Budget Backpacking in India: The Ultimate Backpacker's Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Budget Backpacking in India
Backpacker Route Notes — North India

The Ultimate Guide to Budget Backpacking in India

India is one of the most rewarding and affordable destinations on earth for budget travellers — a place where your money goes incredibly far, letting you travel for months on a shoestring. From majestic mountain ranges to tropical beaches, exploring this vast country on a budget is an unforgettable adventure.

Daily Budget
₹1,500 – ₹2,500
USD Equivalent
$18 – $30 / day
Suggested Route
Delhi → Himalayas
Duration
3 Weeks
Cost of Living

Average Daily Cost of Backpacking India

How cheap is cheap? India caters to all budgets, but a backpacker can easily get by on ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 ($18 to $30 USD) per day. Here's a rough breakdown of daily expenses.

Accommodation (Hostel Bed) ₹400 – ₹800 ($5 – $10)
Food (Street Food & Local Dhabas) ₹300 – ₹600 ($4 – $8)
Transport (Public Buses & Trains) ₹200 – ₹500 ($2.50 – $6)
Sightseeing & Miscellaneous ₹300 – ₹600 ($4 – $8)
Accommodation — 35% Food — 25% Transport — 20% Sightseeing — 20%
Daily Total ₹1,200 – ₹2,500
Five Hacks

Top 5 Money-Saving Hacks for India

1

Sleep in Backpacker Hostels

The hostel culture in India has boomed over the last few years. Chains like Zostel, The Hosteller, and Moustache offer clean, safe, social dorm beds for a fraction of hotel prices, complete with communal kitchens and free Wi-Fi — perfect for solo travellers.

2

Master the Indian Railways (Sleeper Class)

Skip domestic flights and costly private taxis. The cheapest way to cover long distances is by train.

Sleeper Class (SL): the absolute cheapest option — chaotic, noisy, no AC, but the most authentic, raw travel experience.
Third AC (3A): slightly pricier but still highly affordable, with air conditioning, bedding, and a quieter environment.

3

Eat Like a Local at Dhabas

Avoid tourist-centric restaurants. Look for crowded local Dhabas (roadside eateries) and street vendors. A local Thali — rice, lentils, vegetables, and flatbread — costs less than $2 USD and gives you an unlimited, filling meal.

4

Use Public Buses and Auto-Rickshaws

For inner-city travel, skip private cabs. Use local city buses or share a ride in a public auto-rickshaw. If you do use private auto-rickshaws, check a ride-hailing app first to see the standard government-approved rate so you can bargain accurately with local drivers.

5

Get an International Student Card

Many major monuments, including the Taj Mahal and historical forts, have steep entry fees for foreign tourists. Carrying an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) can sometimes get you massive discounts on entry tickets.

The Route

The Perfect 3-Week Cheap India Itinerary

For a diverse, cost-effective trip, head to northern India, where distances between major attractions are highly manageable via cheap public transport.

Delhi

2 days

Explore free sights like India Gate and the Lotus Temple. Eat cheap street food in Old Delhi.

Pushkar

3 days

A spiritual, budget-friendly lake town in Rajasthan. Accommodation and vegetarian food here are incredibly cheap.

Jaipur

3 days

Tour massive fortresses. Buy a composite entry ticket to save money across multiple tourist sites.

Agra

2 days

Splurge on your ticket to see the Taj Mahal, but save by staying in cheap hostels within walking distance of the east gate.

Varanasi

4 days

Experience the spiritual heart of India. Walking along the Ganges ghats and watching evening ceremonies is completely free.

Dharamshala / McLeod Ganj

5 days

Head into the Himalayas. This region offers cheap guest houses, beautiful free mountain treks, and affordable Tibetan food.

Staying Safe

Is Budget Backpacking in India Safe?

Yes, but traveling cheaply requires you to stay alert.

✓
Keep valuables secure.

Use a combination lock on your backpack when sleeping on overnight trains.

✓
Get a local SIM card.

Having constant internet access for maps ensures you never get lost or overcharged by drivers.

✓
Don't skimp on health.

Staying in cheap places is fine, but make sure your hostel has filtered drinking water (RO water) to avoid getting sick.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUDGET BACKPACKING IN INDIA

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