The Himalayan mountain range in India offers a plethora of options for mountain exploration. Some of the great mountains to explore in India include:
1. Kangchenjunga: Located in the state of Sikkim, Kangchenjunga is the third highest peak in the …
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Backpacking India in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in India with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit India
Step into the vibrant tapestry of India, a backpacker's playground where ancient traditions meet bustling cities and diverse landscapes. Pros? Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of cultures, savor flavorful cuisine, and explore historical wonders on a budget-friendly scale. However, the sheer size and intensity can be overwhelming, requiring careful planning. India's affordability, spiritual richness, and the warmth of its people create an unparalleled backpacking experience, making it a dynamic and captivating destination where every journey becomes a story, every encounter a cultural revelation.
Why to go?Why backpacking in India
Mountains
Architecture
India is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, a stunning white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The ancient city of Hampi in Karnataka …
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Food
The food in India is so good because of the rich and diverse culinary traditions that have developed over centuries. The country’s varied geography and climate have allowed for the cultivation of a wide range of ingredients, resulting in a vast …
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Uniqueness
Exploring India is a unique and off the beaten track experience because of its rich cultural diversity, vibrant traditions, and historical significance. The country offers a wide range of experiences, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in India can vary depending on your travel style, but budget travelers can expect to spend around $20-30 USD per day. This would cover accommodation in budget hostels or guesthouses, meals from local eateries, and …
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Scenery
India is a country known for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the pristine beaches of Goa in the west, there is a wide range of sceneries to explore.
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in India is vibrant and diverse, with a mix of budget travelers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts. Popular destinations such as Goa, Rishikesh, and Varanasi attract backpackers from around the world, offering a range …
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Beach life
India is great for beach life and snorkeling because of its diverse and stunning coastline. From the palm-fringed beaches of Goa to the pristine shores of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India offers a wide range of beach destinations to suit every …
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Wildlife
India is great for seeing wildlife because it is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from dense forests to vast grasslands, which provide habitats for a wide variety of wildlife species. India is also home to several iconic and endangered …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in India
- Taj Mahal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this iconic white marble mausoleum is a must-visit in India. Its stunning architecture and history make it one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Varanasi: One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is a spiritual hub for Hindus. Witness the rituals and ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges River, and experience the vibrant culture and ancient temples.
- Jaipur: Known as the ”Pink City,” Jaipur is famous for its majestic palaces, forts, and vibrant markets. Explore the stunning Amber Fort, visit the City Palace, and shop for traditional handicrafts and textiles.
- Kerala Backwaters: Experience the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters, a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes. Cruise on a traditional houseboat, witness the lush green landscapes, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this unique region.
- Goa Beaches: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Goa, known for their golden sands and clear waters. Enjoy water sports, indulge in delicious seafood, and soak up the vibrant beach culture.
But India offers more...
× India
Ultimate chaos, burning bodies for €400 a piece
India | After four weeks on crutches and two weeks in a cast, I was finally free. The doctor said I needed six months of recovery time, but when I asked if I could continue my world trip during that time, he could only mutter a surprised “yes”. A day later, I had my visa and ticket for India, and a week later, I was on the plane. I couldn‘t wait to e...
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Fooled twice in a row by Baba
India | That evening, I met Baba further down the Ganges. He had visibly never washed his hair, wore a long robe, and claimed to be holy. I dared to doubt that and poked his shoulder twice to debunk it. He laughed and invited me to his house. We followed the Ganges, and a few minutes later, he said, “we’re here.” ‘Funny’ enough, he was homeless, ...
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Sharing burgers with somebody traveling by a raft
India | In the context of extraordinary travelers, the Pole I met that same evening certainly deserves an honorable mention. He always brings clothes, a tent and a paddle as luggage. He then builds a raft, usually from an old door and four large jerry cans, and floats down the river. In India, he wanted to raft the Ganges for a week.With him and a few of...
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Buying a train ticket in just 1.5h and getting to the station in a lawn mower
India | Varanasi was an extremely intense start to what would prove to be an extremely intense country. It was time for the next destination: Agra. There is a direct train. No one could tell me where the buses went from and which route they took, so the train quickly became the only option. However, the train also had its challenges. Used to arriving at th...
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A strange man in my bed
India | In Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, we checked into a hostel less than five hundred meters from the Taj Mahal. At least, that was our goal, but the person who was supposed to check us in was in a coma. The cleaner tapped his shoulder, shouted, screamed, shook him, and eventually kicked him, but the man remained in a coma. A little later, someone el...
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Two visits to the holy Taj Mahal and a 9 hour train ride for the price of 7
India | Finally, the day had come: the Taj Mahal. An indescribably beautiful “building” made even more unique by the story surrounding it. The emperor was so in love with his third wife that he had the Taj Mahal built around her tomb. When he decided to build an identical but black Taj Mahal on the other side of the river for himself, his son imprisone...
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Staying alive on boiled potatoes, tea and joints
India | A bus and a horse-drawn carriage later, I met someone who called himself Alibaba. He had been eating only boiled potatoes for 39 years, drank only tea, and smoked only joints in his house carved into a rock. Every evening, he fed the peacocks. I have no idea how long the list of extremely extraordinary people will become, but India seems to have a ...
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Becoming an honorable guest on an Indian wedding
India | In the next city, Jodhpur, I stumbled upon a wedding taking place in the middle of the street. I was invited, and soon I, or rather my height and skin color, became the guest of honor and had to walk alongside the groom and take photos of everyone with my iPhone (by now, I had learned not to ask why in this country)....
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Meeting a fortune-teller for one hour in an empty bus
India | In Rajasthan, the province I was in, there are many fantastically interesting places. The next one was Jaisalmer, and at the bus station in Jodhpur, I found a willing man to show me the bus to Jaisalmer. He took me to an empty bus, and he sat next to me in the bus. Since I had never seen an empty bus going somewhere that same day, I asked when it w...
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Making a hostel reservation for 15 cents and sleeping in the desert
India | Jaisalmer won the prize for the cheapest hostel of my entire trip with an overnight stay for one euro. I should have made a 15% deposit on Hostelworld to secure my arrival with these 15 cents. After confirming that I understood that I wouldn‘t get the 15 cents back if I didn‘t show up, the reservation was made. Traveling is taking risks! Howeve...
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Christmas in a Hindu country, almost turning India into a second North Korea
India | Christmas Eve was on the agenda. I had no idea how to celebrate it in a predominantly Hindu country. But with a few others, we found a local fireworks shop that sold the most gigantic firework packages. We decided to keep it simple and bought a package for five euros.However, these rockets exploded so loudly that you could feel the explosion in y...
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Closing the curtains too early caused a visit by the police
India | That evening, we decided to finish Christmas Eve in style with lots of beer and beer pong (oh, and a quick fried chicken as a Christmas meal). When the first beer popped open, the hostel owner quickly closed all the curtains. She explained that except for 5-star hotels, no one in this city had an alcohol license because it had become unaffordable. ...
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Dancing skeletons and horny chickens
India | Christmas Day turned out to be just as special. We visited a local festival where we saw people dressed as skeletons or horny chickens dancing together. After many similar local dances, we tried to get a tuk-tuk back to the city. We quickly found one, and the driver quoted a price that was close to the local price, unfortunately with a reason: the ...
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A local bus ride from Goa to Hampi taking two days
India | In Goa, the top tourist destination, it was not difficult to find a direct non-stop air-conditioned tourist bus to one of the highlights of the Lonely Planet, Hampi. However, immediately after New Year‘s, these buses were expensive and full, so we were left with only local transportation, which was the opposite in both respects: six transfers, in...
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Buying fruit to get the directions to the secret lake
India | Hampi was both the final destination of this trip and of my journey in India. It was a fantastic village where we would zoom around on mopeds during the day, which would lose in terms of speed to a lawnmower, and gather with all the backpackers from the village on a series of rocks for sunset, joints, and hippie music in the evening. On one of thos...
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Lady boys trying to earn money by singing off-key
India | After a mandatory night in an insignificant big city that didn‘t even get a tiny section in the Lonely Planet, we could continue our journey the next day by train. Halfway through the few hours journey, a random man stood blowing his whistle as we passed by. Apparently, he blows his whistle for every passing train. I couldn‘t help but think of ...
Read more Traveled route: Ganges, Varanassi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Buland Darwaza, Jaipur, Fatehpur Shekhawati, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bundi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Hampi
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking India
The best time to visit India for backpacking is during the winter season, from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15-25 °C (59-77 °F) in most parts of the country. This makes it ideal for exploring various destinations and engaging in outdoor activities without being overwhelmed by extreme heat or monsoon rains.
Additionally, winter is also the peak tourist season in India, so you can expect a lively atmosphere, bustling markets, and a wide range of cultural events and festivals to experience. It is advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance, as popular destinations can get crowded during this time.
However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of October-November or February-March. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and you can avoid the peak tourist crowds while enjoying lower prices for accommodations and transportation.
Additionally, winter is also the peak tourist season in India, so you can expect a lively atmosphere, bustling markets, and a wide range of cultural events and festivals to experience. It is advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance, as popular destinations can get crowded during this time.
However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of October-November or February-March. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and you can avoid the peak tourist crowds while enjoying lower prices for accommodations and transportation.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for India
- Terrorist activities, violent demonstrations and armed clashes sometimes occur in India. Avoid crowded places and possible targets. Large crowds at religious ceremonies and gatherings can also be dangerous. People have been killed in stampedes. Always have an exit plan.
- Women may face higher levels of verbal and physical harassment or sexual assault. Avoid travelling alone, even in major cities and tourist sites.
- Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after consuming spiked drinks or food. Don't leave your food or drinks unattended or accept food or drinks from strangers. Petty theft is common in crowded areas such as markets and public transport. Thieves on motorbikes snatch bags and jewellery. Carry only what you need. Pay close attention to your belongings.
- Scams are common. These can involve fake tour guides, ATM and credit card skimming, and fraudulent access to government services. If you're a scam victim, report it to the police to get an official report for your travel insurer.
- Severe weather is common. This includes heat waves and dust storms in summer and flooding during the monsoon season. Check with your tour operator for possible disruptions.
- Curfews and restrictions have been imposed in parts of Manipur following violent demonstrations, resulting in casualties. Security agencies have increased their presence in the region. Mobile internet and transport services continue to be affected. Further restrictions may be imposed at short notice. If you are in Manipur, you should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings, monitor local media for updates, follow the advice of local authorities, and take official warnings seriously.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
IndiaMy tips to get you on the way!Does India sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for India. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. India may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for India. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. India may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into India, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into India, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024