will not charge you more for hostels and hotels than what you can discover online, and that we will advise you on the most cost-effective itinerary and transportation alternatives for you based on our wide knowledge and expertise. This is how we can help you with your hiking trip:

• Organizing your trip in accordance with your financial constraints
• Pricing transparency with a clear cost breakdown
• Travel planning that is flexible and puts you in charge
• During your travels, you will receive quick and rapid assistance.
• Sightseeing and adventure suggestions
• Booking intercity transit assistance can help you make the most of your time by recommending a route that matches your travel style and interests.