Budget backpacking is the best way to see India. You carry one bag, sleep in hostels, eat local food and move by train and bus. It feels free, and it costs far less than a normal holiday. If you are new to it, the hardest part is knowing where to start.
This guide covers the best budget backpacking destinations in India for beginners. Each one is easy to reach, full of hostels and packed with fellow travellers.
What Is Budget Backpacking?
Budget backpacking means travelling light and spending little. Most backpackers in India spend ₹1,000 to ₹1,600 a day. That covers:
- A dorm bed in a hostel (₹350 to ₹700)
- Local meals from dhabas and street stalls (₹300 to ₹500)
- Public transport like trains, buses and shared jeeps (₹100 to ₹300)
- Small extras like entry fees or a trek (₹100 to ₹300)
For beginners, the best budget backpacking places have a big hostel scene, clear routes and plenty of other travellers to learn from.
Quick Table: Best Budget Backpacking Destinations
| Destination | Hostel bed | Daily budget | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | ₹350–600 | ₹1,000–1,400 | Sep–Nov, Feb–Apr |
| McLeod Ganj | ₹400–700 | ₹1,100–1,500 | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Kasol | ₹400–700 | ₹1,000–1,500 | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Pushkar | ₹350–600 | ₹900–1,300 | Oct–Mar |
| Hampi | ₹400–700 | ₹1,000–1,400 | Oct–Feb |
| Gokarna | ₹400–800 | ₹1,100–1,500 | Oct–Mar |
| Varanasi | ₹350–600 | ₹900–1,300 | Oct–Mar |
| Manali (Old Manali) | ₹450–800 | ₹1,200–1,700 | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
Best Budget Backpacking Destinations for Beginners
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is the perfect first stop for budget backpacking. It is only six hours from Delhi. Hostels in Tapovan run yoga sessions, jam nights and group rafting trips. You will make friends on your first day. Walk the jhulas, swim at quiet river beaches and hike to Neer Garh waterfall. Read Rishikesh on a Budget: Cheap Stays, Food and a 3-Day Itinerary.
2. McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh
McLeod Ganj is a hub for budget backpacking in the mountains. Overnight buses from Delhi drop you at the door. Hike to Triund, visit the Dalai Lama’s temple and take a Tibetan cooking class. Dharamkot, a short walk above, is quieter and full of cafés. See McLeod Ganj on a Budget: A Low-Cost Dharamshala Holiday.
3. Kasol and the Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The Parvati Valley is a classic budget backpacking route. Base yourself in Kasol, then walk to Chalal, Tosh and Pulga. The Kheerganga trek is a favourite with beginners. Hostels and camps are cheap, and food is simple and filling. Read Kasol on a Budget: Cheap Accommodation and Mountain Adventures.
4. Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Old Manali has many backpacker hostels and riverside cafés. It is a good base for short treks to Jogini Falls and Hampta Pass with a group. Avoid peak summer weekends, when prices rise. See Manali on a Budget: How to Save Money on a Mountain Holiday.
5. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is small and easy to explore on foot. Many backpackers stay for a week or more. Rooftop cafés, sunrise hikes and lakeside evenings make it calm and social. It is one of the cheapest budget backpacking towns in India. Read Pushkar on a Budget: Affordable Places to Stay and Things to Do.
6. Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s big cities all have social hostels and cheap transport links. They are well linked by train and bus. A Jaipur–Udaipur–Jodhpur loop is a great first budget backpacking route. Read Jaipur on a Budget: How to Explore the Pink City for Less and Udaipur on a Budget: Cheap Stays and Lakeside Attractions.
7. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is a dream for budget backpacking in the south, and many travellers call it their favourite stop. Stay across the river in Hampi Island guesthouses or near the bazaar. Rent a bicycle or scooter and explore the ruins. Bouldering groups and sunset hikes are easy to join. See Hampi on a Budget: Cheap Accommodation and Heritage Sightseeing.
8. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a calm beach town and a top budget backpacking pick by the sea. Huts and hostels are cheap. The beach trek from Kudle to Paradise Beach is a must. Read Gokarna on a Budget: Affordable Beach Hopping and Stays.
9. Goa (North)
Goa has the biggest hostel scene in India, which makes budget backpacking here easy and social. Anjuna, Vagator, Arambol and Assagao are full of social hostels. Rent a scooter with friends to split costs. Go between October and November or in March to avoid peak prices. See Goa on a Budget: Cheap Beaches, Accommodation and Food.
10. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is an eye-opening stop for budget backpacking. Stay near Assi Ghat, join hostel walking tours and take a shared sunrise boat. Food is very cheap. Read Varanasi on a Budget: Affordable Hotels, Food and Sightseeing.
11. Darjeeling and Sikkim
Darjeeling and Gangtok are safe, scenic and affordable. Shared jeeps connect the towns. This region is perfect for beginners who want budget backpacking in the mountains without long treks. See Darjeeling on a Budget: Cheap Stays and Tea Garden Visits and Gangtok on a Budget: Affordable Sikkim Travel Guide.
12. Pondicherry and Auroville
Pondicherry is easy, safe and great for cycling. Hostels are clean and social, and the town is ideal for slow budget backpacking. Spend a day in Auroville to see a different way of living. Read Pondicherry on a Budget: An Affordable 3-Day Coastal Holiday.
13. Kerala Backwaters and Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi has great hostels, art cafés and cheap ferries, which makes Kerala great for budget backpacking. Take the public ferry through the backwaters from Alappuzha instead of a costly houseboat. See Best Affordable Weekend Getaways from Kochi.
Beginner Routes for Budget Backpacking
The Himalayan Loop (12–14 days)
Delhi → Rishikesh → McLeod Ganj → Bir → Kasol → Manali → Delhi. Use HRTC buses and overnight Volvos. Expect about ₹16,000 to ₹19,000 in total.
The Rajasthan Circuit (10 days)
Jaipur → Pushkar → Udaipur → Jodhpur. Trains and state buses link every stop. Expect about ₹12,000 to ₹15,000.
The South Coast Trail (12 days)
Bengaluru → Hampi → Gokarna → Goa → Mumbai. Overnight trains and buses keep costs low. Expect about ₹15,000 to ₹18,000.
Budget Backpacking Packing List
Packing light is the core of budget backpacking. A 35 to 45 litre bag is enough for most trips.
- 3 to 4 quick-dry T-shirts and two pairs of trousers or shorts
- One warm fleece or light down jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops
- A quick-dry towel and a sarong or shawl
- A padlock for hostel lockers
- A refillable water bottle and water purification tablets
- A power bank and universal charger
- A headlamp for treks and power cuts
- A small first-aid kit with ORS and basic medicines
Money Tips for Budget Backpacking
- Book trains early in sleeper or 3AC. Use the IRCTC app.
- Take overnight trips to save a night’s stay.
- Use hostel group deals for treks and rafting.
- Eat one big thali a day and keep the other meals light.
- Ask locals for fares before you hire an auto.
- Volunteer for stays. Many hostels offer free beds for a few hours of work.
- Track your spending daily. It keeps your budget backpacking trip on course.
For daily cost breakdowns, read Budget Travel in India: Daily Costs for Food, Transport and Accommodation and How to Travel India on ₹1,000 a Day.
Safety Tips for Beginner Backpackers
- Stay in hostels with strong recent reviews.
- Keep your passport or ID and cards in a money belt.
- Share your location with family.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis late at night.
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Get travel insurance for longer trips or treks.
Your First Week of Budget Backpacking: A Simple Plan
If you have never backpacked before, start with a short, easy week. This plan from Delhi is a favourite with beginners.
Days 1 to 3: Rishikesh
Take an overnight bus or an early train to Haridwar and a shared auto to Rishikesh. Check in to a social hostel in Tapovan. Spend your first day walking across Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, then watch the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat. On day two, join a yoga drop-in class and visit the Beatles Ashram. On day three, hike to Neer Garh waterfall with people from your hostel.
Days 4 to 7: McLeod Ganj
Take an overnight HRTC bus to McLeod Ganj. Spend a slow first day exploring the main square, the Tsuglagkhang complex and the Tibet Museum. On day five, hike to Triund and back. On day six, walk to Bhagsu waterfall and Dharamkot. On day seven, take the overnight bus back to Delhi.
Total cost: about ₹8,500 to ₹10,500. This is a perfect first taste of budget backpacking, with short travel days and lots of other travellers around.
How to Find Good Hostels for Budget Backpacking
Hostels are the heart of budget backpacking. A good one makes your trip easier and more fun. Look for these signs:
- Recent reviews above 8 out of 10 on booking apps.
- Lockers and reading lights in every dorm.
- A common room or rooftop where people actually hang out.
- Free walking tours or group activities listed on the notice board.
- Clean bathrooms and hot water, especially in the mountains.
- A central location, so you save on autos.
Female travellers can also look for female-only dorms, which most big hostel chains offer. Booking your first two nights ahead is wise. After that, you can often extend or move on as you like, which is the real freedom of budget backpacking.
Eating Well on a Budget Backpacking Trip
Food in India is cheap and delicious if you eat where locals eat. Breakfasts like poha, parathas, idli or aloo puri cost ₹40 to ₹80. A full thali at lunch costs ₹100 to ₹180 and keeps you full for hours. In the mountains, momos and thukpa are warming and cheap. Many hostels also have shared kitchens, so you can cook pasta or noodles with friends and save even more.
Budget Backpacking Etiquette
Good backpackers leave places better than they found them. Respect local dress codes, especially at temples and in villages. Keep noise low in dorms at night. Ask before taking photos of people. Carry your rubbish out of trails and beaches. Small habits like these help keep budget backpacking welcome in the towns that host travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Backpacking
How much money do I need for budget backpacking in India?
Most backpackers spend ₹1,000 to ₹1,600 a day. A two-week trip usually costs ₹15,000 to ₹22,000, including long-distance travel.
Which is the best place to start budget backpacking in India?
Rishikesh is the best starting point for North India. Hampi or Gokarna works well for South India.
Is budget backpacking safe for beginners?
Yes, in popular backpacker towns. Stay in social hostels, travel by day when possible and keep family updated.
Do I need to book hostels in advance?
Book the first night in each town. In the off-season, you can often walk in. On long weekends, always book ahead.
Can I go budget backpacking alone?
Absolutely. Most backpackers in India travel solo and meet people at hostels. Read Cheapest Places to Visit in India for Solo Travellers for solo tips.
Final Thoughts
Budget backpacking teaches you to travel light and live simply. Start with one easy route, stay in social hostels and let the journey guide you. For first-trip tips, read 20 Budget-Friendly Destinations in India for First-Time Travellers, and for cheap destinations, see 25 Cheapest Places to Visit in India for a Budget Holiday.