A Complete Guide to Backpacking in India

Thinking of backpacking in India. If yes, this is the perfect blog that will give you comprehensive information the same. India is a haven for backpackers looking to explore the enchanting places in the country. From towering Himalayan snow-clad peaks to the serene tranquillity of its lakes and rivers, the country is an ideal destination for them.

Whether you are a solo backpacker looking to unravel the mystery of the country or part of a group, this mystic land is full of stunning landscapes to satiate your wanderlust. If you are on your first backpacking trip, you can get the experience of your lifetime while you are here. With its vibrant culture, diverse traditions, and mouth-watering street food, India offers a unique charm that captivates every traveler. Here is a detailed guide on backpacking in India, where you will find every bit of information you need—from planning to packing, safety, budgeting, and the most interesting places to visit in India.

Choosing the Location

Before you start backpacking in India, you must plan your trip wisely. India is a vast land and is flooded with many enchanting places. Thus, you will have a hard time finalizing the destinations you will visit during your tour. If you are confused about choosing the best places to explore in India, pick one of the following must-visit destinations in the country: –

• Northern Region: – You will be awe-struck to experience the captivating beauty of the northern region of the country. Some of the places that you can visit include Delhi, Rishikesh (the yoga capital), Agra (Taj Mahal), Varanasi (the holiest place), Leh-Ladakh area, etc.
• Southern Region: – There are many worthwhile places in South India that you can visit if you are on a backpacking trip to India. Some of the most popular places here include Goa (beaches and parties), Kerala (Backwaters as well as Beaches), Andaman Islands (remote beaches), Tamil Nadu (Culture and Temples), etc.
• Western Region: – The western region of the country offers a vibrant tapestry of the rich cultural heritage of the country. Right from the fast-paced life of Mumbai to the historical monuments of Gujarat, this is one of the regions that promises to take visitors on a rich cultural odyssey of the country. You can choose to visit Gujarat (history and temples), Mumbai (urban life), and Rajasthan (forts, palaces, and deserts).
• Eastern Region: – East India welcomes you with a perfect amalgamation of deep historical significance, rich culture, and natural splendor that makes it the best region to explore. Right from the difficult terrains to the natural beauty of Sundarbans and Chilika Lake, you will have much more to explore when you are on a backpacking trip to India. You will also get to see many breathtaking temples, beaches, and mountains during your East India Tour.

Best Time to Visit India

If you are thinking of backpacking in India, you must consider the best time to visit it. The ideal time to visit different regions of the country includes the following: –

• The time from October to March is perfect for visiting different parts of India, such as North India, Rajasthan, and the Himalayas.
• From April to June, you will experience scorching heat in central as well as northern India, but it is a good time to visit various hill stations such as Mussoorie, Dharamshala, and Manali.
• The visitors will experience heavy rainfall in most of the areas of the country from July to September. However, you can trek in the monsoon season and experience the captivating beauty of lush green landscapes. A few treks that are popular among adventure lovers in monsoons include Nittur (Karnataka), Kodachadri Trek (Shivamogga), Meesapulimala Trek (Munnar), etc.

Planning Your Budget During the Backpacking Trip

Create a good budget before initiating your backpacking trip. You must consider your travel style and the region you are visiting to create your travel budget. 

Accommodation

Here are a few accommodation options for backpackers when they are in India: –

• Guesthouses and Budget Hotels: – Most backpackers prefer to stay in guesthouses and budget hotels, where they spend Rs. 500- 2,000 per night for their stay.
• Home Stays: – The backpackers also like to stay in homestays. Staying there will provide you with an authentic experience, and they are within your budget. The cost of staying here is similar to the cost of budget hotels.
• Couch Surfing: – This is another good option for travelers who want to travel affordably. Most backpackers use this option during their backpacking tour.

Transportation

The backpackers can consider trains, buses, or taxis to travel from one place to another.

• Trains: – If you are a budget-conscious backpacker, you can consider the sleeper class for an authentic experience. However, the compartments in this class are overcrowded. If you need a more comfortable journey, you can consider AC 3-tier. People who have budget constraints can choose luxury trains to explore the country. The Indian railway system is one of the largest in the world. A majority of travelers rely on it to move from one place to another. They are highly affordable means of transport and take you safely to your destination. However, you must book them in advance.
• Buses: – State-run buses offer you an affordable journey. But you will have a great inconvenience during your journey. However, catching a private bus will be much more comfortable for you.
• Domestic Flights: – It is easy to find flights to any city in India. Many aviation companies are operating in India, such as SpiceJet, Air India, IndiGo, etc. Some airlines are highly affordable and are the best to choose for longer distances.

Food Options

There are many budget food options for backpackers. They can enjoy the delicious street food during their trip. However, if you want a full meal, you can enjoy it for Rs. 100 to 300 at Dhabas or local eateries. You can also eat in a mid-range restaurant, which may charge you between Rs. 500 to 1,000.

Packing for Backpacking in India

India has countless places to explore. Thus, if you are backpacking in India, your packing will depend on the region you visit and also the time of your travel. Here is the packing list for you: –

• Footwear: – Make sure to choose comfortable shoes if you are looking to explore cities. However, choose trekking shoes for hiking and flip-flops if you are visiting beaches.
• Clothing: – Pack lightweight clothing for your tour. Make sure to pack the clothes depending on the places you will visit during your tour. For example, if you are visiting temples or any other religious place, it’s best to pack modest clothing. However, if you want to visit beaches during your tour, keep your swimwear with you. Similarly, if you are visiting hill stations, keep warm clothes with you.
• Backpack: – Choose the backpack according to your trip. For example, a 40- 50L backpack is the best for longer trips. However, make sure to keep a small daypack for daily tours.
• First Aid Kit: – It is advisable to pack a first aid kit during your trip. This ensures safe backpacking. Your first aid kit should include several medicines such as antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers, instant cold packs, hand sanitizers, burn gel, etc.
• Travel Essentials: – Make sure to keep sunscreen, headlamp, plug adapters, power bank, sunglasses, etc.
• Toiletries: – A few toiletries that you will need to pack during your backpacking tour include deodorant, toilet paper, chapstick, a microfiber towel, a hair brush, etc.
• Water Bottle: – Make sure to carry a water bottle with you. This will keep you hydrated during your tour.

Tips for Safe Backpacking in India

It is also important to stay safe during your backpacking tour. Here are a few safety tips that you must keep in mind during your tour: –

• Don’t Travel at Night: – If you are visiting remote or unfamiliar regions during your tour, you should avoid staying outside at night.
• Take Extreme Care of Your Belongings: – Keep your belongings close to you in crowded places. Also, make sure to use money belts to keep your valuables intact, such as credit cards, passports, etc.
• Respect Local Culture: – You should be mindful of traditions and customs during your backpacking tour. Wear modest clothing during your visit to the temples. Also, make sure to avoid offensive behavior during your visit to religious places. You can also engage with the local community during your tour and respect the local culture of the region you visit.
• Stay Hydrated: – You must stay hydrated during your tour. It is important for your health. Make sure to drink water regularly during your tour. This will save you from heat stroke and keep you energized. If you are hiking, you must intake water in small amounts.
• Beware of Local Scams: – During your backpacking trip, you should save yourself from local scams like ticket scams, expensive taxi fares, fake guides, etc. Stay protected and travel to your desired places without getting duped or cheated.
• Avoid Getting Sick: – You should be extra careful while eating anything outside. Make sure not to drink tap water, raw food, or anything that can jeopardize your health. Always use mineral water as it is cleaner as compared to tap water. Also, avoid stale food that is sold outside. Make sure to check the food you are eating outside to avoid getting sick.
• Keep Cash Carefully: – Be extra careful while keeping cash with you. Split the cash and keep it in multiple places instead of keeping it in a single place. This will help you a lot in protecting your money from pickpockets.
• Get Travel Insurance: – It is advisable to get travel insurance before your tour. This will save you from any medical emergency during your tour. You can search for a good travel insurance company and get the right travel insurance from them.

Getting Around

There are numerous ways to get around during your backpacking tour. You can choose trains, buses, rickshaws, or taxis according to your requirements. Here are a few transportation methods that you can choose during your tour: –

• Buses: – They are perfect for traveling short distances within a city. Buses are highly affordable for you. But they can be overcrowded. If you are traveling longer distances, overnight buses are the best for you.
• Taxis: – The backpackers can also hire a taxi to travel from one location to another. You can choose Uber or Ola according to your requirements. Apart from them, you can also book auto-rickshaws or catch metro trains to travel from one place to another.

Conclusion: Backpacking in India

Backpacking in India offers a truly unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking cultural experience, natural beauty, and budget-friendly exploration. With its diverse regions—from the majestic Himalayas in the north to the serene backwaters of the south, the historical forts of the west, and the lush landscapes of the east—India caters to every kind of wanderlust.

Whether you are a first-time backpacker or a seasoned traveler, thoughtful planning is essential. If you plan your travel well, it will help you with easy navigation through India’s vast landscape. In this blog post, I have highlighted some helpful tips that can surely help you plan your backpacking in India.

Needless to say, by choosing the right season, budgeting for travel smartly, packing efficiently, and following the essential safety tips, you can definitely enjoy your backpacking, travel, and tourism in India with a rewarding and safe journey experience. Plus, embracing the local cultures and traditions, trying out local delicacies, and using affordable transport options like trains and buses will enrich your backing experience in India.

If you are not sure about where and when to go, do not worry. You can count on Footloose Holidays for the best backing experience in India. We offer a comprehensive range of India tour packages to choose from. Plus, we can customize the packages as per your budget, needs, and preferences.

So, do not get bothered at all and do not think much more. We can give you all the assistance you need for your backpacking or tours, and travels in India. The only thing you need to do is just pack your bag and embark on a journey to India, where lots of experiences await you.