Backpacking Routes: Budget-Friendly Adventures in India
Backpacking India is a rite of passage for many adventurers around the world—and with good reason. This vast, vibrant country is packed with diversity, history, landscapes, and some of the world’s most budget-friendly travel opportunities. The magic of backpacking India lies in its spontaneity, affordability, and deep cultural immersion. From Himalayan hamlets to coastal surf towns, there are backpacking routes here for every kind of traveler.
In this blog, we’ve curated the top budget travel itineraries in India that are not only affordable but also rich in experience. So grab your backpack, lace up your shoes, and let’s discover the ultimate travel itineraries India has to offer.
1. The Parvati Valley Trail – Himachal Pradesh
One of the most iconic backpacking routes in India, Parvati Valley is a paradise for those who love mountains, music, and meeting fellow travelers.
Suggested Route:
Bhuntar → Kasol → Chalal → Tosh → Kalga → Kheerganga
Kasol: Known as the “Amsterdam of India,” it’s ideal for slow mornings and cafe-hopping.
Tosh & Kalga: Wooden houses, apple orchards, and yoga retreats.
Kheerganga: A 12 km trek from Barshaini leads you to a hot spring and panoramic mountain views.
Budget Tips:
Shared taxis from Bhuntar to Kasol cost ₹150–₹200.
Dorm stays and homestays from ₹300–₹500 per night.
Trekking and exploring are essentially free!
2. Desert Culture Route – Rajasthan
This budget travel trail is full of forts, folk music, desert safaris, and royal architecture—all without burning a hole in your pocket.
Suggested Route:
Udaipur → Kumbhalgarh → Bundi → Pushkar → Jaisalmer
Udaipur: Lakes, rooftop hostels, and majestic palaces.
Bundi: A hidden gem with stepwells, murals, and chill vibes.
Pushkar: Ideal for spiritual seekers, with a sacred lake and vibrant bazaar.
Jaisalmer: End with a camel safari into the Thar Desert and sleep under the stars.
Budget Tips:
Use sleeper class trains for long distances.
Stay in heritage havelis converted into hostels for ₹400–₹600.
Street food is delicious and cheap—try kachoris, daal baati, and gatte ki sabzi.
3. South India Coastal Backpacking – Karnataka to Kerala
Prefer beaches over mountains? This backpacking India itinerary is perfect for you. This route hugs the western coastline, bringing together surf culture, colonial charm, and backwater bliss.
Suggested Route:
Gokarna → Udupi → Mangalore → Kochi → Varkala → Alleppey
Gokarna: Less commercialized than Goa, with beaches only accessible by foot.
Udupi: Known for its vegetarian cuisine and Krishna temple.
Kochi: Street art, Portuguese architecture, and lively cafes.
Varkala: Beachside cliffs and yoga vibes.
Alleppey: Houseboats, canoe rides, and village stays.
Budget Tips:
Use state buses or the Konkan railway for coastal views.
Backpacker hostels and beach huts range ₹300–₹700.
Eat at local thali restaurants for under ₹100.
4. Northeast Explorer Trail – Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh
One of the most offbeat backpacking routes in India, the Northeast offers dense forests, tribal cultures, and natural wonders, minus the crowds.
Suggested Route:
Shillong → Mawlynnong → Dawki → Cherrapunji → Ziro Valley → Tawang
Shillong: A hill station with live music and colonial homes.
Mawlynnong: Asia’s cleanest village with bamboo cottages.
Dawki: Famous for its glass-clear Umngot River.
Ziro: Ideal for slow travel, known for rice fields and the Apatani tribe.
Tawang: Snow, monasteries, and high-altitude serenity.
Budget Tips:
Shared sumo rides between towns are cheap and scenic.
Permits are needed for Arunachal—plan ahead!
Homestays and guesthouses start at ₹500.
5. The Buddhist Circuit – Sikkim and Bihar
Spirituality meets solitude in this route. Ideal for solo travelers or those seeking mindfulness, this route follows sites significant to Buddhism and peaceful Himalayan towns.
Suggested Route:
Bodh Gaya → Rajgir → Nalanda → Gangtok → Ravangla → Yuksom
Bodh Gaya: Where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Nalanda: Ruins of the ancient university.
Ravangla & Yuksom: Hidden gems with serene monasteries and mountain views.
Budget Tips:
State-run buses and shared jeeps are widely available.
Eat at local langars and monastery-run canteens.
Opt for monastery guesthouses for peaceful, affordable stays.
6. Central India Offbeat Backpacking – Madhya Pradesh
An underrated region, Madhya Pradesh offers forests, tribal culture, ancient ruins, and spirituality.
Suggested Route:
Khajuraho → Orchha → Panna → Mandu → Pachmarhi
Khajuraho: Intricate temples and light shows.
Orchha: Quiet riverside fort town.
Mandu: Ancient palaces set on a plateau.
Pachmarhi: A colonial-era hill station surrounded by caves and waterfalls.
Budget Tips:
Rent a scooter to explore heritage sites on your own.
State-run hotels and forest lodges offer budget rooms with stunning views.
Bonus: Backpacking Tips for India
Local Transport is King: Use buses, rickshaws, and sleeper trains.
Pack Smart: A scarf, good shoes, and a refillable water bottle are essentials.
Travel Insurance: Always a good idea—India can be unpredictable.
Offline Maps: Download Maps.me or Google offline areas.
Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly, learn local greetings, and be mindful.
Ready to Backpack India?
These backpacking routes are more than budget trips—they’re transformative experiences. Each itinerary introduces you to hidden gems in India, reveals offbeat travel paths, and connects you to the soul of the country.
Whether you’re soaking in sunrise from a monastery rooftop in Tawang or sharing a meal in a Rajasthani desert hut, backpacking India is an unforgettable way to discover both the country and yourself.
So pack light, stay curious, and get ready to explore the most affordable adventures India has to offer!