So, you want to backpack across India.

The idea hits you. Visions of ancient forts, spicy curries, and crowded trains fill your head. It feels exciting. And then… a second thought creeps in. Your wallet feels light. Your bank account looks sad. You think, “Can I even afford this?”

Let me stop you right there. Yes, you can.

India is a paradise for budget travelers. You just need a plan. Think of this guide as your friendly map. It will not make you rich. But it will show you how to stretch your money like a pro. We will talk routes. We will talk costs. We will talk about the real stuff, like how much that cup of chai actually costs.

I remember my first time. I landed in Delhi with a giant backpack and very little clue. I was nervous. I walked out of the airport. The heat, the sounds, the smells… it was a lot. But within a day, I figured it out. You will too.

Let us break it down.

The Golden Rule of Budget Travel in India

Forget fancy hotels. Forget private tours. Your best friend is the Indian railway system. It is a giant, sprawling network. It connects the entire country. And it is incredibly cheap.

Traveling by train is an experience. You see the real India. You share food with families. You watch the world go by. From green fields to dry deserts, the view is always changing.

The key is to book in the “Sleeper Class” or “3AC.” Sleeper Class is the most basic. It has open berths and fans. It is also the cheapest. 3AC means Third Tier Air-Conditioned. It is a bit more comfortable. It has blankets and AC. Both are perfectly safe and clean.

A 10-hour journey in Sleeper Class can cost as little as 300 rupees. That is about four dollars. Let that sink in.

Buses are your other option. For shorter distances or hills, they are great. Government buses are the cheapest. Private buses are a bit more comfortable. They cost a little more.

Your Daily Budget: The Numbers

This is the big question. How much money do you need per day?

You can manage on a tight budget. A very tight budget. Let us talk in rupees. One US dollar is roughly 80 rupees.

• The Shoestring Budget (800-1200 INR / $10-$15 per day)
  This is for the hardcore traveler. You will stay in hostel dorms. You will eat at local street stalls. You will travel only by Sleeper Class trains or government buses. You will say “no” to expensive tourist activities. It is a challenge, but it is possible.
• The Comfortable Budget (1500-2500 INR / $18-$30 per day)
  This is the sweet spot. You can get a private room in a decent guesthouse. You can eat a mix of street food and restaurant meals. You can take the occasional taxi or rickshaw without guilt. You can afford entry fees to monuments. This budget lets you enjoy your trip without constant stress.
• The “I Want a Treat” Budget (3000+ INR / $37+ per day)
  With this, you are living large in the budget world. You can stay in nice heritage hotels sometimes. You can book a scenic train journey in a higher class. You can go on a guided tour or a wildlife safari. You never have to think twice about ordering a second lassi.

Remember, your biggest costs will be transport and accommodation. Food and activities are surprisingly cheap.

Let’s Talk Routes: Three Epic Journeys

India is huge. You cannot see it all in one trip. Do not even try. It is like eating a giant pizza in one bite. You will make a mess. Pick a region and explore it properly.

Here are three classic backpacker routes.

Route 1: The Classic Golden Triangle (For the First-Timer)

This route is perfect if you are short on time. It is about one week to ten days. You get a powerful dose of India’s history and culture.

• Delhi -> Agra -> Jaipur -> Back to Delhi

Delhi is a whirlwind. Start in the bustling old city, Chandni Chowk. Get lost in its narrow lanes. The smell of sizzling kebabs will guide you. Visit the majestic Jama Masjid. Then, see the calm and order of New Delhi at India Gate. I spent a whole day just walking around. My feet hurt, but it was worth it.

Cost Tip: Use the Delhi Metro. It is clean, fast, and cheap. A journey across the city might cost 40 rupees.

Next, take a train to Agra. This is where you see it. The Taj Mahal. Let me tell you, pictures do not do it justice. You walk through that red sandstone gate. And then you see it. The white marble seems to glow. Your heart drops. It is that beautiful. Go at sunrise. The light is magical, and the crowds are smaller.

Cost Tip: The Taj Mahal entry fee is 1100 INR for foreigners. It sounds steep, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. It is worth every rupee.

From Agra, head to Jaipur. This is the Pink City. It is vibrant and full of life. The Amber Fort is a massive palace on a hill. You can hike up. Or you can take a jeep. The City Palace is stunning. And the markets are incredible for shopping.

Cost Tip: Eat at local dhabas. These are roadside eateries. A full meal of dal, vegetables, and roti will cost you 150 rupees. It is delicious and filling.

Route 2: The Himalayan Escape (For the Mountain Lover)

If the heat and crowds of the cities are too much, head north. This route is about cool air, stunning views, and spiritual vibes. Give it two to three weeks.

• Delhi -> Rishikesh -> Dharamshala -> Manali

Take an overnight train from Delhi to Rishikesh. This is the yoga capital of the world. It is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Ganga River flows through it, clean and blue. The atmosphere is peaceful. Everyone is in flip-flops. You can learn yoga, try meditation, or just relax. I did a yoga class for 200 rupees. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Cost Tip: The lakshman jhula (a hanging bridge) is free to cross. The view of the river and the hills is priceless.

From Rishikesh, the journey to Dharamshala is long. But you will be rewarded. Dharamshala is the home of the Dalai Lama. It has a strong Tibetan culture. The town of McLeod Ganj is the main hub. You can eat momos (Tibetan dumplings) every day. You can listen to monks chanting. The energy here is calm and positive.

Cost Tip: Stay in a family-run guesthouse. A basic room with a mountain view can cost only 600 rupees per night.

Finally, travel to Manali. This is a beautiful hill station. It is a gateway for amazing treks. You can rent a motorcycle and explore the surrounding valleys. The air is crisp. The scenery is like a postcard. In the winter, you can even see snow.

Route 3: The Southern Sojourn (For the Beach Bum and Culture Seeker)

South India is different. It feels more relaxed. The culture, food, and language are distinct. This route offers beaches, backwaters, and incredible temples. Plan for three weeks or more.

• Chennai -> Puducherry -> Madurai -> Kochi -> Goa

Start in Chennai, a busy coastal city. Then, take a bus to Puducherry (Pondicherry). This place has a French colony past. You can walk along the promenade. The French Quarter has charming yellow buildings. It feels like you are in another country. Do not miss the ashram for a moment of quiet.

From Puducherry, go to Madurai. This city is home to the Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is unlike any temple you have ever seen. It is a massive complex. Every surface is covered with colorful statues of gods, demons, and animals. It is overwhelming in the best way. Go in the evening for the night ceremony. It is a spectacle.

Cost Tip: South Indian food is cheap and amazing. A masala dosa (a crispy rice crepe) is a full meal for 80 rupees.

Next, travel to Kochi in Kerala. This is a port city with a rich history. See the Chinese fishing nets. Watch a Kathakali dance performance. Then, head into the Kerala backwaters. This is a must-do. You rent a houseboat or, for a cheaper option, a shared “shikara” boat. You glide through peaceful canals. You see village life. It is so quiet and green.

Cost Tip: A shared public ferry through the backwaters costs less than 100 rupees. It is not a fancy houseboat, but the views are the same.

Finally, finish your trip in Goa. This is India’s beach paradise. It is not just for partying. North Goa is busy and lively. South Goa is quiet and relaxed. Find a beach shack. Order a fresh fish curry. Watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. It is the perfect way to end an epic journey.

The Nitty-Gritty: Your Cost Breakdown

Let us get specific. Here is what things actually cost.

Accommodation:

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 400 – 700 INR per night
• Basic Guesthouse Private Room: 800 – 1500 INR per night
• Homestay (often includes breakfast): 1000 – 2000 INR per night

Food & Drink:

• Street Snack (Samosa, Vada Pav): 20 – 50 INR
• Chai from a stall: 10 – 20 INR
• Bottled Water (1L): 20 – 30 INR
• Simple Lunch at a Local Dhaba: 120 – 200 INR
• Dinner at a Nice Restaurant: 300 – 600 INR
• Fresh Coconut Water: 40 – 60 INR

Transport:

• Sleeper Class Train (per hour): 30 – 50 INR
• 3AC Train (per hour): 80 – 120 INR
• Local Bus Ride: 10 – 30 INR
• Long-Distance Government Bus: 2 – 4 INR per kilometer
• Auto-Rickshaw (short 3km ride): 50 – 100 INR (always agree on a price first!)

Activities:

• Temple/Monument Entry (Indian): 20 – 100 INR
• Temple/Monument Entry (Foreigner): 250 – 1000 INR
• Yoga Class (Rishikesh): 200 – 500 INR
• Backwater Shikara Boat Ride (1 hour): 400 – 800 INR

Final Tips to Save Your Money and Your Sanity

• Travel Slow. Taking one train ride a week is cheaper than taking three. You also get to know a place better.
• Eat Local. The food at the street stall is often tastier and safer than a sad-looking pizza in a bad tourist restaurant. Look for places crowded with locals.
• Carry Cash. While digital payments are big, small vendors and rickshaw drivers only take cash. Always have smaller notes (50s, 100s).
• Bargain Politely. Bargaining is expected in markets. Start at half the price they quote. Be friendly. Smile. If the price is not right, just walk away.
• Carry a Water Bottle. You can buy big 5-liter bottles of water and refill your small one. It saves money and plastic.
• Trust Your Gut. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If a taxi driver is too pushy, find another one. Your intuition is your best guide.

Backpacking across India is an adventure. It will test you. It will amaze you. It will change how you see the world. And the best part? You do not need a fortune to do it. You just need a plan, an open mind, and a willingness to jump on that next train.