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When you think about travelling to India, the first thing which comes in your mind is its rich culture, age old history and the perfect mix of varying topographies. Besides its kaleidoscope of diverse cultures and traditional values the fast developing economy of India also offer modern infrastructure and latest technologies. The hospitable people of India are always welcoming and they want their guests to be treated like Gods.

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Incredible India, the most glorious land of the east, the country that is known for its diverse culture, old age history, rich flora and fauna, simple lifestyle, welcoming people and intensely beautiful landscapes cannot be seen in a single trip. The vast country with 29 states and 7 union territories has something new and different to offer in every tour. Every tour package of India leaves an unforgettable spell on traveller’s mind, which they cherish forever. Be it a tour package of North India or a South India tour experience or any part, a tour to India is always full of remarkable tourist destinations such as Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Varanasi, Taj Mahal, Madhya Pradesh, Ladakh, Gujarat, Odisha and many more. Neighbouring to India, are the amazing land of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Before visiting any part of South Asia, be prepared with all necessary information about the places you are visiting. For any type of travel information beyond what is made available in this website, please contact onne of our travel advisors by email or call.

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Explore amazing temples and shrines of Tamilnadu, engage yourself in epic journey to the backwaters of Kerala and...

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India, from one corner to another, is steeped in religious history, and it has countless Hindu pilgrimage...

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The Incredible state of Rajasthan is known to travellers for its vivid culture, age old heritage, colourful and joyful lifestyle and hospitable people. Situated in the western part of the country...

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Embark a lifetime journey on India group tour package with Max Holidays. Join our India group tour taking you to some of the best sites highlighting the cultural heritage of Northern India.

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Megatravelz

Meghalaya, often referred to as the “Abode of Clouds,” is a picturesque state located in the northeastern region of India. It is renowned for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and abundant rainfall, which gives rise to numerous waterfalls, dense forests, and vibrant flora and fauna. Meghalaya is a land of natural beauty and cultural diversity, making it a captivating destination for travelers and a unique place to call home for its residents.

Meghalaya, with its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, is an exceptional destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in India. Whether you are exploring the mystical caves, trekking through pristine hills, or immersing yourself in the indigenous culture, Meghalaya offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of India’s northeastern wonders.

Meghalaya is indeed an endless source of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it a fantastic destination for travelers seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in India.

So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to Meghalaya, where the clouds kiss the Earth, and every moment is a memory waiting to be etched in your travel diary.

We are listing some of the major tourist attraction down below

Tourist Attraction

Shillong City

The state capital, Shillong, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Explore Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and the Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures

Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, is a stunning reservoir located about 15 kilometers north of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, India. This man-made lake is a popular tourist destination and a serene spot surrounded by lush green hills

Cherrapunji (Sohra)

Famous for its lush landscapes and record-breaking rainfall, Cherrapunji is home to stunning waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Falls, and the unique double-decker living root bridges.

It’s a village located in the East Khasi Hills district of the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is known for receiving one of the highest average annual rainfall figures in the world, making it famous as one of the wettest places on Earth. The village is nestled in the northeastern part of India, close to the border with Bangladesh.

Visit Dawki for its crystal-clear Umngot River, where you can take a boat ride and witness the mesmerizing clarity of the water. The nearby Dawki Bridge offers breathtaking views.

Jaintia Hills

The headquarters of the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai, offers scenic beauty and the chance to visit Thadlaskein Lake, Nartiang Monoliths, and explore the local culture.

This small town is famous for its sacred groves, preserving unique biodiversity. Visit the Smit Meghalaya State Museum to learn about local culture and heritage.

Often called the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong is a serene and picturesque place known for its well maintained environment and living root bridges.

Khrang Suri

A stunning blue lagoon located in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. The crystal-clear blue water of the lagoon is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, making it a picturesque spot for visitors.

A picturesque village located in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. It is situated in the East Khasi Hills district, which is known for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and unique natural attractions. Riwai is particularly famous for its living root bridges, which are a marvel of traditional engineering and natural beauty, much like the ones found in the nearby village of Nongriat.

Shnongpdeng

Its’s a serene village located in the Indian state of Meghalaya, in the East Khasi Hills district. This picturesque village is situated along the banks of the Umngot River, which is known for its crystal-clear waters. Shnongpdeng has gained popularity as a tourist destination due to the stunning natural beauty of the river and the surrounding landscape.

A town located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India. This region is known for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some key aspects of Mawkynrew

Wei Sawdong

This Falls is a group of three stunning waterfalls located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. These waterfalls are nestled in the lush greenery of the Khasi Hills and are known for their natural beauty and pristine surroundings.

Mawryngkhang

It’s a picturesque village located in the Indian state of Meghalaya, specifically in the East Khasi Hills district. This village is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and unique natural attractions

A village located in the Ribhoi district of the Indian state of Meghalaya. Ribhoi is one of the districts in Meghalaya known for its hilly terrain, lush green landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Nongmahir, like many other villages in the region, is nestled in the scenic hills and forests of Meghalaya. While it may not be as well-known as some of the larger towns and tourist destinations in the state, it offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and culture of the area.

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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published Mar 19, 2022 and updated Dec 15, 2023.

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Home » Asia » India » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking India Travel Guide (Tips + Secrets • 2024)

Backpacking India… It’s a hell of an experience. I have visited India five times now, spending nearly two years backpacking across this crazy sub-continent.

When I was nineteen, following a life-changing injury, I threw all of my shit into a battered pack and caught a one way flight to Delhi, I had just $2700 to my name and was able to make this last over a year whilst backpacking in India.

The wonderful thing about backpacking India is that pretty much anybody can afford it, especially if you don’t mind being a little uncomfortable.

I jumped off the deep end and hitchhiked, couchsurfed and slept rough a lot to make my travel dreams a reality but, to be honest, backpacking in India is so cheap that you don’t really need to do this… A budget of just $500 a month will go a long way when backpacking India and it’s possible to do it for far less.

Why Go Backpacking in India?

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Since I was nineteen, I’ve been coming back to India again and again. Often I promise myself that this will be the last time and like many India backpacking veterans, I have a love/hate relationship with India!

Your first time in India may well come as something of a shock even for experienced travellers. It is generally dirty, crowded, noisy, chaotic and frustrating. There are wild animals everywhere, a lot of extreme poverty and widespread dilapidation. Some of the local customs also take some serious adapting to – get used to been stared at, hassled, scammed & having your personal space invaded.

So yes, the real India can be a real challenge but, for adventurous backpackers, India offers some of the most incredible exploring in all of Asia. If it gets under your skin, you will keep on coming back time and time again. Visiting the beautiful places in India is a task worth taking on.

Best Travel Itineraries For Backpacking India

After nearly a total of two years backpacking in India, I reckon I’ve only seen about half of this truly incredible, massive, country. The country is so big that is really does make sense to plan your backpacking route before you rock up and to focus on seeing one part of India at a time.

There are plenty of amazing spots to explore but you need to be sure you choose the right spots at the right time – you don’t want to be travelling in the Great Thar Desert during summer!

To make things a bit easier, I’ve popped together some different backpacking routes for India; these can easily be combined or added together to create the absolute perfect India itinerary.

But whatever India backpacking route you take, prepare to be astounded, amazed and a little bit frustrated! You need at least one month in India to enjoy these itineraries.

Backpacking India 1-Month Itinerary # 1 – Spiritual Extravaganza

Rajasthan (paired with Varanasi) is a great introduction to backpacking India! This is an area that checks most boxes – There are plenty of chilled out sites well on the backpacker radar but if you dig a little deeper you can find isolated villages and hidden temples rarely visited by travellers.

After getting your bearings and hopefully avoiding getting scammed in New Delhi , head on over to Varanasi for the spiritual experience of a lifetime. After a quick stop in off beat Khajuraho , settle into Agra to see the Taj Mahal, AKA the most famous landmark in India.

Then it’s time to experience Rajasthan, one of my favorite places in India. Jaipur will serve as a sweet introduction–it’s quite a nice Indian city–where as Pushkar is like a desert version of Goa. Bundi is a true gem, and a place you shouldn’t rush through. Package tourists don’t make it here.

Finish off your epic Rajasthani adventure with the big three, Jodhpur (known as the Blue City), Jaisalmer , and Udaipur . A better trip through one of India’s most beautiful states doesn’t exist.

One important thing to note is that Rajasthan can be damn hot… This means that you really, really want to try and explore this part of India during November to March; outside of these months, it can be fairly unbearable.

Backpacking India 1-Month Itinerary # 2 – Off the Beaten Track Adventures in South India  

This is perhaps the best South India travel itinerary for explorers keen to see a bit of the real India before diving into the heady parties of Goa and Gokarna.

Bangalore is a tech hub of sorts and one of India’s cleaner cities, but don’t spend more than a few days here before heading to the very offbeat Kodagu –don’t be surprised if you’re the only foreigner in town.

Next up, take a relatively short local bus to Mysore , which is easily my favorite city in India. It’s clean, has some delicious street food and is pretty easy to manage overall. A night train is the best way to move onwards to Fort Kochi , a cheeky little beach town that checks every box of what you’d want from a sticky place.

You final two stops will bring you back to the tourist trail, but rest assured that it will be worth it. The back waters of Alleppey are best seen from the local boats, and even popular Varkala (which can be reached by train or bus) has plenty of hidden spots to get off the beaten track in.

Backpacking India 1-Month Itinerary # 3 – Mountains and Yoga in Northern India

Traveling to the Subcontinent to find yourself? Then this Backpacking India itinerary may be for you.

The Himalayas are unlike any other part of India, mountains have always held a special place in my heart and the Indian mountains are some of the best in the world… although not quite as incredible as neighbouring Pakistan, the ultimate adventure destination !

If you’re coming from said neighbour, you’ll be starting right in Amritsar , which is home to the famous Golden Temple and legendary Sikh hospitality. Otherwise, break your Rishikesh virginity, though do be warned that it will be an absolute zoo in May and June.

Once you’ve got that out of the way–it’s time for the mountain fun to begin! First head to Mcleod Ganj , a spiritual mecca home to the famous Dalai Llama. Be warned–it’s easy to get stuck here! Next, make a stop in Bhagsu before moving on to Manali .

These days Manali is a commercialized mess, so I highly encourage you to get to the more authentic Vashshist as SOON as possible. The hippie vibes are only beginning amigos, as the mountainous roads will then lead you to Kasol , the main hub of the iconic Parvati Valley.

After enjoying hashish, trance and natural beauty for days, answer the Himalayas’ call and get yourself on the next HRTC bus to Leh , capital of Ladakh.

After you’ve spent a solid amount of time living the high-altitude life, it’s time for Srinigar , the capital of India’s portion of Kashmir. I highly recommend giving this region the time it deserves. It might be more expensive than you’d like, but Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir is very hard to travel in as a foreigner so get your fix here!

Be warned; travelling in the Himalayas is uncomfortable, tiring and sometimes dangerous. It is worth getting to grips with your route before you go travelling in India, planning on the road doesn’t work so well in the Himalayas as the roads have a tendency to get washed away!

Best Places To Visit In India

You can spend a lifetime and still not see everything this mega-country has to offer, but I think these are the very best places in India that you just shouldn’t miss…

Backpacking Delhi

Many backpackers arriving in India for the first time will start their adventure by staying in Delhi , which is unfortunate.

Delhi is probably my least favourite city in the whole world and whilst it may have some hidden charms, I have yet to find them despite visiting the city over half a dozen times. The traffic is crazy, and driving my multicolored rickshaw through the streets was a truly nutty and hair-raising experience.

Delhi is not one of the friendliest places in India. When you arrive into Delhi’s main airport, catch a metro into town and make your way to the Panchsheel area; this is where you can find the widest array of backpacker-friendly accommodation, and is the best area in Delhi to stay in. Some of the best hostels in Delhi are in Paharganj and more quieter, cleaner options can be found in the upscale South Delhi area.

In general, I recommend getting the heck out of Delhi as quickly as possible… There are plenty of much lovelier places within India to spend your time. However, if you do want a better and more comfortable experience, there are some pretty epic Delhi Airbnbs to choose from.

Backpacking Varanasi

You can’t explore India without having a proper Varanasi experience… I say experience because Varanasi is totally nuts and will leave you reeling as you navigate through twisting alleys, passing holy men and funeral processions, stray cows and colourful stores selling silken saris.

Make your way to the river and catch a sunset boat ride on the Ganges, the most holy river in Hinduism. On the way, make sure to pick up one of the best lassis in all of India at Blue Lassi in the market.

There are plenty of cheap hostels in Varanasi , and just as many budget guesthouses. Varanasi has to be seen to be understood… I recommend spending three or four days here. There are good train links between Delhi and Varanasi and I recommend catching a sleeper train – go for 3AC class.

Backpacking Khajuraho

From Varanasi you should be able to catch a train directly to Khajuraho. As always you should book your ticket in advance and try to get a night train to save on accommodation. This area is famous for its hilariously erotic temples. Hire bicycles as some of the main sights are spread out and it is a great way to explore.

Try to catch the temples at sunrise, they are amazing. It is possible to arrange a rickshaw to take you to a lovely river where you can swim, ask around. Touts are persistent here and like to target fresh backpackers. I recommend staying for two to three days so you can get a well-deserved break before heading onwards to Agra…

Backpacking Agra

There are only three things worth seeing in Agra. The first and best is ‘ Joney’s Place ’ – it offers the best, and cheapest food in all of India.

The second is the Taj Maha l, it costs a whopping 1100RS to get in and this will probably continue to rise for foreign visitors in the coming years. Finally, 26km outside of Agra is the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri which is interesting if you have time but is unfortunately filled with very pushy touts.

The Taj Mahal is chief amongst the top sites to see in India. However, staying in hostels in Agra for more than two days is not recommended… Sadly it’s a true shit-hole of a city and not to be dwelled in… From Agra you can catch a train to Jaipur – but may have to change at Delhi.

Backpacking Jaipur

My second least favourite city in India is undoubtedly Jaipur. You can however mitigate its horror by choosing carefully where to stay in Jaipur . Try to spend just a day here if you can as the city is stressful and ugly. Ajmer Palace , 12km outside of the city, is stunning and worth the trip.

The Monkey Temple (Galtaji) is not to be missed – set beautifully into the side of a hill, make sure you go all the way up and over to the other side of the hill to find it. Other than the old buildings, Jaipur is a great place to shop for textiles, custom-made clothes and jewelry.

Jaipur is a great place to be during the festival of Diwali, easily one of the most important festivals in India.

Stay at one of Jaipurs’ best hostels –there are plenty to choose between. From Jaipur, you can catch an overnight train to Jaisalmer and work your way back towards Delhi across Rajasthan or jump to Pushkar. The airport does some good value domestic flights – if you book ahead you can get to Goa for $40.

Backpacking Pushkar

Finally, somewhere to relax now that you’ve done the obligatory sights of India! You could happily spend a week in Pushkar, exploring the many temples and the gorgeous lake within the centre of the town.

Pushkar is renowned as a town of religious importance and you can’t drink or eat meat here… meaning that, of course, you can but your beer will be disguised in a teapot and will cost more.

Pushkar is a shoppers paradise and is filled with thousands of stores selling pretty much everything… the market is a great place to buy bulk if you’re planning to sell your travel souvenirs back home 😉

There’s a strong backpacker community here, the town suffers from many a hippie-wannabe, and there’s lots of yoga and meditation classes available. Whilst exploring the lake, avoid the priests like the black plague – they are extremely skilled scammers. Do not let them place a wristband upon you, they will ask for a ridiculous payment.

For a truly striking sunset, climb one of the nearby hills surrounding the town. Pushkar has great but, very strong, Bhang (marijuana) lassis; these will knock you out if you are not careful.

Every year, the famed Pushkar Camel Festival comes to town – this is a totally insane event but well worth seeing if you happen to be in India at the time; book your accommodation in advance as everything tends to sell out.  Four to five days is about right for a visit to Pushkar although its possible to linger for weeks.

To get to Pushkar you must first catch a train to Ajmer and then catch a forty five minute bus onwards to Pushkar itself. From Ajmer you can catch a bus to Bundi, a logical next stop.

Backpacking Bundi

I loved Bundi. It’s well off the tourist radar and definitely worth visiting. I stayed in a lovely little guesthouse called simply The Lake View Guesthouse . Rooms were cheap, just $6 for a huge double with bathroom. Bhayvam Homestay does rooms for $3 but they are basic and you have to share a bathroom.

Definitely visit the palace and the fortress atop the hill (take a stick to deter the monkeys ) as well as Kipling’s house. Hire bicycles to go exploring outside the city, you will be utterly alone and this is a great chance to do some real exploring.

Stay for at least three days in Bundi and be sure to check out Krishna’s Tea Stall .

Backpacking Jodhpur

Although there may not be a great deal of tourist sites to visit, Jodhpur is an excellent example of a Rajasthani market town, a good wander through streets to soak up the busy vibe and colours is a must during your stay. In the state where every town has a fort, Jodhpur is no exception and it’s definitely worth visiting.

It’s one of the most amazing fortresses in the world. Take the audio tour to find out plenty of awesome history about this amazing place. I would stay for one or two days. You then easily catch a bus from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.

Backpacking Jaisalmer

A giant sandcastle rising out of the desert, Jaisalmer fort is one of my favourite places in all of India and the starting point for the annual rickshaw race across India.

Even better, if you’re keen to go camel trekking and to spend a night camping out in the desert with fellow backpackers, this is the place to do it! Haggle hard… The prices vary wildly!

The legal Bhang shop sells shakes and cookies – they can get you very high and are a fun way to while away an evening; as always, be careful if you’re experimenting with drugs on the road. Not including time for a camel trek, you only need two days to explore Jaisalmer. There are good train links out of Jaisalmer.

Backpacking Udaipur

What a truly wonderful place. I lingered here for almost a month when I was on my first backpacking trip to India at the age of nineteen. There are wonderful hostels in Udaipur , great restaurants, interesting cycle rides, captivating lakes and atmospheric temples.

Try to stay somewhere near the central Jagdish temple. Shop around for accommodation as it’s possible to find good rooms for $4. I got some beautiful, custom made shirts in Udaipur which cost about $4 each – well worth it.

Five days is a good length of time to spend in Udaipur before catching a train back up to Delhi or travelling onwards to Goa or Mumbai. A train to Goa, via Gujurat, takes around 46 hours and I strongly recommend that nobody ever attempts this again… It was one of the most god-awful journeys of my life!

Backpacking Bombay

Let’s start with the name. Nobody calls this sweltering city Mumbai and the city is very much Bombay.

Now that the name is out of the way, let’s get onto the city. Bombay is, in a single word, intense! If you survive Bombay you have done well. Bombay is not only dirty, crowded and full of touts, it is also the most expensive city in India and can quickly drain your bank account on account of the wild nights out… Tinder works well in Bombay.

I loved Bombay and spent over 2 weeks hanging out but I was couchsurfing and had some great friends to show me Mumbai’s best neighbourhoods and help keep my costs low . I highly recommend trying to make a friend in Bombay as they will show you a side of the city that most backpackers in India simply are not aware of.

In case you can’t find a host, worry not as there are now loads of decent Mumbai hostels. You should definitely brave the local trains at some point, they are packed to bursting but are a quintessential Indian backpacking experience.

From Bombay, you can easily catch a train to Aurangabad.

Backpacking Ajanta & Ellora

The famed cave temples and dwellings of Ajanta and Ellora rival those of Petra… Huge temples and structures have been carved into the rock and occupied by holy sects for centuries, the history here is absolutely fascinating.

To visit Ajanta and Ellora, you will need to make a base in Aurangabad; a quintessential middle-of-nowhere Indian town.

You’ll need a full day to visit the incredible cave temples of Ellora, travel by tuk tuk for 600RS. Be sure to make a stop at the truly awesome ruined fortress of Daulatabad, a place with a bloody and fascinating history.

On day 2, take a taxi (1200RS) if in a group or a bus (150RS each way) if you are on your own to the Ajanta Caves; a collection of thirty Buddhist monasteries carved into a shoehorn of rock sitting above a lush green forest. On day 3, get the heck out of dodge (there really is fuck all to do in Aurangabad) and catch a train (6 hours) to Nashik.

Backpacking Nashik

The ghats, stone steps leading down to the river for washing and praying, in Nashik are truly mesmerising and, unlike in Varanasi, there are no pushy touts looking to make a quick rupee from backpackers.

If you are into your photography, Nashik is one of the best places to visit some truly untouched Ghats and to capture scenes of Indian rural life.

One day in Nashik is enough; besides the ghats there isn’t much to see. I couchsurfed here and found myself in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class in the evening… such is travelling in India! If you fancy spending a second day in Nashik, there is a pleasant day hike to Trimbak which is worth checking out.

From Nashik you can arrange a sleeper bus towards Goa, or if you are feeling adventurous catch a train to Gulbarga and then onwards to Bidar and Bijapur, you may have to go via Bombay. I couchsurfed in Nashik.

Backpacking Bidar

The epic fort in Bidar is probably one of the most untouched forts in all of Asia and, best of all, if you visit you will probably have it all to yourself.

From Gulbarga, a bus (three hours) runs to Bidar, there is very limited accommodation options here – I stayed in the Hotel Mayura , right next to the bus station. Bidar Fort is filled with hidden, locked, passageways and epic buildings.

If you find an attendant, you can tip him 100RS to wander around with you or, even better, simply give you the keys. The fort alone is well worth coming to Bidar for but the city itself does have some other interesting sites and is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the Sikhs. From Bidar, it’s a seven hour, ass-bruising, bus ride to Bijapur.

Backpacking Bijapur

Palaces, tombs, gateways, temples and minarets, all carved from solid basalt and covered in twisting vines and flowers. The architecture in Bijapur is simply stunning and it is widely renowned as one of the most important historical cities in India, despite this it attracts very few backpackers and you are likely to have it all to yourself.

A couple of days is adequate time to see all of the sites, it could be done in one single day if you are tired of the heat and are keen to hurry on to somewhere a tad more relaxing.

I recommend staying in Hotel Pleasant Stay , the cheapest accommodation is next to the bus-stand – it’s fairly horrible. From Bijapur, catch a bus to Hospet (3 – 4 hours) and from Hospet catch a thirty minute rickshaw to Hampi…

Backpacking Hampi

Backpacking Hampi is hands-down my favourite thing to do in India. I’ve been a total of five times and, every time, it’s changed drastically. It is famed for its climbing boulders as well as the assortment of ancient temples and Hampi’s primary backpacker area across the river.

Local buses from Hosepur to Hampi begin running at around 7am but expect usual Indian delays. The ride takes 30 – 40 minutes and costs about 15 rupees. Tuk Tuks are available and will charge you between 200 – 400. Tuk Tuk drivers will also lie and tell that you that the busses to Hampi start at 8.00, 9.00 or even that there aren’t any at all to try and get your custom.

Scooters can be rented cheaply in Hampi (300-400 rps), but aren’t actually necessary. Bicycles can be obtained for 200 – 300 rps. I recommended joining a bike tour around the temples and ruins of the main island – they can be joined for 300 including bike, last 4 hours and cover about 9km with lots of stops – bring sun cream and water.

Note that as of February 2020, the local government has began totally demolishing the entirety of the development “across the river”. This means all of the hostels and the entire Hampi backpacker hub is gone. The temples are still there, as are the rocks but to be frank, Hampi just lost half of its appeal and charm in one fell swoop. It remains to be seen how the demolition will affect Hampi’s.

Backpacking Goa

Probably the most famous place in all of India and a magnet for hippie wannabes and all kinds of backpacker assholes, traveling in Goa is a complicated, chilled, paradoxical place that is well worth a visit no matter what you hear.

The trick with Goa is choosing where in Goa to stay.

• Baga is for package tourists.
• Anjuna and  Arambol  for party people.
• Vasco da Gama  and  Margao have more local Goan life and traces of the Portuguese colonial era.
• South Goa for those seeking some peace.

Both Palolem and Patnem are pretty relaxed. You can arrange fishing, dolphin watching and kayaking from the beach.

Another beach well worth considering is Arambol beach in the North. It’s a lively, hippy mecca, and you’ll be sure to find some cute Goa Airbnbs and hostels to base in. There are loads of yoga classes and meditations, there are jam sessions every night and shops selling some genuine boutique items as well as the standard backpacker stuff. 

If you shop around you can still get a beach front shack for around 500 rps though prices spike between Christmas and February. There are also a number of trendy eco-resorts in Goa that are worth checking out!

Most restaurants along and around the beach are very similar and do perfectly decent Indian standards as well tantalisingly fresh fish tandooris. Cheeky Monkey has a great fusion menu and the shack next to the coconut seller does amazing thali’s for 100 – 150 rps.

There are no big parties in Arambol itself although Rusta has began doing Wednesday Techno Parties. Morejim however is a short ride from Arambol (don’t drink/drug & ride) and has a number of club nights featuring all minds of music.

That said, Arambol itself has numerous happenings every single night until around 10:30pm (midnight if its away from then main drag). I recommend attending Ecstatic Dance at the Source and seeing what weird and wonderful stuff is going on at Magic Cafe and the Love Templ e.

The big, wild, legendary Goa parties take place in and around Anjuna & Vagator . There are parties catering to different tastes each night during high season (Dec – March) so if you like commercial, techno, R & B or house you can find it.

However, my absolute premium advice is to attend at least one Goan Trance Party as they are utterly mind blowing. Try Shiva Valley on Tuesday nights or Shiva Place on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Hilltop & Origens claim to be “temples of trance” and do attract big name DJ’s, but they are overpriced, soulless & shit.

Backpacking Gokarna

For a taste of ‘Goa before the tourists’, many people backpacking India head to Gokarna. The main beach is quickly catching on and becoming more touristy, much like Goa. That said, there are plenty of smaller beaches which are only accessible by boat and are home to small communes of hippies.

Gokharna is a short(ish) way from Goa and its relatively quiet. Beaches generally act as either a warm up for or come down from the madness of India’s tourism capital. Gokharna itself is classic Indian small town with a few temples, some dirt roads and lots of cows. There are plenty of guest houses, shops, travel agencies and ATM’s to be had here and its worth a look.

However, people come here for the quiet, secluded beaches which are 6km and 150rps in a Tuk Tuk away. My personal nickname for Om Beach is Jaffa Beach as its firmly established on the Hummus trail. By day, play volleyball, explore the temples in the old town or fish upon the high seas. By night, discover the real reason that many hippies have moved to Gokarna; a better supply of mushrooms and weed.

The guest houses here range from 300 to 500rps and the quality differs drastically. Shopping around and checking them all out is strongly advised as many don’t have WI-Fi or reliable electricity and are frankly depressing. The absolute pick has to be Mooksa with its extensive grounds at the back of the cafe. Dolphin Bay is to be avoided.

Some of these places don’t even have electricity so if you’re looking for something a bit more out there – this might be it. I would recommend staying at the Zostel hostel.

The necklace sellers on the beach are mostly young and pleasant but do get annoying. If you don’t intend to buy anything then make it very clear and be firm without been rude. If you say “I may buy later/tomorrow” then they will try to hold you to that.

Snakes are also very common here. I found one, 2 foot long, in my room and saw several small snakes in the jungles immediately surrounding the beach. The local staff told me they’re not poisonous but Google tells me there are some cobras around. The beach dogs are very friendly and the beach cows are generally harmless, but may try to eat your belongings. Remember, these animals are sacred in Hindu culture so respond accordingly if this happens.

Backpacking Rishikesh

Famous since the Beatles first rocked up here and got stuck into an Ashram, Rishikesh is a popular stop with yogis backpacking India and is well worth checking out, even if you are not into yoga. If you are into yoga, Rishikesh is the perfect place to take a course or earn your yoga certification.

Catch a train from Delhi to Haridwar and then catch a bus (one hour) onwards to Rishikesh bus station – from here, you will then need to get a tuk tuk to drop you near Lakshman Jhula, cross the bridge and find a place to crash.

There are lots of cheap backpacker accommodation options around as well as good Rishikesh hostels . I recommend staying at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram which is near Ram Jhula. You should definitely eat at the awesome Beatles Cafe,  Ira’s Tea , and Ramana’s Café .

Whilst in Rishikesh, hire mopeds for 300RS a day and go exploring. The foot-traffic within Rishikesh of thousands of pilgrims can be quite intense but once you are over the bridge and happily zipping along the mountains roads it’s a lot of fun. You can also arrange to go white water rafting in Rishikesh.

I recommend three or four days in Rishikesh. There are loads of Yoga and Meditation courses available ranging from a matter of days to entire months. Oh, and “ The Beatles Ashram ” is now an urban art museum which is well worth checking out.

From Rishikesh you can reach the incredible Valley of Flowers. I recommend taking around 3 days to make stops along the way. Trust me, it’s so worth it. From nearby Haridwar, you can also catch a train to Amritsar.

Backpacking Amritsar

The Golden Temple, the most sacred temple in the Sikh faith, is simply breathtaking. Sikhism welcomes all and you can stay for free in the golden temple dorms. Wander around until someone shows you where to go.

Ask the temple guards if unsure. Keeping with the spirit of Sikh hospitality, you can also get free food at the temple all day long.

You should visit the Wagah border ceremony in the evening and have a giggle at the ridiculous flag ceremony performed by soldiers from the Indian and Pakistani armed forces… It’s better from the Pakistani side!

One full day in Amritsar is enough as it’s very hot. After a night in the temple dorm you can catch an early morning bus to McLeod Ganj, or a sleeper train south. For more info, check out my amigos guide to Amritsar .

484 pages with cities, towns, parks, and ALL the out-of-the-way places you will WANT to know. If you truly want to discover Pakistan , download this PDF .

Backpacking McLeod Ganj

Home to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan’s in Exile, McLeod Ganj (or little Tibet) is a chilled place to spend a couple of days among the Tibetan people and is a great place to pick up souvenirs. There are many interesting day hikes around the area.

I would recommend staying at Backpackers Inn but you can also find tons of really cheap Tibetan family run places if you shop around a bit.

We stayed at one of these for 250RS a night, though prices will likely be higher these days thanks to inflation. McLeod is pretty small and a few days here should be more than enough unless you are doing yoga or choose to get involved with a charity.

There are several projects for volunteers here working with Tibetan refugees, be sure to check out Tibetan World where you can sign up for hour long language exchanges with the Tibetan monks, who are always keen to improve their English. And to leave you with a cheap food tip, The Black Tent Cafe does a fantastic Tibetan breakfast.

Backpacking Bhagsu and Dharamkot

Just a short twenty minute walk from McLeod Ganj is the backpacker hub of Bhagsu.

Lower Bhagsu is pretty modernised and my advice is to keep going up the hill. Bhagsu is an Indian backpackers paradise with hand made crafts, tie-dye clothing and Didgeridoo lessons at every turn. When travelling through India the first time, I fell in love with Bhagsu.

The area is very popular with Israeli’s and there is even a Hebrew book exchange. In the evenings, head along the stone paths into the hills and follow the music and the scent of ganja, there are many little cafe’s and lodges along the trail where musicians jam into the early hours of the morning.

Bring a torch as finding you way back after dark could be a challenge on a night with no moon! There are some great treks that can be done from Bhagsu without a guide; the most popular is Triund which only takes about three or four hours and is manageable even for newbie trekkers.

You can rent a tent to sleep in at the summit, it gets cold so bring layers if you have them.

Backpacking Old Manali

Arriving into Manali, you will be dropped in the main bus station in the modern part of the town, whatever you do; don’t stay here!

The real Manali is still a couple of kilometers away and you can choose between basing yourself in Old Manali or Vashisht. Old Manali is far busier than Vashisht and definitely the place to base yourself if you want to party – there are plenty of great hostels in Old Manali to meet party friends here too!

In Old Manali, ‘ Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted ’ does great deserts and has a movie room. Meanwhile the Sunshine Cafe has incredible food from all over the world and is a solid bet for nightly live music. The marijuana in Manali is amazing and freely grows everywhere.

Manali is an adventurer’s paradise and you can arrange white water rafting, paragliding, zorbing and canyoning… or, you could just get blazed all day. If you have plenty of time, it’s worth checking out both Old Manali and Vashisht, if you’re short on time, you’ll have to choose…

Backpacking Vashisht

If, like me, you prefer to simply chill with a cheeky smoke and watch the mountains, Vashisht is the place to go. Old Manali is great but, recently, it’s become overrun with large hordes of party-orientated backpackers, usually from Israel. Vashist is just a fifteen minute tuk tuk ride from Old Manali.

Vashisht is roughly set across the valley opposite Old Manali and is kind of like its little brother. The small town is much quieter than Old Manali and therefore a fantastic place to stay if you want some peace and tranquility.

There is a hot spring at the top of town and daily religious processions where you can watch devout locals fall into a state of trance. The Rasta Cafe is a great place to hang out and is famed for its Special Lassis ( be warned, they can be very strong ).

Private rooms can be found from between 600-1000Rs if you are willing to go door to door and haggle and you can sometimes even bag a room with a stunning mountain view.

From Vashisht, you could consider getting hold of a Royal Enfield and exploring the Spiti Valley  or, if you are short on time and funds, you can begin the epic bus journey to Leh in Ladakh.

The overnight minibus is supposed to take at least eighteen hours but when I did it, it took closer to thirty six hours due to landslides…

It was an awful journey but, ultimately, was so worth it. You can fly to Leh but, well, the bus journey is a rite of passage when backpacking India so you should do it, the views will be stunning if there is no cloud cover. Remember to take Diamox with you to combat altitude sickness.

Alternatively, from Vashisht, you can head south to Kasol for some easy treks within the lower Himalayas.

Backpacking Kasol

If you are taking a trip to Parvati Valley , chances are you will pass through Kasol, which is a popular backpacking destination for good reason. The town of Kasol can be reached by a five to six hour bus ride from Manali for 200RS.

Kasol has soared in popularity in the last few years and is now rivalling Manali as the backpacker hub for Himachal Pradesh. Depending on how long you spent in Manali, it is definitely worth heading here for a few nights if you have the time.

Kasol itself is largely popular with Israeli travellers and you will see many a hippie wannabe, from all nationalities, clad head to toe in hilariously impractical gear they have bought from the many stores selling hippy dippy shit upon every corner.

If you’re into shopping, you will probably love Kasol. It’s a good place to pick up quality clay chillums – 120RS – anyway. Kasol itself is, like Manali, famed for its marijuana and laid back backpacker vibe.

There are many day-hikes and longer multi-day treks that can be attempted from around Kasol. For a full run down of chilled out places to visit in the area have a good look at the  Kasol and Around guide  by Drifter Planet.

Backpacking Kalga and Kheerganga

From Kasol, you can catch a minivan up into the mountains and trek for forty five minutes to reach the truly serene village of Kalga.  It’s well worth spending a couple of days here, hanging out in the very chilled Sunset Cafe run by the unendingly friendly Nepalese manager, Hans – he is a man of many names.

From Kalga, most backpackers head off on the six hour hike to Kheerganga where you can bathe in a hot spring said to be one of Lord Shiva’s favourite places to relax after a hard day’s godding.

Despite this, it’s well worth spending one night in Kheerganga to see the stunning night sky at elevation; the lack of light pollution makes for some soul-stirring stargazing.

Kheerganga itself has, sadly, been hit with rapid unchecked development and is not a particularly nice place to stay – accommodation is crowded, dirty and overpriced. If you have a tent, bring it. Kheerganga might have some of the most disgusting toilets in all of India, which is no easy accomplishment.

Backpacking Leh and Ladakh

There is a lot to do in Leh and some great trekking in Ladakh. Start by the visiting the amazing palace and the massive Stupa – the donkey sanctuary is also worth a visit.

If you fancy some trekking, there is the 6-day Markha Valley Trek in Hemis National Park (the largest national park in India ), the 5 day Nubra Valley trek and the challenging Rumtse to Tso Moriri-dayer.

Ladakh and Kashmir are great places to travel on your own wheels and ideal for motorbike trips. You can also try hitchhiking or get a shared Ladakh taxi to explore the region.

Backpacking Srinagar

From Leh, you can take a jeep (very expensive) or an old bus to Srinagar (or you can fly). I would recommend flying… or avoiding Srinagar altogether!

I visited Srinagar as one of the very last stops on my first fourteen month adventure in India and by the time I got there I was totally broke… Unfortunately, without cash, it’s pretty difficult to see Kashmir as you really do need your own transport or to book yourself onto jeep tours which tend to start at around 2000RS a day.

In Srinagar, the one must-try experience, in my opinion, is to explore the lake by shikara. The lake is truly gorgeous and a peaceful place to spend an afternoon exploring. From Srinagar, you can catch a bus down to Amritsar or fly to Delhi.

Backpacking Bangalore

Bangalore is something of a boom town in India and has firmly established itself as the centre of the sub-continents mega tech industry. The city is something of a typical modern Indian city; unplanned, chaotic and ugly.

That said it is much more tolerable than Mumbai and Delhi; you will get far less hassle and meet with less scams. Because of its booming tech and business scene, the city also has a young, educated, enterprising crowd who are in many ways the cream of India’s youthful crop. There are lots of micro pubs, some great places to eat, and a few clubs putting on gigs and electronic music nights.

For a kick ass Mutton Biryani, check out the ever busy and beautifully basic Shivaji Military Hotel in Banashankari and for a classic South Indian breakfast of rice cakes head to Sree Krishna Kafe in Koramangala.

If you’re exploring South India then you should consider flying into Bangalore instead of the disappointing, punishing shit hole that is Mumbai. The hostels in Bangalore are way better and international flights are regular and affordable.

Backpacking Kodagu

A six hour bus journey from Bangalore lies the largely unexplored Kodagu region.

Although Lonely Planet claims to have been to Kodagu the information in the book is so point blank wrong that I find this hard to believe.

This is real exploring territory. It is easy to arrange a homestay once you reach the administrative capital of Madikeri. From Madikeri it is worth taking the hour long bus to Bylakuppe to visit a Tibetan colony.

The best thing about Kodagu is arranging a homestay, I recommend Homestay Kodagu , and simply heading off into the hills on a hiking adventure…  

A bus to Mysore from Kodagu takes about four hours. It is one of the most romantic destinations in India. Kodagu is perhaps one of the top romantic destinations in India.

Backpacking Mysore

Mysore is a truly ancient city and it still has a real feel of the British Raj about it.

You should definitely visit Chamundi Hill, climb the thousands of steps if you fancy a workout. The imposing Mysore Palace is well worth an afternoon and, if you can find them, there is word of underground parties in Mysore by night. Srirangapatna makes a great day trip from Mysore.

Mysore is, hands down, my favourite city in all of India… Saying that, it’s still a city in India and so you might want to do a runner after a few days to the more chilled out coast.

Backpacking Fort Kochi

Famed for the ancient Chinese fishing nets lining the shore, Fort Kochi is a great place to chill out for a couple of days.

Think laidback beach vibes, plenty of delicious seafood, and lots of opportunities for colourful travel photography.

To get away from Fort Kochi, you must first travel to Ernakulam so that you can catch onwards transport (two hours by bus) to Alleppey.

Backpacking Alleppey

There’s only one real reason to come to Alleppey when backpacking India… to arrange a trip on a houseboat and explore the backwaters .

A three day, two night jaunt is the standard and when haggling for the rental make sure food is included in the price. There are hundreds of houseboats so take your time choosing and make sure to haggle.

Check out this list of awesome Houseboats on the backwaters. If you do end up having to stay in the town there is a YMCA . Just outside of Alleppey is a little known but very beautiful stretch of beach and some interesting villages easily explored by bicycle.

Backpacking Munnar and Periyar

By now, you’re probably a bit stressed and need some time out, never fear; simply get your ass to Periyar wildlife sanctuary. To get to Periyar you must first head towards the town of Kumily.

Bank to spend a week between Periyar and nearby Munnar as you cycle, hike and drink way too much coffee. There are buses to Periyar from both Ernakulam and Alleppey.

Backpacking Varkala

The very tip of India, Varkala is reachable by train from Alleppey (three hours) and the train line does in fact run all the way to Bangalore. Varkala is a lovely stretch of sand and restaurant shacks but sadly suffers from a crowd of rather pushy shop owners.

If you have your own transport, you can explore some of the surrounding, quieter, beaches where it’s possible to camp without being bothered…

Getting Off the Beaten Path in India

Whilst India is well worn by tourist footfall, it is an insanely massive county and therefore getting off the beaten path is a lot easier than you would imagine. There is so much more to India than the Golden Triangle route that most first-timers take.

For example even tried and trodden Rajasthan has hidden gems like Bundi just a 4 hour bus ride away from Jaipur.

In Goa, it is simply a case of getting a bike and driving inland to explore the forest and villages that other tourists never get to.

Or you can go to places most tourists simply never make it to. Northeast India is like a country within a country, giving all the vibes of Southeast Asia while still in India. Majuli Island is a particular gem that I recommend getting to now–it might be underwater in coming days. Other Indian islands are worth checking out too.

While Bombay itself sucks, the state of Maharashtra does have some fantastic, lowkey beaches that will show you what seaside life in India used to be before mass tourism. Guhagar is perhaps my favorite beach in the country that you’ll have all to yourself during the day.

Meanwhile Tilmati Beach (near Karwar, another offbeat town worth checking out) is a real black sand beach only known to locals and fishermen.

While you’re in the area, you can stay in Mahabaleshwar and enjoy epic sunset views from the killer vantage point at Wilson Point.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Top Things To Do in India

India is a truly weird and wonderful country, travelling in India is totally unlike travelling anywhere else – this is a subcontinent comprised of 29 states , each of which could be, and once was, it’s own country.

When backpacking India, you will be assailed on all sides by mind-boggling sights, sounds, smells, and tastes… Here are a few must-try experiences whilst travelling in India…

1. Try the street food

Eating plenty of Indian street food is one of the best ways to stretch your budget and you can pick up meals for as little as 10RS in some places…

Indian street food can be truly fantastic; I highly recommend Masala Dosa but Pokhara’s, Paaj Bhuri & Fried Chillies are also delicious. Try to pick a vendor with lots of Indian customers, they usually have the best food.

2. Visit a Hindu temple

Yes the Taj Mahal is a must see, but India is absolutely full of other stunning mausoleums, shrines, and temple ruins, many of which never make the news.

My favourites are in Khajuraho and Hampi, but it’s not just the ancient temples that should appeal.

For a taste of something a little bit different, check out a Hindu temple that is still running; some of the best ones are in Udaipur.

3. Couchsurf with the Sikhs

Couchsurfing in India is a great way to keep the cost of traveling in India low, and to get to know the local people. The Sikhs are some of the most hospitable people in India and whilst travelling in India I was frequently invited to stay by turbanned fellows sporting mighty fine mustaches.

These guys were almost always unbelievably hospitable and kind. Turn to Couchsurfing  to help keep your costs down whilst backpacking in India.

4. Explore the East

While most travellers plan to stick to North India or South India, the country has a massive East Coast (plus the 7 states that make uo Northeast India) that few foreigners make it to.

The hub of the east is undoubtedly Kolkata, a fantastic city where you’ll likely be one of only a handful of other backpackers.

The states of Tamil Nadu and Odisha are both quite unique in their own way, and are definitely worth the trip if you’re truly committed to travel India as authentically as possible.

5. Attend a festival

India is world-famous for its truly amazing festivals , my favourites of which are Diwali, the festival of light and Holi, the paint-throwing festival, one of the most famous festivals in the world . However, please note that Holi is not so cool for female travellers. Basically, local men get very drunk & excited which often culminates in spates of sexual assault; sorry to have to be so blunt.

Even so, a festival of some kind should be on your India itinerary.

6. Travel India with your own transport

The best way to see the real India is to travel with your own transport. I’ve motorbiked extensively across India and, more recently, drove a rickshaw 2500km across the country.

Even if you just hire a scooter for a day, travelling with your own transport in India is the best way to peel back the layers and get to grips with this amazing country.

7. Get off the beaten path

The backpacker enclaves of sleepy little Hampi, Goa and Manali are always full of backpackers chatting shit about how much they love India… the only thing is; this isn’t the real India.

The real India can be tough, it can be challenging but it is also one of the most rewarding budget travel destinations in the world. Furthermore, if you take the time to get off the beaten track, to hit the road and to go on a proper adventure you won’t regret it.

Best of all, when the real India has tired you out, then you can make a run for one of the backpacker enclaves… lucky you’ll never run out of epic places to visit in India .

8. Party in Goa

Experiencing Goa’s insane nightlife is must for your India itinerary. Yes, it’s popular, yes, it can be a bit touristy.

But trust me when I say you haven’t been to a party until you’ve danced the night away at a psy trance party.

9. Take a hike

India is home to the majestic Himalayas, and the trekking opportunities are endless. While not quite as awe-inspiring as neighbouring Pakistan, you can find some pretty epic views all over the North of the country.

India has some absolutely world class trekking op’s up in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (the Gaumukh Trek takes you to the start of the Ganges) and Ladakh. Alternately though you can also find ample–though more restricted–opportunities in if you visit Kashmir and/or Sikkim.

10. Explore Little Tibet AKA Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is one of the most unique places you can visit on an India backpacking trip. It’s quite a small region, yet it will truly make you feel like you’ve left India altogether and crossed the border into Tibet.

Locals look Tibetan, their language is almost identical, and they practice Buddhism. It’s in Spiti where you can find the oldest monastery in all of India.

This high-altitude region is similar to Ladakh, but is very much its own. Even if you plan to head towards Leh, a week in Spiti is one you won’t soon forget.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Backpacker Accommodation in India

When I first went backpacking in India, hostels did not yet exist. Instead, there was mostly cheap hotels and guesthouses available.

This is still largely true but there are now many high-quality backpacker hostels throughout India .

Guesthouses and commune-style accommodation can be a great experience as well; I’ve stayed in some amazing places and ended up enjoying it so much that I stayed for weeks at a time. With an increasing number of eco-resorts popping up as well, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

There is a lot of commune-style accommodation around; it tends to attract plenty of wannabe hippies but don’t give up if your first experience isn’t great, try a few of them to see if you can find a place with a vibe to suit you. Zostel Hostels is a decent backpacker hostel chain worth checking out.

And as a quick insider tip: If you want to see all – and we mean ALL – hostel options in India, be sure to check out BOOKING.COM . You can even filter your personal travel needs to find the perfect place for you.

The Best Places To Stay in India

India backpacking costs.

The good news is that India is one of the cheapest countries in the world to go travelling if you’re smart with your money it’s possible to travel in India on a budget of just $10 a day, even less if you haggle like a pro.

The trick to super cheap backpacking in India is to travel slow. The faster you travel, the more it will cost. In general, it’s likely you will spend between $10 – $30 a day depending on how comfortable you want to be.

A Daily Budget in India

These prices are based on the current exchange rate of 73 rupees to the dollar (March 2020).

Money in India

There are lots of international ATMS but they can be tough to find once you are outside of the cities and are in more remote areas. Also note that some ATM’s will not accept certain cards and a lot of them are often empty or broken.

Typically, you can expect to try 2 – 3 ATM’s before finding one that works. Many will charge 200 rps per transaction and this is in addition to any charges your bank levies. It’s advisable to avoid small ATM transactions and get out a bunch of cash at once – just make sure you hide it well.

Travel Tips – India on a Budget

Normally, my top three tips for budget travel are to hitchhike, camp and cook your own food but in India, food, transport and accommodation are already so cheap that this is not really necessary unless you are backpacking India on a budget of just a couple of dollars a day.

Don’t get me wrong – it is totally possible to travel in India with almost no money, I’ve done it, but it’s also possible to go travelling in India on a modest budget and still travel in relative style.

• Local Transport:  India is home to over one billion people, and many of India’s people need to travel great distances on just a few rupees. Journeys can be long and uncomfortable but it is possible to get from the top of India to the bottom for cheap. The sleeper trains are a great way to travel around India cheaply and the buses are a decent second option.
• Couchsurf :  Accommodation in India varies wildly in quality and cost but, in general, you can find a quality room for just a couple of dollars – especially if you are in a backpacker hub. It can be harder when you are out exploring the wild side of India but, as always, Couchsurfing comes to the rescue. I couchsurfed in India about twenty times and it was a great way to cut down on costs – just be careful when picking a host; you want somebody with plenty of positive reviews.
• Haggle:  India is the worst country I have ever been to from the point of view of people trying to rip me off… Even when the price of an item is clearly printed on the packaging, some unscrupulous motherfuckers will try to charge three times as much. India is a country where you simply must haggle for almost everything – accommodation, tuk tuks, street food, souvenirs… All can be haggled down.
• Become an expert:  Learn the secrets to unlocking sustainable long term travel .

Why You Should Travel to India with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world , be sure to watch the video below.

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time To Travel To India

Below is a general guide to India’s weather patterns, but India’s massive size means you need to closely investigate the weather patterns for your specific destination at the time of year you plan to visit. For example, some careful planning could see you travelling just in front of the monsoon as opposed to travelling in it, it could see you hitting the hill stations in the heat and the plains in the cooler months…

The “best” time to visit India is generally October to March when the weather is warm, dry and sunny. The Himalayas are cold but clear. This is peak tourist season and the time when most backpackers visit India.

Around April to May , the temperatures and humidity start to increase along with periodic thunderstorms so this part of the year is when it makes the most sense to head up into the mountains.

From June to September , the Indian Plains are scorching and many locals retreat to hill stations to escape the heat, eventually, the cooling monsoons sweep across the country.

Be aware of the very real possibility of heat stroke and dehydration particularly if landing in Delhi. Ladakh in the far north is generally only accessible between June and September by road, but careful monitoring of conditions is necessary if you are headed that way.

Road closures due to weather changes can be instant, and last for weeks. My overland journey between Manali and Leh took a horrific 35 hours when an avalanche washed away part of the road.

What to Pack for India

Here’s what I would never leave off my India packing list :

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Staying Safe in India

India can be a real assault on the senses, the body and the mind. This is a country with many lessons to teach . Whilst India is generally not considered a “dangerous” destination, there are actually a lot of little hazards to watch out for.

Perhaps the single biggest danger is traffic. Roads are jammed and motoring standards low and reckless. Take care when crossing roads and try to follow locals across. If you rent a bike or scooter, drive very carefully, cautiously, wear a helmet, and do not drink/drug drive – tourists are killed in this way every year.

Other dangers are disease and sickness. Do not ever drink tap water and even take care when showering in low budget guesthouses as the water can cause infections. Food hygiene standards have improved but “Delhi Belly” can still strike; try to avoid very dirty restaurants, eat only fresh street, frequent busy eateries, and use hand sanitiser.

You should also see your Doctor before visiting as a number of vaccinations are advised.

Bring sickness. and diarrhea medicine from home along with a supply of paracetamol and anti-septic. Whilst medicine is available in India, a lot of it is fake.

Crime against tourists is pretty rare (except for sex crimes against women) but pick pocketing occurs and unattended valuables will go missing. A simple padlock  is well worth taking with you and if you want to go all out, I recommend the PacSafe to protect your gear.

That said, scams in India against tourists are very common and you can expect to encounter them daily. There are far too many to list but a few classics include holy men asking for donations, various street beggars, been sold invalid tickets and taxi drivers saying your hotel is burned down. Basically, as a rule distrust pretty much everybody who approaches you and anybody who can make money out of you.

In 2016 veteran adventurer Justin Alexander, went missing whilst trekking around Kheerganga with a Sadhu of dubious intent. Justin was a real mountain man and a big inspiration for me.

The Sadhus, wandering Hindu holy men of India, are a fascinating group of people but can be extremely dangerous, I do not recommend interacting with them if you are alone – many of them are outlaws, frauds & drug addicts. Hiking into the mountains with them is not a good idea.

Be careful with the police in India, getting arrested is not fun. You can bribe your way out of most situations fairly quickly but the trick is to do it fast; the more police become involved the more expensive it will become – get your ass out of the situation before you arrive at the police station.

There are plenty of animal hazards in India. These inside street dogs & as well as mosquitos, snakes & parasites. Monkeys are amusing but can be vicious and will try to steal from you (phones, food, washing lines etc). Even street cows can get aggressive so keep your distance. If you head into the wilderness then add Tigers, Bears, Hyenas and Elephants to this list of beasts.

Another hazard is falling coconuts – they claim a lot of lives across Asia each year.

Despite the daily challenges, Backpacking India is an experience that easily outweighs these small dangers.

Some Extra Travel Tips for Staying Safe in India

• Check out Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking.
• Pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road.
• Check out this post for plenty of ideas on ingenious ways to hide your money when travelling.
• I strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst in India (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!)

Staying Healthy In India

Travelling in India and totally avoiding traveler’s diarrhea is pretty impossible. Be sure to completely avoid the tap water, even when brushing your teeth (use purified water!) to improve your chances of escaping…

Many backpackers travelling in India tend to go vegetarian for the duration; not a bad idea considering Indian’s suck at cooking meat.

Eating street food is fine; just make sure the food is well cooked and is cooked in front of you – you don’t want something that’s been sitting out for hours. Potato and egg dishes tend to be the safest.

Female Travellers in India

Time to touch on a touchy topic…

One of the biggest problems with India is the attitude of many Indian men towards women, especially foreigners. Frankly, the way women are treated can be disgusting and the country is sadly in denial about the problem.

Most female backpackers encounter some sort of problem at one time or another whilst travelling in India. This can range from being stared at, “wanked at”, groped, followed or worse. Which is why choosing solo-female traveller friendly destinations is key.

Female travellers need to be extra careful and super vigilant at all times in India especially on public transport and after dark. You can minimise hassle by dressing modestly, saying you are married and being direct – note that any politeness you show to strange men may be interpreted as a “green light”.

Having some self defense skills  when you’re on the road, or off it, is always worthwhile and in my opinion everybody should have a go at training in martial arts at least once in their lives.

I’ve met many kick ass ladies who have travelled India by themselves and I’ve asked a whole bunch of them for their advice on the matter… For even more tips on how to travel the world fearlessly as a kick ass solo female, check out my mate Teacake’s Top Tips for How to Travel Safely as a Women  – she is a legend and I have a huge adventure crush on her.

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in India

Marijuana is widely available across most of India (it’s where it came from) and it’s also possible to pick up psychedelics and party drugs pretty easily in places like Goa. Take the usual precautions when buying and taking drugs as arrests and deaths do occur.

Usually, it’s smoking weed that will get you arrested so be subtle to avoid problems in the first place. Avoid buying weed from tuk tuk drivers.

Tinder works in India and is a great way to meet people, especially in some of the bigger, more modern cities. However, Indian society is conservative and sex a taboo subject. Don’t expect to get your rocks off with the locals.

If you are travelling with your partner , I advise saying you are married. Keep public displays of affection to a minimum especially in holy cities and especially when there are a lot of local men around.

Dating in India

India remains very conservative when it comes to dating and gender relations. Furthermore, dating foreigners is a serious no-no for many Indian’s who are still encouraged to marry within their “caste”.

That said, female travellers to India can expect to receive a lot of attention from Indian men and will have no trouble hooking up if they so wish. For guys looking to hit a home run though, the situation is substantially more challenging as Indian women really do have to take social pressures very seriously.

Tinder is now established in big cities although you may well find that matches rarely go beyond polite chat.

Same sex relationships are still taboo in many parts of Indian society, though LGBT travel in India is possible if you stay discrete in public. PDA is a no go for heterosexual couples too, though hand-holding is common in major cities.

Why You Should Get Insured BEFORE Travelling to India

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

How To Get into India

There are multiple international flights to dozens of cities in India but most backpackers arrive via Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa or Kolkata. You can also cross the Wagah border from Pakistan, cross from Nepal and Bhutan or cross from South East Asia via Myanmar over the recently opened Tamu-Moreh border.

Entry Requirements For India

You will need a Visa to enter India unless you are from Nepal.

The Indian Visa process has undergone a lot of changes in recent years and the types of visas available, and fees, vary between nationalities with little logic or consistency.

Most nationalities can now get a sixty day E-visa online, prior to arrival and this is the most coming visa type. However, sixty days travelling in India is simply not enough. If you have the time, I suggest taking 3 months or more. Note that citizens of the UK, EU and US can now get a 12-month or even 5-10 year Visa. Other nationalities should check.

For further information visit the Indian Government E-visa website .

I recommend iVisa  for sorting your visa ahead of time – these guys are quick, efficient and not too expensive – a good shout if you are low on time and want to get your visa sorted in advance.

Find the best transport, best time and the  best fare with 12Go . And why not use what you’ve saved to treat yourself to something nice upon arrival?

It only takes 2 minutes!  Book your transport on 12Go now  and guarantee your seat easily.

How To Get Around India

One of the biggest challenges facing backpackers is travelling around India. India is a truly vast country and sometimes the travel distances are absolutely massive. I once spent thirty-two hours crushed into a third class steerage carriage on a long-distance train, it was an interesting experience…

The most comfortable way to get around India is usually by internal flights but for backpackers on a budget, the trains are usually a better bet. There are also VIP tourist buses, super cheap local buses and, of course, hitchhiking is always an option.

I spent a good bit of time on local buses. Whilst they are cheap, they can be seriously uncomfortable. For journeys of over 5 hours, I strongly recommend booking ahead and paying the extra money for a tourist, VIP bus.

Read this article for more tips on how to save money while travelling in India. When you are in the cities, try to avoid catching taxis or rickshaws as this is where you are most likely to get ripped off.

Traveling by Train in India

No India guide is complete without some train talk. When backpacking India, most travellers opt to make use of the trains and this is a quintessential experience. In general, most backpackers in India go for the 3AC class; these are six bed cabins with air-conditioning (which is usually fucking freezing; avoid the top bunk!).

You can also opt to go for the non air-conditioned coaches but these are often rammed full of people; for short journeys it’s OK but for longer, overnight, train journeys I recommend going for 3AC. To book your train tickets, you should register online with IRCTC but note that the website can be confusing as fuck.

You can book train travel via a travel agent but note that they will charge a fee – some even rip you off by selling you less class than you asked for but this is just one of the many, many scams played on travellers in India.

Train tickets tend to sell out really fast; book in advance if you can. When travelling on trains in India, take a padlock and chain to lock your backpack to something; you can usually buy one on the station from a tout for 100RS. 

Keep valuables in a day pack and use it as a pillow. Often when you book a train you will be put on a waiting list – provided you have booked a couple of weeks in advance and are in, say, the top fifteen you will almost always get a seat.

You must book in advance though. If travelling alone I recommend booking a ‘side upper’ berth as it has a curtain and you won’t be bothered as much. When you book your train make a note of the train number, the time it leaves, arrives and the PNR number, you will need this to get your ticket off of the PNR machine at the station or from a mobile phone.

Travelling By Bus in India

In general, buses tend to have fixed prices and you buy your tickets on board. There is a ton of VIP sleeper buses set up for tourists and these are the most comfortable way to travel when there are no rail-links; beware though, due to the hairpin bends, crazy driving and shitty roads, a good night’s sleep is rare unless you have a Valium to hand.

If you’re heading off on a proper backpacking adventure and leaving the tourist zones, local bus is often the only way to travel in India. Travelling by local bus is one hell of an experience; it can be frustrating, rewarding, enlightening and sometimes simply damn hilarious.

You will meet a lot of Indians on local buses who will try to befriend you. They can sometimes be annoying but do try to be patient – it’s not every day they meet somebody travelling in India… Be mindful for some common scams that you might get pulled into.

Traveling by Rickshaw in India

In general, it makes sense to get a rickshaw rather than taxis for short distances as they are usually cheaper. You must ALWAYS haggle when getting a rickshaw or a taxi in India, otherwise you really will be taken for a ride.

Uber is also widely used in major cities, and keeps you from getting scammed as you get a fixed price.

I drove a multicoloured rickshaw across India, this is the best way to travel in style…

Note that Uber (car, bike and Tuk Tuk) is now available in most major cities and ensures better services and better prices. There is no Uber in small towns, many backpacker enclaves and Uber is strangely absent from Goa.

Travelling by Motorbike in India

One of the best ways to see India is from the back of a motorbike and if you have a tent with you your options vastly expand… Suddenly it’s possible to get pretty much anywhere, to live off the beaten path and to camp out in some truly stunning places.

The iconic Royal Enfield is the bike of choice for most backpackers in India and you can normally buy one for around $2000. If you are travelling India by motorbike it’s well worth taking a good backpacking tent.

Hitchhiking in India

I’m a huge fan of hitchhiking and have hitched rides in over seventy countries, India can be a great place to hitch a ride but it’s not recommended if you’re a solo female traveler – please, don’t even try it.

It helps to have a sign and a map  so you can make it 100% crystal clear where you want to be dropped. Before you get in the vehicle, make sure you clarify that you are not going to pay for the ride – some Indians will expect payment as you are a ‘rich backpacker’.

Onwards Travel From India

India shares land borders with Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar. The Pakistan Wagah border can be crossed via Amritsar although you must obtain a visa in advance.

The border with Myanmar is accessed via the Eastern Syam region, though as of December 2022, it remains closed to travellers.

The most commonly crossed land border is Nepal. Visas are issued on arrival and transport links well established. You can take a bus from Delhi – Kathmandu (24 hours) or Varanasi-Kathmandu (12 – 18 hours).

• Backpacking Nepal
• Backpacking Sri Lanka
• Backpacking Myanmar
• Backpacking Bhutan

Working in India

The Indian rupee is not one the worlds more powerful currencies and relatively few people emigrate to India in search of work. Westerners working properly in India are few and far between generally working in multi-national firms and in political roles. 

However, there is no shortage of westerners hustling a living in and around backpacker hubs such as Goa and Himachal Pradesh.

Many Westerners work as DJ’s, run boutiques, or offer Yoga classes. Most are actually working illegally, do not have the necessary papers and do not declare their income. The Indian authorities are rather lax in addressing this and the underground economy is quietly tolerated.

If you do want to work in India legitimately, then business visas are available although Indian bureaucracy makes actually obtaining one a real challenge.

Many westerns work in the backpacker economy. Either they obtain business visas or work illegally.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Teaching English in India

Perhaps one of the best options for backpackers wanting to explore India long-term and experience living in this truly incredible country is to get a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course online and teach English abroad .

TEFL courses  open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world.

Volunteering in India

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst giving something back. There are loads of different volunteer projects in India ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much everything!

India is a developing country so there are quite a lot of volunteer opportunities in health and social. However, bear in mind that English is an official language in India so its less common to find volunteer teaching gigs than it is other places in the world. Its also very uncommon for travellers to volunteer in hostels as these roles are usually filled by local employees.

If you do volunteer in India, be careful to do your research and trust your gut to avoid been taken advantage of by unscrupulous hosts. Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and Workaway are a good way to get your foot in the door of the volunteer community.

However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

If you Signup for Worldpackers – as a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. So for just $39 a year, it is definitely worth giving it a shot.

Indian Culture

India is a full on culture shock. It is a colourful, loud, lively and smelly carnival of carnage. The exact quirks of Indian culture do vary from region to region but as rule, expect a lack of personal space and a lot of staring!

Indian society is still quite conservative so dress modestly and behave respectfully.  That said, Indians are very interested in foreigners and you can expect to be approached rather a lot.

It’s very common to be invited to stay the night or offered a free meal, especially in offbeat areas that seldom see tourists.

Useful Travel Phrases For India

There are countless languages and dialects spoken across India. The 2 official languages however are Hindi and English. If you speak English, you will get by fine. English standards vary dramatically.

Here are some useful Hindi (North Indian style) phrases;

Hello – Namaste (Stick to hi/hello for a casual greeting)

My name is _______ – Mera naam ______ hai.

How are you? – Aap kaise hain?

I’m fine. – Main theek hun.

I don’t speak Hindi – Mujhe hindi nahi aati.

No plastic bag –  koee plaastik kee thailee nahin

No straw please –  nahin puaal krpaya

No plastic cutlery please – K oee plaastik katalaree krpaya

Where is the bathroom? – Bathroom kidhar hai?/ Bathroom kahan hai?

How much does this cost? –  Yeh kitne ka hai?  

I want water- Mujhe paani Chahiye  

This is too expensive – Y e bahut mehenga hai         

Make your price less – B haav (or daam) kam karo

Cold – Thanda / Hot – Garam

Help! – Bachao!

I do not know – Mujhe nahi pata

Idiot/ Dumbfuck – Chutiya

Stop – Ruko

Okay/good/whatever –  Theek hai

What To Eat In India

Indian food is one of the worlds greatest cuisines and my personal favourite. Food does vary quite a lot from region to region but is generally on the spicy side. India is also home to the largest vegetarian population on earth and in some regions, the sale of meat is forbidden! 

Let’s take a look at some Indian classic dishes:

Chicken Tikka Masala – This tomato sauce based dish is actually an example of British-Indian cuisine but you will find it on offer at most tourist spots. Best served with rice.

Biryani – Spicy rice based dish. Regional variations include veg, chicken, mutton and many more. Delicious.

Daal – Translating as “lentils” Daal comes in endless varieties. It is a cheap, filling & ubiquitous Indian staple.

Thali – Coming in veg, fish or meat options, a Thali is a round silver dish filled with daal, rice and mixed veg. A great value, filling lunch standard.

Pakoras – Deep fried batter cakes filled with onions, spices and assorted veg. A fantastic snack.

Masala Dosa – A paper thin flour pancake filled with spiced potatoes. Served with samba sauces and enjoyed as a South Indian breakfast.

Lassi – Delicious milk drink. Comes in sweet and sour versions.

Chai – Sweet, milky Indian tea served everywhere as often as possible.

Paneer Tandoori – Soft cheese marinated in spices and baked in a charcoal oven.

Please/ Sorry/ Excuse me/ Taxi/ Train/ Bus/ Plane are all things you can say in English and people will get you just fine!

A Brief History of India

India is ancient and boasts as much history as them rest of the world combined. What is now India existed as a series of separate & often warring states, sultanates and ‘Raja’s’ from antiquity, until been unified under British Colonial rule during the Victorian era.

Modern India was formed on 15th August 1947 when British rule officially ended. Upon leaving, the British partitioned the sub-continent into India and Pakistan. Goa remained a Portugese Colony until 1967 when the Indian army annexed it – many Goan’s still consider themselves not to be Indian.

Today, India is undergoing something of a personal identity crisis. The current Prime Minister Modi is a Hindi nationalist rabble rouser who is stirring anti-Islamic sentiment. Bizarrely, this is manifesting in a pitiful attempt at the “de-mughalisation” of India.

Books To Read About India

You will get so much more out of your backpacking trip to India if you read up a bit whilst out there… Luckily, India has to be one of the most written about destinations in the world, and there are some fantastic books out there. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Shantaram : The first book I ever read on India, Shantaram inspired me to book a one way flight to Delhi and travel around India for 14 months. The book follows the possibly true, possibly exaggerated, story of an escaped Australian convict and his (absolutely balls-to-the-wall) crazy adventures in India.
• The White Tiger : One of the first books I read whilst backpacking India, this is a really useful, often amusing, sometimes horrifying, tale that will help you better understand the caste system.
• Nine Lives : Nine people, nine lives; each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story. William Dalrymple is one of the best writers when it comes to offering insight into Indian culture and I highly recommend reading everything he has written.
• Full Tilt, Ireland to India with a Bicycle:  Shortly after her tenth birthday, Dervla Murphy decided to cycle to India. Almost 20 years later, she set out to achieve her ambition. Her epic journey began during the coldest winter in memory, taking her through Europe, Persia, Afghanistan, over the Himalayas to Pakistan, and into India.

FAQs About Backpacking India

A few more commonly asked questions before you head out to backpack India…

How long do you need to backpack India?

A lifetime! And no I’m not kidding–even after 2 years in India, I reckon I’ve only seen half of it. But for backpackers with a lot of time, give India at least 6 months. Anything less than 1 month isn’t worth the flight cost if I’m being honest.

Is it safe to backpack around India?

While India definitely isn’t the safest place for solo female travellers, it is a relatively safe country overall with proper planning and research. For couples and guys, India is certainly safe enough, though do beware of scammers in and around major tourist spots.

What are the dos and don’ts in Indian culture?

Always remove your shoes when entering an Indian temple or home, never criticize the country or the military, and for female travellers in particular: dress modestly. Unless your in a backpacker enclave like Goa, shorts are a no-go.

How much does it cost to travel around India?

India is damn cheap! While not quite as budget friendly as it used to be, there are plenty of backpacker hostels to choose from as well as tons of cheap guesthouses. The street food is plentiful and costs pennies, and if you don’t mind being uncomfortable, even long distance transport will only set you back a few dollars. In short, it’s definitely possible to visit India for $500 a month, or less if you’re really ready to rough it.

Is India good for partying?

Hell yes! India’s backpacker hot spots have some of the wildest parties you could imagine. Hit up Goa and Parvati Valley for some of the trippiest vibes. Meanwhile, nightclubs and bars are plentiful in major cities.

Final Advice Before Visiting India

How did you enjoy the best India travel guide on the internet? Backpacking through India can be one hell of a crazy party at times. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. You can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your homeland.

If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives. Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

When buying a local craft, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

Backpacking India or any region for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

• Essential Info For Your First Time in India
• Buying a SIM Card in India
• 21 Beautiful Places in India
• Backpacking Pakistan

Updated December 2022 by Samantha Shea of Intentional Detours

Will Hatton

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125 Comments

Amazing travel guide for the travelers.. Thanks for providing.

I do t see anyone talking about east north east India? Starting in Kolkata and moving north/west. Do people say that’s not an ideal route? Thoughts?

There is nothing wrong with North East India and some people absolutely love it. However it does receive far less visitors and I must confess, in my 7 times in India I never got there either! One day I would like to as some of the regions look just incredible.

I’m planning to do a few trips to India over the next 2 yrs and this web site has been very informative. It has made light work for me in deciding what to do. So, a big thanks for that.

Thanks for the fast reply! By the way I have a 5 year, multiple entry visa. I understand a single stay should not exceed 180 days, as for the rest it is a bit unclear to me. I can stay for a maximum of 180 days before having to leave India, now if I cross borders into a different country can I re-enter into India for an additional maximum stay of 180 days with the same 5 year visa. And can I continue to do this for the duration of the five year visa? Hope this makes sense as I’m sure many others do similar things. Thank you!

Best Forward Joseph

Thanks for the quick reply! By the way I have a five year visa, multiple entry. I understand I can not exceed 180 days at a time, and the validity is 5 years. The guidelines are a bit unclear to me. I wonder if I am able to stay for a max of 180 days, leave India, return for another max of 180 days for the duration of 5 years, with the same visa. I hope this makes sense. As I am looking for clarification from others who have done similar.

Best Forward, Joseph

I have in some cases read that if you stay the full 180 days, you cannot return for two months afterwards. I have also read you can only stay 180 during each calendar year.

India, being India anything is possible… so you may be able to return the very next day after leaving.

Unfortunately you will need to check directly with Indian immigration to be sure.

How easy is it to renew visa in India (extend my 180 days)? And how would one do this?

It’s painfully difficult. It requires getting a C form, making multiple visits to a Police station as well as the consulate.

For the sake of your sanity I would leave India and get your next visa from either Kathmandu, Sri Lanka or Dubai.

Love your blog!! My interest in visiting India is 100% piqued.

That said, I probably can’t take off more than 10-14 days due to my job. How would you recommend compressing these itineraries? I understand India is a big country, call me daunted ?

Where would you coming from? Because if you are flying from the UK, US or Aus then you are going to lose a few days to jet lag so if you can only get 1 days, forget it and go somewhere else.

If you can manage 14 then pick one area and explore it. That could mean doing 2 weeks in Goa, or 2 weeks up in North India enjoying the mountains.

Alternatively, if you want to see palace and fortress, then start in Delhi, take a trip to Agra and then spend 7 – 10 days in Rajasthan.

Thanks for visiting India. It’s my country and I just love it. It is a land of vivid culture, language, religion and many more interesting things. Keep writing more on India and keep sharing. Love to read your articles.

Wow!! This is such an amazing and sensational post. A complete guide to travelers who wants to visit India. You’ve done a great job, Will!! I impressed with your points on tips for female travelers in India. Yes, Still harassment over women persists in India, especially in the Northern parts. I would like to advise solo women travelers to take care of their belongings. Thanks and Have a nice journey all!!

Great article.

Hi! This post (like all of your others) is amazing & so informative – thank you!! I was wondering if you can recommend any good places to be for the Holi festival. I’d love to see it with locals rather than tourists 🙂 thanks

Hi Liv, Personally Ive celebrated in Jaipur previously, it was wild (and local) experience. I think the thing to remember is there are locals everywhere, even in tourist places, so there will be locals around to celebrate with if you want. You could also consider specifically heading to a Krishna strong hold as they will certainly be celebrating there. Northern India is well known for their celebrations. It’s an awesome event, have fun and cover your phone:)

The bike which you showed in one pic is awesome

Great guide! Definitely going to be referring to it when I take my trip. I’m planning on heading to India from mid-April this year to late May. I know it’s going to be very hot everywhere but the mountains, so I plan to spend most of my time up there, but is it still do-able to visit Delhi, Agra and maybe even Varanasi as well? It seems crazy to me to go to India and not see these places as a minimum requirement. I’ve done the south of Spain in the height of summer (think 40 at midnight in Sevilla) so I’ve been there before. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

Hi Will im thinking on going for a month and a half with my girlfriend to the north side starting around rishikesh on February and March.

Do you think is a good time of the year to go visit? And enough time?

Thanks for all the great info! .

Hi Francisco, This is a good time to visit, as it avoids the monsoon period and it shouldn’t be as hot as some other parts of the year. In 6 weeks you should be able to cover a decent number of destinations, especially if you are focusing on a particular area of the country. Love it or hate it, there is a lifetime adventure to be had in India!

India is one my favorite countries to travel in for it’s beautiful photo opportunities! Thanks for this guide!

Amazing guide thank you so much!!

I am planning on travelling to India for 10 days which I know is not a lot but unfortunately I dont have any more time. I will be in Sri Lanka before that so I want to stick to the south of India. In your opinion, what are the best places to see in the Southern part of India? I’d like to see as much as possible but I’d rather see a couple places really well, instead of many places very fast and spend ages traveling between places. I was thinking potentially Kochi-Munnar-Kumily-Alappuzha but I would love to get your opinion

Don’t miss Hampi! 🙂

Thanks! Is there a way to get from Bengalore to Munnar?

Immense website, thanks for the effort, a huge leg up for me planning my trip, hope you still check these posts. Ive got just over 3 weeks to have a look around India in feb/march, my plan was to first visit a region in the himalayas then travel south but this is not looking practical in feb weather. So was thinking of flying into delhi, then checking out Bundi, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer then heading to Goa for the last week to fly out while stopping off at Ellora on way. How would you prioritise this, how flexiable can I be with trains, I don’t really want to commit X amount of days to each place booking trains in advance as I’d rather wing it, would I need to book the train south in advance though, Any recommendations?

You can’t be too flexible with trains as all the 3AC tickets (the class you want) will sell out… so do try and book ahead when you can 🙂

Hi Will. Loved your blog, relieved to have read it at the right time. I am planning to travel Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the coming month. I do not have any limitation in time but money yes. Can you advice me on below question: 1. What are must visit and must do (both in Himachal and Uttarakhand) 2. How do I find budget stay (Considering I am a solo female traveller) 3. Is there any community to connect with other travellers

Hey Sneh, sorry but all the info we have is in this gigantic guide 🙂

Wow the great post with nice tips for all traveler…

Travelling is important as it helps to keep us fresh and encourage to work. It helps us to learn many new things and culture of India. There are many amazing places to travel solo, these are some amazing places of it. I have visited some, will plan soon for next of the given list.

Hi Will. Loveddddd your blog post on India. Going in Jan. Did you travel to Sri Lanka after? If so do you recommend the best way to get there from Goa, is it ferry or plane and if you did travel there can you travel on the same visa you get for india? Thanks Maya

We haven’t been to Sri Lanka yet, but a flight is going to be the easiest! As different countries, the visa process is different and depends on your nationality too.

Thanks for sharing such an amazing article. After reading the article, I feel it your article will definitely help me a lot in my next journey.

I am literally on this page since I woke up! Feels so good to start a travel plan with this great Guide you wrote down here! Thank you for that!

My plan is a little ambitious I think. 1 month to cross the country. I would arrive in Delhi, jump straight to Rishikesh (yoga lover), then Bundi – Mumbai – Goa – a few stops until I get to Mysore for 1 week ashram. You can give me any opinions (please do it!) but what I am most concerned is the distances and not many transport options between the stops in the north, specially Delhi – Bundi – Mumbai.

What are your thoughts about it? Will be great having your support!

The country is actually surprisingly well connected. If there isn’t trains, there are buses. Having said that things can move very slowly sometimes. For an itinerary like this it might be worth flying to Mumbai to save some time.

Thanks for the great post! Absolutely inspiring! I’m going to travel in India from February till July. So far I booked my flight to Kochi and the first 2 nights in a hostel. In beginning of march I’ll be at a wedding in east India (Vijayawada). That’s all I planned so far. I don’t want to have an exact itinerary, but a rough idea where I can go at all due to waether conditions. So I guess I’ll do Kerala in Feb. After Vijayawada, I guess it might make sense to do something like your Delhi-itinerary, so I can see that area at all before the great heat arrives. (Originally I thought I’d do that last, because my flight back is from Delhi, but weather apparently doesn’t like that plan. 😉 ) Than in April I kind of have to escape to the north, I guess? Do you think it is worth spending 3 months up there, or would it make sense to go to a neighbouring country at some point? Thanks for your advice!

3 months in Northern India would certainly not be time wasted, but if you felt inclined Pakistan and Nepal are both equally if not more spectacular countries 🙂

Amazing guide, Will! Super comprehensive.

I’m so happy I found this guide — Amazing!!

Curious: you’ve mention Workaway for volunteering, which I’ve been looking into. I’m also looking at WOOFING and others. That said, I’m curious what your experience with this is in relation to visas? Do you travel India on the longer 6 month, 1 or 10 year TOURIST visa and are still able to volunteer? Or have do you recommend getting a volunteer visa?

Everything I’ve read, says that volunteering is illegal on a tourist visa, yet the volunteer visa is for the duration of work? I wouldn’t know this if travelling from project to project.

Am I overthinking this? Are backpackers just working on a tourist visa and the Workaway hosts don’t care/ask?

I don’t think you’re going to get in trouble for volunteering on a tourist visa, you should be fine 🙂

Gujarat is great great great…..the best food in india

and kassardevi after December the Beit Habad is empty from israelis that time and the weather is great, hot and cold at night.

le hishtamea Alex Sternick on he way to Gujarat

Hi clair! Thanks alot for the feedback, so the idea is to land in delhi and see some mountains and yoga, on the itinerary Will says the better months are between may and september so we are still a bit not so sure If its wise to go on that direction for the weather conditions.

You think its ok to try to see a bit of the moutains side?

Thanks you once again

Hi Francisco, it depends what time of the year you will be travelling. Currently in the north it is cold, especially at night. That doesn’t mean you can’t venture there it just means you need to check the forecast of specific places you want to visit. Especially if you are looking to go far north, road closures etc are certainly possible. If you were looking at somewhere like Rishikesh, at this time of the year, its likely cold at night but still ok in the day.

Hi clair! Thanks lot for the info one more time! 😉 yeah we arrive next week so we will stay February and march guess we will check out rishikesh and from there we collect more info and we follow your advice on moving depending the weather. Thanks again!

Hi Will, First of all, it’s amazing how much heart and effort you put in this blog. I’m planning to travel india and nepal via backpacking next autumn and your report was really inspiring to me. The limit I set myself is about 6 weeks and I am asking, do you have any suggestions, which places are really worth travelling, if I wanted an impression of not just small parts of the country? Thanks Simon

Hey Simon, I’m glad you found it so helpful 🙂 For Autumm, I recommend spending your time around Rajahstan and then heading up to Manali. Don’t miss Bundi!

Hi Will! This page is honestly amazing. So so happy I found it. A friend and I are doing Asia for 4 weeks and never really considered India till now. If you only had 2 weeks to do India, what would you recommend. I would love to go back one day and do a bit more but I only have a 2 week window before I have to start work in London. I’m from Australia 🙂

With 2 weeks in India – I would go: Delhi overnight train to Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Pushkar – Bundi – Agra / Dharamasala – Back to Delhi… Or Hampi – Goa – Gokarna Or Delhi – Rishikesh, Manali and surrounding area, Dharamasala 🙂

I am so thankful that I found this super duper helpful post about India, sadly, most of the Itineraries that you provided are rougly for a month/months, sighs…I got 10 days only to visit India…probably I will stick in Delhi.

Wow…. never seen before such a rich and helpful guide!

I’m from Israel and as you could have saw, many places had become little israel with hebrew signs everywhere this route is known in israel as the “hummous route” haha and there is not many info about places out from this route in israeli website

I want to visit again and to be honest I want to keep distance from my fellow israelis….I see them every day here 🙂 in Kasol and Old manali I didnt saw 1 tourist from other countries !!

wich places in the northen india are you recommand?far from israeli menu in resturants for 3 weeks second visit in India

Hey brother, there certainly are many Israelis in India, that’s for sure – as for where to go to escape the crowds, that’s tough to answer – India is SO massive and easy to get off the beaten track. My advise would be to head to Ladakah – still MANY tourists – and then to do a 5 – 7 day hike from there, lots of options around 🙂

I did a 2 month south india tour, and I plan to do a north trip soon. Thanks for the amazing list of places and things to do, I have added few more things after reading this. I agree with all the things you mentioned, except for non vegetarian food part. I got to taste some really good meat dishes while I was here, especially in Muslim/Christian dominated regions, and in state of kerala and tamilnadu. Meals in hyderabad was one of the best I have had, you should try hyderabadi haleem next time you are there.

I read your blog post and it was amazing there are full of information about your backpacking experience. I would like to go to India someday. I have a question? The locals from there? Are they taking advantage to a foreign tourist? I mean, when it comes to fare, food, and others?

It’s impossible to generalise against a whole nation like that. India does however have more than it’s fair share of touts and scam artists.

hi, its depend u will get bad guys all over the world, but india is nice country you should make a small group.

Great blog Will – many thanks.

If you had to recommend one place in India which fits the bill for being a relaxing place to hang out and chill for a week or so (looking for a recharge), where would it be? Ideally, somewhere with a few Western comforts and other travellers to meet. Cheers G x

Manali / Hampi / Kasol / Gokarna / Dharamasala / Jaisalmer / Bundi

Traveling to India has never seemed more appealing than after reading your stuff! great work!

I am planning on traveling from end of August to mid October but not sure where to go within India and outside of it (Nepal, Sri Lanka…)

Could you recommend a good itinerary that contains a bit of tracking in the beginning and some relaxing stuff at the end (plus good weather of course)?

Thanks in advance!

Hey buddy – thanks for your kind words! For the itineraries – look in the article… there’s about six recommended ones.

Hi I’m in India now have been here for last 11 months fly back to uk on 29th this month I am planning to come back and travel for another year love it here!! But I’m suddenly worried I may get rejected for another 1 year multiple entry visa 2 months after this one expires as I did nepal visa runs same day and had problems at immigration have you got any experience with this any advice would be much appreciated would be heart broken if my visa was rejected because I went to nepal and returned same day

Great advice on India from all perspectives. Loved the details, tips and tricks you describe accurately!!! I have been there done that and will go back again this year. Thank you very much and please keep posting inspiring travel stuff!!! Namaste 🙂 JP

Wow! The great places to visit once in a lifetime. I stayed at Jaipur Zostel & Moustache too. These are indeed the best travel guide to the budget.

The statement ” Indians suck at cooking meat ” is generalized. Being the home for curries, there are many great non vegetarian food in India ( except beef ). If you avoid meat, you’re missing a lot of really good dishes there. It really depends on where you buy meat or consume it. Most Indians know the best places to find quality meat and dishes, and the tap water in India is not for drinking. Indians buy 20 litre water cans for drinking, so packaged water is a better option. Like Anthony Bourdain, Indian food won’t give you troubles.

We are heading to India from Thailand next month. We will be landing in Chennai. My wife works remotely and needs reliable internet Wednesday to Saturday. We have give 0r take 6-8 weeks. what would you suggest for an itinerary that would let us see and experience as much as we could based on this time of year. We are not big into trekking as we are just barely on the better side of 50. Slainte!

I have no advice at all I’m afraid when it comes to needing to build an itinerary around reliable internet…

Man what a great post! We are coming to India via Chennai in about a month. we are looking to spend about 6-8 weeks. Based on the time of year how would you maximize your time. My wife works online so reliable wifi is important and we have wanted to come to India for years! Is the whole currency thing pretty much sorted out? Cheers!

Currency situation is now sorted 🙂 With 6-8 weeks, I would definitely 100% go up to the mountains -Dharamasala, Manali, Kasol, Ladakh as it’s gonna be seriously hot everywhere else in the country.

Thanks again for this blog mate, its my go-to for info for my trip at the moment Do you have any experience/advise on getting hold of a Royal Enfield in India, and if so would you advise rent or buy? and from which city?

Thanks a million

Hey brother! I would recommend buying rather than renting because you can probably sell without making a loss – there are Royal Enfields in most cities 😉

reply to will : It’s always to book trains whatever through IRCTC official website. 3ac for a caucasian tourist would not be a very good idea as it would not provide them desired comfort and privacy.

What on earth are you talking about? Being caucasian does not make you rich… And anything above 3AC is a rip off.

Hi. This is a very honest informative article. I’ve just started my search of destinations. I plan to leave in 2 days time and go for 2 weeks. Oh, where to go, where to go. I like the idea of a 3 day boat trip, fishing, a chilling on rustic beaches

Hi Will, his was so helpful, thank you for sharing. I’m hopefully going to follow your northern route for a while as I need to escape the heat during June-July. I was wondering if you could advise me on whether or not I need to pre-book rail and bus tickets around the Rish-Amr-Mcl-Bhag-Man-Kasol areas or if you were able to buy on arrival? Regards, Tristan

It’s always worth pre-booking trains in India. Buses not so much but train tickets sell out weeks in advance on some routes, especially for 3AC – which is probably the class you want.

Thank you, relevant trains booked, taking a gamble with the buses. Have read and reread this post more times than I can count now. You’re a star, not only for providing this info but ditching your desk too. Hopefully I can join one of your trips to Pakistan in the future!

Thanks Tristan, I’m glad you found this mammoth post helpful! Come join me for a smoke in Pakistan some time 🙂

Loved this blog Will. I did a 6 month tour of India back in 1992 and have been back on many shorter trips since. My Mum and Stepfather have a small villa in South Goa on an incredible stretch of beach called Velsao, so i visit them twice a year. I live in UAE so its only a short flight. I just turned 50 and plan to move to Philippines in a couple of years with my Filipina wife to take things easi(er). Before that i plan to do a 3 month tour of India – some places ive been to before, but many ive read about and missed out previously. That may hopefully get the country “out of my system”. Trouble is ive got about 40 places on my list already and your blog gave me another 10 at least. I am looking at Pondicherry in the South to Srinagar in the North…. so i think 3 months is cutting it a bit fine, might need to add another 6 weeks at this rate. Back in 1992 i was really on a tight budget, probably 50 quid a week, this time i will have more money, im not sure i can handle too many overnight bus journeys any more. Cheers. Andy

Hey Andy! Sounds like an epic adventure dude – traveling in India is always different, that’s why I love to return! 🙂 Hope to catch you on the road for a beer sometime 🙂

Yep should be a good one. Trying to get the Mrs excited about joining me. She is trying to persuade me instead to back pack from South to North Philippines. I think there might have to be some compromise, or better I save harder now and we do both. Cheers.

Hi Will, Me and a friend have 6 weeks in india in June/July, we fly into Delhi and out of Kulcuta. As its high summer we are staying out of Rajesthan. However do you think we have time to head north out of Delhi into the mountains for 2 or 3 weeks before heading east towards Kulcuta? if so how would you alocate the time? I was thinking a few of the places of your itinery #3 before heading east.

Cheers Fred

Hey Fred, I would definitely recommend going up to the mountains – it’s gonna be fucking hot around Delhi and Kolkata. Swing up to Manali, visit Kasol for sure, you could swing up to Ladakh if you want to do some hiking… Honestly though, going at that time of year; I would try to spend MOST of it in the mountains, it’s going to be sweltering everywhere else.

Thanks for the advise Will, How does this look as a rough itineary, will it be possible in 6 weeks? Delhi- Paliala- Amristar- Dharamshala- Manali(and Vashisht)- Leh(Ladakh)- Rishakesh- Agra- Varanesi- Kolkuta

Many thanks in advance

Ambitious but do-able – if you go at the right time of year! I would recommend flying back down from Leh, to Delhi, and possibly skipping Rishikesh – you’ll save some time that way.

Hi Will, I get new piece of info everytime re-read your article! Thumbs up for the superb insight of your baling in India. Any recommended website to book the houseboat accommodation in Srinagar?

Hey Will! Really appreciate your website, its hugely helpful when planning a trip to have advise from someone like minded! My partner and I are off to India in September for two months to kick off our big travels. Im working through a rough itinerary, enough to know the areas that we will go so we can book the trains in advance. So far we have Delhi – Varanasi – Khajurajou – Agra over 12 days then a 10 day Vipassana course in Pushkar. After that Pushkar (4 days) – Bundi (3 days) – Udaipur (5 days) – Jaisalmer (3 days) – Jodhpur (2 days) – maybe Bikaner. It looks we have 12 or so days free after that Im wondering what you would recommend. Is this enough time to head up to Manali or somewhere up there and if so where would you recommend? We are kiwis and into hiking but dont want to be taking a crap load of hiking gear so cant really do any huge hikes. I also dont want to be a tick box tourist jumping from sight to sight, would be better to just stick with what we have and space it out more to get more involved with the places we are at? Cheers!

Hey Renee, you are going to have an epic time in India and hell yes; book those trains in advance! AC3 all the way! Your itinerary looks solid and yes for sure, with 12 days left it makes sense to head up to Manali for a few days and explore the area around Kasol – there’s some great hikes you can do, and I strongly recommend taking some chill time at Kalga – go visit Hans and stay in his Sunset Guesthouse. Kheerganga is a popular trek destination but personally, I loved the hike and was less keen on the end destination – crowded and litter everywhere. Vashisht is a chill place to spend some time. RE Hiking gear – you won’t need to carry much, just be sure to have proper hiking shoes and you should be golden. You can buy waterproofs and warm clothes easily once in India and you won’t need camping gear unless you want to do something more ambitious. Have an epic trip!

Great info Will, this will definitelycome in handy as a great source of info for our travels later this year where hopefully I will be one step behind you. You never know, I may be able to buy you that beer finally. Happy travels Dude

Looking forward to the beer bro!

Two friends and I are planning on traveling to travel India in late February for a month. We are al 18/19. Our initial plan is to fly into New Delhi then travel to Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Bundi, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and back to Delhi. Is there anything you would recommend doing or not? We are also considering Udaipur? We are looking for a mixture of a proper Indian experience and a relaxing/spiritual time. We all enjoy a good smoke etc but don’t have the biggest budget. Any thoughts? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

Hey buddy, That’s a pretty fucking good itinerary, it’s actually similar to the first itinerary I did myself! I would cut Jaipur and make the dash down to Udaipur. Make sure you spend enough time in Bundi, it’s the highlight! India is cheap – but, you have to haggle! If you don’t, it ain’t cheap at all.

This has been the most helpful thing I’ve read leading up to my trip–thanks! I’d love a bit of advice. Right now what’s set in stone for my trip are stops in Delhi, Jaipur (for a wedding), and a variety of stops in the south. What’s up in the air is another stop in Rajahstan. If you had to pick just one stop inbetween Delhi and Jaipur what would it be? I was most interested in Varanasi and Udaipur I think but would love your take. Thanks man!

Hey bud, between Jaipur and Delhi – there isn’t much to stop at to be honest. You could swing to Ajmer Fort, 11km outside of Jaipur but you would be better off making a dash down to Bundi.

Hi Will! This is such an amazing guide, I’m going to take all of your tips into account on (and while planning) my trip!

In November I’m flying to Delhi and then the plan is as follows: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Keoladeo National Park – Jaipur (might scrap this after reading your post) – Pushkar – Bundi (after reading your post ;)) – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Nawalgarh – Mandawa and then back to Delhi.

I’d like to do this in about a month. Do you have experience with Chittorgarh and Udaipur? I’ve read good stories on these locations, but am not sure yet. Also, are you familiar with Bikaner, Nawalgarh and Mandawa? Then last but not least, do you think the Keoladeo National Park is worth a visit?

Thanks in advance for your answer!!

Hey Laura, I actually lived in Udaipur for a month – loved it there, amazing city! I’m stoked you are heading to Bundi, definitely one of the highlights of Rajahstan! I have no tips for Bikaner, Nawalgarh or Mandawa I’m afraid! Have an awesome trip.

I see these blogs looks very useful,but manali and shimla is also great places for travelling.these are perfect for the tourist.December and January tourist can enjoy a lot .so we have to go in these months.

Wow Will this is such a detailed and useful guide! It must have taken you ages 🙂

Great Article Will. I am in early phase of my planning to travel whole of India. I was born and raised there but have been living in US for last 15 years and working in the corporate world. I love the diversity of culture and being a photographer want to capture the true essence of the country. I am planning on following the route Guru Nanak (1st Sikh Prophet) took during his 5 travels around India and world. I believe this will give me good structure and allow me to explore some historical sites as well. I can also stay in these historical gurudwaras and visit other local locations nearby or enroute. I want to get your feedback on what would be an ideal loop and whether there are any concerns from your experience, carrying camera gear around. I have home in Chandigarh and will probably travel out from Delhi. Here are websites showing the different locations Guru Nanak visited. Appreciate your feedback with this. I am planning to account around 3 months for this and if needed can rent my own vehicle as well. Money is not an issue but I would like to get the best experience. http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/The_Udasis_of_Guru_Nanak http://www.singhsahib.com/travel-route-map-of-sikh-guru-nanak-dev-ji.php

Okay, we’ll scratch Jaipur off the list! 🙂 I found a sleeper bus from amrit to bikaner via Neelam Travels (10hrs) and it made delhi-dharam/amrit-bikaner doable. I also read about Indian Himalayas and I think that part including Leh and Srinagar and Rishikesh should be a whole another trip for another time. I would really love to include Nepal cause I heard that the atmosphere and the people are more pure. Is that true? We also plan on trekking in the himalayas from Kathmandu(?) for 3 days. Do you think I should trade Nepal for Manali and Kasol? Thanks soooo much! 🙂

So Ladakah and Srinigar should definitely be saved for another whole trip but you can get up to Manali relatively easily, I recommend staying in Vashisht for a more chill vibe, with less people, or Old Manali if you want to party. From Manali, head to Kasol – You don’t need to spend any time here and can instead transfer from Kasol up to Kalga; Kalga is awesome and has a very chill, somewhat Tibetan, vibe – go and stay in the Sunset Cafe and say hello to my friend Hans! Sunset Cafe in Kalga is just a gorgeous place to soak in some mountain views and from here you can do a relatively easy two day round trek up to Kheerganga. Nepal is amazing – I would hesitate to say the people are more pure, you have good people and bad people in every country in the world, but there is certainly less hassle in Nepal. Saying that; if you get yourself up to Manali, and especially Kalga, you won’t have any hassle up there – plus the hash is awesome. Nepal is great but my gut instinct is that you should save it for another trip and trade in Kathmandu (a fascinating place but a city all the same) for some time around Kalga; Manali and Kalga is a great place to end a trip 🙂

Wow! Sunset Cafe is beautiful! Will definitely include that in our itin. So, we decided to stick with our route but added Manali and Kalga before going to Dharamsala. We traded Jaipur for Bundi and moved some days to spend a 4-day trek in Pokhara and 2 days around Kathmandu. Thanks so much for all your suggestions! 🙂

Hi Will! Many thanks for this meaty post! My friend and I (both women) are planning to backpack India for 3 weeks and Nepal for a week in July. What do you think of this route? Delhi-Dharamsala-Amritsar-Bikaner-Jodhpur-Pushkar-Jaipur-Agra-Varanasi-Nepal-Delhi

Any tip/advice/suggestion would be much appreciated! 🙂

For three weeks, that’s a truly massive amount of ground to try to cover… I would probably cut Varanasi and to try and see India and Nepal in three weeks just isn’t possible, unless you simply want to spend a couple of days in Kathmandu, this look like a very tiring itinerary to me though to be honest. It’s gonna be hot! Especially in Rajahstan… Do not miss Bundi in Rajahstan though, epic place. Maybe go Delhi – Agra – Jaisalmer (via Delhi, skip Jaipur it’s shit), Jodhpur, Pushkar, Bundi, Delhi – from Delhi you could then make a dash to either Varanasi, Kathmandu or up to Dharamasala and Amritsar, but not all three. Not unless you want to spend like a day in each place anyway because the distances are absolutely massive and you’ll lose a lot of time travelling. Amritsar will be hot, you should maybe make a break for Manali or go trekking around Kasol instead; doable from Delhi in six or seven hours I think, bus, and will be cooler, well worth it. Good luck!

Thanks for your response! ? Why is jaipur shit? ? I thought the pink city is a must see. Anyway, we’ll do 2 days in delhi, 2 days in dharamsala, 1 day in amritsar (golden temple), 2 days bikaner; Jaisalmer is too far so we won’t be able to do it. We opted for Bikaner (just for the overnight desert safari) instead. Then 2 days jodhpur, 1 day pushkar. And maybe skip Jaipur and do Bundi for 2 days then agra for 2 days and varanasi for 2 days. From varanasi we’ll take the bus to sunauli (1day) then 3 days in pokhara and 3 days in kathmandu then fly back to delhi. 23 days all in all. We’ll take sleeper buses/trains to save on accomodation costs. What do you think? Many thanks! ?

Sorry for the unnecessary question marks; those are emojis that apparently didn’t work. 🙂

Jaipur just isn’t so great; if you have to skip somewhere that’s on your list, I would skip Jaipur. I guess it depends what you want but it’s possible to do an overnight train from Delhi to Jaisalmer and then work your way back through Rajahstan via Jodhpur, Pushkar, Bundi. I would definitely not miss Bundi. I would also spend 2 nights in Pushkar and one night in Jodhpur, there’s more to see and do in Pushkar. Pokhara and Kathmandu are both nice – your trip is totally doable, just bear in mind that it’s a lot of long journey… like, a lot! I would consider cutting Varanassi and spending a week in the Indian himalayas; around Manali and Kasol is great trekking and it’s really chill; which you might want towards the end of your trip. Pokhara is pretty nice but it’s still a city and Kathmandu is amazing but far from chill. Do whatever works for you for sure, just throwing some stuff out there 🙂 – they are all great destiantions, but to get them all in to 3 weeks will be tiring.

The most racist blog I have ever read about backpacking in India. Indian men want white girlfriends who can get them out of the country? Most white female travellers I have met date Indian men who literally pay for their entire trips including flights, accomodation and experiences. Maybe you can cut down on the racism next time you visit an Asian country or you might as well stay in your little bubble of white privilege and spare us the torture of such racist blogs.

You’re an idiot – most white female travellers you have met date Indian men? That is clearly wrong. If you don’t like my blog, fuck off and don’t read it – problem solved.

salivating at the thought of masala dosa. Fuck it, I’m back there next year. There’s also a plant that only flowers every twelve years up in the Tamil hills, so that alone makes it worth the effort.

Cheers for the rump-kick.

Shine on, Dude.

Hi Will, I’m an Indian living in Mumbai. I have travelled the coastal areas of Gokarna and Goa on the bike several times. However I’ve always been fasinated with the Himalayas, and your article would make a dead man want to backpack. Im Planning to ride from Mumbai to rishikesh – manali – khirganga – kasol – leh and the places youve mentioned next month. Thanks again for everything you do. This is pretty awesome.

That sounds like an amazing ride dude! Happy trails…

Waouh just thank you for doing such an amazing post on this country !! I’m planning to visit India by the end of the year for the first time, and you litteraly answered every single questions I have !!! Bouddha bless you ^^ I’ll definitely start with the easy itinerary for a first 🙂 especially as I may be travelling solo, I prefer to play it safe first ! Thanks again. This is Amazing content !!!

I’m happy you found it helpful 🙂

Sharing your experience like these will definitely help a lot of people, including myself. It’s a great advantage to know what to expect so travelers can prepare themselves properly!

Great post man. Currently travelling around India with my Girlfriend for the first time. Absolutely incredible place and we echo everything you have said!!

Any recommendations for Rajesthan?

Bundi is my favourite place in Rajahstan. Don’t miss it out. Go up into the fort early on in the day and take a staff to ward off the monkeys; it’s an amazing experience and view up there. Indiana Jones-esque shit!

India always a romantic land! I have backpacking to a lot of places, perhaps I will planed to India! Your post so clearly! Thank you!.

It has always been a dream of mine to travel along the original hippie trail and end up in Goa. Fingers crossed, I get to actually do that one day! Thanks for all the details about India 🙂

If you do the original hippie trail, you shall have to come through wonderful Pakistan as well! 🙂

Hi Will, Just found your this post and your blog – great advice here! I’m thinking about going to India from April-September this year and was wondering if you could help me out with a few queries. I want to slow travel through the south of the sub-continent, or at least start off doing this, though it will be ‘off-season’ for the months that I’m hoping to go. Have you had much experience travelling during the off-season? Would I be better off travelling the north of the country where it will be much cooler?

Hi Dom, India is so big that even in off season you will still find places to go and things to do. When the heat arrives (and in some places it does get damn hot) head for the hill-stations, or to the mountains in the north. If its monsoon season, try and plan head, check local weather forecasts, often info is pretty good on where and where it going to rain. Try to keep out of its path.

Thanks for sharing your experiences about India. Have couchsurfed through the US but wouldn’t have imagined doing it in India, have heard so many bad things and it seems like a risky country but also equally fantastic. I didn’t realise it was such a cheap country either. What would you recommend in terms of carrying currency? Is it dangerous to have cash on you? Someone told me i might be better with an http://icicibank.co.uk/personal/travel_card.html “>Indian Rupee Travel Card but wondered what your experience was. Thanks.

Thanks for your comment! You definitely can couchsurf in India but I have to say I would be very careful as a woman – when I was surfing and I had female surfers with me, even when I was there, we had to be on our guard 24/7. It is safe to surf if you have a male companion but otherwise I wouldn’t recommend it. The CS boards are great ways to find travel buddies though! I simply took my debit card and got out the maximum amount of cash – 10,000 rupees ($200) – once every two weeks, it was always absolutely plenty. I usually had about 500 rupees on me and the rest in my day bag which came with me everywhere; I got pickpocked once (whilst drunk) and lost about 3000 rupees ($60) – really not too bad for over 14 months in the country. If your careful and avoid flashing your cash you will be fine; muggings are extremely rare in India; it certainly is not like south america! Let me know how you get on and definitely give India a go; currently the rupee is weaker than it has been in thirty years so it really is wonderfully cheap! 🙂

We traveled across India on bicycles for 5 months. We finished less than half a year ago. And all this time I felt safe there. Talking about the money. We always had cash with us just because outside bigger cities it’s not possible to pay with credit card and the same way it’s almost 100%, that you will not be able to pay with credit card for those cheap hotels, even if they will be in big cities. Taking out cash is not a problem, as there are a lot of ATMs, many with security guards. I would suggest to have two credit cards. One with small amount of money on it, used for cash withdrawals. And second one, hidden, with all other money.

Hi Kaspar! I would love to do some long-distance cycling adventures, I have a buddy who cycled from Australia to the UK via most of the ‘stans – a seriously epic adventure. To be honest when I was in India I never really had many problems with money – it certainly helped to have cash on me where possible, I got the best exchange rates but I mostly just used my debit card to make cash withdrawals. Although I was robbed a couple of times, without my knowledge, in my 14 months in India I never felt particularly threatened – then again, I met a lot of female backpackers who did.

Hi Will !.just found your post and found it absolutely helpful. I am from northeast india and always dreamt of backpacking through the country. .After reading your detailed information i just want to jump onto next train available..hopefully i get to do it someday.

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Top Travel Influencers In India

In 2024, India’s travel influencer landscape continues to evolve with dynamic storytellers and adventurers captivating audiences nationwide. From the serene Himalayan foothills to the sun-kissed beaches of the South, these influencers traverse the length and breadth of India, sharing their journeys with a blend of authenticity and wanderlust. With engaging content across social platforms, they inspire millions to explore the rich tapestry of India’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty. Stay tuned as these top travel influencers in India redefine exploration in the digital age, one picturesque moment at a time.

Table of Contents

Who are Travel Influencers? 

Travel influencers are individuals who use social media platforms to share their travel experiences, insights, and tips. These influencers range from those who focus on luxury travels to budget explorations and from solo adventurers to cultural enthusiasts. They influence their audience by showcasing various destinations, offering travel advice, and highlighting unique cultural aspects of the places they visit. Travel influencers often collaborate with tourism boards, travel companies, and brands to promote destinations and products, and they play a key role in shaping travel trends and preferences. These influencers can be categorized by their reach—Mega, Macro, and Micro influencers—depending on the number of their followers and the extent of their influence.

Various Forms of Travel Influencer

Travel influencers come in various forms, each catering to different aspects of travel and types of audiences. Here are some of the common types:

1. Luxury Travel Influencers: These influencers focus on high-end experiences, showcasing luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and exclusive activities. Their content often appeals to those interested in upscale, lavish vacations.

2. Adventure Travel Influencers: Known for their thrill-seeking journeys, these influencers document activities like hiking, backpacking, scuba diving, and more. They attract audiences who are interested in outdoor adventures and extreme sports.

3. Cultural Travel Influencers: These influencers dive deep into the local culture of the places they visit. They focus on history, traditions, local crafts, and cuisine, providing a more immersive experience into the local way of life.

4. Budget Travel Influencers: They provide tips and hacks on how to travel affordably, showcasing how to explore the world without breaking the bank. Their content is valuable for students, backpackers, or anyone on a tight budget.

5. Family Travel Influencers: Catering to families, these influencers highlight family-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities. They offer advice on traveling with children and making vacations enjoyable and comfortable for all age groups.

6. Solo Travel Influencers: Focusing on personal growth and independence, solo travel influencers share their experiences of traveling alone. They inspire their followers to explore new places confidently and safely.

7. Eco-travel Influencers: These influencers promote sustainable travel practices, focusing on minimizing environmental impact. They often cover eco-friendly accommodations, conservation projects, and responsible tourism practices.

What makes the Travel Influencers so popular?

Travel influencers gain popularity due to their engaging and inspiring content, authenticity, and ability to connect personally with their audience. They share visually appealing photos and videos that capture the beauty and excitement of various destinations, along with useful travel tips and personal travel stories. This combination not only provides entertainment but also valuable information, making travel more accessible and encouraging their followers to explore new places. Additionally, their partnerships with travel brands and tourism boards enhance their credibility and extend their reach, further boosting their popularity.

Travel Influencers In India 

Mega influencers.

They have a wide reach and are typically recognized as celebrity figures within the travel industry.

Aakash Malhotra

Click Here to View Profile

Aakash Malhotra, known online as WanderWithSky, is a distinctive voice in the realm of travel influence in India. His Instagram, boasting over a million followers, serves as a canvas displaying his adventures across uncharted terrains and lesser-known locales. Aakash’s storytelling intertwines personal insights with vivid photography, offering followers a glimpse into the spirit and culture of each destination. His approach is marked by a deep appreciation for the hidden gems of the world, encouraging his audience to explore beyond the conventional tourist paths. Aakash not only shares his journeys but also immerses his followers in the narrative of each place, making travel feel accessible and adventurous.

Anunay Sood

Anunay Sood, an adventure-centric travel influencer, captivates a dedicated Instagram following with his evocative landscape photography. His journey is a blend of breath taking visuals and stirring narratives, primarily set against the rugged backdrops of the Himalayas and Iceland. Anunay’s images are more than just snapshots; they are stories of light and shadow, meticulously crafted to transport his audience into the essence of each moment captured. His work not only showcases the beauty of the destinations but also his skill in highlighting the dramatic interplay between nature and the lens.

Tanya Khanijow

Tanya Khanijow is a prominent travel influencer in India, celebrated for her captivating travel vlogs on YouTube. She transforms her travel experiences into engaging stories that resonate deeply with her audience, showcasing destinations both in India and globally. Tanya’s content is crafted with a keen eye for detail and a narrative that effortlessly guides viewers through her adventures, making travel both aspirational and attainable. Her unique approach combines personal anecdotes with practical travel tips, making her a trusted source for travel enthusiasts seeking inspiration and information.

Macro Influencers

They are often regarded as authority figures in specific travel niches and have significant influence over their audience.

Varun Vagish

Varun Vagish, known for his popular YouTube channel “Mountain Trekker,” has carved a niche for himself in the travel influencing world with his down-to-earth approach to exploring the globe. His content is a treasure trove for budget travelers, offering practical tips and hacks that demonstrate how to travel affordably without sacrificing the richness of the experience. Varun’s ability to connect with his audience through relatable narratives and insightful guidance helps many discover the joy of travel in an economically sustainable way. His channel not only guides but inspires a movement towards more accessible travel adventures.

Larissa D’Sa

Larissa D’Sa stands out in the Indian travel influencer landscape with her vibrant and stylish exploration of the world. Through her platform, she blends travel with creative design, offering visually stunning and informative content across Instagram and YouTube. Her followers are treated to a colorful palette of travel experiences, DIY projects, and lifestyle tips, making her a source of inspiration for those looking to add a splash of creativity to their adventures. Larissa’s content not only guides her audience through scenic views and local cultures but also encourages them to see beauty in everyday experiences.

Siddhartha Joshi

Siddhartha Joshi, better known as SidTheWanderer, weaves a tapestry of cultural narratives through his vibrant travel blog and Instagram, where he boasts over 120,000 followers. His lens captures more than landscapes; it dives into the soul of his destinations, highlighting both the grandiose and the intimate moments. Siddhartha’s travel ethos marries curiosity with sensitivity, making his blog a go-to for those who seek to understand the world through stories and striking visuals. His ability to connect deeply with different cultures while on the move makes his content both educational and inspiring.

Micro Influencers

They often focus on specific travel styles or destinations and are valued for their personal touch and authenticity.

Mithilesh Backpacker

Mithilesh Backpacker is a trailblazer in the budget travel influencer scene in India. Known for his economical travel hacks, Mithilesh empowers his audience to explore the world without breaking the bank. His content, rich with practical tips and vibrant storytelling, demystifies travel for his followers, proving that adventure doesn’t have to be expensive. His relatable approach and engaging content have made him a go-to resource for travellers seeking memorable experiences on a tight budget.

Neelima Vallangi

Neelima Vallangi is a celebrated travel writer and photographer, known for her evocative narratives and stunning imagery that highlight India’s less trodden paths. With a deep passion for the mountains and remote landscapes, Neelima’s work inspires a sense of adventure and awareness about environmental conservation. Her dedication to showcasing the beauty and fragility of these areas encourages responsible travel and deeper connection with nature. Through her powerful storytelling, Neelima invites her audience to explore the profound and personal impact of embracing the wilderness.

Lakshmi Sharath

Lakshmi Sharath, a seasoned voyager and captivating storyteller, paints the world with her words and lens. With over a decade of exploration under her belt, she doesn’t just travel; she embarks on cultural odysseys, unraveling the tapestry of each destination she visits. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, Lakshmi’s narratives transport her audience to the heart of every locale. Through her lens, she captures moments that breathe life into her tales, inviting us to see the world through her eyes. Follow along as Lakshmi Sharath weaves her magic, one adventure at a time.

FAQ’s Related on Fitness Influencers

What does a travel influencer do.

A travel influencer creates and shares content about their travel experiences on social media platforms, offering insights, tips, and visual storytelling to inspire others to explore new destinations. They typically collaborate with travel and tourism brands to promote destinations, services, or products, engaging their audience through posts, blogs, and videos. Their role involves not just traveling but also meticulously planning content that highlights the unique aspects of their journeys.

How to become a Travel Influencer?

To become a travel influencer, start by defining your unique travel niche and style. Create and share high-quality content consistently on social media platforms, such as engaging photos, videos, and blogs about your travel experiences. Build an authentic connection with your audience by engaging with them and sharing personal insights and travel tips. Networking with other influencers and collaborating with travel brands can also help boost your visibility. Lastly, stay persistent and adapt to changing trends and platforms to grow your following and influence in the travel community.

Who is the best travel influencer?

The best travel influencer in India can vary based on criteria such as content quality, audience engagement, and niche focus. However, influencers like Varun Vagish (Mountain Trekker), who is known for his in-depth travel vlogs and practical tips, and Shivya Nath, celebrated for her sustainable and immersive travel storytelling, are often regarded highly in the travel community. Each has a significant following and is respected for their unique approach to travel, influencing many with their insights and experiences.

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Coming soon: Mega adventure tourism trails in India

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , INDIA / Created : Apr 4, 2023, 08:00 IST

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India is all set to launch two major adventure trails in 2023 – the Ganga Trail and Northwestern Himalayan Trail. There are many more trails that are in the pipeline such as Narmada Trail or Kaveri River Trail. The adventure touri … Read more

India is all set to launch two major adventure trails in 2023 – the Ganga Trail and Northwestern Himalayan Trail. There are many more trails that are in the pipeline such as Narmada Trail or Kaveri River Trail. The adventure tourism activities will be developed while keeping in mind the need for sustainability and opportunities for livelihood for local communities. Read less

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India is all set to launch two major adventure trails in 2023 – the Ganga Trail and Northwestern Himalayan Trail. There are many more trails that are in the pipeline such as Narmada Trail or Kaveri Ri...

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• Turkiye Tourism, OTOAI to conduct Mega Fam for members

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Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has partnered with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) to organise a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members.

Taking place from June 30 to July 6 2024, this initiative is dedicated to highlighting the myriad attractions of Türkiye to Indian travel agents. A total of 40 OTOAI members from across India will be participating in this exciting endeavour, representing diverse regions and tourism interests.

OTOAI’s collaboration with TGA reflects a shared commitment to nurturing tourism partnerships and facilitating meaningful exchanges within the travel industry, further strengthening ties between India and Türkiye.

The upcoming familiarisation trip will offer OTOAI members an immersive journey through Türkiye’s iconic destinations, ensuring an experience rich in cultural exploration and scenic marvels. Covering the cities of İstanbul, Antalya, and İzmir with specific visits to Pamukkale and Kuşadası, participants will explore the diverse array of attractions that Türkiye has to offer, ranging from ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders. Each stop on the itinerary is meticulously curated to highlight Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and renowned hospitality, providing OTOAI members with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tourism offerings.

In addition to sightseeing excursions, the trip will also include strategic B2B meetings scheduled in İstanbul, where Turkish tourism sector representatives and Indian travel agents will convene to foster meaningful discussions and forge valuable partnerships. These meetings are expected to serve as a pivotal platform for collaboration, allowing industry professionals to explore innovative avenues for enhancing tourism between India and Türkiye. By facilitating dialogue and exchange, the aim is to strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable growth in the tourism sector, that both nations can benefit from.

Speaking about the collaboration, İsmail Bütün, General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) said, “India has emerged as a pivotal market for the Turkish tourism sector witnessing a consistent surge in Indian tourists annually. Our partnership with OTOAI propels us to further connect with and cater to discerning Indian travellers, fostering deeper cultural exchanges and enriching experiences. This endeavour will foster enduring partnerships within the Indian travel trade fraternity, enabling them to gain firsthand experience of everything Türkiye offers as a destination.”

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “OTOAI is delighted to collaborate with TGA for this exciting initiative. As India’s leading outbound tour operators association, we are committed to promoting international travel and fostering collaborations that benefit our members and the global tourism industry at large. This familiarisation trip will provide our members with valuable insights into Türkiye’s tourism offerings and facilitate networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the Turkish tourism sector.”

In the 2023, Türkiye hosted approximately 275,000 Indian tourists, and the country anticipates a further increase for 2024.

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Turkiye Tourism and OTOAI to conduct Mega Fam Trip for Indian outbound tour operators

Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) in partnership with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), is organising a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members. Taking place from June 30 to July 06, 2024, this initiative is dedicated to highlighting the myriad attractions of Türkiye to Indian travel agents. A total of 40 OTOAI members from across India will be participating in this exciting endeavour, representing diverse regions and tourism interests.

OTOAI, a travel association in India, represents outbound tour operators and travel agents committed to promoting international travel from India. This collaboration with TGA reflects a shared commitment to nurturing tourism partnerships and facilitating meaningful exchanges within the travel industry, further strengthening ties between India and Türkiye.

The upcoming familiarisation trip will offer OTOAI members an immersive journey through Türkiye’s iconic destinations, ensuring an unforgettable experience rich in cultural exploration and scenic marvels. Covering the enchanting cities of İstanbul, Antalya, and İzmir with specific visits to Pamukkale and Kuşadası, participants will explore the diverse array of attractions that Türkiye has to offer, ranging from ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders. Each stop on the itinerary is meticulously curated to highlight Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and renowned hospitality, providing OTOAI members with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tourism offerings.

In addition to sightseeing excursions, the trip will also include strategic B2B meetings scheduled in İstanbul, where Turkish tourism sector representatives and Indian travel agents will convene to foster meaningful discussions and forge valuable partnerships. These meetings are expected to serve as a pivotal platform for collaboration, allowing industry professionals to explore innovative avenues for enhancing tourism between India and Türkiye. By facilitating dialogue and exchange, the aim is to strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable growth in the tourism sector, which both nations can benefit from.

Speaking about the collaboration, İsmail Bütün, General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) said, “India has emerged as a pivotal market for the Turkish tourism sector witnessing a consistent surge in Indian tourists annually. Our partnership with OTOAI propels us to further connect with and cater to discerning Indian travellers, fostering deeper cultural exchanges and enriching experiences. This endeavour will foster enduring partnerships within the Indian travel trade fraternity, enabling them to gain firsthand experience of everything Türkiye offers as a destination.”

Commenting on this exciting partnership with Türkiye Tourism, Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “OTOAI is delighted to collaborate with TGA for this exciting initiative. As India’s leading outbound tour operators association, we are committed to promoting international travel and fostering collaborations that benefit our members and the global tourism industry at large. This familiarisation trip will provide our members with valuable insights into Türkiye’s tourism offerings and facilitate networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the Turkish tourism sector.”

With a steadfast commitment to safety, convenient direct flights, and a plethora of cultural and natural wonders, Türkiye has firmly established itself as a premier destination for MICE, weddings, and holidays among Indian travellers. In the year 2023, Türkiye hosted approximately 275,000 Indian tourists, and we anticipate a further increase in this figure for the year 2024.

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The biggest travel trends for 2024

By Sarah Allard

If 2022 was all about a return to travel, then 2023 was the year we went further than ever before. Travellers took to the skies, rails, roads and seas to tick off major bucket-list moments, with Arctic adventures, luxury yacht cruises and even the first tourist trip into space.

In 2024, travellers will be putting what’s important to them front and centre of their plans, valuing deeper experiences that leave a positive impact, time spent with loved ones and wellness moments that last well after checkout. We’ll be choosing destinations carefully, slowing it down to enjoy the silence and the stars, indulging in our love of food in new and interesting places, and immersing ourselves in wellness practices that help us live longer. These are the 20 travel trends likely to guide how we see the world in 2024.

Astro tourism | Illustration: Milagros Pico

1. Astro tourism

What’s the trend? Astronomy, of course, is a field of study that has been around since the dawn of civilisation, and the act of gazing up at the stars has long been a source of soul-soothing wonder. Today, the more society falls deeper into an ever-expanding virtual world, the more we feel a need to broaden our horizons in the real universe. Astro tourism, or star bathing, is the act of travelling with the aim of catching sight of astronomical phenomena – disappearing to lands devoid of any pollution, crowds and traffic, where we can focus solely on the skies above and while away hours gazing at the stars, planets and constellations overhead.

Why will it matter in 2024? Increasingly, wellness-centric hotels and spas are creating the space for guests to gaze upwards, watching for comets, spying constellations and identifying patterns in the glittering expanse. In the UK, Port Lympne has opened the Lookout Bubble, a glass dome allowing guests to sprawl out on king-sized beds and study the stars. Further east on the Arabian Gulf, Zulal Wellness Resort is surrounded by the expanse of the Qatari desert – the ultimate destination for pollution-free astromancy, with dedicated workshops and stargazing sessions for families and children looking to learn more about the cosmos. Safari company Desert & Delta organises trips for travellers looking to soak up the stars across Botswana and Namibia, where guests can sleep in tents at remote locations such as the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world’s largest salt flats, and spend nights with uninterrupted star vistas. Similarly, Tswalu is a South African safari camp with star beds set on a sleep-out deck in the Korannaberg mountains. And 2024 happens to be a big year, astronomy-wise, from mind-boggling eclipses to spectacular meteor showers – plus, scientists are predicting the best displays of the northern lights in 20 years, according to the Guardian , as we approach the next solar maximum (the sun’s peak of its 11-year activity cycle). Olivia Morelli

2. Eco diving

What’s the trend? A rise in divers choosing their travel destinations based on the sustainability of the scuba centres, and having a more positive, regenerative impact on the ocean once there.

Why will it matter in 2024? In 2022, UK marine ecology charity The Reef-World Foundation found that 95 per cent of divers wanted to book with sustainable operators, but struggled to do so. In response to this, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (Padi) launched its Eco Center accreditation on World Earth Day (22 April) 2023, with the United Nations Environment Program and Reef-World itself. The steps required to earn this green status are so rigorous – including sharing evidence of conservation activities and a real reduction in environmental footprint – that Padi advised operators to allow at least 12 months to hit the criteria, taking us to… Earth Day 2024. After an initial figure of just 11 worldwide, there are now 100, and Padi has set a goal to reach 660 by 2030 – a 10th of its membership. “South East Asia currently has the highest density (more than 20), along with the Caribbean,” says Julie Andersen of Padi. So what does this mean for divers and their trips? “The type of conservation work done and reported on depends on the Eco Center,” Andersen explains. “Those in the Caribbean offer coral replanting programmes, key for regenerating coastlines. In Baja, Mexico, they’ve developed citizen science courses, collecting data for whale conservation.” There are also a number of new Padi courses being launched for any diver to take anywhere, including the Global Shark and Ray Census in August 2024, as well as the relaunch of the Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course before December. Becky Lucas

3. Home swapping

What’s the trend? Increasingly, discerning travellers are looking to stay away for longer stretches, while the rise of remote jobs post-pandemic means that working and living abroad has never been more appealing. The catch? Forking out on hefty accommodation fees while you’re at it. Enter home swapping: the perfect solution to guarantee yourself a (free) home abroad while you offer up your own in exchange – for weeks or even months at a time.

Why will it matter in 2024? As the cost of holidaying continues to climb, home swapping is an affordable alternative to splashing out on expensive hotels or Airbnbs. And while the concepts of couch surfing and house exchanges have existed for decades, several slick new platforms are redefining what home swapping looks like today. Twin City, which operates in cities as far-flung as Lisbon and Los Angeles, has curated a community of 1,100 plus carefully vetted users in just eight months. For an annual subscription fee of £150, members can find Twins to connect with through the platform, and are encouraged to exchange local recommendations for their city as well as their homes, enabling members to feel as if they’re swapping with a trusted friend rather than a stranger. Meanwhile, Kindred, a home-swapping platform where members rack ​​up credits for each night that they exchange homes, raised $15 million in funding this year to expand operations across the USA and Europe, and currently has 10,000 plus homes in more than 50 cities. Members simply pay a cleaning and service fee for each stay, while the cost of the stay itself is free. Or skip out on membership fees entirely and head straight to TikTok, where Gen Z appears to be spearheading the home-swapping movement on social media. Inspired by cult film The Holiday , trending tags #houseswap and #homeswap have garnered more than 23 and 20 million views respectively, with users utilising the platform as a means to advertise their homes, discover like-minded peers to swap with and document their adventures along the way. Gina Jackson

4. Train stations are the new food destinations

What’s the trend? Train stations around the world are usually passed through as quickly as possible, having not been designed for commuters to stay and hang out. Nowadays, as travel delays increase and visitors want more local experiences, it pays for train stations to welcome travellers with shops, restaurants and bars for them to explore. In an effort to create a more dynamic visitor experience, historic train stations are being revamped, with bespoke food and drink offerings as an integral part of the redesign.

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Why will it matter in 2024? As train stations are renovated to accommodate more travellers and update old infrastructure, local restaurants and bars are being added to attract more customers. In 2023, the new Moynihan Train Hall in New York City became home to The Irish Exit, a bar from the team behind the acclaimed Dead Rabbit, and Yono Sushi by trendy BondST, plus outposts of beloved NYC restaurants Pastrami Queen and Jacob’s Pickles, with Mexican hotspot La Esquina coming soon.  Platform 1 a new bar and restaurant that opened in November underneath Glasgow Central Station . The cave-like space, with its historic brick arches, serves street-food-style dishes and craft brews made in the on-site microbrewery, plus there’s an outdoor beer garden. As part of its renovation, Toronto’s Union Station launched Union Market in May 2023 with favourite local food retailers Manotas Organics, Chocolatta Brigadeiro’s, Patties Express and Kibo. Meanwhile, in Somerset, Castle Cary station is in the process of a revamp, with nearby hotel The Newt creating a creamery, cafe and co-working space, which is set to open in 2024. Also on tap for the next few years is the completed renovation of 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, with plans for a 20 per cent increase in concession space that will focus on local purveyors. Devorah Lev-Tov

5. Sports tourism

What’s the trend? No longer the domain of lads on tour keen to sink as many pints as possible with one eye on a football game, sports tourism has evolved in the past few years with a new generation – and type – of sports fan emerging thanks to glossy TV documentaries ( Formula 1: Drive to Survive , we’re looking at you). Now, we’re taking our fandom out of the house and following a host of different sports in destinations across the world, planning holidays that hinge around seeing games, races and other activities in exotic locales, and extending trips on either side to see the sights too.

Why will it matter in 2024? A little event known as the Olympic and Paralympic Games anchors the 2024 sports calendar. It kicks off in Paris in late July and runs until early September, during which time more than a million tourists are expected to check in across the French capital. The games have inspired city-wide projects such as the €1.4-billion clean-up of the Seine, which , all going well, will allow public swimming in the river for the first time in a century. Elsewhere, the Tour de France starts in Italy for the first time in 2024, with competitors speeding off in Florence before heading to Rimini on the Adriatic coast and then north to the Apennines through Emilia-Romagna. New bike routes in the area have been released by tour operators such as Ride International Tours and Ride Holidays for cycling enthusiasts keen to join in the fun. Sarah James

6. Coolcationing

What’s the trend? For the vast majority of folk, summer holidays used to be about following the sun, seeking the heat – watching the mercury climb and hitting the sands. With the intense, record-breaking temperatures of recent years, however, many are considering travelling in the opposite direction: booking "coolcations" in temperate destinations, which also benefit from being less crowded.

Why will it matter in 2024? Rising temperatures caused by the climate crisis have resulted in the hottest recorded summer in the UK – just over 40℃ in July 2022 – while 2023, with a sweltering summer in much of Mediterranean Europe, North America and China – is on track to be the hottest year ever. Little wonder that many travellers are thinking again before booking literal hotspots such as the South of France and Sicily in July or August. A survey for luxe travel network Virtuoso found that 82 per cent of its clients are considering destinations with more moderate weather in 2024. Destinations such as Iceland, Finland and Scotland, according to Intrepid Travel, along with Latvia, which is surging in popularity. “We’re seeing an increase in those holidaying further north,” says Andrea Godfrey of Regent Holidays. “Scandinavia and the Baltics are both getting noticed more: they offer a more pared-back style of holiday but have some lovely beaches, and forests and lakes for both relaxation and adventure activities.” Cooler temperatures are particularly well suited to family travel too. “We’re getting far more enquiries from families for destinations that offer summer sun but also respite from the high temperatures being experienced in beach resorts across the Med,” says Liddy Pleasants, founder of family specialist Stubborn Mule Travel. “Kayaking in Norway, with its midnight sun, for instance, and cycling or hiking in Slovenia, which is also very good value.” Time to ditch the SPF50… Rick Jordan

Gig tripping | Illustration: Milagros Pico

7. Gig tripping

What’s the trend? For years, athletes and wellness gurus were the big headliners at retreats. But rock stars are, well, the new rock stars of travel. Call it the Swift Effect. Destination concert business is up more than 50 per cent, led mostly by Taylor Swift, says Janel Carnero, a travel advisor at Embark Beyond. In the USA, tickets for Swift’s Eras Tour cost thousands and were still impossible to score. Music fans are realising they can pay less and have a more memorable experience by seeing their favourite pop icons perform in say, Amsterdam or Milan. Tours from performers such as Pearl Jam, U2, Doja Cat and Madonna will anchor trip itineraries, while music festivals (Glastonbury sold out in less than an hour) will be major catalysts for travel.

Why will it matter in 2024? New music festivals, including Untold in Romania's Cluj-Napoca, are introducing travellers to undiscovered destinations, says Alexandrea Padilha of Fischer Travel. And it’s no longer just about the music, says Carnero. “It’s the social aspect of sharing experiences with friends,” she adds. Hotels and travel companies have taken note and are creating the equivalent of backstage VIP experiences for guests. Global adventure collective Eleven has recently introduced Music with Eleven. The programme’s dedicated team of music-industry insiders (including Chris Funk, guitarist from the Decemberists) custom design itineraries that might include sitting in on a recording session at Flóki Studios, just outside the Arctic Circle at Deplar Farm in Iceland. And Rhythm & Sails hosts musicians on its catamarans. The company’s music director, Anders Beck of the jam band Greensky Bluegrass, curates the line-up of artists who perform sessions onboard and in ports as you island hop around the Caribbean. Jen Murphy

8. Resorts will help you biohack your health span

What’s the trend? Longevity is the latest wellness buzzword thanks to best-selling books such as  Outlive  and the hit Netflix documentary  Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones . Between 2021 and 2022, venture-capital investment in longevity clinics more than doubled from $27 million to $57 million globally, according to analysis from longevity research and media company Longevity.Technology. Now, the science of extending life and optimising health has become the focus at hotels. Blue Zones retreats are the new boot camps and even sybaritic resorts are offering the latest biohacks. Poolside vitamin IV anyone?

Why will it matter in 2024? Since the pandemic, feeling good trumps looking good. “People have become aware of the critical importance of developing a more proactive, preventive approach to health on all levels,” says Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya, a wellness retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand . This means a new willingness to go beyond diet and exercise and embrace sci-fi-sounding bio-regenerative treatments such as ozone therapy and hyperbaric oxygen chambers, both on offer at Kamalaya's new Longevity House. Luxury hotel brands are embracing the trend too. Six Senses Ibiza recently teamed up with biotech company RoseBar to offer guests full diagnostic testing. Maybourne Hotel Group is collaborating with wellness tech pioneer Virtusan to help guests boost performance. And Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea administers treatments such as stem cells and NAD+ (aka the fountain of youth) through its partnership with Next Health longevity centre. At 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Kauai, guests are welcomed with a B12 shot instead of bubbles and the resort’s new wellness-specific rooms come with recovery-boosting mod cons including infrared light mats. If the trend continues, the secret to longevity may be as easy as taking more holidays. Jen Murphy

9. Peak season gets the cold shoulder

What's the trend? There’s been a dramatic recent increase in shoulder season travel to Europe’s most popular destinations (particularly France, Spain, the UK and Italy), which is set to continue in 2024. Luxury travel specialists Original Travel has launched new shoulder season itineraries to locations traditionally in demand during the summer – including the crystalline seascapes of Sardinia and Corsica – after seeing 14 per cent more bookings for September 2023 than for August 2023. Pegi Amarteifio of Small Luxury Hotels of the World shares similar insights. “Comparing phone reservations in 2023 against 2019, we’ve seen a 33 per cent increase for March to May and a 58 per cent increase for September to November, a pattern reflected across our other booking channels too.”

Why will it matter in 2024? A combination of social, economic and environmental factors is driving this trend into 2024. The cost of living crisis means a heightened focus on value. For 62 per cent of respondents to Booking.com’s 2024 travel trends survey, this is a limiting factor for 2024 travel planning, so much so that 47 per cent of respondents are even willing to take children out of school for cheaper off-peak travel. Shoulder season travel is also becoming more attractive due to rising temperatures, and more feasible due to flexible working. Layered on top of these practical considerations is an emotional motivation too: travellers are craving authenticity more than ever, seeking a tranquil, local feel when abroad, rather than Where’s Wally beach scenes. Toyo Odetunde

10. Private group travel

What’s the trend? The post-pandemic desire to gather friends or family and embark on a shared holiday experience shows no sign of abating – in fact, it’s on the increase in luxury travel, as people appreciate the benefits and savour the moment, from 3G family groups to 50-something empty-nesters keen to rekindle life-long friendships. Just don’t take Succession ’s family outing to Tuscany as a role model.

Why will it matter in 2024? “While some predicted group travel would peak post-pandemic, we’ve seen it have a lasting, positive impact with private group bookings continuing to be a dominant trend,” says Tom Marchant of Black Tomato, for whom group travel now accounts for 30 per cent of bookings. The company has just launched its See You in the Moment series to cater for the demand: it uses a mood board of over 35 experiences themed around key flash points, from The Meal (a backcountry feast served on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, for example) to The Challenge (rafting down the Apurímac in Peru, perhaps), all designed to create lasting memories. For Scott Williams, meanwhile, multi-generational travellers are thinking big: why take one house when you can take a whole estate, such as Meli on Paxos in the Greek Islands, which sleeps 17? Other groups are taking to the water, with Red Savannah reporting an increase in bookings for Turkish gulets, Egyptian dahabiyas and Indonesian phinisis. Scott Dunn have seen an increase in bookings amongst groups of friends, with 30 per cent of respondents in a recent survey saying they were planning trips for 2024 that included ski trips to France, adventure travel in South and Central America, and beach breaks on Antigua and Barbados. Empty-nesters are also a growing force, with groups of couples in their 50s to 70s hiring villas in the shoulder season for cultural weeks away, and all-female groups – mainly aged between 50 and 65 – who are proactive in wanting to renew long-term friendships. “We had one repeat group that included several cancer survivors,” says Sarah-Leigh Shenton at Red Savannah. “A hammam afternoon in Turkey was a deeply bonding experience and they’ve since travelled to Jordan and Sicily together.” Rick Jordan

11. AI aims to be your sidekick

What's the trend? Early last year, after OpenAI’s ChatGPT broke the record as the fastest-ever growing consumer app, travellers started playing around with AI chatbots to get inspiration on where they could go. More recently, major travel booking platforms have started to integrate AI chatbots into the booking experience. But if 2023 was the year of AI chatbots wanting to plan your trips, 2024 will be all about how AI aspires to be your travel sidekick. A wave of new AI-powered features and products aims to support travellers on the ground – all while raising concerns around the potential negative impacts as AI becomes more widely integrated with our travels.

Why will it matter in 2024? AI will start to make more real-time interventions in our travels in 2024. One practical example is live translation , which Samsung plans to launch on its 2024 Galaxy devices. Imagine calling somewhere you want to visit to get information without worrying about whether staff speak the same language as you. Another example is greater AI personalisation in popular apps you already use. Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has recently touted the company's increasing use of personalised AI algorithms , which will learn about your habits and make suggestions based on what you’re doing. For the true early adopters, real-time travel interventions could also mean ditching your screen entirely and clipping a screenless personal translator and travel assistant to your chest. This is the unusual idea behind the new talking and projecting AI Pin from Humane , a start-up backed by investors including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, that promises to function a bit like the universal translator from Star Trek . Will anyone want to actually wear the pin or will it go the way of previously hyped devices such as Google Glass? It certainly raises a host of ethical questions about privacy and data protection. Yet the more that AI products successfully help in addressing on-the-go problems, the more travellers will come to rely on them too. JD Shadel

12. Skip-gen travel

What’s the trend? Skip-gen travel describes when grandparents holiday with grandchildren, in other words, "skipping" a generation. “In the past few months, I've had around twice as many enquiries as usual for grandchild/grandchild bookings,” says Clio Wood, founder of family retreat company &Breathe . “There’s been a rising trend of grandparents taking their grandchildren away,” agrees Ollie Summers, Head of Sales at bespoke operator Scott Dunn . “Often to places that have a sentimental meaning to them.”

Why will it matter in 2024? Several travel agencies have created itineraries to cater specifically for this demand in 2024. “Skip-gen safaris are emerging as a micro-trend from the UK, reflecting a niche traveller group now well established in the US luxury market,” says Liane Goldring of Mahlatini Luxury Travel . “The grandparents are usually in their 70s and still active enough to fully embrace a fully guided safari adventure.” Original Travel, meanwhile, has relaunched its Bonding Holidays Collection , featuring trips focussed on discovering something new together, such as its 14-day Family Ranching itinerary in the American West. Some of this growth can be attributed to big-ticket lockdown promises coming to fruition. Now, amid the UK’s cost of living crisis, parents are also keen to make the most of the time and childcare support of their typically baby boomer, more comfortably retired parents. Plus, the global ratio of living grandparents to grandchildren is higher than ever, thanks to a combined increase in life expectancy and drop in the number of children per person. We’re even said to be living in the "the age of the grandparent". Don’t expect this trend – or your grandparents – to slow down anytime soon. Becky Lucas

Glamorous train travel | Illustration: Milagros Pico

13. Train travel gets glam

What’s the trend? Rising climate consciousness has fuelled a rail travel revival, the luxury train niche is reaching new heights of popularity, extravagance and ambition. Travel booking platforms are reporting growing demand for luxury rail trips , where the journey is, yes, the destination. In fact, new design-forward train lines increasingly rival the finest hotels for the culinary experiences and bells and whistles on offer.

Why will it matter in 2024? A new wave of rail lines and itineraries launching in 2024 puts an emphasis on deeper immersion into the culture and landscapes of the destinations, which are more and more off the beaten track. Responding to growing demand for luxury train travel among its user base, specialist platform Railbookers plans to launch arguably the most geographically extensive and expensive luxury train itinerary around. With prices per person starting at $113,599, the 80-day Around the World by Luxury Train voyage will cross four continents and 13 countries. Beginning in August, the slow journey will string together existing luxury rail trips including Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper and India’s Maharajas Express from Delhi to Mumbai. In Asia, the previously paused Eastern & Oriental Express is making a grand comeback starting in February, with carriages getting an upscale revamp and its legendary route being retraced through Malaysia's landscapes. Meanwhile, Japan is a hot destination for its scenic train journeys such as the exclusive Train Suite Shiki-shima, which quickly closed applications for its 2024 trips due to demand. And in Europe, six new train lines will commence or terminate in Rome under Accor's La Dolce Vita umbrella, with suites designed by starchitects Dimorestudio, building on the cultural legacy of the famous Orient Express . JD Shadel

14. Restaurateur-owned hotels

What’s the trend? Restaurants and hotels are the two linchpins of the hospitality industry. And naturally, the two are often intertwined on one premises. Until recently, though, most hotels weren’t started or owned by restaurateurs. Yet as food-focused travel keeps increasing, with people hankering for the next hot reservation and planning entire trips around discovering a culture through its food, it makes sense that restaurateurs are adding hotelier to their CVs – and ensuring their new properties have impressive food offerings. We’d be remiss not to mention Nobu, which began as a restaurant in 1994 and in 2013 launched its global hotel brand, as a harbinger of the trend.

Why will it matter in 2024? Just as design brands (RH, West Elm) have opened hotels in recent years, now restaurateurs are getting in on the action. In the USA, restaurateur and 12-time James Beard award nominee Sam Fox has just launched the Global Ambassador in Phoenix, Arizona, with five restaurants. Santa Barbara’s Good Lion Hospitality is relaunching Petit Soleil , a Californian wine country boutique hotel, with a new bar and restaurant slated for next spring. The Lafayette Hotel & Club was debuted last summer in San Diego by Arsalun Tafazoli, founder of a local hospitality group that operates 16 bars and restaurants. The hotel has five restaurants and bars, with two more opening by the end of the year. In Dallas, Harwood International, which owns a dozen or so restaurants in the area, opened Hôtel Swexan in June. In the St Gallen region of Switzerland two hotels were recently added to beloved restaurants: the revamped Mammertsberg  and  Gasthaus Traube . In Slovenia, AS Hotel is a new place to stay launched Sebastjan Raspopović, son of chef Svetozar Raspopović-Pope of renowned restaurant Gostilna AS in Lublijana. Aside from a restaurant by Raspopović-Pope, the hotel has an eatery by Michelin-lauded chef Ana Roš. Finally,  R48 , and its lauded Chef’s Table, was opened in Tel Aviv last spring by R2M Hospitality Group, which also runs restaurants CoffeeBar and Herzl 16. Devorah Lev-Tov

15. Silent travel

What’s the trend? In an age of overstimulation, silence might be just what we need from our travels in 2024. Offering a chance to restore and reset, silent travel represents a more mindful kind of trip, one that doesn’t leave you needing a holiday to recover from your holiday. Silent meditation retreats are an increasingly popular wellness trend, but silent travel also encompasses secluded nature resorts, sleep retreats , quiet hotels , silent walking tours and even silent disco and concert experiences.

Why will it matter in 2024? Saturated with stress and screen time, many of us are looking for ways to disconnect. The silent walking trend that recently took TikTok by storm reflects a growing impulse to escape the noise of our tech-fuelled lives and embrace the quiet, with promising implications for wellbeing. One 2015 study suggests silence may help to stimulate brain development, while another found that two minutes of silence during or after relaxing music increased the music's calming effects. With the Global Wellness Institute forecasting a 21 per cent increase in wellness tourism in the next two years, what better counter to the chaos of our always-on lives than silence? Silent travel is also part of a move towards more sustainable tourism. Quiet Parks International , for example, offers unique nature experiences in dedicated quiet spaces, reducing noise pollution for the surrounding wildlife. Silent travel opportunities abound in 2024. Kick off the year with a silent retreat in Portugal (with Innate ) or Italy (with Mandali ). More adventurous silent-seekers can trek the peaceful Japanese Kumano Kodo trail, or explore Finland’s Arctic landscape with a Silence & Nature Tour . For a tailor-made silent experience, Black Tomato’s Blink camp offers luxury accommodation in the world’s most remote settings, while its Get Lost programme promises to help you find yourself by getting lost in a far-flung location. Tasha Kleeman

16. Urban gardens

What’s the trend? Never mind the biophilic office and those pot plants you forget to water: whole cities are going green as architects and planners create leafy microclimates amid the grey concrete to help keep us cooler, connect communities and even feed us.

Why will it matter in 2024? Having trees and gardens in our cities is a pretty good idea. King Nebuchadnezzar certainly thought so, which is why his Hanging Gardens of Babylon made it into travel’s first-ever bucket list – the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – back in the 2nd century BC. Nowadays planting trees creates much-needed shade, stores carbon and increases biodiversity, but it also makes our cityscapes so much nicer. While Valencia, an early adopter of urban greening with its 12km-long Turia Garden in 1986, is the 2024 European Green Capital, France is busy planting trees like there’s no tomorrow: go to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and you’ll spot budding new forests growing in Place du Colonel-Fabien, Place de Catalogne and in the Charonne district, while Bordeaux’s Grandeur Nature project includes urban cooling islands, micro-forests and rain gardens. All of which will doubtless be discussed at the ISHS Green Cities 2024 symposium, hosted by RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, England, in September. Meanwhile, on Cyprus – an island that experienced temperatures of 44℃ in 2023 – the new Salina Park opens in time for summer shade in the seaside city of Larnaca. In Brazil, Rio’s Hortas Cariocas is a groundbreaking achievement that will be completed by the end of 2024: the largest urban vegetable garden in the world, connecting 56 community gardens across favelas and schools. And in London, the £1-billion Google building in King’s Cross will show just what can be done with one structure. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the "landscraper" – only 11 storeys high but stretching out longer than the Shard is tall – is hoped to provide a blueprint for future urban projects: running along the rooftop is a multi-level garden, with wildflowers, lawns and decked seating areas, set with more than 55,000 plants and 250 trees. Can you dig it? Rick Jordan

17. Back-of-house tours

What’s the trend? Greener hotels giving us a look behind the scenes to show us – not just tell us – they're sustainable. We don't mean a look-see at solar panels or composting, but heart-lifting experiential tours that help us appreciate why it matters to support socio-economic uplift through tourism. In South America, Blue Apple Beach invites visitors to get up close and personal with the community work it does in Colombia through its impact fund. Founder Portia Hart wanted more than token-gesture carbon offsetting, where locals themselves could decide how money was spent. In Africa, guests of the Bushcamp Company contribute to initiatives through the Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund. A popular excursion in Zambia is visiting the boreholes that are installed with outreach funds. Each pump provides fresh drinking water to hundreds of people a day, and visitors who spend time with those gathered get a very tangible insight into how such provisions funded by hospitality can literally change lives in regions most affected by a warming planet.

Why will it matter in 2024? Transparency is on the up as the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive comes into force and greenwashing is coming close to being officially outlawed. A year of droughts, floods and heatwaves also reminds us we need to make better-informed choices in our travel planning – and all the better if we can also get a crash course in the science and sociology of positive impact. Experiences that go beyond explaining responsible practices, but demonstrate a deep respect for communities on the climate-change frontlines and help make their challenges relatable to visitors are especially helpful. Juliet Kinsman

18. Wild feasting

What’s the trend? Have you ever noticed how food always tastes better outdoors? But in today’s modern world many of us are more used to eating a sandwich while staring at a screen. Wild feasting describes the trend for beautifully curated culinary experiences in natural environments with the incorporation of hyper-local and foraged ingredients. In Sweden, for example, you can tap into a network of do-it-yourself outdoor restaurants where you book a table in a scenic location, search for nettles, birch leaves, lingonberries and trumpet chanterelles, and then cook them on an open fire according to a recipe card provided by a Michelin-grade chef.

Why will it matter in 2024? A greater range of wild feasting opportunities will give urbanites a chance to properly connect over food. Leading the way is Noah Ellis, founder of the UK's Nomadic Dinners. “Since launching in 2018, we experienced compounded year-on-year growth for our feasting and foraging experiences,” he says. In 2024 he will be hosting a new series of fire feasts, including one set among the bluebells. Also tapping into the zeitgeist is TikTok star Alexis Nikole Nelson (aka the Black Forager) who will publish a book about wild food in 2024. And don’t forget, 2024 is the last year you will be able to eat at Copenhagen’s legendary, foraging-focused restaurant Noma before it turns into a test kitchen and closes to the public. Another innovator is Holmen Lofoten’s Kitchen On The Edge Of The World series in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, where guests can participate in four nights of wild feasts cooked by top chefs. In 2024, these will include Lennox Hastie, José Pizarro and Heidi Bjerkan. Ingunn Rasmussen, owner of Holmen Lofoten, says: “Now, as when we were little kids, gathering around a bonfire in the wilderness, sharing stories, feasting under the stars in these magical, remote surroundings is one of the absolute highlights, both for our guests and for us.” Jenny Southan

19. Plan-free travel

What's the trend? Saying no to endless scrolling to plan every inch of a trip, and saying yes to spontaneity instead. The power of the algorithm-spawned era of Fomo travel is waning, with those once secret spots made Insta-famous becoming tired and cookie-cutter, and the drive to plan a trip around them losing momentum. The rising counter movement is travel with no plans at all.

Why will it matter in 2024? The plan-free appeal is going one step further in 2024. Booking.com recently reported that 50 per cent of UK travellers want to book a surprise trip in 2024, where everything, even the destination, is unknown until arrival. And it’s possible to do it via travel companies such as Black Tomato, whose Get Lost service offers customers the ability to simply select a preferred environment – polar, jungle, desert, mountain or coastal – and leave its team decide everything else. “While we launched Get Lost several years ago, post-pandemic we’ve seen a notable and rising uptick in bookings and enquiries,” says Black Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant. Journee offers a similar surprise element, with travellers only finding out where they’re going at the airport. The service, which includes a full itinerary and access to a team via Whatsapp, is particularly popular with solo female travellers, while overall demand has grown so much that the London-based brand recently launched trips in the USA. Lauren Burvill

20. Frontier tourism

What’s the trend? To go above and beyond. Or below and under. As crossings of the tumultuous Drake Passage to Antarctica rack up millions of TikTok views and traffic jams form on Everest, canny travellers are seeking more individual, less obvious experiences that combine thrill-seeking with more meaningful self-empowerment.

Why will it matter in 2024? One person’s frontier is another’s backyard, of course, so frontiers are entirely subjective here. For some, this could mean being the first to camp under the stars in a remote landscape, or hike an ancient pilgrimage trail that’s been off the map for centuries. It’s still possible to bag a rare place on a Kamba African Rainforest Experience in the Republic of the Congo, being one of just 12 people to explore a game park the size of Belgium. Black Tomato, meanwhile, is designing an intrepid new expedition to the remote Mitre Peninsula in Argentina, along with a trip in Peru navigating the Sacred Valley of the Incas by raft. “This sort of adventure goes beyond bragging rights and is more akin to self-empowerment and the gratification of pushing our own horizons,” says Black Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant. The Ultimate Travel Company is also heading to Peru, a country repositioning itself for luxury travellers, with stays at Puqio, its first tented exploration camp,, in the remote Colca Valley in the Southern Peruvian Andes. Wilderness camping is also pegging out fresh terrain in Kyrgyzstan, with yurt stays on the steppes trending for 2024, according to Wild Frontiers, as is Mongolia; while Albania, Mongolia, Pakistan and the Empty Quarter of Oman are all on the radar for an increasing number of travellers. And while the space-age pods of White Desert have already sold out for New Year’s Eve 2024 and 2025, latter-day frontiersfolk can take the path less travelled and explore the frozen continent’s southern coast (99 per cent of visitors go from South America to the northwest) with The Ultimate Travel Company’s new Ross Sea cruises, seeing the Ross Ice Shelf and Transantarctic Mountains. Don’t forget to pack your penknife. Rick Jordan

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''India, the world's fastest growing major aviation market, is on the verge of an international travel boom as the economy grows and household incomes rise,'' Airbus said in a release.

''The A350 is perfectly positioned to serve the country's aspirations for long-range travel,'' it said.

The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

The A350 is the world's most modern and efficient wide-body aircraft in the 300-410 seater category, the release added.

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Welcome to Skift Megatrends 2023.

We are excited to present to you the 10th version of our annual megatrends. This undertaking is our largest collective editorial project of the year, the result of hundreds of hours of work that starts with initial planning back in early summer. Skift editors and researchers don’t take our trends lightly, putting the ideas through rigorous self-examination and batting down those that don’t feel completely fresh and cutting-edge.

As always, we offer a wide-ranging set of topics that we hope will guide you in your businesses in smarter ways for 2023 and beyond. We’ve had a pretty good record of being prescient with our big-picture trends. This year, from blended traveling to the potential for generative AI, to India’s reordering of travel, to name just three of our 16 trends, we weigh in across most sectors with forward-thinking ideas that we are confident will come to fruition.

Even as we all return to a more vital pace of traveling, the pandemic continues to leave its legacy on the industry in both challenging and positive ways. Here’s hoping our current megatrends will help you navigate and succeed through this new landscape. — Tom Lowry, Skift Editor-in-Chief

The Anywhere Traveler Puts New Destinations on the Map

India Becomes the New China in the Reordering of Asia Travel

Travelers Learn to Live With Permanxiety

Climate Impact Moves From Marketing to Operations

Big Banks Chase a Bigger Piece of the Travel Market

Blended Travel Comes of Age

Q&A: Short-Form Video Is Now a Must-Have for Destination Marketers

Price Transparency in Short-Term Rentals Will Catch Fire

Border Bottlenecks Widen Travel’s Divide

Tour Operators Embrace the Long-Elusive Software Solution

Q&A: Destinations Double Down on Nature and Culture to Attract Luxury Travelers

The Changing Face of Human Capital in Travel

Q&A: Why Wellness and Sustainability Now Go Hand in Hand

TikTok Chips Away at Google’s Dominance in Travel Discovery

A New Super Luxury Goes a Step Further

Planners Embrace Transformational Experience-First Events

Q&A: Putting Customer Care at the Heart of the Travel Experience

Travel Marketing Poised for Reboot From Generative AI

Q&A: Preparing for the Age of Artificial Intelligence in Travel

Airline Revenue Success Comes With Cost Distress

Hotels Make Emotion The New Brand Standard

Q&A: Timeshare 2.0 – Redefining Shared Vacation Ownership for a New Generation

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Edited by Tom Lowry

Art Direction by Matt Heidkamp and Bea Tagliaferri

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Health Risks To Be Aware Of When Traveling To India

W here do you start with a country as vast as India? From its mountainous north to its tropical south — with scorching deserts and countless mega cities in between — you could spend a lifetime here and barely scratch the surface. It's a must-see destination for all travelers and one that begs to be explored beyond well-known tourist hotspots like the Taj Mahal . But you'd be forgiven for feeling an ounce of trepidation, given the number of health-related scare stories you may have heard from other visitors. Here's the thing — yes, you need to familiarize yourself with the risks of a trip to India before you travel. Still, it certainly doesn't mean you can't do so safely.

Let's take hygiene and sanitation first. The standards in India, in some regions, are not as high as you'd expect from mainland Europe or Australia, but there are plenty of ways to arm yourself with protection during your trip. Vaccines, for one, are super important here. And then there's personal hygiene, not to mention educating yourself on the risks of altitude sickness and air pollution, depending on where in India you'll be exploring. To help get the ball rolling, book an appointment with your doctor at least eight weeks before you jet off — they'll be able to provide ample travel advice tailored specifically to you. But for now, here are some of the most important health risks to consider before you explore the many wonders of India.

Read more: Dangerous European Destinations To Skip On Your Next Trip

Get Yourself Up To Date With These Vaccines

Many of the vaccines here will have been given to you as a child, but it's possible that one could have slipped through the net, or you may need a booster shot. You likely had 2 doses of the chickenpox vaccine at 12 months and 4 years old, but if you didn't, get yourself up to date — a new variant (clade 9) has been detected in India. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are also present in the country. As a baby, you probably had three shots of the combined vaccine and three boosters as a child. If you didn't, get 1 shot before heading to India and a booster dose every 10 years thereafter. Make sure you're fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and polio, too. The MMR vaccine should have been given to you in 2 shots — at 12 months and 4 years old. And the polio vaccine comes in four doses — usually given at two months, four months, six months, and four years old.

The CDC also recommends that everyone over 6 months get the flu vaccine yearly, and those over 50, or those with a weakened immune system, should have the shingles vaccine. You must be protected against both illnesses in India — more than 1 million cases of shingles are recorded here yearly, and the country's peak flu season coincides with what's considered the best time to visit India — October to May.

These Additional Jabs Are Also Recommended

Traveling to exotic, new places is one of life's ultimate pleasures, but it brings with it the risk of new diseases. First up is cholera — thought to be present in India and spread through dirty water or contaminated food. The vaccine is given as a drink in two doses, each taken a week apart. Japanese encephalitis is next — this rare but dangerous infection is spread by mosquitoes, with outbreaks in India typically occurring during the rainy season — from May to October. If you're traveling during this time, especially if you'll be staying in rural areas, consider this two-dose vaccine for peace of mind.

You should also protect yourself from typhoid fever, especially if you plan to stay with friends or relatives. It's spread through unclean water and food and is especially prevalent in rural parts of the country. Two types of vaccine are available for typhoid — one in pill form (four pills taken every other day) or a shot vaccine. Both should be given at least two weeks before traveling.

Ensure your doses of Hepatitis A and B are up to date, too. Each is spread in similar ways, whether that's contaminated food or drink, having sex with an infected person, or sharing needles with one. Both vaccines are routine and given to children in the U.S., but as an adult traveling to India, you should get the combined vaccine as a booster shot to make sure you're still protected.

Keep Away From All Animals

Do you love to pet every dog, stroke every cat, and take pictures of every monkey you see? Well, this isn't advised in India. In fact, it will increase your risk of contracting certain diseases. Animal bites and wounds can play host to a whole load of these — cellulitis and fasciitis are just some examples common in India, with both almost always requiring strong antibiotics for treatment.

What's more, India has the highest number of reported cases of rabies in the world — a rare but serious infection that's usually fatal once symptoms appear. Rabid dogs are often the problem here, but you can get rabies from any infected animal if it bites you, scratches you, or licks a wound on your body. It all sounds terrifying, but there are easy ways to stay safe. 

First, steer clear of all animals, including those cute-looking monkeys at temples. Second, get the pre-exposure vaccine before traveling — this is two doses (one given seven days after the other), and a third dose is needed within three years if you continue to visit high-risk areas. It'll protect you from a rabies infection for a little while (if you've been exposed to the virus), giving you time to reach a hospital in India for the two-dose post-exposure vaccine. Depending on where you are in the country, this may be difficult to come by. So, having a medical evacuation insurance policy covering emergency travel to receive it can give you peace of mind.

Consider Your Malaria Risk

You've probably heard about malaria — a serious flu-like illness caused by a parasite that infects certain types of mosquitoes. Whether you'll need extra special medication depends on where your adventures in India are taking you and when you plan to travel. Most regions are low-risk — malaria has been found in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Still, most cases occur in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. There's also a higher risk if you're traveling to India during its monsoon season (June to September), when hot temperatures, heavy rains, and a risk of flooding bring more mosquitoes.

Make sure to have a strong insect repellent on hand, and wear long, loose-fitted clothing to avoid being bitten. But if you're going to high-risk areas, get prescription antimalarials, too. Some of these tablets will need to be taken before your trip, during your travels, and after you get back — your doctor can help you determine which medication is best for you.

Another mosquito-borne illness to be aware of is Dengue — it's become more common in India over recent years. The mosquitos that carry it are often found in urban areas, but there's no vaccine. This means using a strong insect repellent, sleeping under a mosquito net, and covering your skin is your best defense. Dengue can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and joint and muscle pain, but not everyone infected will feel sick.

Prepare For Diarrhea

One key symptom across many of the illnesses we've spoken about already is (the dreaded) diarrhea. While you can "get the runs" from anywhere in the world, "Delhi belly" is fairly common for visitors to India. From a 24-hour bout of loose stools to a full-on episode of travelers' diarrhea (TD) or giardiasis, the risk is exceptionally high here. You have a 60% chance of getting TD during a two-week trip. It's usually caused by eating or drinking contaminated foods or liquids, so it pays to be vigilant at all times.

Washing your hands as often as possible or using an antibacterial gel (when running water isn't available) can help protect you from germs. But you'll also want to avoid drinking tap water (even when brushing your teeth) and always ask for drinks without ice when you're out and about. Stick to filtered, boiled, or bottled water wherever you can. Oh, and when it comes to eating at restaurants or from food stalls in India, say no to anything that's been reheated, not to mention seafood and meat, which can also pose real risks if they're not fresh. Steering clear of raw, unpeeled fruit and veg is a good idea, too. If you're concerned about getting diarrhea while you're away, bring along some anti-diarrhea medication and oral rehydration salts, which can help relieve symptoms and give you peace of mind.

Protect Yourself From COVID-19

Sorry — it's likely you're a bit fed up hearing about this virus and the three-year-long global emergency it caused. Nevertheless, it's another jab you should consider getting before you make your way to India. True, there are no COVID-19 testing requirements to enter the country — you don't even need to prove you're vaccinated — but it's a good idea to make sure you're covered should you become infected while you're out there. Why? India is so densely populated. 

Despite being one-third the size of the U.S., it has four times the population, which increases the likelihood of virus transmission. Daily cases in the country are indeed low at this time. Still, the virus appears to circulate during specific seasons — India's last spike saw a total of 12,193 people infected with COVID-19 on April 21, 2023. With all this in mind, it's better to be safe than sorry, so do your part to stay protected from the illness. The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 5 get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine yearly, especially those traveling internationally.

Air Quality Is A Huge Problem

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, stunning architecture, and jaw-dropping landscapes, India is a real sight to behold. But if you're planning a trip here, you'll want to think carefully about the time of year you visit. Perhaps more so than any other country in the world, India has an air quality problem, thanks to many of its mega-cities with dangerous pollution levels , especially during the annual "pollution season" — from October to December.

If you need any more convincing, the air quality index in Delhi hit 500 in November 2023. For context, this is the highest measurement the index will go to and is 100 times the limit deemed healthy by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Thick smog covering the capital, brought on by car emissions, construction, and farmers burning their fields during the crop planting season, has forced schools to shut and all but non-essential construction work to be paused in the past. Avoiding India's urban areas may help, but beware that air quality is a real problem in rural settings, too.

To properly take in the sights and smells of this wondrous country, you're much better off timing your trip outside of the pollution season. But if you must travel at this time, take plenty of precautions. You'll want to bring multiple face masks and avoid going outside wherever possible, especially if you have a preexisting health condition like asthma or chronic lung disease.

Beware Of Altitude Sickness

Frankly, India is ginormous — you'd need years, perhaps decades, to explore every ounce of its captivating land mass. For this reason, some travelers choose to visit the country in sections, organizing trips to and from India over the course of many years. But if this holiday sees you planning to take in all that the north has to offer — a word of caution. The high-elevation Himalayan areas that are both stunningly beautiful and have a perfect climate during India's summertime can also bring on the symptoms of altitude sickness. We're talking about places like the home of the 14th Dalai Lama — Dharamshala, mountainous Manali, the hill resort of Shimla, and spiritual Rishikesh.

But what exactly is altitude sickness? It's when your body doesn't have time to adjust to lower oxygen levels in the atmosphere. You're looking for the tell-tale signs of a headache, nausea and vomiting, a loss of appetite, fatigue (even when resting), trouble sleeping, and dizziness. To fight altitude sickness , make sure you ascend gradually and give yourself time to acclimate to your surroundings. If your symptoms worsen, especially at rest, you should descend slowly. Planning on taking a hiking or trekking excursion in the Himalayas? Your doctor can advise you on how to physically prepare for trips to high altitudes , including using a preventative altitude sickness treatment, such as acetazolamide. But if you notice troublesome symptoms on this medication, follow the safety guidance above.

Protect Yourself From The Sun

Regardless of the time of year, you're visiting India, you need to be careful when it comes to sun exposure. In Mumbai, for example, the UV Index (UVI) has been recorded as 8.2, which falls under the high-risk category — meaning you should avoid direct sunlight wherever possible, especially in the middle of the day. This is particularly important during the summer months (March to May) and where elevation is high, such as in the Himalayan areas in the north.

Other ways to stay as safe as possible are using a high-SPF sunscreen and reapplying it every two hours to protect yourself from sunburn . Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a sun hat to ward off heat-related illnesses like heat stroke . Steering clear of any physical activity when temperatures are high is also advised. So, too, is drinking plenty of water often and eating small, regular meals throughout the day.

Be Aware Of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Arming yourself with protection against STIs is always a good idea, whether you're exploring new sights abroad or going about your normal routine at home. But make sure you stay extra vigilant during your trip to India — especially if you're a member of a high-risk population group, such as someone who's transgender, a man who has sex with men, or a female sex worker. Why? In 2019, it was found that 2.3 million people in India were living with HIV, especially in areas such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Compare this with 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S.

None of this is anything to worry about, though — you just need to be sensible and follow all the same general advice as you would at home. First off — don't have unprotected sex. If you do choose to have sex while in India, make sure you use latex condoms correctly. Second, don't share any needles, including needles used for getting a new tattoo, a piercing, or health therapies like acupuncture. Lastly, don't inject drugs. HIV can be spread through each of these means via bodily fluids, such as saliva, blood, and semen. Not to mention other STIs that can be contracted in similar ways, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Get Pre-Travel Advice, Even If Visiting People You Know

Are you jetting off to India to visit relatives or old friends? Chances are you're counting down the days until you're reunited with your loved ones. But before you hop on a flight, make sure you've checked in with a doctor. While your trip to India may technically be a return to your homeland, it's just as important for you to be made aware of the health risks at play, if not more so. For instance, you might be staying in a rural area not set up properly for tourists — somewhere that doesn't have a hospital or medical facilities nearby. Or maybe you'll be eating all of your meals with local family members who don't have adequate running water or the same sanitation measures you're used to when it comes to preparing food.

Even if you think it's a waste of time, book an appointment with your doctor at least eight weeks before you travel anyway. It can give you peace of mind that you're up to date with all the necessary vaccines, are aware of the risks you might be facing, and have all the right precautions in place should something go wrong.

Read the original article on Explore .

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Why prajwal revanna’s travel on diplomatic passport created a row, and what mea says, ministry spokesperson randhir jaiswal clarifies that no political clearance was sought or issued for the travel and no visa note issued either since diplomatic passport holders do not need visa to go to any country.

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Prajwal, the grandson of former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda and the sitting MP from Karnataka’s Hassan, apparently left India on April 27 soon after sex video clips, believed to run into a few thousand and allegedly involving him, surfaced. Based on a police complaint by a woman who has alleged sexual assault, a case was registered against Prajwal.

The Congress government in Karnataka has set up a special investigation team to probe the allegations. The party has alleged that the BJP government at the Centre had allowed Prajwal to flee. The BJP and JD(S) are allies in the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, however, stated that no political clearance was sought from or issued by the ministry regarding Prajwal’s travel to Germany. He said no visa note was issued either since diplomatic passport holders do not need visa to go to any country. The MEA had not issued a visa note for any country, Jaiswal maintained.

It all sounds like a complex situation. While it’s not uncommon for diplomatic passports to extend certain privileges, it’s essential for the authorities to ensure that these passports aren’t misused. Given the serious nature of the allegations against Prajwal, proper legal processes need to be followed in the case.

According to the MEA’s official website, diplomatic and official passports are issued to people holding diplomatic status or those deputed by the Indian government for official duty abroad. A diplomatic passport, also known as ‘Type D’ passport, is also issued to individuals authorised to undertake official travel on behalf of the government. Technically then, Prajwal may be authorised to have a diplomatic passport, but it does not allow him to use a ‘Type D’ passport for personal travel or for commercial purposes. It means that if Prajwal is travelling abroad at a private level or for a commercial matter, he is supposed to inform the authorities.

However, Germany, under the 2011 bilateral agreement, allows visa-free travel to Indian diplomatic passport holders up to 90 days. To date, 34 countries, including France, Austria, Afghanistan, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Switzerland and Japan, allow Indian diplomatic passport holders short-duration travel, ranging between 30 to 90 days.

Moreover, the rules also say that MPs are required to apply for prior political clearance directly to the MEA even if their travel abroad is for private purposes, such as for tourism or to meet family.

According to the Rajya Sabha parliamentary bulletin published on December 2022, “Visa endorsements on the diplomatic passports of members (MPs) and their spouses from the concerned foreign embassy/high commission may be arranged by the members themselves. It is also applicable to members travelling abroad in their personal capacity for participation in conferences, seminars, etc. by virtue of their expertise and domain knowledge, with or without foreign hospitality.”

It also stated that MPs and their spouses are entitled for diplomatic passports, which are issued by the Consular, Passport and Visa Division of the MEA at Patiala House, New Delhi. As per the revised instructions issued by the MEA, MPs and their spouses desirous of holding diplomatic passports have to apply online on the Passport Seva website (www.passportindia.gov.in). Political clearance may be applied for on the MEA’s e-Political Clearance System (https://www.epolclearance.gov.in), the rules stated. Unlike the blue coloured standard Indian passport, a diplomatic passport is maroon. It has 28 pages and is valid up to five years only. The holder of a diplomatic passport enjoys hassle-free travel for many countries and also enjoys certain immunities as per international laws, including immunity from arrest, detention and certain legal proceedings in the host country, thus safeguarding their ability to perform official duties without hindrance.

With the demand mounting that Prajwal be brought back to India to face investigation, the first requirement would be cancelling of his diplomatic passport, but that could require judicial intervention. “As regards the possible revocation of the passport of any individual, I would refer you to the relevant provisions of The Passport Act, 1967. We are not receiving any directions from any court in this regard,” said Jaiswal.

So far, Karnataka’s special investigation team probing the allegations against Prajwal has only issued lookout notices to various immigration points in the country and will need to approach the courts for revocation of the JD(S) leader’s diplomatic passport.

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