India is a haven for backpackers of all ages and no matter how much money you’re carrying; you’d discover that some aspect of this beautiful country is ideal for you. So if you’ve been overlooking this part of the world because of a shoestring budget, rejoice and make a flight booking right now, because we’ve put together a list of backpacker-friendly places in India that are full of unique attractions, affordable eats, and rich culture.

Kodaikanal

One of the most popular hill cities in South India is also one of the most affordable. Because of the several government-operated accommodations, backpackers could find a place to stay for as little as $3 a night. What’s intriguing about Kodaikanal is you get the same luxurious views no matter where you’re staying.

Natural Beauty and Attractions

• Kodaikanal Lake: A man-made, star-shaped lake at the heart of the town, perfect for leisurely walks, boating, and horse riding.
• Pillar Rocks: Gigantic granite boulders standing majestically with a mini-garden and an excellent view point.
• Coaker’s Walk: A paved pedestrian path offering panoramic views of the plains and valleys below. Ideal for early morning or late afternoon walks.
• Bear Shola Falls: A seasonal waterfall that comes to life in the monsoon and offers a tranquil spot for nature lovers.
• Dolphin’s Nose: A flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm, offering views of rolling hills and deep valleys.

Jaipur

Backpackers often get told that the luxurious travel life isn’t for them and others may not get the experience that they’re able to gain. But sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with getting yourself pampered. Jaipur and Rajasthan offer that luxury. While you’re there, experience the camel safari to see the elegance of the South Asian desert and make a cool memory to take back home.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

• Amber Fort: A majestic fortress set on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the grandeur of Rajput kingdoms.
• City Palace: A magnificent palace complex that houses museums and courtyards, showcasing the royal heritage of Jaipur.
• Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): An iconic structure known for its unique façade featuring hundreds of windows, designed for royal ladies to observe street festivals without being seen.
• Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory built in the 18th century, home to the world’s largest stone sundial, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Jaipur’s Markets: Explore the bustling bazaars like Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Tripolia Bazaar to shop for handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and more.

Goa

Is Goa already on your list but you aren’t sure what spot to check out? North Goa’s Anjuna is highly recommended because of its backpacker friendliness. Previously famous for the hippies, the place is now popular for the Curlies beach shack and the flea market that operates of Wednesdays. If you’re looking for a place to stay, Priston Hostel (where travelers are treated as inmates) is a highly recommended options. Others like the Bricks & Bamboo and the Funky Monkey are also loads of backpacker-friendly amenities.

Beaches and Coastal Life

• North Goa: Home to some of the most popular beaches like Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna. These areas are known for their lively markets, water sports, and vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties.
• South Goa: Offers a more tranquil experience with pristine beaches like Palolem, Agonda, and Patnem. It’s perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty in a less crowded setting.

Cultural Exploration

• Old Goa: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, showcasing the rich Portuguese architectural legacy.
• Panjim: The state capital offers a mix of laid-back Goan lifestyle, Portuguese architecture, and delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the Latin Quarter for its picturesque streets and colorful buildings.

Varanasi

You’ll either not want to go there again or fall in love with it, but every backpacker should experience Varanasi once on their lifetime. The intriguing aspect of this city that all of its rituals are highlighted along ghats near the river, which are used for multiple purposes including practicing religions and bathing. Other than that, you’d be glad to know that Varanasi has many backpacker hostels located near the ghats. We recommend the one situated in Pandey Ghat’s 500-year old mini-palace. Look for the sign or logo that says “Bunked Up Hostel.”

Spiritual Atmosphere

• Ghats: Varanasi has around 88 ghats (riverfront steps) leading to the Ganges, where life and death unfold side by side. The most famous ghats include Dashashwamedh Ghat, known for its Ganga Aarti ceremony, and Manikarnika Ghat, a sacred cremation site.
• River Ganges: Taking a boat ride at sunrise offers a serene and picturesque view of the ghats and the city’s life. It’s also a way to observe rituals and ceremonies up close.

Historical and Cultural Exploration

• Old City: The narrow, maze-like streets of the old city are filled with temples, shops, and stalls. Walking through these alleys allows you to experience the city’s vibrant energy and chaos.
• Temples: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most significant and oldest temples in Varanasi. Other notable temples include the Durga Temple and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
• Sarnath: Located just outside Varanasi, Sarnath is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site includes a park, museum, and several ancient stupas and monasteries.

Mumbai

The city was previously called Bombay. Mumbai is the entertainment capital of India. It’s also a critical commercial port and the largest city in this nation. Simply put, the place is a must visit for backpackers. Though it may give the vibe of Los Angeles in certain area’s the city’s appeal extends beyond the charm of Bollywood cinema. Mumbai is global, with a longstanding colonial history and several backpacker-friendly hostels. Additionally, there are loads of activities to keep you busy – ferry rides to exotic local islands, a variety of curries to satisfy your appetite, and an exuberant nightlife that’d make you want to go out and dance the night away.

Diverse Neighborhoods

• Colaba: The backpacker’s haven, known for its range of budget accommodations, street markets, and landmarks like the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
• Bandra: The hip suburb of Mumbai, filled with street art, trendy cafes, boutique shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
• Fort Area: Home to British-era architecture, bustling office buildings, and the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cultural Richness

• Street Food: Mumbai’s street food is legendary. Don’t miss trying vada pav (spicy potato fritters in bread), pav bhaji (vegetable curry served with bread), and Bombay sandwich. Street food tours are a great way to explore the city’s culinary landscape.
• Bollywood: Mumbai is the heart of India’s film industry. You can take a Bollywood tour to see film sets and maybe catch a glimpse of movie shooting or visit the Film City.
• Festivals: Mumbai celebrates festivals with great fervor. Experiencing festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali can provide a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural fabric.

Exploring the City

• Local Trains: Mumbai’s lifeline is its local train network. While crowded, it’s the fastest way to get around. Just be mindful of peak hours.
• Historic Sites: Explore the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, located on an island in Mumbai Harbour, or take a walk through the British colonial buildings in South Mumbai.
• Beaches: While Mumbai’s beaches like Juhu and Girgaum Chowpatty are not ideal for swimming, they offer a glimpse into the city’s leisurely side, especially at sunset.

New Delhi

New Delhi is famous for its political happenings but there’s a lot more to it than what you’ll see in the news. It’s a melting pot of global culture, with residents from all across the subcontinent. The continued growth of this multiculturalism has now become part of living in Delhi. When exploring the streets, you’ll come across everything from fancy mega structures to well-maintained British colonial structures to empires’ past ancient ruins. You’ll also find loads of places to eat on the cheap, with a range of cuisines like Biryani, Butter Chicken, Naan Bread, and more. A diverse and expansive city, the famous autos will help you zip through the ongoing traffic and take you virtually any place you want to visit in New Delhi. The best part? They cost a fraction of what you’ll pay for a taxi in Europe. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the crowded slums, counterculture districts, and the bustling markets that truly show visiting backpackers a little bit of everything that modern and historic India boasts.

Historical Monuments and Heritage Sites

• Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic fort stands as a powerful symbol of India’s history. Don’t miss the evening sound and light show.
• Qutub Minar: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring the tallest brick minaret in the world, showcasing the architectural brilliance of ancient India.
• Humayun’s Tomb: Often referred to as a precursor to the Taj Mahal, this tomb combines Persian architecture with Indian traditions.
• India Gate: A war memorial located in the heart of the city, it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Cultural Exploration

• Chandni Chowk: One of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, known for its street food, spices, and sarees. A rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk offers a unique way to experience the market’s vibrant chaos.
• Connaught Place: CP, as it’s locally known, is a financial, commercial, and business hub in New Delhi, characterized by its white colonnades and a bustling atmosphere. It’s great for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
• Akshardham Temple: A modern temple complex that showcases traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The temple’s intricate carvings and the evening water show are not to be missed.

Darjeeling

India’s West Bengal might be popular, but way above in the Himalayan snow-capped mountains is Darjeeling. It’s a hill station that’s popular for its symbolic railway line and rambling tea assets. It’s one of the most vibrant destinations on this list. Not to mention going up will allow you to breathe in the cool mountain area that’d be a welcome break from the muggy and hot weather of India’s other cities. In Darjeeling, you can immerse in unique eats and get yourself familiar with the locals (the place is mostly comprised of Tibetan-Bengalis). You also have the get the option to experience to the toy train, which is almost a mile above the earth’s surface. Darjeeling has always been a premier destination for backpackers.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Also known as the “Toy Train,” this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a scenic and nostalgic ride from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, providing stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
• Tiger Hill: Famous for its panoramic views of Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga, the world’s highest and third-highest mountains, respectively. The sunrise view from Tiger Hill is a must-see.
• Tea Gardens: Visit the tea estates like Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about tea production and sample some of the finest Darjeeling tea. The sprawling tea gardens against the backdrop of the Himalayas are also a sight to behold.
• Batasia Loop: A unique railway loop that offers a beautiful view of the Darjeeling landscape and the snow-capped Himalayas. It’s also home to a war memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers.
• Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple: Located on the Jalapahar hill, the Peace Pagoda showcases four avatars of Buddha and offers a serene environment for reflection and meditation.

Kanyakumari

If you want to explore India’s southernmost part, go to Kanyakumari. There’s a lot to do, learn and explore there. Getting its name from the temple of Devi Kanya Kumari, it’s a popular destination for pilgrimage as devotes go there to flock Devi Kanya Kumari’s shrines. Besides making a journey to these temples, you can also explore the many other attractions including Bhagavathy Amman Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and more to admire the historic architecture and learn more about their roots. During the journey, don’t forget to explore Sothavilai, Sangthurai, and Thegapattinam coastal areas to fresh and relax. While the city can be visited in any calendar both, it’s best to avoid it during the monsoon season.

Natural and Spiritual Attractions

• Sunrise and Sunset: Kanyakumari is one of the rare places in the world where you can witness both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean. The sight of the sun rising and setting at the horizon where the three seas meet is truly mesmerizing.
• Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Located on small islands just off the coast, these monuments are accessible by ferry. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is built on the rock where Swami Vivekananda meditated, and it offers panoramic views of the ocean. The adjacent 133 feet tall Thiruvalluvar Statue, dedicated to the celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher, is an iconic landmark.
• Kanyakumari Temple: Dedicated to the virgin goddess Devi Kanyakumari, this ancient temple is located at the confluence of the three seas. It’s a significant pilgrimage site and a place to experience the spiritual essence of Kanyakumari.

Cultural Insights

• Gandhi Memorial: Built in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the memorial is designed in such a way that on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday (October 2nd), the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where his ashes were kept.
• Tsunami Monument: A poignant structure dedicated to the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, reflecting the resilience of the coastal community.

Rishikesh

This place situated in the Himalayan foothills and is popular for the Ganges flowing down from the top and cutting its way through the Rishikesh town. The river has pure water whose crystal clear nature keep the rocks at the banks maintain. The atmosphere here also contains a touch of spirituality, with evenings having a thousand lambs in the air along with sacred chants. The many spiritual and Yoga retreats in this city only make it more appealing for a backpacker. The place is also reachable by public transport.

Spiritual and Cultural Exploration

• Yoga and Meditation: With countless ashrams and yoga centers offering courses and drop-in classes, Rishikesh is the perfect place to delve into yoga and meditation practices. The International Yoga Festival, held annually, is a significant draw for yoga enthusiasts from around the globe.
• Ganga Aarti: An enchanting experience not to be missed is the Ganga Aarti performed every evening at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The ceremony, with its ritualistic fire offerings, chanting, and the setting of diyas (lamps) on the river, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere.
• Temples and Ashrams: Explore the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band stayed in 1968, leaving behind graffiti and artwork. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is another spiritual site set amidst the forest.

Adventure Activities

Rishikesh is a hub for outdoor adventure sports, thanks to its location by the River Ganges and the surrounding Himalayas.

• River Rafting: White water rafting on the Ganges is a thrilling experience, with rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade IV.
• Bungee Jumping: Home to India’s highest bungee jump, Rishikesh offers adrenaline-pumping activities like giant swing and flying fox.
• Trekking and Camping: There are numerous trekking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls, serene beaches along the Ganges, and panoramic Himalayan views. Camping by the river or in the forest is a great way to connect with nature.

Ready to backpack to India?

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By now, you probably know more about India’s backpacking gems than you ever did. So stop putting it off your list and book your next flight to this amazing country. Your South Asian adventure awaits.