Hey, backpacker! If you’re dreaming of India’s vibrant streets, misty hills, or sandy shores but think your wallet can’t handle it, think again. I’ve crisscrossed this country with a rucksack and a shoestring budget—surviving on ₹50 thalis, crashing in ₹200 dorms, and hitching rides for free. India’s a backpacker’s paradise where every rupee stretches further than you’d believe. Over the years, I’ve uncovered spots that deliver big adventures for small change, and I’m spilling all my secrets here.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the cheapest places to visit in India for backpackers, blending my own stories with practical hacks to keep costs low. These destinations are perfect for anyone who craves freedom, culture, and nature—without breaking the bank. Ready to hit the road? Let’s dive in!
Why India Is a Backpacker’s Budget Haven
India’s got it all—diverse landscapes, rich history, and a cost of living that’s a fraction of Western countries. Here’s why it’s unbeatable for budget travelers:
- Dirt-Cheap Stays: Dorm beds start at ₹150–₹300 per night.
- Affordable Food: Street eats like vada pav or momos cost ₹20–₹50.
- Low-Cost Travel: Sleeper trains and buses range from ₹200–₹800.
- Free Sights: Temples, markets, and beaches often have no entry fees.
With a daily budget of ₹500–₹1,000, you can live like a king—or at least a very happy wanderer. Let’s explore my top picks for the cheapest backpacker hotspots.
10 Cheapest Places to Visit in India for Backpackers
These are my go-to destinations—places I’ve roamed with minimal cash and maximum joy. I’ll share costs, personal highlights, and tips to stretch your rupees. Let’s roll!
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Why It’s a Backpacker Magnet
The yoga capital offers spirituality, adventure, and affordability by the Ganges.
- Daily Cost: ₹500–₹800
- Best Time: October–March
My Experience
Rishikesh stole my heart on my first visit. I stayed in a ₹200 ashram dorm, ate ₹40 dal-chawal at a roadside stall, and joined free yoga sessions by the river. White-water rafting for ₹400 was the splurge—and worth every penny.
Pro Tips
- Bus from Delhi (₹300), then walk or auto (₹20) to Laxman Jhula.
- Crash in ashrams or hostels—cheaper than hotels.
- Skip cafes; eat at local dhabas for ₹50 meals.
How to Reach
Overnight bus or train from Delhi to Rishikesh.
Stay Cheap: Check out Top Budget Hotels in Rishikesh Under ₹1000.
2. Gokarna, Karnataka
Why It’s a Beach Steal
Gokarna’s laid-back beaches rival Goa but cost half as much.
- Daily Cost: ₹400–₹700
- Best Time: November–February
My Experience
I swapped Goa’s crowds for Gokarna’s quiet shores. I camped free on Kudle Beach, ate ₹80 fish curry at a shack, and hiked between beaches for nothing but sweat. Total spend: ₹500 a day. Pure bliss.
Pro Tips
- Bus from Bangalore (₹400) or Goa (₹150).
- Camp or book huts (₹200/night) instead of resorts.
- Buy water in town—beach vendors charge double.
How to Reach
Bus to Gokarna, then walk or auto to the beaches.
More Beach Vibes: See Top Budget Hotels in Gokarna Under ₹1000.
3. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Why It’s a Cultural Gem
Pushkar blends holy vibes, camel safaris, and hippie charm—all dirt cheap.
- Daily Cost: ₹500–₹900
- Best Time: October–March
My Experience
I stumbled into Pushkar during the fair and stayed for a week. A ₹250 guesthouse room, ₹30 chai by the lake, and a ₹200 camel ride kept me under ₹600 daily. The sunset over the ghats? Priceless.
Pro Tips
- Train to Ajmer (₹200 from Jaipur), then bus to Pushkar (₹20).
- Bargain for rooms—off-season rates drop to ₹150.
- Eat street food like kachoris (₹20).
How to Reach
Train to Ajmer, then a short bus ride to Pushkar.
Explore More: Pair it with Jaipur During Pushkar Fair.
4. Hampi, Karnataka
Why It’s a History Buff’s Dream
Hampi’s ancient ruins and boulder-strewn landscapes come with a tiny price tag.
- Daily Cost: ₹400–₹700
- Best Time: October–February
My Experience
Hampi felt like a time warp. I rented a bike for ₹150, slept in a ₹200 dorm, and ate ₹50 dosas while exploring temples. Climbing Matanga Hill at sunrise cost nothing but energy—best view ever.
Pro Tips
- Bus to Hospet (₹400 from Bangalore), then auto to Hampi (₹50).
- Rent a cycle or scooter—cheaper than tours.
- Pack snacks; food near ruins is pricey.
How to Reach
Bus or train to Hospet, then local transport to Hampi.
Dig Deeper: Read Hampi on a Budget.
5. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Why It’s a Himalayan Bargain
This Tibetan enclave offers mountain views and monk chats on a dime.
- Daily Cost: ₹500–₹800
- Best Time: March–June, September–November
My Experience
I lived in McLeod Ganj for a month on ₹15,000. A ₹250 dorm, ₹40 momos, and free hikes to Triund kept me going. Meeting monks over tea was the highlight—zero cost, infinite value.
Pro Tips
- Bus from Delhi to Dharamshala (₹600), then local bus (₹20).
- Stay in Bhagsu—cheaper than main town.
- Eat at Tibetan stalls—₹50 meals beat cafes.
How to Reach
Bus to Dharamshala, then a short ride to McLeod Ganj.
Stay Options: See Top Budget Hotels in McLeod Ganj Under ₹1000.
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Why It’s a Spiritual Steal
Varanasi’s chaotic charm and sacred ghats are backpacker-friendly.
- Daily Cost: ₹400–₹700
- Best Time: October–March
My Experience
I arrived in Varanasi with ₹1,000 for three days—and made it work. A ₹200 guesthouse near Assi Ghat, ₹30 lassis, and a ₹100 boat ride filled my soul. Watching Ganga Aarti was free and unforgettable.
Pro Tips
- Train from Delhi (₹400), then auto to ghats (₹50).
- Book near ghats—walkable and cheap.
- Eat street food like kachoris (₹20).
How to Reach
Train or bus to Varanasi Junction, then local transport.
More Info: Check Best Budget Hotels Near Varanasi Ghats Under ₹800.
7. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Why It’s a Chill Spot
Kasol’s hippie vibe and Parvati Valley treks are budget perfection.
- Daily Cost: ₹500–₹800
- Best Time: April–June, October–November
My Experience
Kasol was my escape after a hectic month. I camped for ₹200, ate ₹50 parathas, and hiked to Tosh for free. The vibe—weed-scented air and trance beats—was a bonus.
Pro Tips
- Bus from Delhi (₹600), then walk or auto (₹20).
- Camp or crash in hostels—₹200–₹300.
- Cook with locals—beats ₹100 cafe meals.
How to Reach
Overnight bus to Kasol from Delhi or Chandigarh.
Adventure Add-On: Explore Kheerganga Trek nearby.
8. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
Why It’s a Coastal Deal
French flair meets Indian affordability in this seaside town.
- Daily Cost: ₹500–₹800
- Best Time: November–February
My Experience
Pondicherry was my cheap beach fix. A ₹300 dorm in the French Quarter, ₹40 idlis, and free strolls along Rock Beach kept me at ₹600 daily. Sunset at Auroville? Stunning and free.
Pro Tips
- Train to Chennai (₹400 from Bangalore), then bus (₹100).
- Rent a bike (₹100/day)—beats autos.
- Eat at ashram canteens—₹50 meals.
How to Reach
Train to Chennai, then bus or taxi to Pondicherry.
Stay Cheap: See Top Budget Hotels in Pondicherry Under ₹1000.
9. Alleppey, Kerala
Why It’s a Backwater Bargain
Alleppey’s backwaters are stunning—and surprisingly affordable.
- Daily Cost: ₹600–₹900
- Best Time: November–February
My Experience
I skipped pricey houseboats for a ₹200 homestay and a ₹150 canoe ride. Eating ₹50 fish curry by the water, I felt like I’d hacked luxury on a budget. Total: ₹700 a day.
Pro Tips
- Train to Kochi (₹300 from Bangalore), then bus (₹70).
- Opt for public ferries (₹20) over houseboats.
- Stay in homestays—cheaper than resorts.
How to Reach
Train to Kochi or Alleppey, then local transport.
More Kerala: Read Kerala Backwaters for Budget Travelers.
10. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Why It’s a Hill Station Steal
Darjeeling’s tea gardens and Himalayan views come cheap.
- Daily Cost: ₹500–₹800
- Best Time: October–April
My Experience
I sipped ₹10 chai overlooking Kanchenjunga, slept in a ₹250 dorm, and hiked Tiger Hill for free. Darjeeling’s charm cost me ₹600 a day—proof hills don’t have to be pricey.
Pro Tips
- Train to NJP (₹400 from Kolkata), then jeep (₹150).
- Stay near Chowrasta—walkable and cheap.
- Eat momos (₹30) from stalls.
How to Reach
Train to New Jalpaiguri, then shared jeep to Darjeeling.
Stay Options: Explore Top Budget Hotels in Darjeeling Under ₹1,000.
Cost Breakdown: Backpacking on a Budget
Here’s a snapshot from my trips:
| Place | Transport (₹) | Stay (₹) | Food (₹) | Total/Day (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | 300 | 200 | 150 | 650 |
| Gokarna | 400 | 200 | 150 | 750 |
| Pushkar | 220 | 250 | 150 | 620 |
| Hampi | 450 | 200 | 100 | 750 |
| Varanasi | 450 | 200 | 120 | 770 |
Costs vary by season and haggling skills.
Backpacker Hacks to Save More
Here’s my playbook from years on the road:
- Travel Off-Season: March or October slashes prices.
- Ride Sleeper Trains: ₹200–₹400 beats flights.
- Eat Street Food: ₹20 chaat trumps ₹200 cafe meals.
- Haggle Hard: Rooms drop 30% with a smile and persistence.
- Couchsurf: Free stays with locals—I’ve done it dozens of times.
FAQ: Backpacker Basics Answered
What’s the cheapest place in India for backpackers?
Gokarna—₹500/day gets you beaches and vibes.
How much money do I need for a month?
₹15,000–₹20,000 if you stick to these spots and hacks.
Is India safe for solo backpackers?
Yes, with caution. Share plans, avoid sketchy areas, and trust your gut—I’ve solo-tripped safely for years.
Final Thoughts: Backpack India on a Budget
India’s taught me that travel isn’t about money—it’s about stories. From Varanasi’s ghats to Gokarna’s waves, these cheap destinations have filled my journals and emptied my stress, not my pockets. Grab your bag, pack light, and hit these trails. Where are you headed first? Drop a comment—I’d love to swap tales!
Happy wandering!