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The best backpacking india route for first-timers.

The perfect backpacking India route for first-timers is here! This itinerary can take anywhere between 3 to 4 weeks to complete. It takes in all the main sights in and around the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan.

Woman making flower necklaces in Delhi, India

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Backpacking India route

4-day delhi itinerary.

Start your backpacking India route in India’s bustling capital city; Delhi. Delhi can be broken up into 3 sections; Old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi. Here are the top attractions in each area.

Red Fort (500 Rupees/ $7.04).
Jama Masjid – Mosque (Free).
Chandni Chowk – The main street in Old Delhi, and where Gadodia Market is located. You will also find the world’s biggest spice market in Chandi Chowk.

Swaminarayan Sanstha – Temple complex (Free).
Humayun’s Tomb – Taj Mahal inspiration building (500 Rupees/ $7.04).
Ladi Gardens (Free).
Gandhi Smriti – Where Gandhi was assassinated (Free).
India Gate (Free).

South Delhi:

Qutab Minar (500 Rupees).
Lotus Temple (Free).
Hauz Khas Village – Make sure to stop by Kunzum Travel Café for coffee and cookies.

Note: Getting around Delhi is easy with tuk-tuks and the metro system. However, tuk-tuks may try to overcharge you. Use this calculator to help you work out a fair fare.

For more information on FREE things to do in Delhi, check out our blog post here.

Where to stay in Delhi

Backpacker Panda Delhi – Backpacker Panda is situated along the Main Bazaar, at the end of the road from New Delhi Railway Station. It’s the perfect place for first-timers due to its proximity to Delhi’s attractions, nightlife and food stalls. We recommend this hostel for budget travellers that like to meet other travellers and socialise.

Bloomrooms Delhi – Bloom Rooms is located a 5-minute walk away from New Delhi Railway station. We love this hotel for its cloud-comfy beds and bright, sunny yellow decor that gives off a happy and refreshing vibe. You also have the option of an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast. The breakfast is a nice mix of Indian and Western cuisines that will give you tons of energy to tackle this busy Delhi itinerary. This place is perfect for couples or people who just want their own space to escape the noisy city life.

For more prices and deals on properties in Delhi, CLICK HERE.

3-day Agra itinerary

After a busy few days in Delhi, take a train to India’s most popular attraction; the Taj Mahal! The Taj Mahal is located in Agra which is just a 3-hour train ride away from Delhi. You can book trains yourself by heading to the Indian government website or checking out Bookaway for an easier alternative . Below we have listed the main attractions in Agra:

Taj Mahal – Costs 1,000 Rupees ($14.09) or for a cheaper alternative, Mehtab Bagh which is a garden opposite the complex and costs just 200 Rupees ($2.82). Click here to find out everything you need to know before visiting the Taj Mahal.
Taj nature walk (100 Rupees/ $1.41).
Agra Fort (550 Rupees/ $7.75).
Sheroes Hangout – a café run by acid attack victims

Where to stay in Agra

Backpacker Panda Friends Agra – We stayed at Backpacker Panda Friends. The guesthouse has many rooms to choose from; dorm, private, AC and fan. The guesthouse is conveniently located 1 km away from the Taj Mahal’s east gate. The guesthouse has a very social atmosphere and is run by Yusef and his friendly staff. This place is perfect for both solo travellers and couples.

For more prices and deals on properties in Agra, CLICK HERE.

3-day Jaipur itinerary (aka Pink City)

To reach Jaipur from Agra, you can take a train. The train takes a swift 3 – 4 hours and is the easiest way to travel between the two. Here are a few things you must see in Jaipur:

Jal Mahal – A Palace on the Lake (Free).
Royal Gaitor Tumbas (30 Rupees/ $0.42).
Birla Mandir – A pretty white temple (Free).
Hawa Mahal – A stunning architectural building (200 Rupees/ $2.82).
Nahargarh Fort (200 Rupees/ $2.82).
Amber Fort and Palace (500 Rupees/ $7.04).

Want to get off the beaten track in Jaipur? Check out these 4 off the beaten track things to do .

Where to stay in Jaipur

Villa 243 – Villa 243 is a small boutique hotel situated outside of the hustle and bustle of Jaipur. It’s the perfect couples retreat! The villa boasts an on-site masseuse, a rooftop pool and restaurant, taxi services, and sky television. The design and decor are modern and contemporary.

Backpacker Panda Stephels – If you are looking for a more central and lively location, check out Backpacker Panda. They have both dorm rooms and private rooms to choose from. The hostel is very clean and decorated with colourful art. The staff are also very welcoming and accommodating.

For more prices and deals on properties in Jaipur, CLICK HERE.

3-day Pushkar itinerary

Next up on your backpacking India route is the lakeside town of Pushkar. To get to Pushkar you will need to take a 2-hour train to Ajmer. From Ajmer take a public bus or taxi to Pushkar. The ride should only take 30-40 minutes. Here are a few things to do in Pushkar:

Explore the market
Relax by the lake
Brahma temple
Rent a bike and breathe nature
Take a flower tour with Dia Homestay

Where to stay in Pushkar

Dia Homestay – For the perfect Pushkar experience, we recommend staying at Dia Homestay. It’s perfect if you want to stay away from the tourist traps of the lake and surrounding markets. Dia Homestay provides the perfect escapism from Pushkar’s beeping bikes and touting traders.

For more prices and deals on properties in Pushkar, CLICK HERE.

3-day Jodhpur itinerary (aka Blue City)

After Pushkar, head to the Blue City; Jodhpur. To get to Jodhpur you will need to take a bus or taxi back to Ajmer. From Ajmer, you can take a direct train to Pushkar, which takes around 4 hours. Here are a few things to do in Jodhpur:

Mehrangarh Fort (600 Rupees/ $8.45).
Jaswant Thada Temple (50 Rupees/ $0.70).
Sadar Market and clock tower.
Explore the blue streets.
Toorjika Stepwell (Free).

For more detailed information on how to spend your time in Jodhpur, click here .

Where to stay in Jodhpur

Almond Tree Homestay – The homestay is situated in a quiet gated neighbourhood and is run by Megah, Chetan and their friendly staff. It’s the perfect stay for couples and people looking for a quiet place to stay after a long day of exploring the hustle and bustle of Jodhpur. The rooms are decorated to a high standard and there is a rooftop jacuzzi pool to relax your body at the end of the day.

For more prices and deals on properties in Jodhpur, CLICK HERE.

4-day Udaipur itinerary

The final stop on this backpacking India route is Udaipur; also known as the White City. There are no direct trains from Jodhpur to Udaipur, therefore we recommend taking a bus. The bus takes between 4-7 hours depending on which bus you take. You can book tickets on the day you want to travel, just go to the main bus terminal. Before we get started on things to do in Udaipur, you may want to check out these super insane things to know first.

Below is a list of the must-see and do attractions in Udaipur:

City Palace Museum (200 Rupees/ $2.82 or 30 Rupees / $0.42 for the palace grounds).
Vintage car collection museum (250 Rupees/ $3.52).
Sunset terrace for food and sunset.
Views around Lake Pichola.
Boat ride to Jag Mandir Palace – Where Katy Perry got married (300 Rupees/ $4.23 for boat trip).
Karni Mata Temple – Take a rope-way up (80 Rupees / $1.13 round trip).
Art class (150 Rupees/ $2.11 per hour).

Need some relaxation time in Udaipur? Check out these top 5 relaxing activities to do in Udaipur .

Where to stay in Udaipur

Black Pepper Homestay – Cheap, basic homestay that is in an excellent location to Udaipur’s attractions. Also has a restaurant serving delicious Indian and Western cuisine.

For more prices and deals on properties in Udaipur, CLICK HERE.

This is the end of the backpacking Rajasthan itinerary. From Udaipur, you can continue South to extend your India journey to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala or the busy streets of Mumbai. Or, for more inspiration check out these top 10 things to do in India with kids.

Costs of backpacking India

Currency: The currency in India is Rupee. The exchange rate is 70 Indian Rupee to 1 US Dollar.

Daily budget: Excluding accommodation, we budgeted between 1,000 Rupees – 1,500 Rupees ($14.09 – $21.15) per day. This cost is based on two people and covered the costs of activities and food and drink throughout the day.

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation ranges significantly. Dorm beds can be found for as low as 200 Rupees ($2.82) per night. Double rooms start at around 400 Rupees ($5.64) per night but can rise significantly depending on location and luxuriousness.

Food and drink: A curry-based dish is priced between 80-200 Rupees ($1.13 – $2.82). Plain rice costs between 50-110 Rupees ($0.70 – $1.55), and chapatis from 8-15 Rupees ($0.11 – $0.21). The prices will differ depending on the establishment. For international dishes, such as pizza and pasta, prices range from 100-200 Rupees ($1.41 – $2.82). On average a bottle of water costs 20 Rupees ($0.28). A can of beer costs around 200 Rupees ($2.82).

Transport: The cost of the train ranges depending on the class you choose. We opted for a sleeper class. This class is fan-only and is usually packed with locals. This is the cheapest carriage. We recommend you book your train tickets yourself using the Indian government website. You will save a lot of money on agent fees.

India is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Asia. For more cheap countries in Asia make sure to check out this post !

Backpacking India travel tips

Be open-minded – It’s important to come to India with an open mind. India seems to be a lot like Marmite; people either LOVE it or HATE it and want to leave after a week. Be open-minded and you have more chance of enjoying yourself!

Barter, barter – Make sure to put your bartering skills to good use. You will certainly need them; whether that be for tuk-tuks, taxis, souvenirs, or hotels. If you know the item is overpriced, walk away! The price is likely to be half quicker than you think.

Avoid Delhi belly – Getting sick is quite common in India. Whilst at times it may be unavoidable, there are measures you can take to cut the risk. Do NOT drink the water, make sure you wash your hands regularly, and if possible eat at places where you can see the food being cooked.

Booking trains – Many people seek the help of agencies to book their trains. Of course, this comes at an extra fee. However, you can reserve your seats online using the government website. Once you get the hang of it, it’s very easy to use.

Be careful of scams – Genius scams are thought up everywhere in the world, and India has no shortage of them. Be careful of scams that involve buying food and milk for babies and scams around transport hubs. Always purchase your transport tickets from the official transport desk, and always check the information with them. Don’t let anyone tell you that your bus or train has been cancelled. Check for yourself!

Hikes in India – This itinerary mainly covers temples, palaces and forts, but India has plenty of hikes to offer too. Check out this list of top 10 hiking spots.

Essential resources for travelling in India

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway . Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

We hope you enjoyed this backpacking India route for first-timers. The Golden Triangle is the perfect region of India for a mix of culture, history, and delicious food. So, book that flight and prepare yourself for the land of tuk-tuks, mouth-watering curries, and much more!

Where to next? Did you know that there are cheap direct flights from Delhi to Kyrgyzstan ? So go ahead and explore the exciting region of Central Asia .

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The Best India Travel Itinerary for First-Timers

*We were hosted complimentary by some of the hotels and hostels mentioned in this article. All opinions are our own, based on our experience.*

10 thoughts on “ The Best Backpacking India Route for First-Timers ”

Thanks for visiting India. It’s my country and I just love it. It is a land of vivid culture, language, religion and many more interesting things. Keep writing more on India and keep sharing. Love to read your articles.

Thanks for your comment 🙂 We loved travelling in India and we hope to go back soon!

This is great information for someone who wants to visit India. Your post is detailed, and i’m glad you loved staying in India. My favourite isnJaipur

Thanks for your comment. We are glad it is useful 🙂

Very detailed itinerary for Golden Triangle tour in India. You have listed all valid points to take care during this trip. I loved the Delhi Belly tip.

Thanks 🙂 We feel so lucky to have gone 3 weeks and avoided the Delhi belly. It just so happened Jake got ill on our second night in Kyrgyzstan.

India is so huge, having lived my entire life here I am yet to visit some of the places mentioned in your post. But hopefully soon 🙂

You’re right, India is massive. Hope you get to visit soon 🙂

I love India- so colourful. Your post captured that beautifully- can’t wait to visit for myself.

Thanks for your comment. Hope you get to visit soon 🙂

22 Best Backpacking Trips In India To Add To Your Bucket List

Quick Jumplinks to Navigate

As a 20 year old, the wanderlust creeps in and it’s a feeling you cannot shake off. If you’re willing to look around there are many things and places to be explored. If you’re the kind that packs a bag with a pair of jeans and a pair of t shirt, this is the bucket list of backpacking trips in India you must take.

1. Take the road less traveled: Manali-Leh road trip

The ‘Mecca’ of all road trips in India, the Manali-Leh Highway has always been a favourite. Be it for the groups or solo travellers, this route outshines any other backpacking trips in India. All you need to do: get geared up for some adventure, hit the road and reach nowhere. Passing mountains and villages, passing people who are going about their business in a more simple way what will get you appreciate both nature and simplicity.

How to reach: Fly straight to Manali airport from New Delhi at affordable prices starting at INR 8,487.

Checkout the best Manali to Leh Bike Trips Here

Planning a trip to Ladakh, Check out the Thrillophilia Reviews

2. Too much isn’t a bad thing: Dudhsagar Falls Trek

Goa has various beautiful places to visit but here is one of the most amazing place Dudhsagar Waterfalls. When you see the volume of water hurtling down the hill, you will learn that it isn’t really a bad thing to love something a lot. Too much of a good thing won’t spoil you. A trek to the mesmeric Dudhsagar Waterfalls is more than just a trek. Ascending and descending through the rugged terrains, fascinating forests and hilly vicinities can be more appealing when traversed alone!

How to reach: Fly to the nearest airport of Goa from Bangalore at rock bottom prices starting at INR 1,720!

Also check out most beautiful waterfalls in India

Planning a trip to Goa, Check out the Thrillophilia Reviews

3. Take some quiet time alone : A peaceful holiday in Gokarna

This place near Bangalore is a heaven to visit . Nobody is judging you for wanting to get away from the bustling city from time to time. Embrace yourself with the peace and serenity that prevails in the pristine beaches of Gokarna. Let all your thoughts and worries be washed away. Anyone who has gone to Gokarna knows for a fact what it’s like to truly be yourself. No inhibitions, no judgement, no pretences.

Planning a trip to Gokarna, Check out Thrillophilia Reviews

4. Indulging in the raw beauty of nature: A boat ride in the Sunderbans

If you think that everything has to be manicured and perfected, take a trip through the beautiful Sunderbans. The vastness of the space, the gurgling or the untamed river and naure in its rawest form will change your idea of what really is beautiful.

How to reach: Fly to the nearest airport at Kolkata and thereby continue the rest of the journey by road.

5. Disconnect from the world: A tour to Ladakh

In the lofty clouds, you can treat your eyes with the best views of the snow-clad peaks and a world never seen before! You won’t need a phone, you won’t want a phone and it is perfectly alright to feel it. Our constant Whatsapp and Facebook update have cluttered our lives a tour of Ladakh gives you a perspective on the important things in life. Isn’t this what a backpacking trip is about?

How to reach: Fly straight to the nearest airport of Leh from New Delhi at just INR 2,798 without burning a hole in your pocket!

Also, Check Leh Ladakh Bike tour before planning a vacation

Also Check Thrillophilia Bike trips Reviews

6. Experience the sand and sun of the desert: A camel safari in Rajasthan

We’ve been told that there’s something wrong with being pampered while others may not have what we have, once in a while, you’ll realise that being treated like royalty isn’t a bad thing after all. While meandering alone through the golden sands of Rajasthan, take a Camel Safari and feel the elegance of the desert on backpacking trips in India.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Jaipur from New Delhi at just INR 1,684.

Planning a trip to Rajasthan, Check out the Thrillophilia Reviews

7. Find a spiritual connect: Trek and monastery tour in Sikkim

Not every 20 years old has the spiritual inclination, but some of us do and it is quite nice. Not every day has to be about loud music and partying . Quench your yearnings for adventure with a serene blend of peace and tranquillity on a solo trip to Sikkim. Visit the monasteries on your backpacking trips in India and rediscover the inner peace and find reasons to appreciate life. The various Sikkim holiday packages on our platform will delight every traveller and offer uniqueness in each package with the beauty of Sikkim .

Check out amazing hill stations in India where you want to settle down

How to reach: Fly straight into the nearest airport at Bagdogra from Kolkata at just INR 1,279.

Planning a trip to Sikkim, Check out the Thrillophilia Reviews

8. Celebrate madness: Holi celebrations in Vrindavan

A riot of colours unleash their full glory a chaos that ensues and the beauty that unfolds, the childhood playground of the Lord Krishna, this ancient town witnesses a riot of colours every year during the eve of ‘Holi’. It is in Vrindavan, devotees from all the corners of the country gathers to celebrate this lively event. A definite must-do for any backpacking trips in India.

How to reach: Fly to the nearest airport at Agra and thereby on road.

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9. Unleash the child inside: Toy train ride from Siliguri to Darjeeling

There is a child in each of us, irrespective of our responsibilities; sometimes, we have to let the kid out. A slow, yet mesmerizing toy train ride from Siliguri, West Bengal will take you through lush forests, whirly tracks, waterfalls, and picturesque tea plantations. A joy ride in this rustic train finally takes you to the misty and enticing valleys of Darjeeling. There are an immense number of places in Darjeeling which you could visit and these places will surely surprise you with their breathtaking views and unmatched beauty. Explore all this and more with our Darjeeling packages .

10. Experience opposites: Delhi to Rajasthan jeep safari

There isn’t too much in life that’s clear cut, a Jeep Safari from the country’s capital Delhi to the desert capital Rajasthan can be a journey of lifetime. You’ll be unable to decide what you loved most, the great thriving metropolis or the expansive desert.

How to reach: Can a flight from any of the major cities to New Delhi. Mumbai to New Delhi now at just INR 2,277!

Don’t forget to check our list of amazing places to visit in Delhi

Click here to check Thrillophilia Reviews.

11. Appreciate how n ature works: A visit to Majuli

Majuli is a beautiful river island in Assam, the Majestic River Bhramaputra embracing Majuli is what makes this an amazing experience. Forget all your worries and anxieties, pack your bags and book your tickets to Assam for your backpacking trips in India. It’ll prove to you that life works in mysterious ways.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Jorhat and thereby complete the remaining journey by road.

Tours: Assam Holiday Tours .

12. Hop on that bike while you can: Dehradun to Nainital

There is always time to say ‘I wish’ but you’d rather not. Take a trip to fall in love with the whirly turns and terrains between Dehradun and Nainital. Embark on a solo bike ride from Dehradun and make it to Nainital – one of scenic and picturesque hill stations in India.

How to reach: Catch a flight to Dehradun airport from any other city across the country. Fly from New Delhi to Dehradun at just INR 1,975.

13. Be intimidated: Trip to Kanyakumari

When you look at what seems like the end of the world, it’s a mighty experience. The 3 big oceans converge at a point and it could honestly shake you up. Have a tryst with the ocean and witness the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the mighty Bay of Bengal. Located at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari is also the land’s end point of India.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Trivandrum and thereby continue the journey by road.

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14. Go back to nature whenever you can: A tour of Kerala’s backwaters

Every opportunity you get, try and get back to nature. Relax in the serenity of the enchanting nature and rejuvenate all your senses with a backwater tour in Kerala . Indulge in the revitalizing ayurvedic therapies and find a reason to embrace life once again!

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Cochin and thereby continue the journey by road.

15. M ake yourself feel better: A boat ride and tour of the Ghats of Varanasi

The ghat tour in Varanasi will make you feel like you’re in touch with a higher self, even one you cannot explain. The chants and hymns of the prayers around the Varanasi Ghats will somehow make you feel better. Take a boat ride in the holy Ganges during the early hours and feel the flamboyance of this pious city.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the airport of Varanasi and thereby continue the journey by road.

16. Experience the wrath of nature: Bike rides from Shillong to Cherrapunjee

When the going gets tough the tough get going. This rain heave will cleanse you. Let yourself free; delve into the enchanting beauty of Meghalaya and kick-start your motorcycle to one of the wettest places on earth. This whirly motorcycle trip from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is an enthralling experience and takes to several gorgeous hilly settlements and you can witness the enchanting beauty of Shillong .

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Shillong and thereby continue the journey by road.

Tours: Meghalaya Tours .

17. Appreciate the finer things: Sun rise at Tiger Hills, Darjeeling

Everything happens for a reason and often a fairly good one. If you are backpacking in Darjeeling, waste no time and get to the Tiger Hills in the early hours of the day. Witness the atmosphere getting soaked into the different colours of rising sun casting a magical spell over almost the Himalayan Range.

18. Enjoying what nature has : Trek in Dzukou Valley

Wild flowers adorn the Dzukou Valley during spring and the opulent beauty of the North East India with a trek to the valley of flowers in Nagaland. The weird and wild are often not appreciated. A trek to the Dzuko Valley during the spring seasons, when the entire valley wears the lively colours of the rhododendrons, is a treat to the eyes.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Guwahati and thereby continue the journey by road.

Tours: North East India Tour Packages .

19. Be amazed by the things that happen around you: The Loktak Lake

The world’s only floating lake, secluded from the crowd of the city-life, Loktak Lake is one of the most scenic and fascinating lakes in India. For the backpackers, a visit to this pristine and freshwater lake is all about self-discovery, relaxation of mind and finding peace in the lap of nature. You will see nature work her quirky ways and amaze you only if you see.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Imphal and thereby continue the journey by road.

20. Learn about history: Explore Hampi

The bygone era tells tales of how we lived, so much to learn and explore from everything our ancestors did. If you are one of the history buffs who get fascinated by the timeless beauty of a bygone era or historical facts, Hampi should be a destination for your backpacking trips in India. This quaint settlement in North Karnataka was once the capital of the great Vijayanagara Empire.

How to reach: Fly straight to the nearest airport at Belgaum from Bangalore at just INR 3,206.

21. Have fun: Partying in Goa

There is always responsibility, jobs, family there is always pressure to be better at whatever it is you do, but learn to take things a little lightly. Maybe even a little casually. Partying in Goa is the epitome of letting your hair down and not caring about the world.

22. Dive in: Andaman Islands

The never fulfilling wanderlust captures people of all ages and exclusive Andaman Island packages are a treat for all wanderers. With the scintillating beauty of Andaman that still holds purity of its existence, Andaman is the best option to explore without much hassle. Deep plunges into the serene blue waters with mind-boggling experiences of Scuba diving, Snorkeling, etc, you don’t need more than just the basics to have the most cherished memories of this backpacking trip. You can get lost in the solidarity of the nature and secludedness of the place to revive the joy of living when you visit this place. Book romantic tour of Andaman and romantic stay in Andaman only on Thrillophilia for an experience like never before.

Other Backpacking Trips Around The World, Must Read

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Asia tour packages, international tour packages.

My motivation to travel the world is to find the meaning of life. The best part of my search is I come across some of the most beautiful people from many amazing places from all over the world. You can find me on Google+ .

Best Backpacking Trips From Delhi

10 Best Backpacking Trips From Delhi

Kasol, himachal pradesh, ranikhet, uttarakhand, mcleod ganj, himachal pradesh, lansdowne, uttarakhand, mussoorie, uttarakhand, kausani, uttarakhand, chail, himachal pradesh, almora, uttarakhand, narkanda, himachal pradesh, kanatal, uttarakhand.

Backpacking has been the hype for the longest time. It doesn’t matter why you love backpacking, whether it’s simply because you’re an outdoorsy, nature lover or because Joey’s ‘backpacking across Western Europe’ story has made you curious about such an adventure. It's just such a great way to strip back all the glamour of everyday city life and re-discover the world! So if you’re based in Delhi and got a long weekend coming up ahead, then here are some of the best backpacking trips from Delhi that you must go for!

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Ranikhet, Uttarakhand
McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Kausani, Uttarakhand
Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

What better way to kickstart our backpacking list than with the picturesque town that is dubbed the backpacker’s haven! Kasol is a nature lover’s literal paradise, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and laden with several glacial rivers and gurgling streams. Located 1,580 meters above sea level, nestled within the Parvati Valley, along the banks of river Parvati, Kasol is a hub for backpackers, tourists, and party animals!

Road Distance From Delhi: 571 km, approximately 13 hours by road.

Places To Visit: Parvati Valley, Tosh Village, Kheer Ganga, and Tirthan Valley.

Things To Do: Trekking, hiking, riverside camping, and nature walks.

Also read: 10 Places To Visit In Kasol For A Great Holiday

Hidden in the valleys of Kumaon, Ranikhet translates to ‘Queen’s Farm’ and is no less of a jewel-like destination. A perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of Delhi, the hill station offers its visitors total tranquility and a chance to discover themselves! Covered in green meadows, pine, and oak trees against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas, the hill station is a must-visit on our list. Frequently explored by backpackers and hikers, Ranikhet is a great place to begin your backpacking journey.

Road Distance From Delhi: 371 km, roughly 9 hours by road

Places To Visit: Chaubatia Orchards, Holm Farm, Bhalu Dam, Meghdoot, Chevron Rosemount.

Things To Do: Nature walks, camping, trekking, cycling, golfing, and fishing.

Also read: 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Ranikhet For A Fun Vacation

Situated near upper Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj is the renowned home of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Set amidst lush greenery and lofty hills, this beautiful town is a popular tourist destination, especially for hikers and backpackers. Located in the Kangra district, it has one of the most captivating sceneries in all of Himachal. Since the towns of Dharamshala, Kangra, Nag, and Bhagsu (popular tourist destinations), are located close to McLeodGanj, one can cover more places if they plan a trip to this enchanting little town!

Road Distance From Delhi: 536, roughly 12 hours by road

Places To Visit: Namgyal Monastery, Minkiani Pass, Naddi View Point, Dharamkot, Bhagsu Waterfall.

Things To Do: Shopping, sightseeing, camping, trekking, spiritual experiences.

Also Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Himachal

Located at a height of 1,780 meters above sea level, Lansdowne is a quiet and slightly unexplored hill station in Uttarakhand. Tucked away in a corner of the Pauri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this hill town is well-maintained and absolutely breathtaking. The town is surrounded by fragrant oak and pine woods, and appears like a painted scenery - untouched and unspoiled! Far from Delhi’s traffic and bustling streets, Lansdowne is an ideal retreat for those looking for some tranquility.

Road Distance From Delhi: 2801 km, approximately 7 hours by road.

Places To Visit: Bhulla Lake, Tip N Top, St. John’s Church, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve.

Things To Do: Camping, boating, trekking, hiking, nature walk, birdwatching, and jungle safari.

Global Gallivanting

North india himalayan mountains itinerary & backpacking route.

Northern India and the Himalayan mountains are some of my favourite places to visit in India . With lush mountain scenery, colourful Buddhist monasteries, ancient spiritual places and a unique energy, there’s something really magical about the Himalayas.

However, the mountains of north India often get skipped as people travel around the hectic Indian cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that make up the famous Golden Triangle route. While these places are home to some of India’s most iconic sights, like the Taj Mahal , it’s a shame to miss the Himalayan mountains as they offer a much cooler and calmer Indian experience.

So I want to share my North India Himalayan mountains itinerary and backpacking route to help you if you’re thinking of exploring this beautiful and fascinating part of India.

The Himalayan Mountains of North India

The western Himalayan mountain region of India includes several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. In the east you have Sikkim and the Himalayan kingdom in Nepal sits somewhere in the middle.

These states are what this north India itinerary focuses on but it also includes the holy city of Amritsar in Punjab, home to the Sikh’s Golden Temple, and India’s capital city New Delhi as most travellers will enter India here.

The Himalayas are some of the most diverse areas of the country in terms of landscape. When you leave the busy cities in the plains of North India you’ll find lush green hill stations, tea plantations and the spectacular snow capped mountains of the Himalayas.

There’s tons of adventure and trekking opportunities as well as spiritual mountain towns like Rishikesh and Dharamshala where you’ll witness a way of living that is very different to the rest of India.

You’ll love backpacking in the Himalayas if you’re an adventurer looking to trek through the mountains, someone who is seeking spiritual enlightenment, or even if you just want to escape the heat and chaos of India’s big cities!

Carry on reading and I’ll describe the best route to take and give you plenty of tips for traveling in India.

My North Indian Mountains Itinerary and Backpacking Route

Delhi (3-4 days)

The best starting point for a North Indian itinerary is to fly into India’s capital New Delhi.

Delhi is a bustling, exciting, city with so much history, culture, food and interesting architecture to explore.

Some of the best places to visit in Delhi are India Gate, Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. There are tons of vibrant markets where you can buy some inexpensive souvenirs and trinkets and incredible street food.

This will probably be the starting and finishing point for your Himalayan mountains adventure – it can be a bit overwhelming at first so you don’t worry about seeing everything on the first visit – you can do the things you missed when you return at the end of your adventures.

Where to stay:

goStops Delhi was such a comfortable place to stay after the train ride, and is in a great location with a big buffet breakfast every morning. The dorm rooms are cosy and modern, with air conditioning and bathrooms .
TG Tashkent Hotel has fast WiFi, a very helpful and friendly manager, and is in walking distance to the train station .
Hotel City Star is in a central and quiet location in Delhi with friendly staff. Its in proximity to the New Delhi train station.
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, the Prime Balaji Deluxe @ New Delhi Railway Station with rooftop seating area, a good breakfast, and spacious and modern rooms.

Read More: 5 Best places to stay in Delhi

How to get there:

Delhi has a major airport with daily international and domestic flights connecting to every parts of the country and many major cities around the world.

Delhi’s train stations connect to many destinations around the country and spiritual places in north India, like Haridwar and Amritsar.

There are also daily local, luxury and sleeper buses going to various parts of India, including the mountain towns that are not reachable by rail.

Shimla (2-3 days)

The hill station of Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj, has historic colonial buildings, snow capped Himalayan mountain peaks, cool breezes, lush greenery, and stunning lakes, making it one of the most beautiful places in northern India.

Make sure you visit some of the vibrant markets in Shimla, like the Lakkar Bazaar market and the handicraft shops at the pedestrian avenue The Mall. For beautiful views of Shimla, make sure you visit The Ridge and Summer Hill.

During the winter months, Shimla is a wonderland covered in snow. In the summer, you’ll see the snow covered mountain peaks in the distance but get to enjoy warm days and the surrounding nature without it being too cold.

Annadale View is a great option if you’re a backpacker on a budget. It’s family run and has a wonderful homey atmosphere with cosy beds and delicious food.
Trimurti Pine Valley Resort is a budget option in a great location near Mall Road with a shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
Snow Valley Resorts has rooms with beautiful views, courteous staff, and spacious rooms.
Hotel Landmark Shimla is a clean, luxurious property with large rooms and a beautiful view of the valley.

One of the most scenic and fun ways to reach Shimla is riding the famous toy train from Kalka . You can take a train from Delhi to Kalka and then take the toy train to Shimla. Make sure you book your train tickets in advance though as they get fully booked up.

If you don’t manage to get a train ticket there are also buses to Shimla from Delhi and Chandigarh and connections to Manali. You can book buses and trains from Delhi to Shimla here.

The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubarhati, 23 kilometres away with connecting flights to Delhi and Chandigarh.

Manali (3-4 days)

Manali is a gorgeous mountain town that offers a refreshing break from some of the bustling cities of India and should not be missed on any Indian mountains trip.

It’s cooler climate makes an ideal setting to get cosy and sip on a chai while looking at the mountains but there are also plenty of things to do if you’re looking for a bit more adventure.

Some of the best things to see in Manali include the Hadimba Devi Temple and the Manu Temple, the Manali Nature Park, and Jogini Falls and the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art.

Holiday BnB Manali is good backpacker accommodation in an amazing location with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. I stayed at the beautiful Rock Top Cottage, which offers budget accommodation in the cosy mountains overlooking Old Manali with large rooms and tasty breakfasts.
Quality Inn River Country Resort is a midrange accommodation with hot water, views of the snow capped mountain peaks, and courteous staff.
For a little bit of luxury, La Ri Sa Resort offers a garden view, balcony, game room, and hiking nearby the resort.

Read More: 5 Best places to stay in Manali

Many luxury buses reach Manali from destinations like Delhi, Shimla and Dharamshala. It’s 13-14 hours from Delhi, 11 hours from Shimla, or 9-10 hours from Dharamshala. You can book bus tickets here.

You can also take a 14-hour train ride from Delhi to Ambala Cantt, and then a state bus to Manali.

Leh (5-6 days)

Leh is a unique city located at 3,500 meters above sea level which used to be the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. Leh is surrounded by mountains and other worldly landscapes, its a great starting base for your adventures in one of the most northern places in India.

The surreal mountain scenery and Tibetan history, culture and colorful monasteries mean Ladakh is regarded as one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in all of India. The remote location means it takes a long time to get here – but it’s worth it.

The best places to visit in Ladakh include Shanti Stupa, Thikse Monastery, and Shey Palace. Other highlights include Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, a gorgeous light blue lake that sits at 4,200 meters that you can sleep next to in tents.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a Royal Enfield motorbike to explore Ladakh and drive on the highest and second highest driveable road in the world. You can also hire a car and driver instead, to enjoy the trip without having to worry about driving yourself.

The best time to visit Leh is during the summer months of May to September, when the Leh to Manali highway is open and there isn’t any snow.

Gangs-Shun Homestay has big rooms; good home cooked food, and is in a good location in proximity to Shanti Stupa.
If you’re looking for a budget option, Travellers House is close to the centre of Leh with a homey atmosphere and good showers with hot water.
Hotel Lingzi is a gorgeous midrange option with clean and spacious rooms and is very close to the market.
For a little bit of luxury, Ladakh Sarai Resort has attentive staff, excellent views, and mouth-watering food made with homegrown veggies.

Parvati Valley (4-5 days)

The Parvati Valley is a gorgeous area of northern India with a really chill vibe and tons of trekking opportunities. The cool mountain climate makes it an ideal place for camping and longer treks and many people just like to chill and soak up the stunning views.

You might also notice a local ‘herb’ that grows freely here – just make sure not to take it with you as there are often police checks on the roads leading out of Kasol.

You’ll probably want to base yourself in Kasol, and from there, can go on various treks in the area. A trek to Chalal is only 30 minutes away, and you can trek further to Rasol, which will take 3-4 hours.

Tosh is another trek that will take around 1 hour from Barshani (a 1 hour bus ride from Kasol). From there, you can trek to the hot springs in Kheerganga, which is 12 kilometres one-way.

Nomads Hostel is a fun place to meet other travellers and potential trekking partners. There’s also a restaurant and a terrace, with some rooms boasting a balcony and mountain view.
Memoir Homes & Café has a seating area and a calm and serene atmosphere, an ideal choice if you’re on a budget.
Brick and Wood Cottages have a terrace, shared lounge, and shared kitchen, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Inwoods Café is a luxury accommodation next to the river with good rooms and even a children’s playground, perfect if you’re traveling with kids.

If you went to Leh then come back down to Manali where local buses run frequently to Kullu where you can change buses and travel onwards to Kasol. The journey from Manali to Kasol should take about 5-6 hours.

Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj (3-4 days)

This beautiful spiritual mountain town is a highlight of any North India mountains and Himalayas itinerary. Dharamshala isn’t so interesting but nearby Mcleod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.

There are also some cute mountain villages near Mcleod Ganj, like Bhagsu and Dharamkot , where you’ll find tons of yoga and meditation classes, chakra readings, shops selling crystals and handmade hippie clothing and jewellery, and tons of cosy cafes.

You can take an overnight trek to Triund and camp in the mountains under the stars, visit Namgyal Monastery, and Tsuglagkhand Complex Dalai Lama Temple, where you’ll get to meet the Dalai Lama if you’re lucky! You can also visit Dal Lake or Kangra Fort, just outside of the town.

I loved staying at HosteLavie . It’s a backpacker accommodation with free breakfast, a rooftop hangout area, comfortable beds, and showers with hot water.
For budget accommodation, Green Hotel has balconies and views of the surrounding mountains, with a homey atmosphere and a very friendly receptionist.
For midrange accommodation, Treebo Roshan House has well-mannered staff and a rooftop with open-air huts.
Prakiti Aalay is beautiful luxurious accommodation next to a relaxing creek, gorgeous sunset views, and accommodating staff.

There are many overnight buses from Manali to Dharamshala, which takes about 9-10 hours. You can book your bus ticket here. You can also get a 5-hour local or luxury bus from Amritsar to Dharamshala if you did this route the other way round.

Read More: Dharamkot and McCleod Ganj Travel Guide

Amritsar (2 days)

Amritsar is a vibrant city with a powerful energy. It’s home to the Golden Temple, which is the most important pilgrimage site of Sikhism, where 100,000 mouths are fed every single day by volunteers for free!

You can also check out the entertaining nightly performance at the Wagah Border, where the guards have a dance off with the guards in Pakistan and the locals go wild with pride for their country.

Khalsa College and Jallianwala Bagh are two nice places to have a leisurely stroll and I also recommend checking out the bizarre and unique Mata Lal Devi temple.

India Someday booked me into the awesome Jugaadus’ Hostel, which is a fun place to stay if you’re a solo traveller. The hostel arranges tours around Amritsar, has comfortable air-conditioned rooms, clean bathrooms, and good breakfast.
For budget accommodation, Osahan Paradise provides traditional rooms and is in proximity to the Golden Temple.
For a centrally located midrange hotel, Golden Sarovar Portico has air-conditioned rooms, flat screen TVs.
Best Western Marrion is luxurious accommodation with wood furnished rooms and décor, a rooftop poolside restaurant, and a coffee shop.

You can take a 5-hour bus from Dharamshala that leaves at both 5 and 6:30 in the morning ( book here. ) You can also take a train from Delhi or Haridwar to reach Amritsar, which takes around 8-9 hours.

Rishikesh (3-4 days)

Rishikesh is one of the most spiritual places in India and is known as the yoga capital of the world. Home to many ashrams and yoga and meditation schools, this is the place where you can come to do your yoga teacher training .

Even if you’re not into yoga Rishikesh is a wonderful place to relax at one of the many cafes along the River Ganga, visit the Beatle’s Ashram and the many temples, go white water rafting, trekking or spend the evening watching the spiritual Ganga Aarti performance.

Read More: 5 Best yoga retreats in Rishikesh and 5 Top yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh

Shiv Shakti Guesthouse is one of my favourite hostels in India, and is a wonderful place to meet travellers and to socialize. They have a comfortable rooftop hangout area, family dinners on Thursday nights, free chai all day long, and events like Bollywood Dancing on Saturdays.
Maa Ganga Guesthouse serves you breakfast and has a delicious onsite restaurant, and is in proximity to the beach.
Hill Top Swiss Cottage is only 5 minutes from the beach, and provides yoga and mediation classes, and even candle-lit dinners in the garden.
The luxury hotel Treebo the Lily has free WiFi, buffet breakfast, and modern rooms with bright décor.

You can take an overnight bus from Dharamshala, which takes about 14 hours, a bus or train from Amritsar or Delhi.

The train station in Haridwar has trains to and from Rishikesh, Amritsar, and Delhi. ( Click here to book tickets) Once in Haridwar, you have to take a shared rickshaw or a taxi to Rishikesh, which takes about 1 hour.

Read More: Rishikesh Travel Guide: Best places to visit, eat and stay

After Rishikesh take a train back to Delhi to finish your North India mountains itinerary. From Delhi you can catch your flight home or easily travel to other places in India.

If you like deserts, forts and palaces head to Rajasthan, or fly down to somewhere like Goa or Kerala in tropical south India and see a totally different side of this fascinating and diverse country.

Check out my ultimate India itinerary for more tips and inspiration.

Essential Info for Traveling North India

Budget: From $25/day. See more detail in the average costs for backpacking India .

When to go: The best time to visit the majority of India is during the cool, winter months (between November and March) but during this time its very cold and even snowy in the mountains and higher mountain passes in Ladakh are blocked.

The best time to travel in the north Indian mountains and Himalayas is during the summer months of April, May and June when the rest of the country is boiling hot the mountains make for a refreshing escape. But be aware that cities at lower elevations, like Delhi and Amritsar, can be very hot at this time so just spend a few days seeing the sights and then run for the hills!

Due to the variety of climates in this itinerary the best time to visit is during October and November or February to early April when you’ll get warm days and pleasant weather without it being too hot or too cold.

During the monsoon (July – September) these mountainous regions of India can receive very heavy rain. There is also the risk of landslides and flooding so it’s not the best time to go, but October and November time, just after monsoon before winter sets in, should be ok.

Visas: Nearly all visitors need a visa to visit India. Most nationalities can get an E Visa ( see here for more info )

Getting around: Trains, buses, and flights in India connect to every part of the entire country. While trains are usually the best way to travel around India there are limited lines in the mountains, so buses will usually be your best option.

Luxury tourist buses are much more comfortable and convenient than the cheap and slow local buses. You can book trains and buses in India online easily at 12 Go Asia.

There are also a number of airports near the most popular mountain destinations which offer an alternative to buses if you get travel sick from winding mountains roads.

Accommodation: You’ll find anything from tents and backpacker hostels to luxury 5 star resorts in the mountains. Hostels tend to cost $4-6/night, while hotels can cost anywhere from $50+. I’ve recommended accommodation for all budgets in this North India mountains and Himalayas itinerary. You can find accommodation, check photos and reviews and book on Booking.com

Tours: Taking a trip planned by India Someday is one of the best ways to see the country without having to worry about booking accommodation or transport. They’ll handle all of the hassle, and you’ll have all of the freedom you want in each city! If you’d prefer to take a guided group tour I recommend the 13 days Mountains and Mystics tour by Intrepid Travel.

Read More: I travel with the Lonely Planet India Guidebook – its really useful for practical info, maps, things to do, how to get around etc. Buy it before you go on Amazon to save money.

Read More: Where to travel in July and August to avoid monsoon in India

Traveling with India Someday Trip Planners

I’ve recently spent 12 days traveling around the mountains of northern India and my trip was planned and organised by an awesome company called India Someday . They organized a fun itinerary that took me to Manali, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Rishikesh, and Delhi.

It was so nice not having to worry about booking any accommodation or transportation, since India Someday handled all of that.

They sent me an easy to read chart, which had all of the destinations, accommodation, and transportation laid out in front of me. If I ever needed to contact them via WhatsApp or email, they were quick to respond.

I had an awesome combination of buses and trains, and loved staying in both spiritual mountain towns and bustling cities. I had ample free time in each city and felt I was really able to explore each place as much as I wanted to.

Even though I was a solo female traveller everything went smoothly, it was so nice having everything already booked for me and being able to enjoy each place without the hassle of planning and knowing I had a contact to help me out incase I had any difficulties. If you’d like support for planning your trip to India but still want to the freedom to travel independently instead of a on a group tour then India Someday are ideal.

Check out my review of traveling around the Indian mountains with India Someday and Anna’s review of traveling around North India and Madhya Pradesh with India Someday.

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It is lovely post about. I like all these area. I am also visited all places. Happiness Moments and memories. Thanks for sharing it with us.

We all know that Himalayas, “Land of Gods”, but sometimes we always get confused with what to visit and when. At this moment, posts like these are always helpful to their readers. They are so helpful and make the plan easy as well. Great Post!!!

North India is beautiful for traveling. You shared the Himalayas itinerary is awesome. I would like to visit the post once more of its valuable content. Thanks for sharing this blog.

Wow!!! Very nice information for traveler. Thanks a lot for giving proper tourist knowledge. Your Blog all Post information is very unique and good. Superb and Interesting post.

Himachal is a heaven on earth. It is a land of gods and goddesses . And you very beautifully described it’s beauty . Thank you . Keep up the good work. 💕

Thank you! 🙂

Thank you Anna enjoyed reading your post on Northern Indian mountains, the Himalayas. Hope to get there one day, very inspiring.

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Elephant in river in Hampi while backpacking India

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*Are you looking for more information about India? My fellow travel blogger Rachel from Hippie in Heels lives in India since years and wrote an extensive and detailed ebook including all information you need to travel India. Get the ebook with all information about traveling India HERE !

By the way – here’s a video about my India backpacking trip:

India backpacking in the north – Delhi and Agra

The north of India is characterized by the capital, Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the Himalayas. India is huge and north and south are completely different. In general, the northern part of India, and Delhi, in particular, is considered exhausting and difficult to travel compared to the south, which is much richer and less chaotic. So, if you have some respect for India, it’s worth traveling from south to north to slowly get to know the country better. Do not miss the north, as you will find some of India’s greatest attractions there.

• Sights in Delhi

My journey in India starts like many others in Delhi, the chaotic capital of India. Delhi is one of India’s busiest travel destinations, and you immediately experience the country’s typical chaos and poverty. I advise you to stay no longer than 1-2 days in Delhi, as the sights in the Indian capital are limited. Use the time to visit the Red Fort , probably the most famous attraction in Delhi. Here you are in “Old Delhi” , the most traditional and chaotic part of the city. Walk through the streets of Chandni Chowk , the old market, with its narrow and winding streets. Also, a visit to New Delhi‘s Presidential Palace and India Gate is worth it, as well as at the Humayun Mausoleum . Just outside the city, you will find another one of India’s attractions, the Qutb-Minar complex , which is considered a World Heritage Site.

Streets of old delhi while india backpacking in the north

• Sights in Agra

Agra is a city south of Delhi and can be reached in a few hours by bus or train. Here, you will find the most famous sight in India – the Taj Mahal . You should not miss this on any Indian trip! I do not have much to tell you about the Taj Mahal, just so much is said – it’s worth it, and it’s just as beautiful as you imagine (though it looks a bit smaller than in the pictures). Try to be there as early as possible to avoid the crowds. In addition to the Taj Mahal, there is still more in Agra. You’ll find some lesser-known Indian landmarks, such as the “Baby-Taj” Mausoleum of Itmad-ud- Daulah , and the Agra Fort . So you should plan a full day to visit all of Agras‘ attractions on your India backpacking trip.

Unfortunately, I have not visited some of the other sights in the north of India, so I can not provide any details for those. Absolutely worth seeing is Amritsar with the Golden Temple in the north of Delhi, as well as Rishikesh at the foot of the Himalayas. Of course, those who are passionate about mountains and hiking need to travel further north into the Himalayas – but be careful, there are many areas you can only reach at certain times of the year. Another top tourist destination in India is Varanasi – the city where people travel to die for. Unfortunately, Varanasi is a bit away from the typical itinerary of India, but the place is absolutely unique, if not for the faint of heart. Varanasi is high on my list and I hope to visit more sights in the north of India soon on my next India backpacking journey.

India backpacking in the northwest – Rajasthan

The desert state of Rajasthan is just as you imagine India in Bollywood films – colorful markets, chaos on the streets, spice markets, castles, palaces, and temples. For me, Rajasthan is one of the best tourist destinations in India, with some of the best tourist attractions in the country. Most tourists in Rajasthan visit four cities – the pink city of Jaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur, the golden city of Jaisalmer, and the white city of Udaipur.

India backpacking journey to the markets of Rajasthan

• Sights in Jaipur

The pink city is probably the most famous sight of Rajasthan and forms, together with Delhi and Agra, the “Golden Triangle”, which many tourists visit. Jaipur can be reached by bus or train within a few hours from Delhi and Agra and is a great destination. The capital of the state is definitely worth a visit. In the city center, most of the buildings have been painted in a pink color, creating the epithet “pink city”. The most famous Indian sight in Jaipur is Hawa Mahal, the unique “Palace of the Winds” . It is also worth visiting the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory.

The most famous sight of Jaipur - the palace of the wind

Another highlight of Rajasthan is the Amber Fort , just outside of Jaipur, but easily accessible by public bus or taxi. The fortress lies in a huge terrain in the desert and is spectacular. Slightly above is the Jaigarh Fort , which offers incredible views of the Amber Fort and the desert landscape. On the way from Jaipur to the Amber Fort, you will pass the water palace, Jal Mahal , a cool stopover. Just tell the bus driver, get off, visit, and take the next bus to Amber Fort.

India backpacking to Amber fort in Jaipur Rajasthan, India

For a spectacular view of Jaipur, head to the Nahargarh Fort , preferably in the late afternoon. Here you can see a great sunset over the pink city. The fortress is also called Tiger Fort and is less crowded than the famous Amber Fort, and is, therefore, worth a visit mainly because of the view.

Another unique attraction of India is the monkey temple, Galta Ji. The huge complex is full of temples, fountains, and of course – full of monkeys. On the way to the temple, you pass some of the slums and the streets are full of animals, while it is a bit quieter and more relaxed once you arrive at the complex. Absolutely worth seeing n your India backpacking trip!

Jaipur monkey temple during my india backpacking trip

• Sights in Jodhpur

The “blue city” does not have quite as many Indian sights as Jaipur, but is a lot more relaxed and less crowded. The most famous attraction of Jodhpur is the huge Mehrangarh Fort above the city. The complex is huge and offers a great view over the blue roofs of the city. Another attraction of India in Jodhpur that you should not miss is the beautiful tomb, Jaswant Thada.

• Sights in Jaisalmer

Far to the west of India, in the Thar Desert on the border with Pakistan lies the “golden” desert town of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is a lot smaller than Jaipur and Jodhpur. The old town is located in the fort of Jaisalmer with its narrow streets. Here is also worth a visit to the Jain Temple. Just outside of Jaisalmer you will find the Amar Sagar Lake with its small palaces, perfect for the sunset. In general, Jaisalmer is small, and you can visit all the attractions of Jaisalmer in one day.

Sunset in Jaisalmer while backpacking India

Most tourists come to Jaisalmer for a camel safari in the desert . These safaris are mostly for two days with an overnight and a cool experience, especially if you have not had a camel desert experience in other countries like Morocco. But be warned – sitting on a camel for two days can be very painful! The sunset in the desert was very beautiful and we spent the night with blankets around the campfire under the open sky.

If you want to travel south from Jaisalmer, you’ll probably have to spend a night in Jodhpur as the city is not very well connected.

• Sights in Udaipur

The “white” city is located in the south of Rajasthan and is considered the Venice of the East with its waterfront location. There are several islands in the lake and the famous Lake Palace, where James Bond was filmed. A boat trip on Lake Pichola is definitely worth it. The most famous attraction in Udaipur is the huge, magnificent city palace . Udaipur is probably the “most beautiful” and most relaxed city of Rajasthan, and in some areas almost west.

India backpacking itinerary with Udaipur

Tip: On the way from Jodhpur to Udaipur you will find two of India’s most beautiful sights – the Ranakpur Jain Temple and the Kumbhalghar Fort. Unfortunately, these two destinations are difficult to reach by public transport. If you’re traveling with friends, it may be worth booking a private driver to take you from Jodhpur to Udaipur, stopping at these two attractions and including them in your India backpacking itinerary.

The Ranakpur Jain Tempel while backpacking in India

India backpacking in the west – Mumbai, Goa, and Hampi

From Rajasthan I traveled further south on the night bus, my next destination was Mumbai, followed by the famous beaches of Goa, and finally Hampi. This area is already completely different from Rajasthan and the north and is well worth a visit on your India backpacking trip.

• Sights in Mumbai

The bustling metropolis of Mumbai is very different from Delhi and I was surprised by how much I really liked Mumbai. One of India’s most famous landmarks is the Gateway of India , the great archway by the sea. Stroll along the Marine Drive , Mumbai’s fashionable seafront, and visit the luxurious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel . Also worth seeing are the beautiful colonial buildings , such as Victoria Terminus and the Municipal Corporation Building. Of course, there are also numerous markets and temples in the city.

The view of Mumbai while backpacking around India

One of my highlights – though not a sight in the classical sense – was a tour of the Dharavi slum in Mumbai, one of the largest slums in the world. While visiting a slum is morally questionable to many, I was very pleased with my decision to visit Dharavi. Anyone who expects only poverty and homeless people will be surprised. The slum is much more of a community of its own with its own ecosystem, where everyone works, everything is recycled, and there are even schools, hospitals, and all other facilities. It was fascinating to see and get to know the way of life of the Dharavi people – so you should only visit the slum with a tour guide. It is worth it!

• Sights in Goa

The state of Goa, with its famous beaches along the west coast, is a mecca for sun worshipers, hippies, and yogis. Here you should definitely explore some of the numerous beaches and, above all, relax after the stressful cities. The Arambol beach in the north is perfect for relaxing and still rather untouched by package tourism, but rather attracts hippies and backpackers. Palolem in the south is more touristy and a bit crowded. In general, you should think carefully about what you want from your stay in Goa – whether party or relaxation – and then decide on one of the many beaches which are perfect for a break from your India backpacking adventure. A short visit to Panaji , the capital of the state of Goa with its Portuguese influence, is also worthwhile.

Arambol beach is a famous India backpacking spot

• Sights in Hampi

The small town of Hampi is a bit off the tourist route in the middle of the country and is, therefore, a bit awkwardly (or only with a detour) reachable, but you should not miss Hampi, with its numerous attractions, under any circumstances. This was my absolute favorite place in India! Hampi used to be the capital of a huge kingdom, making the whole area rife with temple ruins . In addition, Hampi is beautifully located in rice fields and a rocky desert – just rent a scooter, and explore the area! The place is separated by a river, and if you’re there at the right time, you can even see Lakshmi , Hampi’s sacred elephant, being bathed and then receiving offerings from the locals.

At sunset , all travelers climb the rocks behind the village and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the rice fields. I absolutely loved Hampi and you should definitely plan a few days of your India backpacking itinerary to enjoy all the sights, but also the unique scenery.

India backpacking in the south – Kerala

The southern state of Kerala – known as “God’s Own Country” – stands in stark contrast to the desert state of Rajasthan and the north, with its green palm trees and tropical beaches. The south is much more developed, richer, and easier to travel than northern India.

• Sights in Kochi

The port of Kochi is one of the most important cities in South India and the large airport is perfect for starting or ending your trip to India. Spend a week or two in Kochi and visit the Fort Kochi district with its churches, synagogues, and, above all, the famous Chinese fishing nets . Here you can also see a great sunset.

• In the backwaters

The backwaters are considered a highlight and top sight of Kerala. This huge river system runs through much of Kerala and it is advisable to rent a houseboat (including a chef and captain) for two days and let yourself be carried away by the backwaters. Here you can see how the locals live right on the riverbank and can relax wonderfully. An absolute must-do in Kerala on an India backpacking trip!

View of the beautiful backpackers in Kerala in southern India

• Sights in Munnar

The village of Munnar is located in the hills of Kerala, in the middle of the tea plantations. Specifically, these tea plantations are also the reason to visit Munnar. Nature and scenery are beautiful and is very different from the tropical backwaters. You can wander through the tea plantations , watch the sunset, and visit a tea factory.

A highlight of backpacking india are the tea plantations of munnar

• Sights in Varkala

One of my favorite beaches in India is Varkala, just south of Kochi and Alleppey. The small town has a good tourism infrastructure and is located on a cliff while the beach is below. Varkala has a cool backpacker atmosphere with good restaurants and cheap accommodations. Here you can relax perfectly for a few days.

Awesome backpacker beach in Kerala, Varkala

The conclusion of my India backpacking trip

You see – India has everything! From tropical Kerala to the palaces and desert towns of Rajasthan, from the chaotic cities of Mumbai and Delhi to the laid-back beaches of Goa and the Himalayas in the north. India is huge, versatile, and one single trip is unlikely to be enough to explore the subcontinent.

I hope I was able to give you a first overview of the sights of India and I hope I have inspired you to start your India backpacking adventure soon!

This post includes affiliate links marked with (*). If you buy a product through these links, I earn a small commission. There is no extra cost for you and your purchase helps me running this website. Thanks for your support!

Merken Merken

Patrick Muntzinger - German Backpacker

Patrick is the founder of the bilingual travel blog "German Backpacker" and writes on this website about his adventures and experiences exploring every part of the world!

Backpacking India: a Complete Guide for first timers

So, you’ve decided to visit India as a backpacker and you don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve been in the same place and after visiting it we decided to write this all-in-one travel guide, to take a better look at this topic and plan your Indian adventure!

Backpacking India Guide for first timers

India is a vast country. No matter how long you’re staying or how packed your itinerary is: you will not manage to see it all! What’s important, however, is to create an itinerary that meets your goals and can be squeezed in your vacation timeframe. To do so, you need to understand how to efficiently get around, how to visit the different tourist attractions and be fully prepared so you don’t waste time.

Local transportation. Backpacking and use the local transportation network is probably the best way to explore India. You may also consider hiring a private driver or travelling with a group tour, but roaming around this huge country using public transports like the locals do might just be the best, truest – and rawest – type of experience. At the same time, there is a good chance public transport might be cancelled or delayed, with the ones running often beeing overcrowded.

Expect the unexpected. India can be exhausting even for the more seasoned travellers. Deep poverty, nerve-racking burocracy and overcrowding topped by the constant beeping of the thousands of cars and rickshaws make everything more difficult in India, and will possibly exasperate you. Also, get ready to witness anything. Everything is possible in India.

No matter how much you read or watch before travelling to India, you’ll steel be surprised when you get there. However, it’s very important to be prepared. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before packing your bags and heading to Bharat!

Do you need a Visa?

Yes. You need a visa to visit India. Here are the options available:

– Visa-on-arrival:

Visa-on-Arrival is only available to the citizens of Japan , South Korea & UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) .

– E-visa:

E-visa is the preferrable type of visa for most nationalities. There are 3 types of e-visa: one month, one year and five years.

One month e-Tourist Visa – Duration: 30 Days. Entries: Double Entry, non-extendable and non-convertible .
One year e-Tourist Visa – Duration: 365 Days from the date of grant of ETA. Entries: Multiple .
Five years e-Tourist Visa – Duration: Five years from the date of grant of ETA. Entries: Multiple .

“ Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 90 days for countries except USA and Japan. For USA and Japan continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days. “

As reported on the official website of the Indian Government, the further conditions also apply: “Applicant’s passport should have at least six months validity at the time of making application for grant of e-Visa. International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket , with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India. “

Foreigners of Pakistani origins or having Pakistani Passport are not eligible for e-Visa. Foreigners who are not Pakistani nationals, but whose parents or grandparents (either paternal or maternal) was born in, or was permanently resident in Pakistan, are also not eligible for e-Visa. They may apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.

➼ WHEN TO APPLY FOR E-VISA? Tourists can apply for the one-month e-tourist visa up to 30 days prior their trip. The application must also be made at least 4 days before the date of arrival. For the one-year and the five-year visas, visitors can send their applications up to 120 days and at least 4 days before their travel time.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to get an Indian e-Visa!

Local currency

The official currency of India is the Indian rupee. It is often shortened as ₹‎, INR or RS, and it’s currently valued at $0.012 USD. This means $1 US dollar will be exchanged for ₹82.80 Indian rupee .

The banknotes available are ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, ₹500 and ₹2000. Coins are also used, and you will find ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10 and ₹20. This means you have both coins and banknotes for ₹10 and ₹20 INR.

Sometimes, you will see the word lakh when talking about prices of very expensive things. A “ lakh ” is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to one hundred thousand. Therefore, 1 Lakh = ₹100.000 INR = $1.210 USD.

Backpacking India Guide for first timers Indian Rupee

Get an Indian Sim Card

If you plan on staying in India for a while, you may be interested in getting a local sim card. Getting one is easy, and you’ll get to use one of the most convenient phone plans in the entire world.

The 3 biggest network providers in India are Vodafone , Airtel and Jio . Sim cards can be bought at Delhi and Mumbai airport, from a store in the city you visit or even at your accommodation. Many hostels and hotels, in fact, offer this service and it is quite convenient.

The easiest option however is to get your sim card straight at the airport if possible. Here you won’t need to provide extra paperwork or documents as the staff does all the copies for you.

How to travel around India?

To plan your trip, you need to find reliable ways to go from point A to point B. Getting around big, new countries often feel intimidating, and India may top this list.

The most preferrable way to move inside a country highly depends on his history and his culture, and it may differ a lot to what you’re used to. This is what this guide is for. Find out the best ways to backpacking India!

🚂 Travel by train in India

The train is the most used mean of transport in India to move between different cities. Buses are also used, especially to reach places not served by the Indian railway network, but if there is a railway then it’s always worth checking the trains!

Indian trains are efficient, cheap and also easier to understand. However, train tickets should be booked in advance. In fact, there is a high chance of tickets being sold out. Here is an overview of trains in India:

BOOKING : Train tickets can be booked on the Indian Railway’s official website called IRCTC . Please note that registration is necessary to book tickets, and you need to pay a small fee to register.
CLASSES: There are many, many train classes in India. 1AC is the best class, followed by 2AC, 3AC. Sleeper (SL) is a more basic and budget class, with Second Seating (2S) are the cheapest option available. More intermediate classes are available, but less common.
SLEEPING TRAINS: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC and Sleeper are all sleeping trains. This means you will get a bunk bed as a standard option. Comfort and overcrowding depends on the class and on the ride.

An awesome Indian app to monitor your train reservations is IXIGO . This app is surprisingly accurate, it will show you everything from delays to your couch, your booking details and much more.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to travel by train in India!

🚌 Buses in India

Buses are a great alternative to trains. They are cheap, you rarely need reservation and sometimes they are just the only option available. Finding the exact bus stop won’t always be the easiest task, but your host or any tuktuk driver will help you out if you have doubts.

Understanding the “class” or the comfort of your bus ride, however, is not as easy. You need to rely on tips from locals or reviews when available.

BOOKING: The most commonly used app to search and book buses in India is RedBus . Here you can also find reviews, and the app works very well. However, international cards are often not accepted. In such scenario, you can ask your host to make a reservation for you and just pay him the same amount cash.

🚗 Hire a car with driver in India

Although it’s not the cheapest option, hiring a car with a driver in India appeared to be extremely easy. You often don’t need to book it in advance, even for longer distances. One or two days before departure is enough time to find a good deal.

To compare prices, we recommend downloading Uber and Makemytrip . Both apps show the available options for your ride, with a fair price. Use that to compare the offer from your local host/agency, or book directly on the app.

Prices are higher compared to public transport, but not crazy expensive. For a 4.5h transfer we ended up paying about 4.000 INR ($48 USD), which we split amongst the passengers. The biggest advantage of hiring a driver is that you can stop wherever you want on the way. I.e., we included a visit to the astonishing Ranakpur Temple going from Jodhpur to Udaipur which is kind of a nightmare to do with public transport, and it was highly worth it.

Also, if you happen to get a good driver who also speaks some english the ride will be much more interesting, as he will be able to tell you more about the places you see along the way.

✈️ Internal flights in India

Taking an internal flight might be a great idea. Most international flights only land in major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and India is huge. In other countries you may think of planning your itinerary as a loop trip, but in India it makes much more sense to only go one-way. One or two internal flights might help you see way more while feeling less exhausted.

Air India , Vistara , IndiGo , SpiceJet are the major airlines that operate local flights over the skies of India. These flights aren’t particularly expensive, usually costing less than $100 USD and often priced at around $50 USD. Use skyscanner to compare flights and find the cheapest deals.

Where to go? Plan your itinerary

Planning an itinerary in India isn’t an easy task, as it’s very subjective and it all depends on how many days you have and on what your interests are. India is the world’s 7th largest country, and its geography is incredibly diverse, with different climates and seasons.

From the impressive peaks of the Himalayas to the sand dunes of the Thar Desert , from the lush forests of the east to the laid-back beaches of Goa , India’s geography is surprisingly rich. The climate changes accordingly, so it’s important to keep that in mind when planning your itinerary and packing your bags.

If you travel to India for the first time there is a high chance you want to visit Rajasthan (with its stunning cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur) and Agra with its Taj Mahal . This is an itinerary that can be squeezed in 2 weeks, even though 3 weeks would be ideal. You can expand this trip by including Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi , Bikaner , Pushkar , Orchha and more.

You may also consider visiting the north of India, with its stunning landscapes – much different from the southern ones. Here, expect a breath of fresh air while visiting the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar, Leh, Ladakh, Turtuk and more. The city of Rishikesh is regarded as one of the holiest places for Hindus, and it attracts many yoga enthusiasts from all over the world.

Furthermore, Southern India boosts stunning places like Goa, Kerala, Bangalore, Hampi, Ooty, Munnar, Kochi, Alleppey, and Varkala .

Where to stay: choosing the right accomodation

First, what are the most used booking websites for hotels and hostels in India? Let’s break that down. Here is a list of the most used website to look for accommodations in India:

BOOKING.COM : Booking.com works well in India, and it’s probably the best website to look for accommodations if you’re planning the trip in advance from your home country.
HOSTELWORLD: The backpackers app par excellence, hostelworld struggles a little in India. The hostel scene isn’t the best we’ve seen, and some of the existing structures are not even listed on the website. Prices don’t always match with booking, so we wouldn’t recommend it straight away.
MAKEMYTRIP: This website has great deals for accommodations and transportation, however it doesn’t work in many countries outside of India. Consider using it if you don’t like to plan in advance, as it’s often cheaper than Booking.com.
AIRBNB: Airbnb is used in India and it has some very cool and unique accommodations here and there. It’s always worth checking if you’re looking for something special.

💰 On a budget:

Homestays are widely popular in India, and this is good news if you travel on a budget. You can often find privates for just a few $ and they’re often fairly good. If you’re lucky, you can even find deals for as low as $1 USD per night.

Hostels are present in India but they are not always budget-friendly: bunk beds are priced at around $6-10 USD per night with privates often ranging between $15-30 USD per night, which is quite a lot in India.

🏨 Hotel rooms:

Hotels in India vary a lot , both in prices, quality, comforts etc. And we mean it! However, something we noticed only after visiting India is that to a higher price isn’t always associated higher quality and better comfort. In fact, maintainance plays a key role here and some fancier hotels/hostels aren’t always as nice as they look in pictures. Keep that in mind when choosing.

The hotel scene as a whole is also very interesting: in cities like Delhi or Jaipur you can find a double room in a 3-star hotel for as low as $10 USD on booking. Many fancier 4-stars resorts offer rooms still below $20 USD, which is insane value for money. At the same time, the most exclusive 5-star resorts can easily reach $500 or even $1000 USD a night, which gives an idea of how crazy the hotel market in the country is.

⛺ Unique experiences:

India offers many incredible and unique places to stay at! Places like Hauz Khas in Delhi are filled with incredible and extravagant accommodations, and this is just an example of the huge amount of beautiful places and experiences you can find.

Cost of living

Life in India is cheap, and you probably already know that. But how cheap?

When travelling the main expenses are accommodations, transportation, food and activities. In India, all of these are quite cheap apart from the latter. Activities, in fact, always have a double pricing for locals and for foreigners. But let’s break it down into details:

ACCOMMODATIONS: As discussed in the previous chapter, accommodations are generally affordable in India. It all depends on the type of structure you want to stay at, but you can easily get deals for $20 USD, $10 USD or even $5 USD a night per a double room.

TRANSPORTATION: Getting around India can also be very cheap. If you choose the Sleeper class on trains you will end up paying just a couple of dollars for a 5-hour train ride. Daily rickshaws are also very affordable, usually costing 1 or 2 USD per ride. Intercity buses usually cost around 400-1200 INR ($5-15 USD) depending on comfort and distances. On the ther hand, expect to pay more (roughly 5000-6000 INR or $60-72 USD) if you choose to hire a private driver, for a 4-5h ride.

FOOD: Food in India is everywhere and at any time. Street food can be found in every street corner and it typically cost anywhere from 20 INR to 80 INR, which is less than $1 USD. A meal in a local restaurant costs $5 to $10 USD, while you should expect to spend more ($15-25 USD) in fancier places, remote areas or if you drink alcohol. Beers, in fact, usually cost as much as a dish ($3-4 USD per bottle), while vegetarian dishes are generally half the price of non-vegetarian ones.

Bottled water can be found in many little shops on the streets. The most common price is 20 INR ($0.25 USD) per bottle. Water price can be found imprinted on the bottle after “MRP” (Maximum Retail Price), and it can’t be sold for more than that. Cheaper water is usually treated water, while spring water can cost from 60 INR up to 150 INR ($0.75 USD to $2 USD).

ACTIVITIES: Double pricing is common practice in India. Pretty much anything has an Indian price and a foreigner price when it comes to activities. The difference is quite noticeable, with the price for tourist usually being 2 to 5 times (and sometimes even more) the one applied to Indians. This means most entrances and tickets end up costing a lot to tourists, and there is a fee for pretty much anything you want to visit.

Local man seen while backpacking in India

Indian Food

Indian food is spicy, rich in flavour and usually relatively cheap. Food is also a huge part of the Indian culture, and you can eat everything you want at any time of the day.

If you’re vegetarian, India is the perfect place! The country has the lowest meat comsumption in the world, with over 40% of the population being vegetarian ! Dairy however plays a big role in Indian cousine, which makes it harder to find options for vegans.

When it comes to meat, you will not find beef on any menus since cows are considered as sacred animals in India. Pork is also not something you can easily find in Indian dishes, as it’s only used in states like Goa, Kerala and Karnataka. Instead, chicken and mutton are the most common meats, widely used in Indian cuisine from north to south.

STREET FOOD: Street food is the most affordable option to eat local delicacies. Most street food is deep fried. Some dishes includes Samosa (a triangular deep-fried potato-filled pastry), Poha (flatten rice) which is a popular Indian breakfast, Pani Puri , Dosa , Jalebi , Gulab Jamun and many more.

Masala Chai is one of the most popular drinks, as well as Lassi , Nimbu Masala Soda and many others. At the same time, avoid anything containing water or ice if possible.

TRADITIONAL MEALS: When visiting restaurants you’ll be amazed by the amounts of dishes you’ll see on the menu. Meals also change a lot across different states, but make sure to try Biryani (rice mixed with vegetables or meat), Masala Dosa (a crispy crepe made of rice and lentil batter), Laal Maas (spicy mutton curry), Butter Chicken (flavoured chicken curry), Saag Paneer (green vegetarian curry with paneer cheese), Rogan Josh (a lamb curry), Tandoori Chicken and the famous Indian breads like Naan , Roti and Paratha .

Best time to visit India

Due to its vast size and different morphology, India’s climate varies a lot depending on the region you’re considering. It’s good advice to check out the climate for your specific region before planning your trip.

Overall, India has a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy usually coincides with the period going from May to October . This is also the hottest time of the year, with temperatures reaching 40 – 45°C (104 – 113 ° F) in some areas.

The dry season generally goes from November to April , when rain is less likely and temperatures are cooler. This is the best time to visit India , but it’s also considered high season. Mornings are cold and you need to dress up accordingly.

Festivals in India

There are tons of festivals around india, celebrated throughout the year. According to our Indian friend Shreya from @cuttiebeats , these are the events you shouldn’t miss as a first timer in India! ‣ Festival of Navratri in Gujarat . That’s a festival of nine nights, where people dress up and perform traditional dance whole night for nine nights. I have been seeing a lot of people from other countries are traveling to Gujarat to enjoy this festival. Navratri is celebrated each year at the end of September.

‣ Holi – festival of colors. This festival is celebrated all over India but Vrindavan is the place. Holi takes place in March.

‣ Diwali – Is Hindu new year. Currently celebrating this festival. One of the main festivals in entire India. I have heard celebrations in varanasi in last few years you don’t wanna miss out on but anywhere in India Diwali can be celebrated. I have seen people are actually hosting guests from other countries, making them part of family so they can learn and participate in all celebrations.

‣ Onam – in Kerala : This is a 10 day celebration, where each day holds much significance. It is a harvest festival, and it’s celebrated in August all over Kerala.

Should you plan India in advance?

Yes and no. Trains, internal flights, safaris and other specific activities or accommodations during events should be booked in advance. For anything else, there is no need to overplan the trip honestly. You can do so if it helps your travels, but you could totally go with the flow and plan your trip last-minute.

Accommodations are widely available, trains can easily be replaced with buses if they are fully booked, and daily activities can be adjusted depending on your schedule.

Safety tips in India

‣ avoid getting sick.

Tap water, ice, water contained in drinks, raw food and anything that could’ve been washed with tap water and not cooked should be avoided. Brush your teeth with bottled or filtered water all the time, and you will probably be fine.

Street food is also border line. We tried everything and we had no problems, but food that has been fried in old oil or food stalls in poor hygienic conditions could possibly cause you some problems.

‣ Don’t be afraid to say no

Most Indians mind their own business, but there’s still plenty of people whose only source of income are tourists. They will try to sell you and offer you anything. Sometimes this can results in some sketchy situations, which is why we recommend to avoid starting any conversations with those people. Say no, keep walking and be clear about your intentions.

‣ Agree to a price before the ride

When taking a rickshaw, bargaining is part of the experience. There won’t be a ride where bargaining isn’t necessary. However, some drivers will tell you not to worry about the price, that you can pay them later, or that you can pay them only if you’re happy with their services. This is another red flag.

Honest drivers will agree to a price and then stick to it. Those who try to trick tourists with these offers most of the times end up asking much more than expected after the ride. Always agree to a price before the ride.

‣ Beware of street monkeys

Monkeys can become quite aggressive when they spot people holding food or when confronted. To avoid any problems, avoid eye contact with them, protect your belongings and hide both food and drinks when monkeys are nearby.

Visiting India as a solo female traveller

Hi backpackers! I’m Ladyz, I’m Colombian and I currently live and work in the Philippines. After experiencing India as a solo female traveller first-hand in 2023, I decided to share with you some of my best tips through Backpackers in the World.

Be prepared to get way too much attention as a foreign woman traveling alone, even more than in other parts of Asia. This can get uncomfortable at times, so, it is important to not feel too self-conscious about it.

It is highly recommended to join a group tour or hire a private guide. In some places, it can be hard to get a service or being paid attention to if you are by yourself as a foreigner woman. This can be more notorious in local places where there are more older men that another demographic group.

Again, don’t be afraid to say no. Local vendors will follow you for blocks to try to sell you anything or tour guides will bring to stores where they “teach” to do different stuff -handicrafts, jewelry- but only to sell you very overprice products. If you are interested in buying something, do a little research first about fare prices so you don’t get scammed.

In general, India can be a safe place for a woman traveling alone, but as everywhere else in the world, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and don’t put yourselves in risky situations. It was very notorious that the local people on the streets are 70% men, and in some places, like small towns, there will be times that you won’t see one single woman outside.

Can you bring a drone to India?

If you like taking photos and you usually carry a drone with you, you may be wondering whether it’s allowed to fly – or even bring – your drone to India or not. We asked the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and here is what they said:

“ Refer TM, as per Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) order dated 09th Feb 2022, import of any drones either in completely built up (CBU), completely knocked down(CKD) / semi knocked down (SKD) forms have been banned , with the exception of drones imported for the purposes of defence, security and research and development”. Also, as per The Drone Rules 2021, only Indian Nationals are allowed to operate drones in India. “

Once reading this we decided to not carry a drone on our trip. However, when in India we found out that many people (both Indian nationals and foreigners) have found a way to get around the law.

Apparently, all you need to do is to put your drone in your check-in baggage while you bring the batteries in the carry-on. While we do not recommend doing so, this simple trick actually works.

bring a drone to India, backpacking India

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Backpacking india in 2024: everything you need to know.

Our Experience Backpacking India

Between October and November 2018, we had the absolute pleasure of backpacking India for 3 weeks.

India is somewhere we’ve always wanted to visit.

We have long wanted to see the chaotic cities, the breathtaking countryside and, most of all, the Taj Mahal.

How did we get on?

Well, it’s safe to say that India more than passed our expectations.

In fact, we loved it!

We really didn’t expect to fall in love with the chaotic country as much as we did.

Many people told us that India wouldn’t be good ...

“It’s too busy” …

“It’s too unsafe”...

“You’ll get sick” …

Wel, we didn’t find it too busy (except for Mumbai and Delhi of course!), it was one of the safest we’ve ever felt in a country, and we didn’t get sick.

So it’s safe to say, never let other people's misconceptions allow you to decide whether you should go to a country or not.

I’ve been to countries similar to India, such as Bangladesh which is similarly chaotic and overpopulated, so I kind of new what I was getting into.

But if you visit India as your first backpacking country, then yes, it’s going to be a shock to the senses, but that’s the whole point.

Trust me, you’ll leave with fond memories and a craving for authentic Indian food for months.

So, to ensure you have a great time travelling this spectacular country, we’ve created this ultimate backpacking India guide filled with everything you could possibly need to know about planning the perfect trip .

So, what else are you waiting for? Let’s get stuck in ...

Quick Things To Learn About India

India is a very large country and there are some areas you should avoid due to issues such as political unrest. You can keep up-to-date on areas that you should avoid by monitoring the news and local government websites. Our backpacking routes below include all safe locations to visit.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, diphtheria, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis and rabies are all recommended.

Airtel sims have great coverage all over India. It costs roughly $8 for a 2 month sim, which includes calls, texts and 1.6 g of data per day. You can purchase a sim from any Airtel store and you will need a passport photo and copy of your visa.

There are ATM’s all over India. Some refuse to take foreign bank cards and many have charges. If you use Revolut , then use Bank of Baroda, which is free.

The history of India is incredibly in-depth. It includes the prehistoric settlements in the Indian subcontinent, the advancing of civilization from the Indus Valley Civilization to the blending of the Indo-Aryan culture which formed the Vedic Civilisation. The rise of Buddhism and Hinduism, the onset of powerful empire and dynasties for more than 3 millenia; including the advent of European traders, resulting in the establishment of British India. As well as the independence movement which led to the Partition of India which then brought us the Republic of India.

Tipping is customary in India and 10% is the norm.

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Indian currency is a closed one, which means you cannot bring it into the country. You can exchange pounds/euros/dollars when you arrive, or you can withdraw from an ATM when you land (for this, I recommend Revolut ).

In most of India, you won’t find a massive party scene, except for areas like Goa, Mumbai and Delhi.

In much of the southern parts of India, the malaria risk is seen as very low. However, in the regions further north, their is a relatively high risk. So speak to your doctor before going in order to see whether or not anti-malarials are advised for your route.

The main religion in India is Hindu, with roughly 80% of the population practicing Hinduism. Other popular religions include Muslim, Christianity and Buddhism.

The official language in India is Hindi; although English is widely spoken as well. India is a big country, and there are a variety of other languages spoken. However, it’s always good to be aware of some basic hindi (not that I was great in that department).

Hello = namaste
Thank you = dhanyavaad (pronounced tan-ye-bod)

Plugs and sockets have either:

Grounded/earthed 3 Pin connections (Type D) ... or ...
Un-grounded 2 pin connections (Type C).

Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing. ‍

Here's a few reasons ...

They Cover for Covid-19
You can pause and restart policies each month
They are more affordable than many providers

For more info, check out my in-depth SafetyWing review .

Best places to visit In India

India is such a large country that there are probably hundreds of different cities, towns and villages to visit when there.

Of course, we haven’t been to every one of these places in India, but did manage to fit in what we believe to be many of the most popular backpacking destinations in India.

So below is a list of our favourite places to visit and we recommend you give them a try as well.

It’s based on where we visited in our 3 week backpacking India route .

So if you’ve been wondering, “what are the best places to visit in India?” then look no further!

Goa is the beach state of India and is actually the smallest state in the whole country.

But don’t be fooled, this does not mean it’s small!

It is still incredibly large to visit and you couldn’t possibly hope to do it all in just a few days.

Goa is most famous for its gorgeous beaches which line much of the coastline and draw in hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists a year.

As well as it's endless private pool villas to relax in.

So if you’re looking to relax and unwind on some of stunning beaches, then Goa is the pace for you.

And if you want just a relaxing few days on the beach, as well as partying and super cheap alcohol, then well, Goa is still the place for you!

Many people we met across India actually stated that they don’t class Goa as true India, seeing as it is so different from the rest of the country.

This might have something to do with the fact that the Portuguese had rule over the whole state for more than 450 years!

If you plan to head to Goa, which you should, then to help you find your way around the 50 or so beaches they have, check out this guide we wrote on the best beaches in Goa .

Mumbai has always been one of India’s most popular tourist spots, but the city got a whole lot more famous back in 2008 after the release of the movie Slumdog Millionaire.

Though the slums have in themselves become a hugely popular reason for visiting Mumbai, don't let the slums and the hectic nature of the city put you off from visiting.

In fact, we believe that this is the very reason why you should choose to visit Mumbai.

It is an incredibly exciting city and, though we only recommend staying for a day or two, it is possible to cram so many great things in.

There are some downsides to the city, such as the overwhelming amount of traffic and the smell that never seems to leave, no matter where you go!

But it is a city like no other and one we are glad we visited.

Popular things to see in Mumbai include the many Bollywood filming locations.

Bollywood is becoming an increasingly big deal and Mumbai is the place to be if you are interested in becoming an Indian movie star or even just want to be an extra (which foreign tourists can do!).

If you do pan on having just a short stay here, check out this guide we wrote:

14 Best Places To Visit In Mumbai In One Day: Complete Itinerary

Udaipur is known widely as "The City Of Lakes” and, as you might imagine, it can be super beautiful.

That is, of course, as long as you get out of the main city centre, which is very busy at all times of the day.

We recommend renting a moped for the day and making your way outside the city and discovering the calm, peaceful world that lies just outside.

We took a whole day to explore nearby forts and lakes, and particularly enjoyed watching the sunset over Lake Badi, which is very peaceful and much more secluded.

Aside from this, there are plenty of wonderful things to see and do back inside of the city; most notably, City Palace.

This palace served as home to rulers for more than 400 years and is spectacularly beautiful both inside and out.

Be sure to eat dinner at one of the many open-roof restaurants located beside lake Pichola.

We wish we could have stayed longer in Udaipur, but we had to get moving.

Read Also: 12 Awesome Places To Visit In Udaipur In 2 Days [Complete Guide]

Jodhpur is known as “The Blue City” and is iconic for it’s old town where all the houses are painted in, you guessed it, blue.

There is so much to do in Jodhpur and the surrounding city, so a few days can be spent exploring.

Once again, the most famous thing to do here is to explore the fort that lies in the heart of the city.

Mehrangarh Fort is even grander than City Palace in Udaipur and commands spectacular views out across the entire city.

If you visit Jodhpur when backpacking India, then make sure you go for a tour of the fort, which takes a good few hours to complete.

However, this is not the best way to see the fort.

Instead, it is best enjoyed from afar in the evening time once the sun has set.

We stayed at Castle View Homestay which is not only incredibly affordable, but offers some of the best, unblemished views of the fort that you’ll find anywhere in Jodhpur.

They have a rooftop restaurant that serves great food and drinks and you can literally sit for hours basking in the views of the grand palace atop the blue city below.

Read Also: 17 Best Places To Visit In Jodhpur In Two Days: Epic Guide

Pushkar is one of the most religiously important places in all of India, and is a hugely famous pilgrimage site.

It’s the only place in India that has a statue of Brahma, who is the Lord of Creation in the Hindu religion.

It is said that all Hindus should make a pilgrimage to Pushkar at some point in their lifetime, and the famous festivals they regularly hold here push the cities hotels and hostels to bursting point.

Even if you are not Hindu, it’s possible get a blessing here, which was a great experience that we highly recommend.

Just be warned that they will put heavy pressure on you to make a donation (more than $150 per person) and then try and guilt you for saying you can’t afford it.

This incredible disrespect paid by the people giving the blessings was a real blemish on their so-called faith.

But still, don't let this put you off; instead, just be prepared to make a far more reasonable donation and hold your ground.

What’s also nice is that Pushkar is in a much cooler part of India, located high in the mountains.

The views all around are beautiful and, once you escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll discover open roads for miles all around.

Well, except for the large herds of goats you find in the villages nearby!

Once again, we recommend hiring a moped and exploring the many temples and mountains on offer.

As a heads up, you can’t drink alcohol or eat meat in Pushkar, which is just one more reason to try the fantastically tasty vegetarian food on offer.

Read Also: 11 Perfect Places To Visit In Pushkar: Our Epic Guide!

Oh Jaipur, the pink city that is bursting with atmosphere, forts and beauty. I love Jaipur and there is so much to see.

Amer Fort and the Jal Mahal are only two of the amazing places to visit in Jaipur. Plus, it’s a haven for shopping.

And the perfect place to spend Diwali (which is a chance we were fortunate enough to have!).

I recommend using Uber and Ola to get around as the city is quite polluted (like most of India if I am honest) and it’s not fun sitting in traffic in a tuk tuk breathing in the air.

So opt for Uber and Ola , plus you can pay card if you want to!

Read Also: 10 Places To Visit In Jaipur In One Day: The Ideal Itinerary

As home to the infamous wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra needs no introduction.

In fact, you simply must make a stop here for the Taj alone.

You’d think that with all the hype it would be disappointing when you see it in real life….trust me when I say it’s not.

Agra also has other sites to see, including Agra fort.

It’s also worth staying for a night in order to watch the sunset at the Taj Mahal on the lakeside. But also be sure to time your visit to the Taj Mahal as early in the morning (so you can get a picture with no one else in it).

Delhi is the capital of India and it’s hella busy.

It’s also super big and, in order to explore the whole area of New Delhi, you would need quite a few days.

It’s a good spot for couples and there is a real city blend of poverty, modernism and something in between.

Whatever you want, Delhi will have it.

If you need to buy presents, the markets in Delhi are the place to do it.

And they are the perfect place to stock up your wardrobe, by buying cheap knock-off clothes that are the same quality as what the real brands offer.

Read Also: 14 Best Places To Visit In Delhi For Couples: An Epic Guide

Our 12 favourite things to do in India

There are literally hundreds of amazing things to do in India. So it’s important that you narrow down what you plan to do before you actually visit.

So to help you with this, here’s a quick summary of our favourite Indian experiences.

1. Visit the beautiful Taj Mahal

Of course this has to be number one. We all know the Taj Mahal, we have all seen the pictures and perhaps even the love story behind it .

I was SO excited to visit the Taj, but I was worried that because of all the hype, and the fact I have built it up in my head for years, that it would be a disappointment.

I am so happy to say this wasn’t the case. It was even more breathtaking and beautiful than I could ever have imagined.

It was truly a great bucket list ticking moment and I was so happy that I got to see the Taj Mahal in person. Especially since it’s thought to be crumbling.

Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed.

Here are a few top travel tips to help make your experience all the more rewarding:

You must visit very early in order to get a picture of you and the Taj with no one else in it. It is closed on Fridays, and the busiest days are Saturday and Sunday.
You can also book your tickets online (which is cheaper) and you won’t have to wait in the ticket queue before you get in the actual queue to get in.
Remember to take socks as you can’t wear shoes in the Taj or the surrounding area.
Do not forget your camera!!
There is a long list of things you can’t take in. Which we found out when the guard confiscated a deck of playing cards we just so happened to have in our bag. So only take what’s truly necessary and nothing more.

And yes, the “inside” of the Taj isn’t very exciting, it’s a tomb. But you don’t go there for that, you go for the amazing architecture.

2. Dine by the fort of Jodhpur (the “Blue City”)

The fort in Jodhpur is great to visit during the day.

There is lots to see and you get an audio guide with your ticket which tells you many cool facts. So it feels like you’re learning lots (which I like).

But at night, the whole fort lights up and looks golden. Good accomodation in the Blue City will treat you to an amazing view of the fort whilst dining.

It’s truly one of the best sights I’ve seen. I can recommend Castle Home Stay for amazing, quirky rooms, good WiFi, great food and a fantastic view.

3. Party in Goa

Do you like to party? If so, then you’re going to love Goa!

Whether you’re into beach parties, raves, or even just good old live music, Goa has it all.

There are so many beaches to choose from, that the only problem you will have is deciding which ones to visit.

Thankfully, to help you out, I’ve already put together an epic post on the best beaches in Goa for foreigners .

4. Visit Bollywood in Mumbai

Did you know that Bollywood is in many ways bigger and more popular than Hollywood? Something like 60 movies are brought out a year, and you can witness the heart of the action in Mumbai.

You can take a tour of the studios, or you can even try and get an extras role in a Bollywood production. Which would definitely be a trip to remember!

5. Receive a blessing in Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the most religious sites in all of India and it’s a great place to receive a Hindu blessing.

It doesn’t cost any money to get a blessing (despite what some people may tell you), but you can make a donation if you wish.

Someone attempted to blackmail me into donating a ridiculous amount.

Suggesting that if I didn’t commit to giving $150 I would have a terrible life because I had been blessed, which would turn into a curse if I didn’t pay.

Truly ridiculous, and this came from a so called “devout Hindu”, who clearly views religion in a different way to what I do.

6. Go on a camel safari

Camel safaris are possible all over India, but you can often get day trips from both Jaipur and Pushkar.

You don’t have to ride camels, you can simply camp in the dessert beside them and walk along next to them.

I love the idea of camping in the dessert under the stars. Pushkar also holds a massive camel festiva l every year too!

7. Explore the forts of Jaipur

Jaipur seems to be the fort capital of India, and it’s got lots of amazing forts to see.

My favourites include Amer/Amber Fort, due to it’s sheer beauty and glory; as well as Nahargarh Fort for its stunning evening-time views.

You will probably need a couple of days to take on all the forts available in Jaipur.

8. Discover the lakes of Udaipur

Udaipur has some beautiful lakes. The main one is called Pichola and the area surrounding it is filled with lovely restaurants and shops.

You can have an evening meal on the lake and everything is lit up. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the lake, and a couples boat ride for sunset.

There are other lakes outside the main city which are also untouched, beautiful and vast. The best way to get around is to rent a moped for around $4 per day and go visit the lakes yourself.

If you don’t fancy driving, then you can get a tuk-tuk driver or uber to take you!

9. Walk amongst the Blue City

Whilst in Jodhpur, make sure you head to the Blue City, which is technically the old city in the day time.

This is so you can take some pretty cool pictures of the blue houses.

Near the fort you’ll find blue houses and blue walls galore for that perfect Instagram picture.

10. Go tiger spotting at Ranthambore National Park

This is something I really wanted to do, but didn’t get the chance. You can arrange this as a 2 day trip from Jaipur, and there is a really good value tour here .

Unfortunately, we ran out of time before our flight, and I would rather have stayed closer to the park than do a day trip.

The park is only open certain times of a year, but this is one of the best places to visit in India if you want to see tigers.

There is a high population of tigers and it’s the most well known spot in all of India to spot them.

11. Take a cooking class in Delhi

I loved India's food so much that I did a whole blog post on my favourite Indian dishes , so why not take the opportunity to learn how to cook your favourite dishes in a cooking class in Delhi.

Delhi is a good spot to take a cooking class due to the sheer availability of different choices and prices.

This one from Get Your Guide is a great choice.

12. Catch the Himalayas at Rohtang Pass

A drive from Manali to Rohtang Pass will take you some of the most beautiful landscapes and vistas you have ever seen.

Lush green hills, picturesque waterfalls, steep and adventurous drive, awe-inspiring views, snow even in the months of June and July; whatever you desire you will find it in plenty at Rohtang Pass.

You can visit here from Delhi, but it will take you around 12-13 hours, and you need a licence for a vehicle nowadays.

Also, it’s closed on Tuesdays for tourists.

This is something I didn’t do whilst backpacking India, but it was something I researched and I found this article here really helpful in my planning.

I intend on re-visiting the country within a few years and doing this!

Choosing your India itinerary

Here are some questions we get asked a lot when planning the ideal India itinerary ...

“How long should I spend backpacking India?”

“Should I visit south India or north India?”

“Which places in India should I NOT visit?”

The truth is, it’s hard to give just one answer to these questions, and honestly, it all depends on your personality.

India is a MASSIVE country and you could spend a year here easily if you wanted to try and see everything!

But most of us don’t have a spare year to dedicate to one country, so these India routes are perfect to see the highlights of the country, and the safest parts, in shorter periods of times (up to 4 weeks).

4 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY
3 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY
2 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY
1 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY

4 Week India Itinerary ideas

Kochi> Goa> Mumbai> Udaipur> Jodhpur> Pushkar> Jaipur> Agra> Delhi> Rohtang Pass> Darjeeling

This 4 week India itinerary will allow you to see all the best things India has to offer. From the beautiful beaches of the south to the cultural haven of the golden triangle, the beautiful Himalayas of the North and the tea country of the North-east!

Kochi: Spend two nights exploring the historic fort town of Kochi. Then hop on a train to Goa, which will take up to 16 hours.
Goa: Spend 3 or 4 nights exploring the beaches of Goa! Enjoy beautiful beaches and cheap alcohol! Then hop on an overnight train to Mumbai. I recommend 1st or 2nd class AC.
Mumbai: Spend 1-2 nights in Mumbai depending on how much you like it. You can easily see all the sights in one day and people often find Mumbai quite manic. From here, you can fly to Udaipur for around $40.
Udaipur: Spend 2 nights in beautiful Udaipur. Spend one day exploring the surrounding castle and sights, then rent a moped and visit the lakes of Udaipur. Get a bus or train to Jodhpur, it’s only about 5 hours.
Jodhpur: 2 nights in Jodhpur is enough to see the city and it’s sights, if you want to explore the various day trips from here, then perhaps add a 3rd night. Take a train to Pushkar.
Pushkar: 1-2 nights in Pushkar is enough to see the sights and experience the essence of the religious town. Hop on a taxi or bus to Jaipur. We used Uber!
Jaipur: 2-3 nights in the bustling pink city of Jaipur. There is lots to see and do here. Grab a train to Agra.
Agra: Take 2 nights (although you can do it one night) in Agra to see the Taj Mahal, and the other sights. The second night is to relax at one of the fantastic hotels on offer here . Next, take a Bus to Delhi.
Delhi: Spend 2 nights in the capital of India. It’s manic, busy and polluted! But it’s a good spot to do some shopping.
Rohtang pass: You can take an organised car or rent your own vehicle. This will usually be a 4 night trip.
Darjeeling: Alternatively, you can go to Darjeeling from Delhi, which is where tea is made, naturally it’s coder there and very beautiful.

A lot of these places require a day of travelling, so if you take trains everywhere, you could easily stay longer in each place!

3 Week India Itinerary ideas

Goa> Mumbai> Udaipur> Jodhpur> Pushkar> Jaipur> Agra> Delhi

This is the 3 week India Itinerary Brad and I completed during our travels. We felt it gave us a real insight into Indian culture and we got to see the best of India in the time we had to travel.

I didn’t want to rush and try to see too much, but I feel we got a great first impression from these areas and I would definitely return.

Goa: We flew into Goa from Sri Lanka and spent 4-5 nights here just relaxing and visiting both north and south Goa.
Mumbai: 2 nights: Crazy place, but worth a visit. Can see sights in one day if needed.
Udaipur: 3 nights: Beautiful temples, castles lakes to be visited. Rent a moped and drive out of the city to experience some real beauty.
Jodhpur: 2 nights: The blue city can be explored in a day, then the next day is to rent a moped and take one of the many day trips from Jodhpur.
Pushkar: 2 nights: Cooler, pleasant and spiritual. 2 nights is a perfect amount to experience Pushkar.
Jaipur: 3 nights: The pink city, should be known as the city of forts as there are so many things to see! Lots to do here, and a great way to experience India nightlife.
Agra: 2 nights in beautiful Agra, enough to explore the Taj Mahal, and relax at the Radisson (oh yes, hello rooftop hotel with Taj Mahal view). Remember Taj is closed on Fridays!
Delhi: 3 nights in Delhi is enough to experience the madness and it’s a good place to fly out to your next destination/home as it’s the capital!

2 Week India Itinerary ideas

Mumbai> Udaipur> Jodhpur> Jaipur> Agra> Delhi

2 weeks isn’t a long time in India, so a good idea is to stick to the Rajasthan state, and see the golden triangle. This 2 week India backpacking route will allow you to see many of the best forts and tourist hotspots that India has to offer.

Mumbai: 2 nights is enough to see iconic Mumbai. 1 day to explore, the other to relax. The sunsets in Mumbai are spectacular.
Udaipur: 3 nights is perfect to see the top sights in Udaipur, and the surrounding lakes. Don’t miss out and rent a moped to see more of this fantastic city.
Jodhpur: 2 nights is the blue city is enough to see the amazing fort and the surrounding sights via moped.
Jaipur: 2 nights in the pink city to experience cultures, delights and lots of amazing forts.
Agra: 2 nights is needed to see the amazing Taj Mahal and the sights from the hotels.
Delhi: 2 nights in the manic capital is enough to see the sights and hit up the markets!

1 Week India Itinerary ideas

Delhi> Agra> Jaipur> Pushkar> Delhi

If you only have 1 week and want a quick taste of India, then this should be your route! It’s going to be busy, but totally worth it. I recommend taking guided tours to see and learn and much as possible.

Delhi: 1 night: when you land, check out a few of the sights, then get ready to hop on a bus to Agra.
Agra: I think it’s worth spending two nights in Agra, to explore the Taj and stay in one of the amazing hotels and relax.
Jaipur: 2 nights in Jaipur to see all the sights and experience the local food and culture.
Pushkar: It’s not far from Jaipur, so enough to head for either a day trip, or overnight to experience the religious town of Pushkar.
Delhi: Then it’s back to Delhi to hit up the markets and collect souvenirs before you head home.

1 week will basically be a jam packed holiday, but you’ll get to experience some of the best parts of India.

Hopefully one of the itineraries will suit your time in India.

As of writing, all these places are safe for tourists to visit, but you should always monitor the situation online and be wary of any issues.

When is the best time to visit India?

The peak travel season for India runs from November to January. This is largely because the weather is mangable, although it’s still very warm.

In the Goa area of the country, you should expect around 33 degrees celsius and the further you get to Delhi, I would expect mid to high 20s.

We didn’t experience any rain, but because it is high season you may find that the generic tourist sights are quite busy.

I read on a blog before I went that we would have to book our accommodation really early in advance because it would all book up.

This isn’t true, you can book accommodation the night before and there will be plenty of choice!

Backpacking India: Sorting your Indian visa

The Indian visa is by far the most complicated and most frustrating visa we have ever had to apply for, however it is necessary.

Also, I suppose it must be a little easier now as you can apply online. Whereas, back in the day it was a very long process to get a visa.

I would put aside 30 minutes to do this visa. There is a long list of questions, around 3-4 pages worth asking you everything from tattoos on your body to your parent’s jobs.

Make sure you fill out the application form ahead of time, at least a week before you plan on entering India. It took about 3 days for our application to be approved, but it could take longer.

Make sure you take your time entering the information as if you enter something wrong and pay, you cannot edit it. You will have to buy a whole new visa.

Visa costs for Bradley and I were different because I have an Irish passport and he has a British passport (mine was less). It cost $80 for me and $100 for him.

Print off your successful visa form once its been approved, as you will need it as proof at the check-in desk if you’re flying.

We flew from Sri Lanka to India, and you need to have proof you are leaving the country, such as an onward flight.

We didn’t actually have our flight from India to Kathmandu booked yet, but we had a Kathmandu to London flight.

This was acceptable after a lot of chat because the Kathmandu flight was still within our visa period in India.

One tip I’ve since learned is that if that you book a flight with Expedia, then you can cancel it for free up to 48 hours later.

So if you need proof on onward travel, then you can do this, then get your money back and rebook a flight for a future date that you actually want.

Believe it or not, this is the official Visa Application Website … even though it’s not very well put together!

How Do You Get To India?

Okay, now that you so desperately want to visit, you’re probably thinking, “How do I actually get to India?!”

Well, you’ve got a couple of main options.

1. Fly to India

The main way to get to India is flying. Many destinations all around the world offer direct flights to Delhi, or even Mumbai.

Flights to and from India from London are very cheap, and even in peak season you can get return tickets for $360 - $400.

If you just book a one way ticket, you shouldn’t struggle to find a cheap return ticket last minute (but don’t take our word for this!)

Just give yourself a week to get it sorted.

I recommend using Skyscanner to check for flight deals for backpacking through India.

2. Crossing into India by land

You can also cross land borders from Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, although I really have no idea how this works!

Instead, I recommend checking out this really in-depth post from Lonely Planet .

Getting around India

When it comes to getting around India you have a lot of great options. From driving your own tuk tuk ( something we did in Sri Lanka ), to trains, buses and taxis.

Bus travel when backpacking India

The bus network in India is well established for both locals and tourist buses. We used a website called Red Buses to book our bus tickets and we didn’t even need to print any tickets off; instead we just had to show them on our phones.

Buses run all throughout the country; but naturally, the more popular areas with more tourists tend to have a better variety of buses. This includes places like Agra, Delhi and Jaipur.

Train travel throughout India

The train network in India is large and brilliant. You can get a train pretty much anywhere and it’s super cheap.

There are a variety of train classes, you have:

Seating: This is a basic seat, with no air conditioning and typically no reservation is needed so it fills up quick. You’ll have people sitting on the floors etc. Okay for short journeys.
AC seating: This is a normal seating train with air conditioning. You’ll have an assigned seat which means you’re guaranteed a seat. Good for short journeys, such as Jaipur to Agra.
Sleeper train: Long distance carriage for overnight/long trains. No AC, a bit little cattle in a cage. No organisation, not my cup of tea, but very very cheap.
3rd class: You get a bunk bed, but no AC and no curtain for privacy. On some trains they will give you a blanket and pillow.
3AC: We travelled in 3AC. It’s the same as 3rd class but you get air conditioning. Fine for long journeys during the day. No curtain for privacy.
2nd class: You’re own bunk with curtain, blankets and pillow, no AC.
2AC: same as above but with AC, we also travelled in this class and it’s was my most preferred. It’s a little more expensive, but people are always walking up and down the train, so you can actually sleep here. P.S ... if you get the bunk bed next to the train door, you will have a whole area to yourself if you’re a couple travelling!
1st class: You’re own bedroom, with AC and food as well. On some trains you have someone assigned to you to help with luggage etc.

Important things to note about trains:

1st class and 2nd AC sell out months in advance. So if you know when you’re traveling to India and want 1st class, then book right away. We didn’t get any 1st class due to this.
Get air conditioning unless you consider yourself one of those hardcore backpackers who does things to prove a point….:P
All the toilets on the trains are disgusting in all classes, but generally the higher the class “the cleaner they are”. Not clean by Western standards.
There is always a Western toilet and a Indian toilet on the train. They’re both as horrible as each other.
Hold your breath when going to the toilet, and bring your own toilet paper as when it runs out in the Western toilet, it isn’t replaced.
You can buy food and snacks on board for cheap prices. We ordered something and it was inedible because of the sheer level of spice.
You will have people shouting the sale of Chai Tea all through the night.
Get a travel agent to book your train tickets, because the online system is a joke and impossible to use unless you have an Indian mobile number, and even then we couldn’t get it to work! (it cost us just 50 pence extra to book through a travel agent)
If you insist on doing it yourself, go to the train station on the day you arrive, or book your departure tickets as soon as you arrive.
You need a passport to book train tickets.

Travelling India with flights

You can get intercity flights in India for very cheap prices.

Naturally, they are more expensive than a general train, but they are usually cheaper or the same as booking a first class ticket on the train.

We used internal flights once from Mumbai to Udaipur because it helped speed up our route and we were on a time limit.

Plus, overnight train journeys eventually take a hold on your sanity.

Getting around India with Uber & Ola

You can use Uber and Ola for long distance travel in some parts of India. We used Uber to get us from Pushkar to Jaipur for around $20 which was cheap, convenient and a 4.5 hour journey!

I strongly recommend you use Uber/Ola and tuk tuks to get around in the cities. The only place that doesn’t have Uber and Ola, in our experience, was Goa.

The state sets taxi prices in Goa, so there is no real way of getting out of the prices, unless you’re a good haggler.

Though we didn’t do this ourselves, it is possible to drive a tuk tuk (rickshaw) in India..

The same company who we rented our tuk tuk off in Sri Lanka has also set up in India, so if you want you can do a similar thing there too.

However you will need to do more research online to find out other companies, the right sort of price and any additional insurance cover you might need.

Also, though I keep calling them tuk tuks in this post, they are actually called “rickshaws” in India.

There is also a rickshaw challenge that takes you all around India if you’re up for it!

Finding the best hotels in India

The number of people opting to take on the challenge of backpacking India has grown massively.

Thanks to the ease of travel, the amazing sights and how budget friendly it is, it’s becoming more popular than ever.

As such, you’ll find that most of the major cities now offer a massive range of hostels, hotels, resorts, villas and homestays to sort all budgets.

So, we decided to help you out and save you spending hours and hours searching through all of them in order to find great deals.

We have compiled all of our research into helpful guides that list the best accommodation options in each of the major India backpacking spots.

We will update this section as we add more hotel guides in India, but for now check these out..

Hotels in Pushkar
Hotels in Jodhpur
Hotels in Agra near to the Taj Mahal
Hotels in Mumbai for couples

As a rule, we use Booking.com for all our booking needs. I’ve been using the website for years and they offer the best choice, they price match all accomodation, and when you book 3 times, you get genius perks. These include things like:

15% off certain properties
Free early check in
Late check out
Free breakfast
Free bike rental

So not only are they cheapest, they have some other really great perks. You can search for accommodation throughout India here .

Of course, it is possible to find good Indian hotels and hostels through other sites as well, and we recommend finding ne that you love and trust. Such comparison sites include:

HotelsCombined
Hostelworld
Tripadvisor
And even Couchsurfing.com for free accommodation with locals

India travel guide: How to dress

India is an extremely warm country, so you’ll want to pack light clothes that allow your body to breathe.

India is also very conservative, but not to the point where you need to cover your shoulders or knees etc.

It’s about being respectful, so don’t wear anything that will cause offense.

When at the beaches in Goa , you can wear a bikini without issue, but as a sign of respect, it’s also nice to bring a little saarong to use to cover up when needed.

Don’t sunbathe naked.

So, I recommend bringing:

Cotton shorts (light and easy to pack)
Light t-shirts
Good walking shoes, I recommend Skechers Go Walk shoes , for both men and women. They’re comfortable and look nice. You can walk for hours sightseeing without sore feet.
A sarong: for the beaches, or they’re useful for sitting on during a picnic.
Long dresses: if you want to wear something cool for the evenings, then a maxi dress is always a good shout, and if you’re using a backpack, it’s super easy to roll one up! I always carry one maxi dress with me for “special occasions”

So there you have it, your clothing for backpacking India won’t be much different than other backpacking destinations ; simply pack light and don’t show too much skin in conversative areas.

If you are heading north to the colder regions of India, then naturally you are going to need warmer clothes.

You can pick them up cheap within the country, or bring them in with you. Whichever you decide.

I bought jumpers at the market in New Delhi for $1 and was able to pick up gloves, hats and scarves for under $1.

It’s super cheap at the markets, and usually the winter stuff is sitting a discount basket, which makes it even cheaper.

Since we were there near Christmas, I actually bought myself a $1 Christmas jumper hehe.

All these cold clothes are useful if you decide to backpack Nepal after India.

What to pack for India

Here's some of the most important things I recommend you include in your India packing list .

Note: Where possible I've also included a link through to each product on Amazon. If you buy through this link, then we might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). So, if you do choose to buy then thank you for helping support our blog! :)

Ever since we started travelling full time, we have used Osprey backpacks. They are well-made, look great and are very practical. In fact, when backpacking India and other parts of Asia, the most common backpacks we see getting used are Ospreys!

Comfortable shoes are a must have in any India packing list. You will be doing lots of walking around the cities, most of which are lined with old cobbled streets. So we recommend shoes that have good padding. Cazzy uses Skechers Go Walk trainers as they are stylish, as well as comfortable.

If you are doing more serious walking, then shoes with good ankle support are a must. Many travelers take only hiking shoes with them as they are practical for most occasions. However, we find that they are a bit too heavy and clunky to have unless we plan on using them most days. So up to you really.

Having bought dozens of pairs of flip flops over the years, by far the best we have tried have to be those made by Reef. They are well-made, very comfortable and great for long distance for walking. Yes, they are more expensive than most flip flops but this is because they will last you much, much longer. They also have a bottle opener on the bottom, in case you needed one more reason to give them a go!

If you plan on visiting the colder regions of India, then a good quality, fleece-lined jacket is a must. It gets much colder up there and this will certainly get it’s fair use. If you are only visiting cities in the south, then a thin jacket will probably be fine for the evening time when it get s a bit colder. Just be sensible and look at the time of year you are planning on visiting India.

Once again, if you will be experiencing colder weather or doing plenty of hiking, then long trousers are a must. They also come in handy for when you visit Indian temples and need a way to cover up.

Temperatures in many Indian cities regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius! And if you are out and about for many hours of the day, then you run serious risk of catching sunstroke or worse. So take a cap with you and keep the worst of the sun off your face.

In most big cities, we actually found that mosquitoes weren’t too much of a problem. However, if you plan on visiting countryside areas or many parts of Goa, then mosquitoes and other bugs become a much bigger problem. So take a bottle of deet bug spray with you and keep them at bay. Also remember, if you are in a zone that is at risk of malaria, then speak to a travel doctor and take some form of antimalarials with you.

We tend to find that buying sunscreen at home and taking it with you is much, much cheaper than buying it abroad. This also applied to India where it can be very expensive to buy. We recommend factor 50+ so as to minimise the risk of sunburn and worse from those hot Indian days.

Microfiber towels are great for travelling India as they are small, lightweight and dry very quickly. Perfect if you plan on staying in hostels. If you stay in hotels most of the time, then you will find that they almost always provide you with towels. But it’s still useful to have a microfiber towel with you for day trips to places where you plan on swimming.

As standard, we take international travel adaptors with us everywhere we go. They are a must-have for all the gadgets you have with you, such as cameras, phones and laptops. As discussed at the top of this post, in India they use grounded/earthed 3 Pin connections (Type D) and un-grounded 2 pin connections (Type C).

Read More: What To Pack For India <-- Our Complete Packing List!

What to read whilst backpacking India

To help you make the most of your time in India, we recommend picking up a few books to enjoy as a part of your visit.

They can help you with everything through from planning your India itinerary, to better understanding Indian history and culture.

So here’s a few of our top recommendations ...

Rather than carrying physical books with you, I recommend picking up some sort of tablet. Kindle Fire allows you to purchase hundreds of books from Amazon and carry them all with you at once. Saving you a lot of space and hassle!

If you want to find out more about the history of India (which is a turbulent and interesting one), then this is a great book. It’s often a good idea to have an idea of the history of any country you are visiting, it allows you to connect with the people more, and you can appreciate the sights and discoveries on your journey through India.

Lonely Planet are well known for producing great travel guides, and there India one is also great! They are good if you want to find hotels and hostels and restaurants without using the internet. Yano, the old school backpacking way!

I actually prefer the Rough Guide books to the Lonely Planet books, but that’s just a personal preference. This rough guide is really good at providing in-depth information about all the different regions of India! They also offer great itineraries, and I used them to inspire my trip, which is hopefully helping to inspire yours...some sort of circle of life :P

What to eat & Drink in India

The question should be “what not to eat in India?”. India has some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. Everything is authentic, freshly made and delicious.

If you can’t handle spice, say “no spice” because it still comes out slightly spicy. So normal spice in India is like high level spice in the UK.

Typically, spice is given at all three meals, but you can opt for simple eggs for breakfast if you wish.

When eating street food, it’s best to bring your own cutlery as most Indian people just eat with their hands.

Some dishes you can expect include lots of Paneer based curries such as Paneer Butter Masala, Paneer Tikka, and much more.

Paneer is cheese and in places that are highly religious like Pushkar, you can’t actually get meat, so Paneer will be your new best friend.

It helps that it is delicious.

Chicken dishes are common in curries, but you can also get mutton and fish. Roti, chapati and naan are the most common sides with your curry, and rice is also available. I’ve done a whole guide on the most popular Indian foods if you’re interested in discovering more.

But really the only problem you’ll have with Indian food is the fact that you can’t get the same quality, taste (And price) when you return back home.

Useful online tools for India

Thanks to the digital age, we now have a range of tools that are useful for backpacking India. The best ones we used include:

1. Uber & Ola : Uber is almost worldwide now and provides so much ease and convenience when travelling. It’s also a useful too to avoid being ripped off, which Indian people will try to do when they see white skin. Uber is available throughout India apart from in Goa.

2. Booking.com: The booking app is easy to use and really useful and we use booking.com everywhere all over the world. The app includes a number of useful features. Such as, after you book a trip, you get access to the hotels address right away and in “taxi” moden so it’s easy for the driver to find where to take you. You also get other perks when booking with them such as:

10% off bookings when you book three times
Genius benefits like early check in, late check-out, free breakfasts and much more
If you’ve never used them before, you can use our link to get £15 off your first booking

3. Airbnb Experiences: I wouldn’t recommend Airbnb for general short stay accommodation in India. But it’s as good as ever for long-term rentals. The Airbnb vibe isn’t as big in India, but they do some good experiences. This is the newest thing that Airbnb offer and it basically allows you to partake in local activities organised by locals. It will allow you to have a cheaper and more authentic experience, so I think it’s cool!

Our India Backpacking Budget

India is one of the cheapest countries in the world for backpacking.

You could easily survive here on $10 if you were sleeping in the cheapest room, eating the cheapest food and travelling on the lowest class.

Since it’s so easy to budget travel if you wish, it also means that if you fancy splashing out, your money goes quite far.

Bradley and I don’t do super cheap backpacking, as in, we don’t stay in dorm rooms (unless we are desperate), and we eat in restaurants and travel in comfortable ways, rather than the cheapest way.

I just find travel more enjoyable that way, but saying that, in order to achieve that, you’ll need an average budget of around $25-30 per day.

You can easily spend less, and more. It all depends on what you want. But I would say that’s a fair estimate for something in the middle.

Budget for food

Food is the cheapest thing in India.

Even when you’re dining in a lovely restaurant, you’ll find it hard to spend loads of money. We even found typical chains that are quite expensive in the UK, Hard Rock Cafe or TGI are much cheaper in India than home.

BTW, no judging, I like American diner/restaurants, so shh.

Since breakfast is included in most hotel rates, I’d say you’re looking at $10 a day on food, but you could easily do less (which we did most days) and more if you wanted.

Budget for travel

Travel is super cheap in India, especially if you’re looking to travel on the basic level. You can get 10 hour train rides for a couple of dollars.

This isn’t my style of travel, but even traveling in 2nd class isn’t too expensive. Overall I’d roundup around $15-20 for travel.

Budget for alcohol

Alcohol is relatively cheap in India. Beer is very cheap and in Goa, spirits are stupidly cheap. STUPIDLY cheap, which also leads to a massive hangover!

Anyway, local wine is around $3 a bottle but tastes terrible, and wine brought in from abroad is taxed heavily so it’s generally a rip off.

You can drink beer in restaurants for very cheap. I actually didn’t drink a lot in India, I preferred Chai tea and Iced coffee!

Drone laws in India

Bradley and I travel with our Mavic Drone (Baby Mavic). Unfortunately he could not be used in India.

Basically, it’s illegal for foreigners to fly a drone, and I don’t think it’s worth the risk.

I read many stories of people flying at beaches where no one was around and the police turned up, and I’ve heard successes stories.

But I don’t think the risk is worth losing a drone worth over $1300.

Final thoughts and advice from our India Travel Guide

Some final words of advice to get you ready to backpack India and have the trip of a lifetime…

Use Revolut - Revolut is a travel card/app that offers the best exchange rate on the market. You top up via your phone and each month you get £200 worth of withdrawals free, then it’s 2% on anything over that, which is still the cheapest on the market today. It’s also free to use your card in all places and there are some really good features on the app such as being able to send money between people and requesting money and generally keeping track of your expenses. You don’t get charged an ATM withdrawal fee on top of that, but some banks in India may issue their own. Above I listed the ones which are free under ATMS.

PLEASE NOTE: when you are using a travel card and you are withdrawing from an ATM, when the machine brings up the exchange rate they are offering and you have a choice of “accept conversion” or not, you DO NOT accept the machines conversion, you press the other button, to use your card/banks conversion.

Many people make the mistake of clicking the wrong button then wonder why they’ve got a bad exchange rate. So, if you follow the right method, you’ll get the right exchange rate, the best on the market. It’s not a scam, it’s simply set by the thingy/board that sets exchanges rates.

Staring - In India, as a women, you will get a lot of attention. As a white girl, who wears red lipstick and has a curvy figure, I was often hounded. Since I was with Brad he was able to step in and control situations, and I didn’t feel as pressured or worried, but I can imagine if I was backpacking India alone as a solo female traveller I would be pooping it. You will also get men, women and families constantly wanting to you take selfies and hold their babies. Take it as a compliment, but know when to say no. No joke, I had a line of people form and I would have been there all day taking photos! It feels like you’re famous, which is really stressful haah

So, there you have it, our backpacking India guide. I hope that after reading this you are excited about visiting India and have lots of knowledge and India travel tips that will help you travel India.

If there is ANYTHING else you’d like to know, then please drop us a message we will any answer any questions we can!

Let us know what you think.

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21 Enthralling Trails For Backpacking In India That Will Instantly Get You Going In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

India is known as a backpacker’s haven. Reasonably priced accommodations, low cost food, economical commute network and happy to help natives, set the place high on popularity for a nominal, still full of adventure and thrill, backpacking trip.

Backpacking in India is one of the adventurous experiences to live. This gives a chance to the wanderer to enjoy a good time exploring the mountains and the beaches along with unravelling the mysteries of the places. To know from where to start, here is a list of best backpacking destinations in India.

21 Best Places To Go For Backpacking In India

Here are some of the best places to go for backpacking in India and enjoy a time like never before unraveling the adventure junkie inside you.

Zanskar Valley – Roadmap To Kargil
Parvati Valley – Hippie Land
Seven Sisters Trek – Amidst The Apple Orchards
Har Ki Doon Valley – Walk Up To The Beauty
Pathankot – Land Of Mountains And Rivers
Pushkar – The Holy City Of Rajasthan
Bundi – Explore The Architectural Heritage
Shillong – Place For The Rain Lovers
Darjeeling – The Tea Land Of India
Gokarna – Amidst The Surreal Beaches
Hampi – Where The History Speaks
Munnar – Tranquil Beauty Of Nature
Dudhsagar Fall Trek – The Sound Of Gushing Water
Sunderbans – The Land Of Tigers And Mangroves
Ladakh – Land Of Beautiful Lake
Majuli – The Beautiful Village Of Assam
Dharamkot – Away From The Hustle Bustle
Varanasi – Dingy Lanes And Historical Treasures
Dzukou Valley – Amidst The Serenity
Loktak Lake – The Floating Lake
Andaman Islands – The Surreal Beaches

1. Zanskar Valley – Roadmap To Kargil

Zanskar-Valley-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-region

Image Source

Out of all backpacking trips in India, this one is not for timid personalities. You will reach the spell-bounding terrain of Zanskar, after a long back-breaking road journey from Kargil. High altitude Buddhist monasteries and villages give you a sense of calm and spirituality. A one-day trip to Zangla Palace is a must. You can hike to Stongdey Monastery, if you are looking for an easy one.

Best Time To Visit: July To September

Must Read: 22 Natural Wonders In India That Your Geography Teacher Forgot To Tell You About

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2. Parvati Valley – Hippie Land

Stunning view of Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh

Parvati Valley is what we youngsters call as a “Hippie Hub”. Apt for backpacking in India, it is the base of renowned laid-back villages of Kasol, Tosh, Malana and Pulga. It has some extraordinary trekking trails and lovely cascading waterfalls. Not at all expensive, you can stay here for next to nothing and have a blast. Cafes here treat you to good psy-trance music; a little indulgence doesn’t harm!

Best Time To Visit: April To May, October and November

Suggested Read: 10 Safe Places In India To Travel For A Care-Free Holiday Experience

3. Seven Sisters Trek – Amidst The Apple Orchards

The picturesque pass of seven sisters trek in Himachal Pradesh

This group of seven peaks is one of the easiest treks in India. Much easier than you expected any Himalayan trail to be. Its ease of traversing makes it a popular among other backpacking trips in India. Pleasant weather with mild coolness makes it an apt destination for adventurous backpacking trips. Flanked with apple orchards and flower gardens, the stretch will prove to be an out of the world experience. Ancient wooden temples adorning the place add in an old world charm. There are many backpacking tours in India that take you through the jewels of this valley.

Best Time To Visit: October To Mid-May

Suggested Read: 17 Reasons Why Dating A Backpacker Will Be The Best Decision You Ever Make

4. Har Ki Doon Valley – Walk Up To The Beauty

One of the best hiking trails – Har ki Doon Valley of Uttarakhand

What better way to add a dash of adventure than to hike through the Har ki Doon Valley. Add some spice to your backpacking trips with overnight camping at Osla village. Even though the trail is not easy, it will be worth all at the end. Hike through the remote village of Gangaad, witness their traditional way of life, relish their delicacies and share their culture. Don’t forget to chill at the edges of Tamsa River for an enriched experience. The peaks are covered in snow during the months of October to February. So plan accordingly, if you want to have a snow-fight with your partner while backpacking in India.

Best Time To Visit: April-June and September-December

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5. Pathankot – Land Of Mountains And Rivers

Meeting point of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, Pathankot is a magnificent and dazzling place to be at. Towering mountains, lush forests, whimsical homes and whispering rivers — the place has a lot to explore, ensure you make time accordingly. Various dams add to the list of tourist attractions. A sure-shot on the list of backpacking trips in India.

Best Time To Visit: October-April

Suggested Read: 9 Best Destinations In India For Hot Air Balloon Ride

6. Pushkar – The Holy City Of Rajasthan

Hustling sarovar of Pushkar in Rajasthan

The small city of Pushkar is a mix of tradition, culture, colors, scenic beauty and sandy trails. Known for its vitality, this place is ideal for backpacking in India – neither costly nor out of reach. Explore the surrounding desert on a camel back or stroll around at your leisure. Don’t be fooled with the extravagance of this place. The exploration here can be very easy on your pocket.

Best Time To Visit: November-March

Suggested Read: 9 Reasons Why Goa Is A Backpacker’s HELL

7. Bundi – Explore The Architectural Heritage

If magnanimous havelis and forts enchant you, then Bundi is your perfect stoppage. What makes it stand out among all other Rajasthan cities are its monumental havelis and opulent forts. Vibrantly colored houses, narrow roads and friendly natives dressed in Rajasthani get-up make this place a good choice for travelers for backpacking in India. However, the best way to really breathe in the culture here is to travel on foot. Stroll around, broach a conversation with indigenous people of the city and taste some amazing dishes, which were specially used to be prepared for Raja – Maharajas of the place.

Best Time To Visit: October To April

Suggested Read: How Dating A Backpacker Changed My Life

8. Shillong – Place For The Rain Lovers

Shillong – A perfect place for backpacking in India

The rain-lover in you, will love this place. Rain-soaked almost every time, the accommodations here are super cheap. Explore the rainforests of Meghalaya, and walking trails on hills. Backpacking trips to Meghalaya can be mind-boggling to those who are not used to the wilds. Relax and relieve your soul of all the materialistic burdens. Understand the people and make good friends with them. Try to grasp their power of making things simple even in unfavorable conditions. Enjoy to the fullest and backpack India.

Best Time To Visit: September To May

Suggested Read: Top 17 Religious Places In India: Redefining Spirituality For Gen Y

9. Darjeeling – The Tea Land Of India

Picturesque town of Darjeeling in West Bengal

Landscapes of Darjeeling seem like perfect pictures from international postcards. Quaint little town, steaming trains, refreshing tea estates, fragrant coffee plantation, friendly natives and mild weather – Darjeeling is an all-time charmer for backpacking trips. While here, stay in monasteries or with a guest house owner, savor their traditional cuisine, rejuvenate yourself with strolls in fresh air, and yes, don’t forget to take a ride on local toy train.

Best Time To Visit: April-June

Suggested Read: 40 Most Amazing Places To Visit In India With Friends

10. Gokarna – Amidst The Surreal Beaches

Gokarna is a small temple town in Karnataka. Serene beaches and pristine water attracts a fair share of backpackers. Its happy-go-lucky natives are always ready to help. They will leave you alone or become your best buddies as per your quest. A backpacking trip with no inhibitions, no pretenses and no judgement are what defines backpacking in Gokarna. You can let go of your worries and immerse yourself to the tranquility of this town.

Best Time To Visit: June-August

Suggested Read: 40 Indian Snacks Which Can Turn You Into a Local From a Tourist

11. Hampi – Where The History Speaks

Hampi – A place with ruins and temples for backpacking in India

Home to some of the most dazzling and spectacular landscapes in the world, Hampi is full of wonders and mysteries surrounding its history. Many people have felt some special aura at this place during their backpacking trips. Its magical atmosphere and low cost of living attracts many backpackers from the world and entice them to explore and decipher its mystery. Meet the indigenous people and ask them about the place’s facts and history from the Vijaynagara Empire’s era. The basics of living here cost next to nothing. So you have nothing to lose and so much gain by backpacking in the region.

Best Time To Visit: October To February

Suggested Read: Highest Waterfall In India: A Mini Guide To Explore The Stunning Vajrai Waterfall!

12. Munnar – Tranquil Beauty Of Nature

Munnar in Karnataka – Perfect for backpacking trips in India

A beautiful hill station for backpacking in south India, Munnar is the place for enjoying amidst the tea plantations and coffee gardens. Pack your bags, roam around the gardens and drink Kerala coffee to your heart’s content. Breathtaking sceneries, crisp environment, fresh air and happy people; such is the story of Munnar. Befriend a plantation manager and he might let you pluck some fresh tea leaves. What more, you can just let go of your fear and try adventure sports like paragliding, boating, mountain biking, etc. at nominal prices.

Best Time To Visit: April-June

Suggested Read: 16 Photogenic Valleys In India That Every Traveler Must Visit

13. Dudhsagar Fall Trek – The Sound Of Gushing Water

Goa is a place which is blessed with a wide array of places to visit which includes some magnificent waterfalls which are blissful to the eyes. One of the famous places is the Dudhsagar falls which is located at a distance of 60 kms from Panaji. Falling from a height of 320 meters, this beautiful waterfall forms a magnificent view to admire. A trek to this magnificent water is more than just a trek. While walking up to the rough terrains, one can go and explore the beautiful forests and the hilly areas which are worth taking a shot.

Best Time To Visit: October To May

Suggested Read: 39 Best Places To Visit In October In India

14. Sunderbans – The Land Of Tigers And Mangroves

Sunderbans is one of the most elegant places to visit in India for every traveler who wants to explore the manicured beauty of nature. While taking a backpacking trip amidst the surreal Sunderbans, one can feel reconnected with nature. From the rawness of the surrounding to the soothing view of the untamed river, there is a lot to explore in this secluded region of West Bengal.

Best Time To Visit: September To March

Suggested Read: Heritage Of India: 7 Architectural Marvels To Witness The Diversity In Planning Over The Years!

15. Ladakh – Land Of Beautiful Lake

Image Credit: Eatcha for Wikipedia

Amidst the lofty clouds and the white snow-capped mountains resides Ladakh which has to be one of the best places to visit. A trip to Ladakh is more than just a vacation, it has to be the solace to your soul. Reaching here one might often forget other things in life, because the place has views which cannot be justified by any picture.

Best Time To Visit: Mid September to Mid October

Suggested Read: Seven Sisters Of India: An Introductory Guide For A North-East Tour

16. Majuli – The Beautiful Village Of Assam

Image Credit: Udit Kapoor for Wikipedia

Assam is a beautiful state which is usually known for its vast production of tea, but there is one more reason why one should take a trip here. Majuli is a surreal river island which is embraced by the beautiful Brahmaputra river. This is quite a picturesque place which is worth a visit to escape from the hustle-bustle of the citylife. A backpack trip to this place is worth remembering and will be quite a relaxing one.

Best Time To Visit: October To March

Suggested Read: 15 Secrets Of North East India Locals Have Been Keeping To Themselves

17. Dharamkot – Away From The Hustle Bustle

Image Credit: Dave Kleinschmid for Wikipedia

Dharamshala is considered as the home of Dalai Lama and also one of the best places for backpackers to visit and enjoy a refreshing experience. While the main city is touched by the commercialization, there are small villages like Dharamkot which invite the backpackers. The air is fresh here and people can enroll themselves into various workshops including yoga while here.

Best Time To Visit: September To June

Suggested Read: 17 Solo Female Travel Destinations In India: Girls, Start Making Your Travel Plans For

18. Varanasi – Dingy Lanes And Historical Treasures

Image Credit: Ken Wieland for Wikipedia

Every backpacker must definitely visit Varanasi at least once in their lifetime. Amidst the dingy lanes and the beautiful ghats, lies the age old history of the country. There is a long list of things to explore here and learn about the beautiful heritage of this ancient city. With the hymns chanted in the background, and the view of Ganges flowing peacefully is a scene which will etch in your heart.

Best Time To Visit: November To February

Suggested Read: Street Food In India: 17 Scrumptious Treats For Your Food Spree

19. Dzukou Valley – Amidst The Serenity

Image Credit: নিৰঞ্জন বড়া for Wikipedia

Dzukou valley is one of the gems of the North East which is adorned by the wild flowers with the onset of spring. The trek to the valley of flowers in Nagaland is one of the most surreal adventures which fills the soul with contentment. During the spring season, this valley liven up with colors of rhododendrons which are worth capturing.

Best Time To Visit: June To September

Suggested Read: 19 Exhilarating Amusement Parks In India That Will Leave You Mind-Boggled

20. Loktak Lake – The Floating Lake

Image Credit: Sudiptorana for Wikipedia

This is the world’s one and only floating lake which is located away from the hustle and bustle. The Loktak lake is blessed with some of the most scenic views which is worth witnessing. Every backpacker must definitely add this place in their list and enjoy a time amidst the surreal beauty of this lake and its surroundings.

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year

Suggested Read: 16 Most Beautiful Villages In India That You Must Visit

21. Andaman Islands – The Surreal Beaches

Image Credit: Hussainkhan55 for Wikipedia

The Andaman islands is one of the most popular places in India which is a must visit for the adventure junkies and the water babies. With beautiful beaches, surreal islands and the water activities, this place is a treat for every wanderer. There is a reason why this place is considered an ideal place for a backpacker. One has to be that it is one of the places in India which offers adventure activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.

Best Time To Visit: November To May

Suggested Read: Top 7 Adventure Camps In India To Take Your Thrilling Ventures In The Country Up A Notch!

Tips For Backpacking In India

Here are some golden rules for those planning to head to anywhere in the country for an adventurous backpacking trip.

Instead of private taxis, travel by bus or public transport. Or better, hitch-hike, if you can.
Keep accommodation payments minimal. Try and assist the owner of the place, in exchange of your free stay. If it doesn’t work, stay in B&Bs or hostels. They are mostly cheaper than other commercial stay places.
Carry your own water bottles and refill them. Don’t buy new ones at every turn.
Respect the culture of the place. Don’t disregard the traditions of the place which has welcomed you warmly.
Pack lighter stuff in your carry-on bags. And wear the heavier stuff like jeans, boots, etc.

Further Read: 12 Tips For Backpacking In Thailand: A List Of Do’s & Don’ts

If you’re an ardent backpacker, we are sure more than one of these places will make to your bucket list right away. From the mountains to the beaches, there is a long list which is worth exploring. So while you plan your vacation to India , make sure to take an adventurous turn and exploring these places for backpacking in India.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacking In India

Where can I backpack in India?

India is a destination that blankets numerous backpacking locations, attracting adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Some of the best locations to backpack in India are Goa, Spiti Valley, Munnar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu And Kashmir, Sunderbans, and many more.

Is India expensive to visit?

No, India is not an expensive destination to visit. In fact, it is considered to be one of the cheapest destinations in the world to travel. A paradise on earth for those who are traveling on a budget, one can easily limit their spending to INR 1,000 if used judiciously and consciously.

What are some backpacking tips when traveling to India?

Here are a few backpacking tips when traveling to India- 1. Carry a water bottle and get it refilled instead of buying new bottles every time. It’ll save money. 2. Avoid drinking water directly from the taps. 3. Apply for e-Visa after doing all the research beforehand. 4. Do not exchange currency at the airport. Go for foreign exchange offices instead. 5. Make all the transport bookings well-in-advance in order to avoid any issues with full bookings or paying extra. 6. Buy a local SIM Card

What are the top five backpacking trips in India?

Five top backpacking locations in India that are a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike are- Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Munnar, and Meghalaya.

What should you not bring for backpacking?

There are a few things that one should avoid carrying when backpacking including a heavy or massive backpack, extra clothing, valuable items, multiples of too many things, and huge quantities of medical supplies.

What should I pack for backpacking in India?

Backpacking might be adventurous but it can get extremely challenging sometimes, thus making it important that one has all the necessary things. Things that one should definitely pack are hiking boots, sleeping bag and pad, food items, emergency supplies, hygiene and first aid kit, water bottles, small repair-kit, and weather-appropriate clothing.

What is the best time to backpack in India?

The best time to backpack in India is when the weather is a bit cooler. So, the months of October- November or March-April are some of the best months to try backpacking in India.

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A Backpacker’s Guide to Delhi, India

Last Updated March 17, 2024
India , Asia

Delhi is a fascinating place. As well as being a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, it is a city of contrasts. In the south, wide tree-lined avenues are surrounded by colonial mansions and expansive gardens dotted with vast monuments and ancient tombs. As you move towards the chaos of Old Delhi, you find claustrophobic, narrow streets overflowing with people and traffic.

Think colourful spice markets, world-renowned cuisine, creative hubs and centuries of fascinating history. I think that Delhi has something to offer everyone, you just have to give it a chance.

The busy streets of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi

Where to Stay in New Delhi

Deciding where to stay in a city the size of Delhi can be a mind-boggling task. Not only are there a huge number of hotel options, ranging from budget-friendly fleapits to lavish five-star palaces, it can also be difficult to decide which are of the city to bed down in.

Many of the city’s hostels are located in Paharganj, the noisy and bustling backpacker hub close to the city’s railway station. However, in my opinion, it is an area that’s best avoided. Alternatively, the area around Connaught Place is near to a vast majority of the tourist sights and is much quieter with a higher standard of accommodation.

During my stay in Delhi, I stayed in the south of the city. Not only is it a little more convenient for getting an Uber to/and from the airport, but you’re also much more likely to catch a good night’s sleep without the fear of being kept awake by the constant honking of car horns. While it may take longer for you to reach the sights of Central and Old Delhi, I think that the trade-off is worth it.

Bed and Chai

Although not particularly fancy, this French-owned guesthouse has a mix of private and dorm rooms and has a few quirky design touches. It is located in a relatively quiet neighbourhood and offers a roof terrace and an excellent breakfast.

Madpacker’s Hostel

This cool and relaxed hostel has a huge hangout area adorned with grafitti and seating in which to meet and relax with fellow travellers. The staff are also incredibly friendly, offering walking tours each day and help with everything from onward transport to city tips. I found the private rooms to be comfortable but the only issue is that there are far too few shared bathrooms.

Things to do in New Delhi

There is a lot to see and do in Delhi, from museums and monuments to bustling markets and trendy neighbourhoods. Although most of the city’s main sights are easily accessible by metro, it can be hard to fit everything that the city has to offer into just a few short days. Here are a few of my favourite things to do in Delhi.

See the City Through the Eyes of its Street Kids with the Salaam Baalak Trust

It’s estimated that there are around 100,000 homeless children living on the streets of Delhi. Many of them eke out a living by begging for scraps , pickpocketing and stealing, while others find themselves joining gangs to survive or using drugs as a way to numb the boredom or stave off hunger.

Luckily, the Salaam Baalak Trust offers them a lifeline. The SBT is a charitable organisation that aims to take in street kids in order to give them an education and a second chance at life, as well as training some children to become tour guides in the city, aiming to improve their language and communication skills.

During their 2 hour-long tours, f ormer street children show the life of the city through an orphans eyes and tell you their own experiences of Delhi that are far removed from the usual tourist attractions, leading you around the old walled city of Delhi, down hidden alleys, and up on to the city’s rooftops.

The tour costs just Rs. 400 per person and all funds raised are used to continue the Salaam Baalak Trust’s program of educating children.

a former street kid giving a guided tour with the salaam baalak trust

Take a Street Food Tour of Old Delhi

For a foreigner, no meal in India is without its risks. Each stomach rumble or bowel movement is met with a mix of misgiving and unease. If you tell people that you plan on visiting India, each and every one of them will jokingly tell you that they “hope you don’t get Delhi Belly.”

Due to conversations like this, I had resigned myself to the fact that the ailment was inevitable. Afterall, when something is so common amongst travellers that it has been given a jaunty nickname, you know that there is no chance of avoiding it.

I decided that the best solution was to enlist some local knowledge and take a guided street food tour with Urban Adventures on their popular Delhi Street Food Walk . This is a great way to introduce yourself to the city’s most-loved dishes and during the 3-hour long tour, you will explore the streets of Old Delhi and Kamla Nagar market, sampling everything from shawarma and bhelpuri to chaat and kulfi.

Read more : A Tour of Delhi’s Street Food Hot Spots with Urban Adventures

Meditate at the Lotus Temple

Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba in 1986 to resemble a lotus flower, with 27 white-marble petals, this Bahai house of worship was designed as a place to bring all religions together. People of all faiths are welcome to pray or meditate silently inside according to their own beliefs. Even if you’re not religious, time spent in silence, meditating inside the temple can be a welcome break from the chaos of the city.

Safdarjung Tomb

This impressive sandstone and marble mausoleum, built in the 18th century by Nawab of Avadh as a grandiose tomb for his father, Safdarjang, is surrounded by palm-lined gardens and long, decorative pools. It is one of the most underrated attractions in the city, meaning that it doesn’t get too crowded. For best results, arrive around sunrise or sunset to catch it in all it’s sun-kissed, golden glory.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid, stands like a proud red island in the centre of Delhi’s pandemonium, a magnificent walled mosque adorned with minarets and gigantic onion domes. The building has been here as long as Old Delhi itself, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1644. It’s said to have cost over 1 million rupees and remains India’s largest mosque. At capacity, it can hold 25,000 people. Although the mosques vast courtyard provides the perfect spot to take photos of people and the buildings elegant domes and archways, you can pay an extra Rs.100 to climb the minaret and get a fantastic view of Old Delhi from above.

Humayun Tomb

The tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun is a real architectural wonder and one of the most impressive buildings in the whole of Delhi. Predating the Taj Mahal by around 60 years, it is thought to have inspired India’s most famous structure, although, rather than being built entirely from in white, the marble is reserved for the enormous dome and the inlays of the red sandstone arches, all of which follow the strict rules of Islamic geometry. The complex and its perfectly manicured gardens contain a number of other monuments and tombs, but none are quite as impressive or Instagram-worth as the tomb of Humayun.

Check out the Street Art of Lodhi Art District

Back in 2015, the St+art India Foundation, an organization dedicated to making art more accessible, teamed up with the Indian government to allow street artists to use the buildings in this inner-city neighbourhood as enormous canvases. As a result, what was once a rather dull stretch of government housing blocks is now home to over 50 vibrant murals created by local and foreign artists, covering themes ranging from Indian culture and celebrities to social issues.

Khari Baoli Spice Market

Men sit in tiny, dimly lit, tiled alcoves with all manner of spices and ruby red chillies laid out in front of them, spilling from the top of open hessian sacks. Some of them bark orders to the labourers that move bags of leaves and spices from stall to stall, heaving them up onto enormous weighing scales. Others huddle in groups, gossiping and playing cards in clouds of cigarette smoke, crumpled roll-ups clenched between their teeth. Some are fast asleep. Khari Baoli is home to Asia’s largest spice market and the Gadodia Market building is the epicentre.

worker pushing spices on a cart through Gadodia Market, Delhi

Constructed in 1921 in order to pay tribute to around 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in WWI, the Northwest Frontier operations and the 1919 Anglo-Afghan War, this imposing 42m high structure was modelled on Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. There is a constant buzz in the park and pools surrounding the gate as families picnic on the grass and swim in the water, especially in the early evening. Vendors selling street food, budhdhi ke bal (candyfloss or ‘old lady’s hair’) and toys mill around beneath the arch and on the long road that leads from the presidential palace towards the gate.

Agrasen Hi Boli

Although Connaught Place is one of New Delhi’s busiest areas, bustling both locals and tourists that head here to take advantage of the shops and restaurants, take a quick detour down a side street to find one of the city’s centuries-old, subterranean marvels. Thought to have originally been built by the legendary king Agrasen, and rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community, the stepwell was a centre point for the community, used as a water source, bathing pool and for washing clothes. The geometric staircases are a stunning combination of ingenious Indian engineering and architectural beauty.

Eat at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple is an island of tranquillity in the centre of one of the world’s most hectic and populous cities. Like all Sikh temples, everyone and anyone is welcome to wander inside to soak in the serene spirituality of the Gurudwara.

It is the most prominent Sikh house of worship in Delhi. First built as a small shrine in 1783 to honour the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, the gurdwara stands on the site where he was thought to have performed a small miracle. Guru Hari Krishan used to distribute sanctified water to the sick, believing it had a miraculous healing effect on their mind, body, and soul, and people still treat the contents of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib’s pools as holy water.

The best way to experience the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple is to sit and eat with other visitors. Every day, Langar (a free vegetarian meal) is served to all the visitors who sit on the floor and eat together. It is thought that the temple serves around 10,000 of these meals each day.

At this Sikh Temple, like all others, everyone is welcome, regardless of your denomination. The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib even has a visitors centre where you can learn more about the cornerstones of the Sikh faith: Sewa (service to community and God) and Simran (remembrance of God) as well as the ten Sikh gurus and the five Ks, items that Sikhs have on them at all times.

Take a walk through Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi

Chandni Chowk cuts through the centre of Old Delhi, from the magnificent Red Fort in the east, to Jama Masjid. It is one of the area’s busiest thoroughfares; The air is suffocating. There are people everywhere. The narrow streets feel claustrophobic and overflow with workers, stray animals and stray children. Mopeds weave by, while rickshaws push through the chaos, their passengers sunk back in resignation at the impenetrable mass of humanity. Among them are the Tourists that whizz by, their faces full of wide-eyed delight or frightful dismay. It can be a long stretch to handle in one sitting, but the most intrepid and persistent of travellers will make it south to Dariba Kalan, Old Delhi’s ancient silver jewellery alley, or Paranthewali Gali, where hawkers have been selling paratha, an Indian flatbread, since the 1870s.

Chandi Chowk itself has existed since 1653. The street is built up of layers and layers of history, and traversing it is like peeling an onion. Behind the dishevelled 20th-century apartment blocks covered in reams of tangled telephone wires and drying laundry, are crumbling colonial mansions. Look a little harder and you will find yourself wandering among the central courtyards of gorgeous havelis or stumbling upon centuries-old temples hidden away on cramped backstreets. Although the hidden lanes and buildings make for great photos, the real joy in visiting Chandi Chowk is discovering just how great it’s chaos is for taking wonderful street photography.

Visit Yamuna Ghat at Sunrise

You will find ghats all over India. For centuries these stone steps leading down to the water have been used for bathing or ceremonial purposes in sacred rivers or lakes. Yamuna Ghat at Kashmere Gate is still very much in use and can provide one of the most stunning experiences in the city. Each morning at dawn, thousands of seagulls flock here to feed as men use the ghat as a launching spot for taking passengers across the river in boats. The people and birds, mixed with the orange hues of the sunrise, make for a breathtaking sight.

Where to Eat & Drink in New Delhi

While Delhi’s history and culture draw in visitors, it is the capital’s food scene that lingers in the memory of most tourists. Delhiites love to eat, and food can be found on every street corner, literally. Stalls spill out of buildings and onto the street where people gather, often up to the roadside, leaving no space for walking. From crispy samosas to chaats smothered in spicy chutneys, stuffed parathas fried in desi ghee to syrup-soaked desserts, Delhi will leave you spoilt for choice, eschewing those fancy restaurants in search of some of the best street food you will ever taste.

Alongside the abundance of roadside eateries, Delhi has a huge number of wonderful cafes, bustling bars, and fine dining options. In fact, there are far too many for me to do the city’s food scene any justice in this article. For those looking for a whirlwind tour of the city’s classic eateries, I really recommend booking a food tour of Old Delhi , but if street food isn’t your thing, the hubs of Connaught Place or Kahn Market offer a good mix of Indian and International Cuisine.

Wandering the labyrinthine lanes of the Old City, or the busy shopping streets of Kamla Market and Chandni Chowk, it is easy to see why Delhi is known to churn out some of the best street food that India has to offer. On every street corner of the capital, you will find an enterprising cook, armed with just a hotplate and some pans, sliding a variety of battered or pastried vegetables into a pot of bubbling ghee and dishing it out in small, aluminium containers. There isn’t a single street devoid of at least some kind of delicious cuisine. A city of 19 million takes a lot of feeding, and street food is the fuel that keeps Delhi ticking over.

Many of the street food stalls come and go, making it difficult to give suggestions, but a mainstay of Old Delhi is Gali Paranthe Wali , a narrow street off Chandni Chowk noted for its parantha makers. For those that are unacquainted with paranthas, they are a type of Indian flatbread, normally fried in desi ghee and stuffed with anything from vegetables to besan methi. These are then served with a sweet side such as chutney or potato curry.

The street was originally established in 1650 as a silverware market, and it wasn’t until the 1870’s that the paratha shops moved in, the first being Pandit Gaya Prasad Paranthewala in 1872. Some of those originals still remain, such as Kanhaiyalal Durgaprasad Dixit (est. 1875), Pt Dayanand Shivcharan (est 1882) and Pt Baburam Devidayal Paranthewale (est. 1886) and are being run by the sixth generation of the same family.

If you prefer having a bit more choice, the area around Kamla Nagar Market has a huge number of stalls offering everything from momos to samosas, as do the streets around Jama Masjid , especially as evening prayers approach and the neighbourhood fills with people. However, I’m told that the momos from Momo’s Point (27 UB Chattori Lane, Kamla Nagar, Open 11 am – 10 pm) are some of the best in the city.

Elsewhere, Bishan Swaroop (1421 Chandni Chowk, 10 am – 9 pm), hidden away in one of Chandni Chowk’s unruly side streets, apparently has the best aloo chaat in the city and has been in business since 1923, and Vaishno Chat Bhandar (93-E Kolhapur Road. open 10 am – 10 pm) is the perfect place to try both aloo chaat and poa bhaji at the same time.

For those with a sweet tooth, Old Famous Jalebi Wala (1795 Dariba Kalan Road, open 8 am – 10 pm) in Chandni Chowk is known as having some of Delhi’s best jalebi – syrup-soaked spirals of fried batter – frying them in pure desi ghee rather than oil.

Connaught Place

Being the centre of Delhi’s financial and business districts, as well as hosting some of the city’s main sights, Connaught Place is often a hive of activity bustling with most locals and tourists. Obviously, this means that there are a huge number of Indian and international restaurants in the area.

All around the area, you will find the usual multinational chains like KFC, Nandos and Starbucks, but keep an eye out for some of the local eateries that set up shop in CP decades ago.

For coffee lovers, Indian coffee house is a classic, where waiters in spotless white uniforms and turbans take orders from old men that sit readings their daily newspapers while chain drinking coffee and chai. If you’re feeling fancy, United Coffee House is like stepping into another world, with high, wood-panelled ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. Apparently, they serve the best eggs benedict in the city.

Despite originally being a residential neighbourhood, Hauz Khan Village has become a creative hub and a popular hangout spot for young Delhiites and expats alike. This grid of narrow lanes hugging the perimeter of the nearby deer park is home to boutiques, galleries, cafes and a number of great spots to eat.

Social or Kunzum Travel Café are perfect places to grab a coffee, while Coast Café is a good place to grab a bite to eat. Although I didn’t visit myself, I’m told that the TLR Café is the place to visit for a nightcap.

Getting Around New Delhi

Delhi’s Metro system is very efficient, cheap and easily the fastest way to get around the city. Signs and announcements are in English as well as Hindi and tickets/tokens can be bought from counters and machines in each station. If you are planning on taking the Metro a lot during your stay in Delhi, it may be worth purchasing a 1 – 3 day tourist card (₹150-300 with a ₹50 rupee deposit).

There are parts of the city that the Metro doesn’t cover. In these cases, you can take an autorickshaw. Drivers tend to ignore the fitted metre so make sure to decide on a price before your journey (fares are often elevated for foreigners so make sure to haggle). I found Uber to be the best bet for short journeys within the city as the price is fixed and you are unlikely to be ripped off.

Getting In and Out

Most visitors to Delhi will likely land at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Delhi Metro runs an airport express line every 15 minutes between the hours of 5.15 am and 11.40 pm which takes around 20 minutes to reach New Delhi Train Station (₹60). Alternatively, shuttle buses run from outside Terminal 3 to Kashmiri gate every 10 minutes.

If like me, you arrive too late to catch public transport, there are pre-paid taxi counters in front of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. It will cost ₹350 to reach central Delhi or ₹450 to get to the southern suburbs. Payment is made at the counter in exchange for a voucher before you get into your taxi. some travellers report taxi drivers trying to scam passengers by taking them to the wrong hotel or refusing to go to the intended destination so ensure that you don’t give up your voucher before reaching your actual hotel.

Dave McClane

David McClane is a photographer and travel writer based in Leeds, UK. Since first picking up a camera on a yearlong journey through Central and South America in 2014/2015, He has carefully documented his travels through almost 50 countries.

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Flying Fluskey

Sharing our travel stories to inspire yours, your complete guide to backpacking delhi.

New Delhi, India’s capital city can be an overwhelming introduction to the country. Well, arriving anywhere in India can be overwhelming, so any research you can do is great. This complete guide is a great starting point for you if you are backpacking Delhi for the first time.

Old Delhi vs New Delhi

Where to eat and stay in delhi – paharganj, paharganj accommodation options, paharganj foodie options, getting around delhi, top sights around delhi, 10 top tips for backpacking delhi, final thoughts on backpacking delhi.

Delhi has been invaded and reinvaded for hundreds of years. There must be something special about it as it has been a base for many a ruler to construct a plethora of palaces and other architectural show-off pieces. Happily, there are still plenty around for backpackers to explore.

Delhi only officially became the modern capital, with its name of New Delhi, in 1931 when the British moved their capital from Kolkata. This marked the end of a furious spate of building. New roads, new monuments and new accommodation all marked New Delhi.

Oh, Paharganj; the hub of Delhi’s backpacker world. This area is located in Old Delhi, running West from the New Delhi Railway Station. Paharganj radiates the smell of India, cows, spices, tuk tuk fumes and heat. The main road in this area, handily called Main Bazaar, is lined with accommodation. These range from real dumps with mosquito-infested bathrooms and gaps in the doors, to relatively nice three-star hotels. You’ll also find shops and cafes the whole way along.

Paharganj Midrange Choices

Hotel city star.

Hotel City Star may be a little pricey for those on a tight budget but if you need somewhere nice to stay for one night, to gather yourself after an overnight flight or train, then you should consider this midrange choice. Big beds, with clean and crisp sheets, are mightily inviting. Plus, there is a great restaurant on the roof so you don’t need to go far for dinner, and a gym so you can work that dinner off again.

BloomRoom s at New Delhi Railway Station

Just a few steps from both Paharganj and New Delhi’s main train station, this is very conveniently located. BloomRoom’s aesthetic is clean and minimalist, which is quite a contrast to the city around you. It’s a nice, calm place to escape at the end of the day. The rainfall showers feel fantastic. This is where I planned to take mum when she had a taste of backpacking Delhi, but she opted for somewhere cheaper!

Paharganj Budget Choices

This is a great option for solo female backpackers. Smyle Inn’s friendly, genuine staff and female-only dorms create a safe space full of like-minded backpackers. There are plenty of handy amenities like laundry service, travel desk, common room, and relaxed courtyard.

Zostel Delhi

Part of a nationwide chain, Zostel Delhi really knows what backpackers want. This is a little rough around the edges but they have a great social area with TVs, a pool table and some lovely comfy bean bags. As there aren’t any dorms, they need this space for people to mix. Rooms are private doubles/twins so this would be a good option for couples or flashpackers.

The Backpackers Hostel

In contrast, The Backpackers Hostel is all mixed dorms meaning meeting new people is a guarantee. If you are really strapped for cash but want somewhere safe and simple, then this is a great pick. Staff are keen to assist guests with anything that makes their trip easier so don’t be afraid to ask their advice.

A cycle rickshaw and a tuk tuk amongst people walking on Paharganj, Delhi, India at night

Most of the backpacker restaurants are of a similar standard but I think that a cold drink (whether its a beer or a startlingly orange Mirinda) is just good whereever it comes from. There are a few stand out places though:

Brown Bread Bakery

Downstairs from Ajay Guesthouse , this place does a slightly pricy but rather lovely breakfast. However, the abundance of flavourful German bread and good cheese makes it worthwhile and a welcome break from the butter toast, and omelettes served elsewhere. If you have been in Asia for a while, you will really appreciate the European style cheese. Plus, Ajay Guesthouse sometimes show films in their rooftop restaurant.

Sonu Chat House and Restaurant

A cheap and almost cheerful street food restaurant. The dosa are great and the portions are good enough for a long afternoon of sightseeing.

Constructed in three stages this is a cheap and easy way to navigate the city. Pay for your journey and you are given a plastic token to pass into the electric gates.

From the West of Main Bazaar you can board at Ramakrishana Ashram Marg Station (RM Ashram Marg on the map). This lies on the Blue Line.

a map of the Delhi metro lit with coloured lights

If you head East, you can take the metro from New Delhi station. From here you cam take the Airport Express Line and the Yellow Line. If approaching from Main Bazaar, the metro is up and over the station bridge.

Uber and Ola have made their mark on the Delhi taxi trade. These ride share apps make journeys cheaper and safer but do rely on your phone having signal or WiFi so unless you’ve bought a local sim card, don’t depend on them.

Radio cabs still exist and are the main way to travel from the airport into town. It is still possible to flag them down but if you are backpacking Delhi on a budget, they are not your friends.

The classic image for me, when someone says the word tuk tuk is the small Delhi version. Green and yellow, these little speed demons weave their way through the traffic of cars, cows and humans with surprising skill. You can squeeze three adults in the back but it is quite cosy. If you are planning to take a tuk tuk, be prepared to haggle. If you aren’t sure of a fair price, ask your guesthouse/restaurant before to embark on your journey.

Humayun’s Tomb

This beautiful Mughal mausoleum is a striking marble edifice. Completed in 1572, it is oft-cited as a practice run for the Taj Mahal . Curved arches and its distinctive double dome delight visitors. The striking difference is use of rose-coloured stone, alongside the pale marble.

The rose stone and white marble exterior of Humayan's Tomb, Delhi, India

Isa Khan Tomb Enclosure

Built in 1547-8, Isa Khan’s tomb sits within the Humayun’s Tomb grounds. There are some lovely details hidden around this hexagonal tomb structure. Look out for the nearby mosque as well.

Baháʼí Lotus Temple

Travelling through India, temples can begin to blend in the memory. However, this giant lotus temple really stands out, erupting from the landscape with a totally unique silhouette. If you time your visit well, the pure white interior, echoes with song creating a magically calming atmosphere.

The Red Fort

This red sandstone and marble palace has stood here since its construction in the 1640s. It was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect of the Taj Mahal. Unsurprisingly, it is another excellent example of Mughal architecture. Originally a palace for the Mughal emperors until the empire was invaded, it was subsequently used as a prison, fort and the seat of government during British rule. It is now Delhi’s top tourist attraction.

We had a rather interesting visit to the Red Fort back in 2009 .

Red sandstone exterior of Lahori Gate at the Red Fort Delhi, India

Rajpath and India Gate

Rajpath is a thoroughfare created by the British to celebrate the move of their Indian capital from Kolkata to New Delhi in 1911. The road was called King’s Way in honour of the Bitish monarch. When India gained independence the name was change to Rajpath (People’s Way). The boulevard is wide, straight and flanked by two enormous lawns, perfect for pageantry and parades.

India Gate is a war memorial at the eastern end of Rajpath. It is distinctly reminiscent of the Arc de Triumph in Paris. Inscriptions on the 42m structure show the names of troops who lost their lives in battle between 1914-19. At its base, eternal flames burn to signify the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

India Gate war memorial with tourists walking around, Delhi, India

Connaught Place

Part hub, part roundabout, part mall, Connaught Place is a heart of sorts for the commercial life of Delhi. Those in the know just call it CP. If you look up, you will see the Georgian architecture, but most people are just popping in and out of shops and travel agents. The last time we stopped by, we were feeling homesick and popped into Nando’s….yup, there’s a Nando’s.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is the famous minaret that dominates the Qutub complex. Sadly, it is forbidden to climb the 379 steps of India’s tallest minaret. (That’s almost twice the number of steps at Covent Garden tube). It used to be allowed, but in 1981 the lighting failed and panic caused a stampede. Many people lost their lives and it has never reopened to the public.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most important Sikh temple in Delhi. There has been a temple in some form on this spot since the 1700s but it has developed somewhat from the original bungalow. Outside is a large lake and inside you will find an art gallery and the pool containing sacred water. Visitors are welcome and you can partake in a free meal. Just ensure you bring something to cover your hair (or borrow one from the entrance) cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes.

1 – Paan Panic

When in a tuk tuk, watch out for the bright red spittle that can erupt from your driver as they chew on paan.

2 – Cover Up

Dress appropriately during your time backpacking Delhi. It is a modern city but you will draw attention if you dress in shorts and a strappy top. You may be visiting sights like temples that require you shoulders and knees to be covered so for simplicity’s sake, just stay that way.

3 – Just One Photo

Prepare to take a whole lot of selfies. Delhi isn’t just a tourist draw for foreigners, but for people from across the Indian Subcontinent. You may well appear on many a mantelpiece in the future. Just smile and agree that a photo or two is fine. Once they are done, smile, say thanks and move on.

Rosie sits on the white marble of the Taj Mahal, India, with an Indian family sitting next to her, taking photos

4 – A Pinch of Salt

If your taxi driver, new friend or random stranger recommends a shop or travel agency, it is possible that they are chasing a commission. You are paying that commission and these can really add up. Don’t buy anything you didn’t plan to buy, don’t follow anyone to a specific shop etc, and do your own research if you want to buy some tailoring or a rug.

5 – Look Down

There is SO much to see in Delhi. Colours swirl around you and architecture rises above you BUT it is worth keeping an eye on the floor. Pavements can be uneven, or just have holes in and rubbish or street furniture can spill across areas that you need to walk. Nobody wants a twisted ankle.

Plus, free roaming cows leave little presents throughout the city.

6 – Haggling is Expected

Buying something like clothing from a stall, or picking up a tuk tuk will involve a negotiation on price. It can take some getting used to but our advice is to haggle hard until it gets down to the nitty gritty. Sure, you are on a budget but the last few pennies mean a lot more to the person you are haggling with so don’t be too harsh.

7 – Stay Cautious

Scams are a reality when backpacking Delhi. One of the joys of travel is meeting new people and experiencing new things, but do so with a moment of caution. Stop, think and work out if you are doing something of your own volition. If you feel pressured or you are about to do something without having noticed, change the script. For example, suggest a different spot for a drink, tell your new friends you are heading home or just leave the situation. If nothing dodgy is happening then nobody will be upset.

Check out our previous Delhi posts to see which scams we have fallen for, or almost fallen for here and here .

8 – Be Prepared

There are some things you need to carry with you that you might need to adjust to. For example, always have toilet paper with you if you like to use it (but pop it in the bin rather than flushing it). It is also wise to carry your mosquito repellent and anti-malarial just in case you are staying out later than planned.

9 – Delhi Belly

Delhi belly is a real thing. Do not drink tap water and think twice about food preparation standards. When backpacking Delhi, you might want to stick to a veg diet for a week or two to ease your digestive system in gently. Paneer and dahl are easier on the tummy and the wallet.

a naan bread in a cloth, a bowl of tomato curry and a bowl of chicken curry

10 – Be a Picky Eater

Street food is a cheap and delicious delight but again, choose wisely. Grab food from stalls with a fast-flowing queue and freshly cooked food. Deep-fried food is an especially good bet. The faster and fresher the food is, the lower the likelihood that it has been sitting out for a long time.

Another option is to join a street food tour . They are familiar with the spots that create delicious, reliable cuisine. We tried this in Mumbai and started a life long love of pav bhaji (pictured below).

Delhi is a shock to the senses. If it is your first stop in India, be prepared to experience some real culture shock. In fact, even if you arrive from somewhere else, it can still take you by surprise. It is busy, intense and lots of fun. Take a deep breath and charge in, ready to take on the city. A week after you’ve left, you’ll start telling everyone how they simply must try backpacking Delhi!

4 thoughts on “ Your Complete Guide to Backpacking Delhi ”

A very realistic and comprehensive guide. Yes, for those who are not comfortable with chaos, it can get a little overwhelming to visit this city. Indian destinations does that to new travelers, Scare them a bit then make them fall in love with it. Every place in India grows on you the longer you spend time here. The medley of palaces and architectural wonders are some of the finest you will ever come across.

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Home » Asia » India » Delhi

Where to Stay in Delhi (Best Places in 2024)

I still remember the moment I stepped out of the Delhi metro station and into a sea of eclectic chaos that can only be found in New Delhi.

My first day in India – over 5 years ago – began with a rickshaw ride that swerved through cows and madness, and ended up with me eventually living in South Asia.

While that certainly isn’t the norm, a trip to India is often life changing for many, and this city is truly unlike any other in the region or the world.

And as you can imagine, a city with almost 20 million people definitely isn’t easy to navigate. My first few days in India’s capital were a world of chaos, and boy let me tell you, your experience in this city is highly dependent on getting your accommodation RIGHT. But with so many different areas, figuring out exactly where to stay in Dehli can deff be tricky.

To help you out, I’ve come up with this insider guide on the best places to stay in Delhi for any type of traveller.

Let’s dive right in…

Where to Stay in Delhi

Delhi neighborhood guide – places to stay in delhi, delhi’s 5 best neighborhoods to stay in, faq about finding a place to stay in delhi, what to pack for delhi, don’t forget travel insurance for delhi, final thoughts on where to stay in delhi.

More interested in finding the best accommodation and not too fussed about location? Check out my overall favourite places to stay in Delhi.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Wood Castle | Best Hotel in Delhi

While many Delhi hotels tend to have a similar look and feel to them, Wood Castle stands out. It (unsurprisingly given the name) features a ton of wooden decor, and has a cozy, homely feel that I didn’t quite find elsewhere.

Yes Boss by Backpackers Heaven | Best Hostel in Delhi

Yes Boss combines traditional backpacker accommodation with the kind of services you’d expect from a fancy hotel. One of the best things about this Delhi hostel is the location – it’s situated away from the bustling streets and provides a peaceful environment while still being close to top attractions.

Self-contained apartment with a local vibe | Best Airbnb in Delhi

This peaceful, charming, and cozy first flat is kitted out in a European style and decorate with a Delhi flair. It’s available at a great price for the area and is situated close to bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Up to three people can stay here, making it ideal for couples or small groups.

This neighbourhood has long been a destination for first-time travellers to Delhi, due to its easy transport and amazing shopping.

If you can handle a bit of noise, don’t mind dodging a speeding rickshaw or two, and have a modicum of resilience for staring, then you may find this to be your unexpected travel love affair!

Connaught Place

Looking like it belongs somewhere in England, rather than India, Connaught Place is the central business district of the city.

It’s not only hip, it’s historic, dating back to the 13th century. You can find out all about it in the Hauz Khas Complex, with free entry just as a treat!

South Delhi

South Delhi is, unsurprisingly, located south of the central area of Delhi, and just east and south of Hauz Khas. It’s known for being a lot more chilled out than the rest of the city, and its for this reason that we’ve named it the best neighbourhood in Delhi for families.

Delhi is located within its own union territory in the central north of India. It’s the second-largest city in the country, and actually contains the capital, New Delhi, entirely within its borders!

It’s a loud, busy city that has been in settlement for a whopping 27 centuries. With a history this long, there’s bound to be some cultural attractions that deserve your attention! Finding the perfect place to stay will help you make the most of your time.

If you’re visiting Delhi for the first time, I recommend basing yourself in Karol Bagh . It’s got a bit of everything, food, shopping, popular attractions are all within easy reach. It’s well-connected to other awesome places to visit in Delhi, so you can discover the city at ease.

Paharganj is my top pick if you’re backpacking India on a budget. It’s got a bunch of cheaper accommodation options, and is close to top attractions. It’s a vibrant student area and has been a popular destination with backpackers for decades.

Check out Connaught Place for some of the best nightlife in Delhi. Here, you’ll find some of the top bars and nightclubs in the city.

Hauz Khas is the coolest area of Delhi. It’s a fun and quirky neighborhood where travelers can experience funky bars and quirky coffee shops.

Finally, South Delhi is our top pick for where to stay in Delhi with family. It’s slightly removed from the hectic centre but is still bustling and full of fun things to do for travelers of all ages.

You can get hectic, spiritual, family-friendly, or peaceful in Delhi, if you just know where to look!

Now, let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail. I’ve included my top accommodation and activity picks in each neighborhood, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

1. Karol Bagh – Where to Stay in Delhi for Your First Time

Karol Bagh sits in the north of Delhi, nestled between a railway and a metro line. It’s well connected to the rest of the city, making it the best place to stay if you’re visiting Delhi for the first time. It’s super close to Paharganj, Connaught Place, and Old Delhi, so you can weave your way in and out of the different areas like a local!

This is the area where the tour groups stay, so this may help you feel more at ease. Of course, they’re easy enough to escape as soon as you duck into the huge Karol Bagh market that sells anything you could want. The electronics section on Gaffar Street is very popular!

Wood Castle | Best Hotel in Karol Bagh

The rooms are spotless (a rarity in India), it’s centrally located near some of the city’s top attractions, and the staff is super helpful and friendly in case you need them! The beds are really comfy, and best of all it’s somehow located in a quiet, residential area despite being close to all of India’s capital city action.

Beautiful Central Delhi House | Best Airbnb in Karol Bagh

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to base yourself in Central New Delhi, look no further than this epic Airbnb right in residential Karol Bagh. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a medium sized group of up to six travellers can stay here.

You’ll have the entire space to yourself (which includes a kitchen) for a fraction of the price of luxury hotels! The metro station (a must use if you ask me!) is just 2km away, and the Delhi airport is 15km. The space is well-designed and even features a large terrace that’s filled with house plants. It’s a bit more expensive than most Delhi hotels, but trust me – this is a city worth paying extra in exchange for some peace and quiet!

Things to See and Do in Karol Bagh:

Check out the electronics on Gaffar Street.
Browse the used books on Arya Samaj Street and find a new or old favourite!
Try the tandoori momos (dumplings) at Art of Spices.
Cool down with a tasty treat from Roshan di Kulfi.
Visit the Monday Market, for a whole new range of goods for the rest of the week!

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2. Paharganj – Best Place to Stay in Delhi on a Budget

Sitting slightly southeast of Karol Bagh and directly on top of Connaught Place, Paharganj has been a popular backpacker destination since the 1970s. The main bazaar is often peopled with foreigners, but young Indian students are starting to frequent it as a spot for bargain meals as well.

Known for its cheap accommodation and convenient location, it’s a lot grittier than the other destinations in this guide! But if you can handle a bit of noise, don’t mind dodging a speeding rickshaw or two, and have a modicum of resilience for staring, then you may find this to be your unexpected travel love affair!

Jyoti Mahal | Best Hotel in Paharganj

No doubt the very best place to stay in wild and crazy Paharganj is this elegant heritage hotel, which features a unique antique interior just five minutes away from the New Delhi Railway Station.

In a part of the city known for chaos and debauchery, Jyoti Mahal is like an oasis in the desert – it even has a peaceful rooftop terrace and onsite restaurant. Trust me that it’s also a steal that it’s within walking distance of a major train station – you’ll be able to easily move along to your next destination in India! Set in an old haveli mansion, the rooms are super clean and you won’t have to worry about any scams either.

Yes Boss by Backpackers Heaven | Best Hostel in Paharganj

Yes Boss combines traditional Delhi backpacker accommodation with the kind of services you’d expect from a fancy hotel. Rooms are modern and stunningly decorated, providing the perfect space to relax from your travels. One of the best things about this hostel in Delhi is the location – it’s situated away from the bustling streets to provide a peaceful environment while still being close to top attractions.

Things to See and Do in Paharganj:

Head over to the Red Fort, the symbol of Delhi and one of India’s foremost monuments.
Go on a guided tour of the city’s top sights.
Find a quiet rooftop bar to sit above the chaos for a while!
Give your tastebuds a gift with some epic street food
Grab a train from the New Delhi Metro nearby and explore the outskirts of the city.

3. Connaught Place – Best Area in Delhi for Nightlife

While it started off as a forest, almost a hundred years of development and a new metro line have brought Connaught Place into the limelight as one of Delhi’s liveliest destinations . The bars and restaurants of Connaught Place are multiplying at a phenomenal rate, giving you a wide range to choose from for your evenings and cementing this as the best neighborhood to stay in Delhi for nightlife.

There’s plenty to explore here during the daytime as well. You’ll find a sprawling park where you can take a breath from the chaos of the city, as well as temples and busy shopping streets.

Shangri La’s – Eros Hotel | Best Hotel in Connaught Place

Featuring an on-site nightclub and a beauty parlour, Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel offers 5-star accommodation in New Delhi. It’s within a ten-minute walk of Bharat Sanchar Nigam, as well as Delhi’s top-rated bars and restaurants.

goStops Delhi | Best Hostel in Connaught Place

Located right at the cusp of Old Delhi and New Delhi, the hostel serves you the best of both worlds. Though not right in Connaught Place, it’s the best hostel in the vicinity. The hostel is serviced by three metro stations and hundreds of ‘tuk-tuks’, so you can travel around with ease.

Self-Contained Apartment With a Local Vibe | Best Airbnb in Connaught Place

This peaceful, charming and comfortable first floor flat is kitted out in a European style and decorated with a Delhi flair. It’s available at a great price for the area and is well situated for those looking for a night out in the city. The apartment sleeps three guests, making it perfect for couples or small groups.

Things to See and Do in Connaught Place:

Connaught Place, Where to Stay in Delhi for nightlife

Get your 1960s hippy-hat on and head to Lady Baga, with its psychedelic artworks and vibrant surroundings.
Channel your inner Bollywood star at Bombay Bar.
Stroll through Pebble Street for its epically long happy hour (12.30 pm-8.30 pm).
Visit Hanuman Temple.
Similarly, be amazed at the ancient astronomical advancements at Jantar Mantar.

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4. Hauz Khas – Coolest Place to Stay in Delhi

A lot further south than the previous three recommendations, it wasn’t hard to choose Hauz Khas as the coolest neighborhood to stay in Delhi. It’s as hip as it is historic, dating all the way back to the 13th century. You can find out all about it in the Hauz Khas Complex (entry is free, so there are no excuses not to!).

It’s the kind of place where you can’t turn a corner without bumping into another funky eaterie or hip coffee shop. You’ve got cultural art galleries, the foodie haven aspect of the restaurants, and the nightlife of the late-night bars.

Villa 33 | Best Hotel in Hauz Khas

For a unique stay in Delhi, check out this bed & breakfast. The Victorian villa is ornately decorated both inside and out, with a whitewashed exterior and a traditional Indian colonial interior. Each room comes with a balcony or terrace, and guests have access to a shared lounge, expansive gardens, and a dining room/bar. It’s ideally situated just moments from quirky cafes and beautiful temples.

Orania B&B by Atsar | Best Budget Hotel in Hauz Khas

This hotel provides modern rooms, free wifi, and a terrace. Breakfast can be enjoyed in your room, and kids meals are provided for little ones. Staying here, you’ll be right next to Hauz Khas Village and its many bars and restaurants. Hauz Khas Lake and Deer Park are also nearby if you fancy a break from the city!

Rajastani style apartment overlooking historic views | Best Airbnb in Hauz Khas

Stocked with crafted wood furniture and kitted out with an old-school Rajasthani flair, this is one of the best Airbnbs in Delhi! It’s situated right outside the oldest 13th-century monument in Delhi and has views over the lake, making it great for culture vultures.

Things to See and Do in Hauz Khas:

Stick on your fake mustache (provided) and have a dance at The Living Room.
Relax in the famous Deer Park in the northeast corner of the neighborhood.
Stop in for a latte and the free wifi at the increasingly famous Kuznam Travel Cafe.
Enjoy some crafted cocktails at ELF Cafe and Bar.
And obviously, spend an entire day in the Hauz Khas Complex, seeing all it has to offer!

5. South Delhi – Best Place to Stay in Delhi with Family

South Delhi is known for being a lot more chilled out than the rest of the city, making it the best neighborhood in Delhi for families. Despite being quieter, the area is still full of things to see and do.

The astounding Qutub Minar is here. It’s the world’s largest free-standing minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like with all impressive things constructed long ago, you’ll be marveling at how it could’ve been constructed back then. We’re talking almost a thousand years here!

The neighborhood is leafy too, and visitors report feeling safer here than they might elsewhere. The Garden of the Five Senses is sure to have you relaxing amongst the greenery, while the kids have a great time exploring the patterns and shapes hiding in the landscaping.

Home@F37 | Best Hotel in South Delhi

This hotel is located in South Delhi and offers a coffee bar and 24-hour room service. Family rooms are available, making this a great base from which to explore Delhi.

Relaxed apartment with excellent connections | Best Airbnb in South Delhi

This is a private and self-contained apartment. It’s got all the amenities you’ll need to look after a small family on the go, and excellent public transport links to the airport, city centre and major attractions.

Things to See and Do in South Delhi:

Get into some yoga at Lodhi Garden
Let the kids cuddle with puppies at Puppychino, the first dog cafe in Delhi.
Visit the immense Mehrauli Archaeological Park and the 100 significant monuments therein!
Take a family photo amongst the sculptures and scenery at the Garden of the Five Senses.
Wander through some stunning street art .

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Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Delhi and where to stay.

Which is the best area to stay in Delhi?

First time in Delhi? Karol Bagh is the answer! It’s a good place to witness the life in this chaotic city, shop for goodies at the markets and eat delicious food!

What are the best places to stay in Delhi?

Heading to India’s bustling capital? Check out a few good places to stay at: – In Karol Bagh: Wood Castle – In Paharganj: Yes Boss by Backpackers Heaven – In Hauz Kaz: Villa 33

What are the best hostels to stay in Delhi?

Delhi is really well served when it comes to hostels! Here are just a few of my favorites: – Yes Boss by Backpackers Heaven – goStops Delhi

Where to stay in Delhi for couples?

Airbnb has a great Heritage Apartment in Delhi, overlooking a beautiful lake & a 13th-century monument! The perfect pick for culture vultures.

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!

How many days do I need in Delhi?

I’d recommend spending 2 full days in New Delhi. This will give you enough time to get a feel for the city’s best sights, but honestly, there are many, many more beautiful places to explore in India.

Which is better Karol Bagh or Paharganj?

Absolutely Karol Bagh, full stop! Why? Well, for one it’s significantly quieter and more peaceful. It’s also cleaner, and is mainly a residential area as opposed to a major cheap tourist spot. But you won’t need to compromise on convenience – Karol Bagh is super close to all the city’s major sights.

Where should I go after Delhi?

The possibilities are truly endless! I’ve gone to several places from New Delhi – including Haridwar, Agra and one time even straight up to Himachal Pradesh. I think it all depends on how much time you have in India and what are on your list of priorities to see. Luckily the Delhi train station can cheaply get you to virtually anywhere in India, just try to book in advance (especially around holidays) as popular routes can get busy!

What are some scams to watch out for in Delhi?

Don’t believe any rickshaw or taxi driver who tries to tell you your hotel is closed! This happened to me back in 2018, and needless to say it was an EVENT. Areas/hotels do not simply “close” in New Delhi, but scammers are keen to target tourists who don’t have cell phone plans or maps access. To get around this, arrange an airport/ train station pickup with your hotel, or make sure you have some sort of offline maps access if you’re rolling in without a functioning SIM or eSIM!

India is not a place you want to visit without travel insurance. Lucky for you, Safetywing is easy to use AND cheap.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Delhi is a place that will never leave you. Though it’s not for everyone, those that manage to find its charm are devotees for life. With my top picks for where to stay in Delhi, I hope you’ve found something to suit your travel style and budget.

If you’re still not sure where to stay, you can’t go wrong with Villa 33 in South Delhi. It’s an oasis from the city that won’t even come close to breaking the bank!

So there you have it. Now get out there and get booking. Though Delhi will wait, now you know what’s on offer, you won’t want to! And remember – the Taj Mahal is less than three hours away by train!

“Delhi means everything to me. The city has given me everything and I love it” – Virat Kohli

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a purple colored sunset above the indian city of jaipur as seen from the amer fort

Suzanne Borders

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Delhi Itinerary: how to spend 3 days in Delhi

This post is a 3 day Delhi itinerary that will help you overcome the overwhelming experience that Delhi can be.

For most people Delhi will be their introduction to India. It is not always a gentle introduction. Absolutely nothing can prepare you for the culture shock if you have never been in the South Asian continent before.

Delhi is crowded, dirty, smelly, noisy and smoggy. The last time my weather app continuously said “fog” referring to the brown mist of pollution hanging in the sky.

However, if you give Delhi some time, you will discover a different side of the city. In this Delhi itinerary I will share with you the beautiful and peaceful places that will make you fall in love with this intriguing city full of history and culture.

Street food in Old Delhi. One of the highlights of your Delhi itinerary

My Delhi itinerary

When I visited Delhi for the first time it took me only 2 hours before I wanted to go back home. I am glad I did not go back home, but I did book the first available train out of the city and skipped my 3 day Delhi itinerary.

During my time backpacking Rajasthan I fell in love with India. I returned to the country several times and luckily I ended up back in Delhi as well. The more time I spent there, the more I liked it. Each time I dedicated more days to my Delhi itinerary.

Delhi is in fact an amazing city with a very rich cultural heritage. Remnants of Delhi’s long and interesting history are everywhere. It’s beautiful Mughal architecture and the numerous temples from different faiths are some of it’s top attractions.

On top of that, there is delicious street food from all over the country. When you walk through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s old bazaar or Nizamuddin Basti you will wish you had more than one stomach.

Delhi does deserve your time to get slowly used to it’s chaos, so that in the end you will appreciate the intense Delhi experience. Delhi might have many lessons to teach you. I can recommend this post about what life is like in India from someone that lived in Delhi for a year

A 3 day Delhi itinerary

There are so many things to see and do in Delhi that you can easily spend more than a week in this city. I realize that for most people Delhi is the start of a journey to other places in India such as Rajasthan or Agra and therefore might not have this time available. In my opinion you need at least 3 days in Delhi to get a good feel of the city and to overcome the initial culture shock if it’s your first time in India.

Delhi itinerary day 1

Delhi red fort.

On the first day of your Delhi itinerary we will cover some of Delhi’s top attractions and we start with the Red Fort.

Shah Jahan is most famous for the Taj Mahal, but he also built the Red fort in Delhi. This was the residence for the Mughal emperors for almost 200 years. Thick red walls and impressive gates lead towards the beautiful royal gardens and courtyards. Like the Agra fort it’s a world on its own with several palaces, pavilions and it’s own mosque and hammam.

How to get there : Delhi Metro violet line stop Red Fort

Jame Masjid

Across the red Fort lies Delhi’s Jame Masjid. Another impressive creation from emperor Shah Jahan and one of his last architectural achievements. The red sandstone structure was decorated with white marble, tall minaret towers and large domes.

It was built higher than the royal residence in the Red fort. This was done on purpose to show that God remains above the people. Shah Jahan named it the Masjid e Jahan Numa or the mosque that commands a view of the world. The first imam was brought in specially from Bukhara in Uzbekistan that was one of the most important Islamic cities on the Silk Road.

The Jame Masjid remains Delhi’s largest mosque and is always busy, yet is a remarkably peaceful and spiritual place once you are inside. Entrance should be free, but there are lots of semi-official scammy things going on such as a mandatory camera fee, shoe keeping fees or robes you need to rent.

Insider tips : Dress modestly so you don’t need to rent the not so clean robes at the entrance and bring a plastic bag so you can carry your shoes with you. Shoes are forbidden in most temples and mosques in India, so bring shoes that are easy to put on and off. There will be wanna be guides that will demand hefty prices so be firm that you don’t want their services and then ignore them.

How to get there : Delhi Metro violet line stop Jame Masjid

Jame Masjid in Old Delhi. One of the highlights of your Delhi itinerary

Lunch at Kareem’s

Besides the Jame Masjid you will find Delhi’s best Mughal restaurants. The most famous is Kareem. This restaurant was opened in 1913 by Mohammed Aziz who was the cook for the Mughal emperors. His vision was to serve royal food to the common man.

The times magazine ranked it to be one of the best restaurants in Asia. It is tucked away in a little side street and a bit difficult to find, but worth the effort. Outside you will see the cooks stirring in large pots and baking fresh naan breads.

It is one of my favourite restaurants in India and my visit to Delhi is not complete without eating there at least once.

Other recommended restaurants in the area are Al Jawahar (budget), Walled city cafe (midrange) and Lakhori restaurant (expensive).

Kareem restaurant in Old Delhi. One of the highlights of your Delhi itinerary

Old Delhi bazaar & Chandni Chowk

Behind Delhi’s Jame Masjid are the chaotic streets of old Delhi. The haveli mansions from wealthy traders in the past are still full of character. Making sense of this intricate maze of alleys on your own might be hard and there are plenty of agencies that offer Old Delhi walking tours that are able to point out the hidden gems in this area.

These tours often include Chandni Chowk as well, one of the oldest markets in Delhi. If you do want to explore Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk on your own it’s good to know that there are different market sections. Dariba Kalan is all about silver jewellery, Nai Sadak has second hand books, Katra Neel is a wholesale clothing market, Kinari bazaar specializes in wedding fabrics and Chawri bazaar in wedding cards. Don’t miss Chor bazaar where you will find all kinds of second hand electronics as well as antique and vintage items for bargain prices if you negotiate well.

How to get there : Delhi Metro yellow line stop Chandni Chowk

Khari Baoli spice market

The Khari Bhaoli market is still part of Chandni Chowk, but almost at the end of it. If you don’t know it’s there, you might not venture this far. But it’s one of the most colorful markets in Delhi. Khari Bhaoli is Asia’s largest wholesale market for spices.

The fragrant spice powders you buy here will be nothing like the ones available at home. Buy yourself the best garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, nutmeg and coriander or just enjoy all the smells and sights at this bustling market.

Trying Street Food at Chandni Chowk

The bustling streets at Chandni Chowk are also one of the best places in Delhi to try out street food. There are several famous establishments that have been serving a particular dish for decades and have made it into perfection.

Try sweet Jalebi at Old Famous Jalebi wala, an endless list of different paratha’s (stuffed bread) at Babu Ram Devi Dayal Paranthe Wale, the best Indian chaat at Natraj Dahi Bhalle wale, naans still warm from the oven at Kake di Hatti, fresh lemon juice at Ved Prakash Lemon wala, a thick lassi with a dollop of butter at Amritsari Lassi corner, delicious meat curries at Ashok and Ashok meat dhaba or just try whatever you see.

If you are scared of eating street food just watch how popular a place is. If it is busy it is busy for a reason and you will not only get the best, but you will also be less likely to get sick. You can read more about Delhi’s great street food in this post on the 10 must try street foods in Delhi .

Delhi itinerary day 2

Salaam baalak trust .

Start the second day of your Delhi itinerary with the Salaam Baalak Trust city walk. The Salaam Baalak Trust provides care and protection to street children in Delhi. It’s a great NGO and one of their programs is the City Walk project in which former street children guide you around Paharganj.

Paharganj is a busy area near the train station with lots of hotels and tour agencies. For tourists it is a convenient and practical place to stay, but not one where you want to linger for too long. Yet, I recommend you to delve deeper under the surface of this neighbourhood.

The Salaam Baalak Trust city walk shows you the hidden world of the street children. The confrontation with poverty might be hard and the stories you will hear are heartbreaking, but it is a necessary introduction to Delhi. It will give you a better understanding about the situation of street children in India and how best to help them.

How to get there : Walks start near the New Delhi train station on the side of Paharganj

Qutb Minar is most famous for being the tallest minaret in the world made out of bricks. However, it’s much more than a minaret alone. Nowadays it’s an archeological complex that is well worth a visit for its well preserved ruins from the 12th century. There are tombs, a mosque, palaces, madrassas and arched gateways.

They were among the first islamic buildings in Delhi, but it remains unclear who built them and why. Some say it was indeed a minaret, others believe it was a victory tower to celebrate the islamic conquest of India.

There is also evidence that the complex was built on the site of a much older Jain temple and that parts of this temple were used in the construction of the mosque. If you pay close attention you will indeed see some hindu and jain carvings here and there.

Personally I thought the Qutb Minar to be very different from the later Mughal architecture that you can see throughout Delhi. It’s very popular among both local and foreign tourists. I went in the afternoon and it was a lovely time to stroll through the ruins, courtyards and gardens.

How to get there : Delhi Metro yellow line stop Qutb Minar. From there it is a 20 minute walk to the archeological complex or a 5 minute tuk tuk ride.

Hauz Khas near Qutub Minar in the south of Delhi is one of the more affluent and clean neighbourhoods in the city. With a great choice of excellent hotels and restaurants tourists now increasingly choose to stay here rather than in Paharganj.

It’s more modern with art galleries, designer stores, boutiques and nightclubs, but also more upmarket and a bit far from the center. Still, it’s a great place to eat after a visit to the Qutub Minar

If you haven’t had enough history in Qutub Minar, you will find more early Islamic ruins in Hauz Khas. The 14th century Hauz Khas Fort is pretty impressive and there are nice views over the scenic Hauz Khas lake.

How to get there : Delhi Metro yellow line stop Hauz Khas

Delhi itinerary day 3

Bangla sahib gurudwara.

We start the third day of our Delhi itinerary with one of the city’s most welcoming temples. A visit to a Sikh temple is an interesting experience not to miss. People are very friendly, the temples are clean and welcome foreigners to watch the ceremonies up close.

Delhi has two big Sikh temples. The Sisganj gurudwara in Chandni Chowk and the Bangla Sahib gurudwara near Connaught place and the India Gate. I visited both, but the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is the most scenic one, because of its holy lake inside the complex. It’s also the most important Sikh temple for the Sikh population in Delhi that believe the water in the lake has healing powers.

How to get there : Delhi Metro yellow line stop Patel Chowk. From there you can take a tuk tuk.

India Gate is one of the largest war memorials in India that is a memory to the Indian soldiers who died serving the british army in the first world war.

It is now among the top tourist attractions in Delhi and the park surrounding it is popular with families. India Gate is also nearby some of the government buildings. Rajpath is a wide lined boulevard that runs from India Gate to Rashtrapati bhavan, the residence of India’s president.

How to get there : Delhi Metro yellow line stop Central Secretariat. Then walk along raj path to India Gate (3 kilometers) or take a tuk tuk.

Lodi gardens

We continue our Delhi itinerary with one of my favourite places in Delhi. The Lodi gardens are like a central city park. A quiet and peaceful green space where Delhiites come for their morning or evening walks. It is also home to the tombs of some of the early islamic rulers of the city, but with much less tourist crowds.

When I was there it was mostly young couples that used the tombs to find a quiet space to sit and talk and some joggers that were running through the park.

How to get there : Delhi Metro yellow line stop Jor Bagh. Exit from gate nr1 or gate nr.2 and then walk 2 – 3 kilometers or take a tuk tuk.

Humayun tomb

By now you have seen quite a lot of tombs already in your Delhi itinerary. Humayun’s tomb is certainly one of the most impressive ones if it comes to size. It was built in the 16th century as the final resting place for Mughal emperor Humayun and is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in Delhi.

It was designed by a Persian architect and it was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent. The gardens make it a quiet retreat from the chaos of Delhi where you can marvel at this architectural wonder.

How to get there : Delhi Metro violet line stop JLM Stadium. From there take a tuk tuk for the 2-3 kilometers to Humayun’s tomb.

Nizamuddin Basti

Nizamuddin Basti is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Delhi and there are several reasons to come here. First of all, the Nizamuddin sufi shrine where you can listen to the devotional qawwalis on thursday evenings. Second, to try all the delicious street food you will find here and at last, to join the excellent Nizamuddin basti walk from the hope project.

Nizamuddin started out as a small village in the 14th century, built around the shrine of sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.Slowly it was engulfed by Delhi, but it has always kept its own unique rural atmosphere and culture.

The Hope project is an excellent NGO run by Inayat Khan Inayat who was deeply moved by the poverty in this area. He set up the project that is now running a community health center, a school, a vocational training center and a city walk program. The walk will show you the projects and the hidden secrets of this lively and fascinating area.

How to get there : Delhi Metro violet line stop JLM Stadium. From there take a tuk tuk for the 2-3 kilometers to Nizamuddin Basti. It’s within walking distance from Humayun’s tomb.

More than 3 days in Delhi

If you have more than 3 days in Delhi there are some other sights that you could include in your Delhi itinerary.

Akshardam temple

This huge temple complex for sure is impressive. Construction finished in 2005 and Akshardam claims to be the largest Hindu temple in the world. It is easy to get there by metro, but getting inside is a bit of a challenge.

Maybe it was because I visited during Diwali, but it was busy and the strict security check will not allow anything but yourself inside the temple. Camera’s, weapons and food are obviously not allowed, but even notebooks, pencils and my guidebook were all deemed very suspicious items .

The first impression is one of awe and splendor, but soon it felt more like a kitschy theme park than a temple. There are exhibitions, gardens, boat rides and even an IMAX theatre all depicting traditional Indian history according to the Mahabaratha and Ramayana.

There is a strong focus on guru Swaminarayan. If a visit to this temple made you a fan of him, you can buy swaminarayan dolls, mugs, t-shirts and keychains in the souvenir shop at the end. I am not sure this will make you love Delhi, but your visit will be an interesting one.

How to get there : Delhi Metro blue line stop Akshardam temple.

Raj ghat and Gandhi museum

Raj Ghat is a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi at the place where he was cremated on the 31st of January 1948. It is a quiet green space but also an important stop for school tours. The groups of children are curious and very willing to take their selfies with foreign tourists. Combine the visit to the memorial with the nearby National Gandhi museum to learn more about Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

How to get there : Delhi Metro violet line stop Delhi gate.

Lotus temple

Another temple worth visiting in Delhi if you have some extra time left is the Lotus temple of the Bahai faith. Inside you can meditate in silence and it is a wonderful spiritual place.

If you still have more appetite for temples there are two other temples nearby. The ISKCON Hare Krishna temple and the Hindu Kalkaji temple.

How to get there : Delhi Metro violet line stop Kalkaji Mandir.

Birla mandir

You will visit many temples in India and honestly the Birla Mandir is just another Hindu temple. If you are in the area (the temple is close to Connaught place) it makes for an interesting stop. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple with the condition that people of all castes and religions were allowed to enter.

How to get there : Delhi Metro yellow line stop Patel Chowk. From there take a tuk tuk

Delhi itinerary travel tips

Where to sleep in delhi.

For years Paharganj was the main area in Delhi for backpackers and that is where I stayed most of my time in several hostels. Paharganj has its advantages and disadvantages.

It’s a great place to meet other travellers and it is easy to arrange your tours and train tickets for further travels in India. It is close to New Delhi train station and you will find almost anything a backpacker might need from restaurants, hostels, travel agencies to souvenir shops.

In general Paharganj is safe, but also a bit seedy and there are a lot of scams going around. Walking alone through Paharganj without somebody trying to sell you something is almost impossible. In recent years some other more quiet areas have sprung up with good accomodation options. Check this post about Paharganj Alternatives .

I stayed in several budget places in Paharganj Delhi, but none of them were to write home about. On my last visit I stayed in Smyle Inn . It didn’t live up to the good reviews on Trip advisor, but it was ok for the couple of nights I was there.

On my way back I decided to spend a bit more on a better hotel and tried Nataraj Yes please . This probably is the first place in Paharganj that I would truly recommend. For paying just a little bit more I felt like I was in an upmarket hotel with a clean bathroom, clean sheets and fluffy pillows. Right outside is an excellent place where they serve fresh lassi’s in the morning. So for next time. Nataraj? Yes, please !!

If you are really on a budget there is always the reliable chain of Zostel hostel with two hostels in Delhi. One in New Delhi and one in South Delhi

How to get around in Delhi

Navigating Delhi’s chaos and crazy traffic is made much easier by Delhi Metro . It will bring you in close proximity to most sites mentioned above. It is cheap, clean and comfortable. At peak hours it does get extremely busy in the center, but otherwise Delhi Metro is the way to go. Women have their own carriages where it is more quiet most of the time.

The other option to get around is to use taxi’s or tuk tuks that are a good option for shorter distances. For example to get from a metro station to your destination. They are very cheap in Delhi, but I would still recommend the use of a taxi hailing app. There will be no confusion about where you want to go and you don’t need to negotiate a price.

There is Uber and India’s own app Ola that works similar to Uber, but has a wider reach in India. Therefore it is useful to have both. In most cases Ola was slightly cheaper.

Scams in Delhi

Delhi is famous for scams. New Delhi train station seems to be the innovative center of creativity for the most original ones.

Last time every tuk tuk driver told me that Paharganj was closed and that we had to get a special permission. After walking around for 30 minutes we finally found a driver who wanted to take us to our hotel. No permission needed.

People might tell you your hotel is closed or has burned down. Of course they know a much better one for you. Do you need to buy your train tickets? Before you even reach the station, people will try to lure you away to their own office.

If you want to prepare yourself I can recommend this excellent post about Delhi scams and how to avoid them.

These incidents can really sour your mood and you might start to think that all Indians are like that. Just remember that the majority of people are friendly and helpful.

And here comes another problem. It is impolite to say no. So if you approach someone to ask the way, they will gladly help you with a big smile. They will answer any question with the indian noddle (a wobble of the head that means something between yes and no), even if they have no clue what you are talking about.

Again, Most Indians are friendly people. Just be careful with anyone actively approaching you to ‘help’ or the ones who are working in the tourist business. There is a tourist police, but opinions are divided about how effective they are.

Solo female travel in Delhi

With all the news about sexual violence you are probably wondering if it’s still safe to travel alone in Delhi. Unfortunately this issue remains a real problem in India.

As a woman travelling alone people will stare at you. Below I will give some advice to prevent worse and you will most likely be safe on your Delhi itinerary.

Dress Modestly : Leave your bikini, short skirts and tank tops at home. You should at least cover your legs and shoulders. The best you can do is to buy a salwar kameez. They are also comfortable in Delhi’s heat.

Use the Female only carriage in the metro : The female only carriage is not only saving you from a lot of staring and groping, it is also much more quiet and clean.

Female cabs : If you want to hire a taxi for the day to see the different sights within Delhi, consider Sakha cabs . They are a social enterprise providing safe transport solutions for women by women while being part of a bigger civil society movement to push for women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Look as if you know where you are going : Even if you are completely lost, look self-assured and pretend you know your way. Make it a rule that once it gets dark you get back at your hotel, unless you are with other people.

Look for other women in the street : If you feel someone is following you try to look for another woman and ask for help. Often informing passersby of a dodgy situation will scare away a possible offender. Don’t accept any invitation or let a single man take you somewhere secluded or quiet.

Use your instinct : If you don’t trust a situation, trust your gut feeling and get out of there.

Sustainable Travel in Delhi

Delhi is a very hectic city and pollution is a very big issue. Traveling sustainably in Delhi, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community: You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, markets and restaurants. It is better to try Northern Indian cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. Northern Indian food is very vegetarian friendly and it is easy to follow a vegan diet.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can also try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transport : Delhi has a well-developed public transportation system with a very efficient metro. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of private cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Delhi has a Hindu majority. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Hindi, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer: This post with a 3 day Delhi itinerary contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

23 thoughts on “Delhi Itinerary: how to spend 3 days in Delhi”

So many memories, wish to go again

This is a wonderfully comprehensive post on Delhi. I’ve been to Delhi and saw the major sights but I didn’t know about alot of the things you’ve listed here. But I certainly did experience the scam artists and the shopkeepers that tug at your heartstrings by saying that you’re their first/last customer and if you don’t buy from them, all their blessings will be lost etc etc.

Such an amazing post on Delhi and being an Indian, I would have never imagined the author to be non-India. I loved how you portrayed the good things in Karol Bagh and how you ask your readers to go check out Jama Masjid and Nizammuddin Dargah. They are both worth the trip and makes you want to go back again. Your tips for solo female travelers are great and I agree with all of them. I am not from Delhi, but I lived there for sometime for my Bachelor internships 6 years back, but I keep going back to this city whenever I am in India because of family and I am definitely going to share this post with them. Kudos to you 🙂

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Wow what a detailed post! Thanks for all the recommendations. Silent meditation would have to be high on the list after the Delhi chaos!!

These are pretty cool – especially near the top re: volunteering. I do have a trip planned to India later this year, and will probably go home from Delhi. I was wondering what to do there.

Delhi looks such an amazing place to visit. To see the red Fort would be a dream. I would think it would be a big culture shock though. Thanks for the tips on keeping safe as a woman, something that is important to think of.

Thank you so much for the honest review! I really think that a blogger should always be honest with their readers and I appreciated it a lot in your article, it was a great read!

Great post. I especially love the solo travel tips. I’ve always wanted to visit India, but I’ve been hesitant to go alone because of safety concerns.

We visited Delhi 5 years ago but I feel like we missed out on a ton of things after reading your post! Some great recommendations, especially the tips on solo female travel. I think a lot of women are afraid of visiting India but your tips can help to ensure women have a safe trip.

I was very, very skeptical of Delhi when I visited for the first time last year, especially after following the horrifying news reports. But I had not been received with anything other than kindness and love. It had an impact on me.

Oh wow…. I can smell the spice and everything else just by looking at the pictures. LOL… India, so much character, and history. Definitely, one on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing… xoxo

What a comprehensive list! I would love to try the street food and buy some spices at the market!

I’m so glad I had my in-laws the first time I visited India, because I have a feeling I might not have liked it otherwise. I think you have some valuable tips here 🙂 I’m dying to try Delhi street food and to explore all the markets!

I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.

This was an informative blog with many great tips for women traveling alone. I really like that you mentioned the Hope Project Walk and the Salaam Baalak Trust city walk, as these are experiences that other bloggers haven’t included, and are definitely of interest to me! Also, thanks for your observation about hostels and your recommendation for Nataraj hotel. I will be referring to your blog while I’m in Delhi! Thanks for sharing!

If you are still in Delhi, do plan a trip to the Tibetan Refugee Colony in Majnu Ka Tilla(near Vidhansabha Metro) great cafes and restaurants serving varity of Tibetan cuisine.

Great article. I only spent a couple days in Delhi and it was overwhelming. Now that I have read this I hope our travels take us back through there again some day.

This resonated with me so much! My first trip to Delhi was as a very naive 21 year old, and I cried for three days 😂 It’s now possibly my favourite city in the world. The Paharganj feels like home and I’ve returned many times. Thanks for the memories!

Nice suggestions! I was just in Delhi a few months ago and really didn’t like it, but I didn’t know about half these things. I’m going to give it another shot next time!

This is an Informative article and I found thta you have covered some hidden topics Cudos to that.

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3-day Jaipur itinerary (aka Pink City)

Where to stay in Jaipur

3-day Pushkar itinerary

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3-day Jodhpur itinerary (aka Blue City)

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22 Best Backpacking Trips In India To Add To Your Bucket List

1. Take the road less traveled: Manali-Leh road trip

2. Too much isn’t a bad thing: Dudhsagar Falls Trek

3. Take some quiet time alone : A peaceful holiday in Gokarna

4. Indulging in the raw beauty of nature: A boat ride in the Sunderbans

5. Disconnect from the world: A tour to Ladakh

6. Experience the sand and sun of the desert: A camel safari in Rajasthan

7. Find a spiritual connect: Trek and monastery tour in Sikkim

8. Celebrate madness: Holi celebrations in Vrindavan

9. Unleash the child inside: Toy train ride from Siliguri to Darjeeling

10. Experience opposites: Delhi to Rajasthan jeep safari

11. Appreciate how n ature works: A visit to Majuli

12. Hop on that bike while you can: Dehradun to Nainital

13. Be intimidated: Trip to Kanyakumari

14. Go back to nature whenever you can: A tour of Kerala’s backwaters

15. M ake yourself feel better: A boat ride and tour of the Ghats of Varanasi

16. Experience the wrath of nature: Bike rides from Shillong to Cherrapunjee

17. Appreciate the finer things: Sun rise at Tiger Hills, Darjeeling

18. Enjoying what nature has : Trek in Dzukou Valley

19. Be amazed by the things that happen around you: The Loktak Lake

20. Learn about history: Explore Hampi

21. Have fun: Partying in Goa

22. Dive in: Andaman Islands

Things To Do Around The World

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10 Best Backpacking Trips From Delhi

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My North Indian Mountains Itinerary and Backpacking Route

Delhi (3-4 days)

Shimla (2-3 days)

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Leh (5-6 days)

Parvati Valley (4-5 days)

Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj (3-4 days)

Amritsar (2 days)

Rishikesh (3-4 days)

Essential Info for Traveling North India

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India Backpacking Guide: Highlights + Best Places to Visit!

India backpacking in the north – Delhi and Agra

• Sights in Delhi

• Sights in Agra

India backpacking in the northwest – Rajasthan

• Sights in Jaipur

• Sights in Jodhpur

• Sights in Jaisalmer

• Sights in Udaipur

India backpacking in the west – Mumbai, Goa, and Hampi

• Sights in Mumbai

• Sights in Goa

• Sights in Hampi

India backpacking in the south – Kerala

• Sights in Kochi

• In the backwaters

• Sights in Munnar

• Sights in Varkala