India has always been a backpacker’s dream destination. There are so many different places to visit and things to see around the country. You are guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime on your
India backpacking
trip. The best aspect of a backpacking trip in India is the inexpensive costs of traveling and accommodation. Local public transportation is pretty cheap, and the availability of inexpensive backpackers hostels in all major cities is sure to reduce the strain on your
India backpacking
trip budget.
The Perfect 30-Day Backpacking Trip In India Itinerary
Irrespective of whether it is your first backpacking trip in the country or if you have been here before, you will find this itinerary covers a lot of ground. You will get to see some beautiful locations along the way that will make your
India backpacking
trip worth every penny. So, let’s dive straight into the itinerary.
Day 1 – Delhi
The first day of your trip! Once you arrive in the city, check into your hotel and take some rest. Later, spend some time interacting with other tourists or exploring nearby markets and trying some local cuisines!
Day 2 – Explore Delhi
Popular places you can visit include the Qutub Minar, the Lotus Temple, the Red Fort, and other such Mughal forts and palaces. Also, try the street food of Old Delhi, as it might be the best food you try during your
India backpacking
trip.
Day 3 – Agra
Your next stop is Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Other places to explore in Agra include the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, the Tomb of Akbar, Moti Masjid, the Sikandra Fort, etc.
Day 4 – Ranthambore
The next destination for your
India backpacking
trip is the Ranthambore National Park. Explore nature and wildlife up-close and visit the Dhonk Craft Center to support the local community.
Day 5 – Ranthambore Safari
Rise early and take a jungle safari in the Ranthambore National Park. You could even be lucky to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger. After your day safari, head for Jaipur in the evening.
Day 6 – Jaipur
Spend your day exploring the many historic forts and places in Jaipur, including the Nahargarh Fort, the Jaipur City Palace, the Ajmer Fort & the Jaipur Wall, the Jaipur Stepwell and the Hawa Mahal.
Day 7 – Pushkar
Take a desert safari on your
India backpacking
trip, go for short hikes, and explore the local markets or the Camel Fairs. You can also visit Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple.
Day 8 – Pushkar
Go on a hiking trip to the famous Savitri Temple and engage in the temple’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Then, spend your evening relaxing and interacting with the locals.
Day 9 – Udaipur
Upon your arrival to Udaipur for the next phase of your
India backpacking
trip, check into your hotel and head out to explore Pichola Lake on a boat ride. In the evening, revel in Rajasthani cultural shows.
Day 10 – Udaipur
Explore the City Palace of Udaipur and the Bahubali Hills & Viewpoint. You may also want to dine at one of the exotic restaurants for traditional Rajasthani food.
Day 11 – Mumbai
Spend your day checking in to a hostel and exploring the local markets. Also, don’t forget to try the incredible street food and the world-renowned Vada Pav during your
India backpacking
trip.
Day 12 – Mumbai
Explore major tourist spots in the city, including the Gateway of India, the Colaba district, the famous “Chor Bazaar” and the Juhu Beach. You can also take a stroll through one of the biggest slums in the world.
Day 13 – Goa
Speaking of beaches, your next destination will have loads of it! Spend the day on the beach and revel in the waves. And then do some more reveling in the evening by attending beach parties and nightclubs.
Day 14 – Goa
Spend the day exploring the many churches and the historical architecture built by the Portuguese in the city. You can also spend a few hours with the fishermen and enjoy delicious fresh fish during your
India backpacking
trip.
Day 15 – Goa/Kochi
Spend the morning enjoying an excellent continental breakfast with a view of the morning sea. Then, get ready and head out towards Kochi in the afternoon. Once you arrive in Kochi, check into your hotel and spend the evening resting.
Day 16 – Kochi
Explore the beautiful markets and exotic locations around the city, including Jew Town. Don’t forget to spend some time in the fisherman’s cove, interacting with the local fishermen.
Day 17 – Cheruthuruthy
Spend some time with the craftsmen and different kinds of artists to enjoy an artistic experience. You can also interact with a women’s cooperative to learn about the cooperative movement in India during your
India backpacking
trip.
Day 18 – Cranganore
Important places to visit around the city include the Cheraman Mosque, the Jewish Synagogue, and Marari. This exquisitely gorgeous coastal town can also be a great place to stay for the night.
Day 19 – Marari
Explore the beaches around the town and enjoy the raw and untamed atmosphere of these beaches. You can also spend your day enjoying the waves coming in from the Arabian sea.
Day 20 – Alleppey
Alleppey is famous for its backwaters and incredibly green and lush landscapes. Enjoy a day of your
India backpacking
trip among the greenery of the Kerala backwaters and interact with the local people to taste the culture of rural India.
Day 21 – Thekkady
Popular attractions of the place include traditional dancers performing the Keralite dance form, Kathakali, and Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art form that originated in Kerala.
Day 22 – Thekkady
Enjoy a day of jungle safari through the forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, where you could see tigers, elephants, monkeys, deers, and different types of birds. Also, explore Periyar Lake, where you could see some of the most beautiful flora and fauna.
Day 23 – Madurai
Next, you move to the state of Tamil Nadu and head to Madurai for the next phase of your
India backpacking
trip. Spend the afternoon relaxing after a delicious lunch in Amma’s mess, a popular restaurant in South India. In the evening, you can visit the Meenakshi Temple for a soul-enriching experience.
Day 24 – Madurai/Kumbakonam
Explore the iconic historic Thirumalai Nayakar Palace or the many stone sculptures around the town. You can also check out the local markets famous for their flowers, vegetables, and bananas. Then, head over to Kumbakonam in the evening.
Day 25 – Kumbakonam/Pondicherry
Visit Raja Veda Kavya Patasala, a legendary Vedic school established in 1542, or the house of Raja Ramamohan to indulge in the Kalamkari workshop. In the evening, travel to Pondicherry, the next step in your
India backpacking
trip.
Day 26 – Pondicherry
Spend the day walking around the place and admiring the French architecture in the area. The town is reminiscent of a small French city and will help you enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.
Day 27 – Hampi
Head over to Hampi for the final phase of your
India backpacking
trip. On the way, you can also visit Mahabalipuram to explore some of the most beautiful temples in India.
Day 28 – Hampi
Spend some of the most amazing and mesmerizing moments of your trip amidst the green landscapes and lushness of Hampi. Spend time exploring the local community or try your hand at coracle rafting if you are in for a little adventure.
Day 29 – Hampi
Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the local snacks and cuisine. You can also spend the day interacting with other tourists and sharing the experiences of your
India backpacking
trip.
Day 30 – Exit Hampi
On the last day of your backpacking trip in the beautiful country, spend some time saying your goodbyes to the friends and companions you accompanied along your trip. Then, pack up and begin your journey home.
With so many places to visit and so many things to see during your trip, you will certainly enjoy a very fulfilling experience during your trip to India. You will be able to save a lot of money by traveling between cities at night using sleeper bus services or trains. This will leave you with more time to explore other places during your 1-month
India backpacking
trip.
