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The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking on a Budget in 2025


Backpacking is one of the best ways to explore India without spending too much money. Whether you're trekking in the Himalayas, exploring Rajasthan’s deserts, or chilling on Goa’s beaches, you can travel on a budget if you plan smartly.

In this guide, I'll show you how to backpack across India for as little as ₹500-₹1,500 per day, covering accommodation, transport, food, and must-visit budget destinations!

1. How Much Does Backpacking in India Cost?

Your daily budget will depend on your travel style and location. Here’s a rough estimate:

ExpenseBudget (₹)Mid-Range (₹)Luxury (₹)
Accommodation₹300-₹800₹800-₹2,000₹3,000+
Food₹200-₹500₹500-₹1,500₹2,000+
Transport₹100-₹500₹500-₹2,000₹5,000+
ActivitiesFree-₹500₹500-₹2,000₹3,000+
Total/Day₹500-₹1,500₹1,500-₹5,000₹10,000+

Pro Tip: Traveling off-season (monsoon & summer) can save up to 50% on hotels and transport.

2. Best Budget Destinations in India 🏕️

1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – ₹800-₹1,500/day

  • Stay: Hostels from ₹300, ashrams for ₹200.
  • Food: Street food and local cafés (₹100-₹250 per meal).
  • Activities: Free yoga classes, river rafting (₹600), Ganga Aarti.

2. Kasol & Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh – ₹600-₹1,200/day

  • Stay: Homestays & hostels (₹300-₹800 per night).
  • Food: Israeli & local food (₹150-₹300 per meal).
  • Activities: Trek to Kheerganga (Free), Chalal & Tosh exploration.

3. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – ₹800-₹1,500/day

  • Stay: Hostels (₹300-₹800), guesthouses (₹1,200).
  • Food: Rajasthani thali (₹200-₹400).
  • Activities: Free fort exploration, camel safari (₹1,000).

4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – ₹600-₹1,200/day

  • Stay: Dharamshalas & guesthouses (₹200-₹800).
  • Food: Street food (₹50-₹200 per meal).
  • Activities: Ganga Aarti, boat ride (₹100-₹300).

5. Hampi, Karnataka – ₹500-₹1,200/day

  • Stay: Guesthouses & hostels (₹300-₹800).
  • Food: South Indian meals (₹100-₹300).
  • Activities: Free temple visits, bouldering (₹200).

6. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu – ₹800-₹1,500/day

  • Stay: Auroville dorms (₹400), beachside guesthouses (₹800).
  • Food: Cafés & South Indian meals (₹150-₹400).
  • Activities: Free beach walks, Auroville meditation.

7. Meghalaya (Shillong, Dawki, Cherrapunji) – ₹800-₹1,500/day

  • Stay: Homestays & hostels (₹400-₹1,000).
  • Food: Khasi cuisine (₹100-₹300 per meal).
  • Activities: Free treks, waterfalls, and boating (₹200).

3. Budget Accommodation in India 🏨

Best Cheap Stay Options:

  • Hostels: Zostel, Moustache, The Hosteller (₹300-₹800 per night).
  • Dharamshalas & Ashrams: Many offer free/cheap stays (₹100-₹300 per night).
  • Guesthouses & Homestays: Affordable & authentic (₹400-₹1,500 per night).
  • Camping: Many places offer ₹200-₹500 per night camping options.
  • Couchsurfing: Free stays with locals (best in cities).

💰 Example Savings: A hotel in Manali costs ₹3,000, but a hostel dorm bed costs ₹400!

🚨 Tip: Stay in ashrams in Rishikesh & Varanasi for free/cheap accommodation.

4. Budget-Friendly Transport in India 🚆

Best Ways to Travel Cheaply:

  • Trains:
    • Sleeper Class (₹200-₹600) – Best for long journeys.
    • 3rd AC (₹700-₹2,000) – Affordable comfort.
  • Buses:
    • State-run buses (₹100-₹500).
    • Volvo buses (₹500-₹2,500).
  • Bike Rentals:
    • ₹300-₹600 per day in Goa, Manali, Ladakh, etc.
  • Carpooling:
    • BlaBlaCar & ridesharing apps for ₹200-₹800 per trip.

💰 Example Savings: A Delhi to Jaipur train in Sleeper Class costs ₹250, while a flight costs ₹3,000+.

🚨 Tip: Book trains in advance on IRCTC or use Tatkal for last-minute trips.

5. Budget Food Tips in India 🍛

  • Street food: ₹50-₹150 per meal (Samosa, Vada Pav, Chole Bhature).
  • Thali meals: ₹100-₹300 (unlimited food in dhabas & restaurants).
  • Gurudwara Langars: Free food (Delhi, Amritsar, etc.).
  • Local markets: Fresh fruits/snacks for ₹50-₹200.
  • Hostel kitchens: Cook your own meals.

💰 Example Savings: A restaurant meal costs ₹500+, but a dhaba thali is just ₹150!

🚨 Tip: Drink filtered water (₹5-₹10 per refill) instead of buying bottled water (₹30-₹50).

6. Free & Cheap Activities in India 🏞️

  • Trekking: Free in Himachal, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya.
  • Beaches: Free in Goa, Gokarna, Pondicherry.
  • Temples & Monasteries: Free entry across India.
  • Fort & Palace Visits: Many have free/cheap entry (₹50-₹300).
  • Local Festivals: Free cultural experiences (Holi, Pushkar Fair, Durga Puja).

💰 Example Savings: Instead of a ₹2,000 city tour, do a free walking tour in cities like Mumbai & Kolkata!

Final Budget Travel Hacks 💡

✅ Stay in hostels, dharamshalas, or Couchsurf (₹300-₹1,500 per night).
✅ Eat street food & thalis (₹50-₹300 per meal).
✅ Travel by train, state buses, or bike rentals (₹200-₹2,000 per trip).
✅ Find free activities (trekking, beaches, temples, festivals).
✅ Pack light to avoid baggage fees.

With these tips, you can explore India on ₹500-₹1,500 per day! 🎒✨

👉 Have you backpacked in India before? Drop your favorite budget travel tips in the comments! ⬇️

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