Cheapest Backpacking Routes in India for Solo Travelers 2025

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Affordable Adventures for Solo Backpackers in India

Backpacking through India on a tight budget is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. I remember my first solo trip in 2024, stretching ₹1,700 ($20) a day to cover hostels, street food, and trains—it was challenging but taught me how to travel smart. India remains one of the cheapest countries to explore, with a daily budget of $20-$30 allowing you to experience its diverse landscapes, from the Himalayan foothills to tropical beaches. In 2025, with tourism booming (over 11 million foreign visitors in 2023 and growing), affordable routes are more accessible than ever, but you’ll need to plan wisely to keep costs low while staying safe as a solo traveler.

This guide outlines the cheapest backpacking routes in India for solo travelers, focusing on budget-friendly destinations, transportation, and safety tips. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural richness of Rajasthan or the serene beaches of Goa, these itineraries will help you explore India without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the best routes for an affordable solo adventure!

Why Backpacking in India Is Budget-Friendly for Solo Travelers

India’s affordability makes it a haven for solo backpackers, but there are challenges to navigate:

Low Costs: You can travel on $20/day, covering dorms ($3-$5/night), street food ($0.50/meal), and public transport like trains ($2-$5 for long distances).
Diverse Destinations: From the Golden Triangle’s iconic sights to offbeat Himalayan villages, India offers variety without high costs.
Challenges for Solo Travelers: Navigating chaotic cities, avoiding scams, and ensuring safety (especially for women) require careful planning.
Cultural Nuances: Bargaining is expected, and understanding local customs can save you money and hassle.

These routes are designed to maximize affordability while minimizing risks, ensuring a safe and enriching solo journey.

Cheapest Backpacking Routes in India for Solo Travelers

These itineraries are tailored for solo travelers, focusing on budget destinations, affordable transport, and safety. Each route takes 1-2 weeks and can be combined for a longer trip. Costs are based on a $20-$30/day budget.

Route 1: The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) – 5-7 Days

The Golden Triangle is a classic route for first-timers, covering iconic sights in North India. It’s compact, well-connected, and perfect for a short, budget-friendly trip.

Delhi (2 Days): Start in the capital, exploring Old Delhi’s Red Fort (₹500/$6 entry) and Jama Masjid (free). Stay in a hostel like Zostel Delhi (₹500/night). Eat street food at Chandni Chowk—parathas for ₹30. Delhi can be overwhelming, so stick to busy areas and avoid walking alone at night.
Agra (1-2 Days): Take a sleeper train from Delhi (₹150, 4 hours). Visit the Taj Mahal (₹1,100 for foreigners, worth it at sunrise to avoid crowds) and Agra Fort (₹600). Eat at Joney’s Place, where meals cost ₹100. Stay at Joey’s Hostel (₹400/night). Be cautious of touts near the Taj—politely decline unsolicited guides.
Jaipur (2-3 Days): Another sleeper train from Agra (₹200, 4 hours). Explore Amber Fort (₹500) and Hawa Mahal (₹200). Stay at Moustache Hostel (₹500/night). Meals at local dhabas cost ₹80. Negotiate auto-rickshaw fares (₹50 for 2-3 km) to avoid overcharging.
Total Cost: ~₹8,000 ($95) for 7 days, including transport, accommodation, food, and entry fees.
Why It’s Cheap: Short distances, affordable trains, and budget hostels keep costs low. The route is tourist-friendly, with plenty of cheap eats.
Safety Tip: Delhi and Agra are chaotic—use app-based cabs like Ola at night (₹100 for short rides) and share your location with a trusted contact.

Pro Tip: Book train tickets via the IRCTC app to avoid agent fees, as suggested in “Indian Railways Budget Travel Guide: How to Get the Lowest Fares”.

Route 2: Rajasthan Extended (Delhi, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Udaipur) – 10-12 Days

Extend the Golden Triangle into Rajasthan for a deeper cultural experience without breaking the bank.

Delhi to Jaipur (2-3 Days): Follow the Golden Triangle route for Delhi and Jaipur.
Pushkar (2 Days): Take a train from Jaipur to Ajmer (₹100, 2 hours), then a bus to Pushkar (₹20, 30 minutes). Explore the holy lake and Brahma Temple (free). Stay at Moustache Hostel (₹400/night). Meals at local cafes cost ₹100. Pushkar is calm, but avoid sharing personal details with strangers offering “free” blessings.
Jodhpur (2 Days): Bus from Pushkar to Ajmer, then a train to Jodhpur (₹150, 4 hours). Visit Mehrangarh Fort (₹600) and explore the blue city streets (free). Stay at The Hosteller (₹450/night). Eat at local stalls—dal bati churma for ₹80.
Udaipur (3 Days): Bus from Jodhpur (₹300, 5 hours). See City Palace (₹200) and Lake Pichola (boat ride ₹300). Stay at Bunkyard Hostel (₹400/night). Meals at lakeside cafes cost ₹120. Udaipur is safer for solo travelers, but be cautious on crowded boats.
Total Cost: ~₹12,000 ($145) for 12 days.
Why It’s Cheap: Rajasthan’s excellent train network and budget accommodations keep expenses low. Pushkar and Udaipur offer affordable, laid-back vibes.
Safety Tip: Join hostel-organized group tours (e.g., ₹300 for a day tour in Jaipur) for safety in numbers, as noted in “Top Budget Hotels in Jaipur Under ₹1500 – Affordable Palace Stays”.

Pro Tip: Bargain for souvenirs in Pushkar’s markets—a scarf worth ₹300 can be haggled down to ₹150.

Route 3: Himalayan Escape (Delhi, Rishikesh, Dharamkot) – 7-9 Days

For a cooler, calmer experience, head to the Himalayas. This route offers spiritual vibes and stunning scenery on a budget.

Delhi to Rishikesh (3 Days): Take an overnight bus from Delhi (₹400, 6 hours). Explore the Ganges, attend a yoga class (₹200), and visit Laxman Jhula (free). Stay at Live Free Hostel (₹400/night). Meals at cafes like Little Buddha cost ₹150. Rishikesh is safe for solo travelers, but avoid isolated areas during Ganga Aarti.
Dharamkot (4 Days): Bus from Rishikesh to Dharamshala (₹600, 12 hours), then a taxi to Dharamkot (₹200). Enjoy the serene village, hike to Triund (free), and visit the Dalai Lama’s temple (free). Stay at The Bunker (₹400/night). Meals at local cafes cost ₹120. Dharamkot is peaceful, but carry cash—ATMs are scarce.
Total Cost: ~₹9,000 ($110) for 9 days.
Why It’s Cheap: The Himalayas offer low-cost stays and free activities like hiking. Rishikesh’s yoga scene is affordable for spiritual seekers.
Safety Tip: Download offline maps for Dharamkot, as connectivity is spotty, as advised in “Top Budget Hotels in McLeod Ganj Under ₹1000 – Affordable Monastery Stays”.

Pro Tip: Refill a reusable water bottle in Rishikesh to save on bottled water (₹20 each).

Route 4: South India Serenity (Goa, Hampi, Kerala) – 10-12 Days

South India offers a gentler introduction to backpacking, with beaches, ruins, and backwaters at budget prices.

Goa (3 Days): Fly into Goa (flights from Delhi start at ₹3,000 if booked early) or take a train (₹500, 30 hours). Relax on Palolem Beach (free) and explore Old Goa’s churches (free). Stay at The Nest by Hosteller (₹400/night). Meals at beach shacks cost ₹150. Goa is safe, but avoid late-night beach walks alone.
Hampi (3 Days): Train from Goa to Hospet (₹200, 7 hours), then a rickshaw to Hampi (₹100). Explore the ruins (₹500 entry for foreigners) and Virupaksha Temple (free). Stay at Murali Homestay (₹300/night). Meals at local stalls cost ₹80. Hampi is calm, but watch for monkeys stealing belongings.
Kerala (Kochi, 4 Days): Train from Hospet to Kochi (₹400, 14 hours). Visit Fort Kochi (free) and take a backwater tour (₹500). Stay at Zostel Kochi (₹450/night). Meals like fish curry cost ₹120. Kochi is safe for solo travelers, but confirm boat tour prices upfront.
Total Cost: ~₹14,000 ($170) for 12 days (excluding flight to Goa).
Why It’s Cheap: South India has affordable trains and budget stays. Hampi’s ruins and Kerala’s backwaters offer low-cost experiences.
Safety Tip: Use digital payments like Google Pay in Goa to avoid fake notes, as suggested in “Goa Beaches on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips for Travelers”.

Pro Tip: Book train tickets early via IRCTC to secure the cheapest sleeper class seats.

Route 5: Offbeat North (Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamshala) – 7-9 Days

This route combines spirituality, history, and Himalayan serenity, ideal for solo travelers seeking less touristy spots.

Delhi to Amritsar (2 Days): Overnight train from Delhi (₹300, 7 hours). Visit the Golden Temple (free) and Wagah Border (free). Stay at HK Backpackers (₹400/night). Meals at the temple langar are free, or eat at dhabas for ₹80. Amritsar is safe, but be cautious of crowds at the border ceremony.
Dharamshala/Dharamkot (4 Days): Bus from Amritsar (₹400, 5 hours). Follow the Himalayan Escape route for Dharamkot activities and stays.
Total Cost: ~₹8,500 ($100) for 9 days.
Why It’s Cheap: Free attractions in Amritsar and low-cost Himalayan stays keep expenses down.
Safety Tip: Dress modestly at the Golden Temple to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention.

Pro Tip: Use shared taxis in Dharamshala (₹50 per ride) to save on transport.

Budget Tips for Solo Backpacking in India

Transport: Stick to sleeper class trains (₹150-₹400 for long distances) and local buses (₹10-₹50). Book via IRCTC to avoid scams.
Accommodation: Opt for hostels like Zostel or The Hosteller (₹400-₹500/night). Book via Booking.com for deals.
Food: Eat at local dhabas or street stalls—meals like dal-chawal cost ₹50. Avoid touristy restaurants.
Activities: Prioritize free or low-cost attractions (e.g., temples, markets). Bargain for entry fees where possible.
Connectivity: Get a Jio SIM (₹349 for 28 days, 2.5 GB/day) for navigation and safety apps like My Safetipin.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers on These Routes

Blend In: Dress modestly (e.g., kurtas, jeans) to avoid attention, especially in conservative areas like Rajasthan.
Stay Connected: Share your live location via WhatsApp in busy cities like Delhi or Agra.
Avoid Scams: Decline unsolicited guides, confirm fares upfront, and check INR notes for counterfeits (look for Gandhi watermark).
Travel Smart: Use women-only compartments on trains and app-based cabs at night. Join group tours for remote areas like Dharamkot.
Emergency Prep: Save numbers like 100 (police) and 108 (ambulance). Get travel insurance like SafetyWing ($56 for 4 weeks).

FAQ: Cheapest Backpacking Routes in India

What’s the Cheapest Way to Backpack in India?

Stick to sleeper class trains, local buses, hostels, and street food. A budget of $20-$30/day covers all essentials.

Which Route Is Best for First-Time Solo Travelers?

The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) is ideal—it’s compact, tourist-friendly, and affordable, with plenty of budget stays.

How Can I Stay Safe While Backpacking Solo in India?

Use app-based cabs, stay in well-reviewed hostels, dress modestly, and avoid isolated areas at night. Share your location with a trusted contact.

Are There Affordable Himalayan Routes for Solo Travelers?

Yes, the Delhi-Rishikesh-Dharamkot route offers budget stays, free activities like hiking, and a safer, calmer vibe for solo travelers.

Explore India on a Budget in 2025

Backpacking India solo on a budget is an adventure of a lifetime. These routes—from the iconic Golden Triangle to the serene Himalayas and South India’s beaches—offer diverse experiences without straining your wallet. My ₹1,700/day journey taught me that with careful planning, you can see India’s best while staying safe and saving money. In 2025, embrace the chaos, culture, and beauty of India with these affordable itineraries, and you’ll leave with memories worth far more than what you spent.

Want more budget travel inspiration? Check out these guides:

Which route are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!