Backpacking Across India: A Route for the Adventurous Soul

8 December 2025

Backpacking across India is not just a trip; it’s an experience that stays with you for a lifetime. Whether you're looking for stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, or mouthwatering food, India has it all. But with such a vast country, where do you start? If you're an adventurous soul ready to pack your bags and hit the road, this guide will help you craft the ultimate backpacking route through India.

Why Backpack Across India?

India is a paradise for budget travelers. It offers affordable accommodations, cheap but delicious street food, and an extensive railway network that makes traveling easy and exciting. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the pristine beaches in the south, India caters to every kind of traveler.

If you’re seeking cultural immersion, spiritual enlightenment, or just a wild, unpredictable journey, India is the perfect destination. The country challenges you, teaches you, and leaves you in awe with its chaotic yet beautiful diversity.

The Ultimate Backpacking Route in India

Now, let's get into the details of the best route for backpacking across India. This itinerary covers the highlights, but feel free to tweak it based on your interests and the time you have.

1. Delhi – The Gateway to India

Start your journey in Delhi, the capital city. It's chaotic, loud, but incredibly fascinating.

Top Experiences in Delhi:

- Visit Old Delhi for centuries-old architecture and mouthwatering street food like parathas, chaat, and kebabs.
- Explore the Red Fort, a massive fortress with deep historical significance.
- Wander through Connaught Place, a hub for shopping and cafes.
- Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, one of the busiest markets in India.

Delhi is a great place to get accustomed to India’s intensity before heading deeper into the country.

2. Rishikesh – The Spiritual and Adventure Hub

A few hours from Delhi, Rishikesh is a backpacker's paradise. It’s known for its yoga retreats, chilled-out vibe, and adventure sports.

Things to Do in Rishikesh:

- Attend a Ganga Aarti by the holy river.
- Try white water rafting in the Ganges.
- Cross the famous Lakshman Jhula.
- Stay in an ashram and practice yoga.

If spirituality and adventure had a baby, it would be called Rishikesh.

3. Varanasi – India’s Spiritual Heart

Next, hop on an overnight train to Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world. This place will overwhelm your senses but in the most profound way.

Must-Do Experiences:

- Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
- Walk through the old alleys where life and death coexist in harmony.
- Try the famous Banarasi paan and lassi.

Varanasi isn’t for everyone, but if you allow it, the city will change the way you see life.

4. Jaipur – The Pink City

From the chaos of Varanasi, head to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s royal capital, known for its pink-hued buildings and stunning palaces.

Top Attractions in Jaipur:

- Visit the Amber Fort, an architectural masterpiece.
- See the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
- Wander through the bustling markets for authentic Rajasthani souvenirs.
- Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani thali.

Jaipur is the kind of place where history comes alive right before your eyes.

5. Jaisalmer – The Golden City

From Jaipur, take a train or bus to Jaisalmer, the gateway to the Thar Desert.

Unmissable Experiences in Jaisalmer:

- Stay in a desert camp and go on a camel safari.
- Explore the Jaisalmer Fort, a living fort with houses, temples, and cafes.
- Marvel at the intricate architecture of Patwon Ki Haveli.

Sleeping under a sky full of stars in the desert? That’s an experience you'll never forget.

6. Mumbai – The City That Never Sleeps

From Rajasthan, take an overnight train to Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment capital.

Best Things to Do in Mumbai:

- Walk along Marine Drive during sunset.
- Visit Gateway of India and take a ferry to Elephanta Caves.
- Explore Colaba Causeway, a shopper's paradise.
- Try street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and sev puri.

Mumbai is where modernity meets tradition, creating an exciting and fast-paced adventure.

7. Goa – The Laidback Beach Haven

After Mumbai, relax in Goa, India’s ultimate beach destination.

What to Do in Goa:

- Chill at Palolem, Anjuna, or Vagator Beach.
- Rent a scooter and explore laid-back villages.
- Party all night at beach shacks and clubs.
- Try Goan seafood and feni, a local drink.

Goa is the break you need after the chaos of Indian cities.

8. Hampi – The Forgotten Ruins

Next up is Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for ancient temples and incredible landscapes.

Hampi Highlights:

- Visit the Vittala Temple with its famous musical pillars.
- Climb Matanga Hill for a breathtaking sunrise.
- Cycle through the scattered ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Hampi feels like stepping into a lost world – ancient, mysterious, and surreal.

9. Kerala – God’s Own Country

From Hampi, head down to Kerala, a tropical paradise filled with serene backwaters, lush greenery, and exotic wildlife.

Must-Do Activities in Kerala:

- Cruise through the Alleppey backwaters on a houseboat.
- Hike in Munnar’s tea plantations.
- Spot elephants in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Enjoy an authentic Kerala-style banana leaf meal.

Kerala is India’s way of showing how diverse and beautiful nature can be.

10. Varkala – The Hippie Paradise

Your final stop is Varkala, a spectacular cliffside beach town offering relaxation, yoga, and healing.

What to Do in Varkala:

- Swim in the Arabian Sea.
- Take yoga and meditation classes.
- Get an Ayurvedic massage.
- Chill at cliffside cafes with stunning ocean views.

Ending your trip in Varkala feels like the perfect way to soak in the essence of India before heading back home.

Tips for Backpacking in India

Before you pack your bag, here are some quick tips:

- Travel Like a Local – Use trains, buses, and rickshaws for a more authentic experience.
- Stay Budget-Friendly – Hostels, guesthouses, and homestays are great for saving money.
- Eat Street Food, Wisely – Stick to busy stalls where locals eat.
- Embrace the Chaos – India is unpredictable. Plans will change, so go with the flow.
- Respect the Culture – Dress modestly, especially in religious sites.
- Stay Connected – Get a local SIM card for easy navigation and communication.

Final Thoughts

Backpacking across India is not for the faint-hearted. It's raw, intense, and sometimes overwhelming, but it's also magical, exhilarating, and life-changing. From the mountains of the north to the beaches of the south, every place offers something unique. So, pack light, keep an open mind, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!