Backpacking destinations in India– India is a riot of color, chaos, and chai. It’s the kind of place where you can go broke or ball on a shoestring—depends on your game. I once lost my wallet in a rickshaw in Delhi and still managed a full week with just ₹500 and two bruised apples (don’t ask). If you’re dreaming of Himalayan treks, beach sunsets, or stumbling into 14th-century temples barefoot and awestruck—on a budget—this is your sign. Here’s your no-fluff guide to some dirt-cheap, soul-rich, totally epic backpacking spots across India.
Rishikesh—The Yoga Capital of India
Alright, picture this: you’re dangling your feet over the Ganges, sipping ₹10 masala chai, and a cow gently sniffs your backpack. Welcome to Rishikesh, where spirituality meets straight-up thrill.
I stayed in a ₹250/night hostel with a rooftop view of the Himalayas and befriended a Lithuanian monk named Greg. (Long story.)
Whether you’re meditating in ashrams or scream-laughing through white-water rafting, it’s all doable on a dime.
Tip: skip the overpriced cafes—local thalis hit harder than a Himalayan sunrise.
Also Read: Rishikesh Places to Visit: A Travel Guide for Spirituality and Adventure
Hampi—A Hidden Gem of South India
Hampi looks like Mars got a makeover with ancient temples and boulder-strewn landscapes—it’s wild. It is one of the best You can literally walk among 14th-century ruins for free, barefoot, with monkeys judging your selfie game. I once got lost chasing a goat (don’t ask) and ended up watching the sunset from Matanga Hill with a local chaiwala and zero tourists in sight.
Crash in ₹300 huts, rent a bicycle for ₹100, and eat dosas the size of your face.
Bonus: Hampi slang includes “chill maadi,” which basically means, “Relax, bro.” And you will.
Also Read: Best Time to Visit Kerala: A Guide to the Perfect Escape
Gokarna—A Quiet Alternative to Goa
You know how Goa’s fun but, like, everyone is there? Gokarna is its calmer, cooler cousin with golden beaches, hippie vibes, and ₹500 beachfront huts that smell like salt and peace. I once slept on Kudle Beach under the stars because I missed my hostel check-in (0/10 planning, 10/10 stargazing). Days are for swimming, hikes between beaches, and reading that one book you always “meant to.” Try the seafood at Namaste Café—cheap, spicy, and possibly life-changing.
Udaipur—The City of Lakes
Oh, Udaipur. She’s classy but not too expensive—like finding a royal palace at thrift-store prices. The sunsets over Lake Pichola? Chef’s kiss. I scored a lakeview hostel dorm for ₹350 and spent the evening sketching Jag Mandir while dodging pigeons like it was a video game. The bajre ki roti with garlic chutney is divine, and don’t miss the Jagdish Temple—it’s free, intricate, and full of curious cats.
Tip: buy souvenirs from local artisans, not overpriced tourist traps.
Tawang—A Hidden Gem in Arunachal Pradesh
Tucked high in the Northeast, Tawang is a whole different world—like Tibet but with momos on every corner and barely any tourists. Getting there is a mission (shared jeeps, no joke), but worth every bump. I remember freezing my fingers off taking selfies at Sela Pass, then thawing with yak-butter tea at a local shop where the owner called me “beta.” Homestays here are cheap and cozy—expect blankets, laughter, and possibly a drunk uncle telling folk tales. Don’t miss Tawang Monastery—it’s spiritual, serene, and zero-entry-fee magic.
Conclusion: Budget Travel is Possible in India
So yeah—India doesn’t want your money. It wants your curiosity, your clumsy dance moves during Holi, and your awe at a random roadside temple. Whether you’re dodging cows in Rishikesh, crawling through Hampi‘s ruins, or sunbathing in Gokarna with no Wi-Fi and no plan—you’ll feel richer for it. Backpacking here isn’t about being broke. It’s about being free.
Now go pack light. The chai’s getting cold.
