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India is big, bold, and brilliantly diverse — and backpacking here is an adventure that rewards the curious, the open-minded, and the slow travelers. This 3-week guide is perfect for first-timers, covering major highlights and hidden gems across North, East, and South India. Here’s a comprehensive 3-week backpacking itinerary for foreigners visiting India for the first time, balancing culture, nature, food, history, and offbeat experiences — all while staying on a budget and ensuring safety.
India is a paradise for all types of backpackers, and due to the vastness of the country, there is something for everyone here.
Week 1: The Golden Triangle + Varanasi (Classic North India)
Route: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Varanasi
Day 1–2: Delhi
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- Visit: Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Lodhi Garden
- Explore: Old Delhi’s street food (Paranthe Wali Gali, Karim’s), Chandni Chowk
- Stay: Backpacker hostels in Paharganj or Hauz Khas (₹500–₹1000)
Travel Tip: Use the Delhi Metro + Uber for safe, easy transport.
Day 3: Agra
Delhi → Agra: 2.5 hr train or bus
Day 4–5: Jaipur
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- Visit: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace
- Shop: Textiles and jewellery in Johari Bazaar
- Experience: Heritage walk + street food tour
Agra → Jaipur: 4–5 hr train
Stay: Hostels in Bani Park or Zostel Jaipur
Day 6–7: Varanasi
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- Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
- Attend evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Walk the ghats and explore Sarnath (Buddha’s first sermon)
Jaipur → Varanasi: Overnight train
Stay: Hostels in Assi Ghat or family-run guesthouses
Week 2: Himalayas or Northeast Adventure (Choose one)
Option A: Himachal Pradesh (Spiti Valley or Parvati Valley)
Day 8–10: Kasol → Tosh → Malana or Kalga (Parvati Valley)
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- Chill in cafes, do short treks, and connect with other backpackers
- Stay in riverside hostels and wooden homestays
- Hike to Kheerganga if you’re up for adventure
Varanasi → Delhi → Overnight Volvo bus to Kasol
Day 11–13: Tirthan Valley or Langza (Spiti Valley)
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- Trek, birdwatch, stargaze in peaceful Himalayan villages
- Stay with locals in Jibhi, Langza, or Mudh
More offbeat than Manali or Shimla
Option B: Northeast India
Day 8–10: Majuli (Assam)
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- Explore monasteries, cycle along paddy fields
- Stay in bamboo cottages
- Ferry over the Brahmaputra = part of the adventure
Day 11–13: Mawlynnong + Cherrapunji (Meghalaya)
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- Visit the living root bridges, waterfalls, and caves
- Stay with Khasi families in Mawlynnong or Nongriat
Guwahati is the gateway city
Week 3: South India – Beaches, Culture, and Chill
Route: Hampi → Gokarna → Goa or Kerala
Day 14–16: Hampi (Karnataka)
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- Explore ancient ruins by bicycle
- Sunrise/sunset at Hemakuta Hill
- Hippie island cafes and coracle rides
Delhi or Guwahati → Hospet by train
Day 17–18: Gokarna (Chill Beaches)
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- Hike between Kudle, Om, Half Moon, and Paradise Beaches
- Yoga, meditation, or just lay in a hammock
Hampi → Gokarna: 6 hrs by bus
Day 19–21: Palolem or Agonda (South Goa)
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- Less commercial than North Goa
- Dolphin boat tours, beachside cafés
- Great for a relaxing end to the trip
Fly out from Goa International Airport (GOI) or head to Mumbai via train
Summary Itinerary Table
| Week | Location Highlights | Region | Vibe |
| 1 | Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi | North India | Culture + Spiritual |
| 2A | Parvati or Spiti Valley | Himalayas | Nature + Adventure |
| 2B | Majuli, Meghalaya | Northeast | Tribal + Eco-Travel |
| 3 | Hampi, Gokarna, Goa | South India | Beaches + History |
Backpacker Travel Tips for India
Getting Around
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- Use IRCTC or 12Go Asia to book trains
- Sleeper or 3AC classes are budget-friendly and comfortable
- Overnight buses (Volvo) work well in the hills
Connectivity
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- Get a local Jio or Airtel SIM card on arrival (requires passport + visa copy)
Where to Stay
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- Zostel, Madpackers, The Hosteller = top hostel chains in India
- Homestays & guesthouses in rural/offbeat areas
- Booking via Hostelworld, Agoda, or directly is best
What to Eat
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- Street food is amazing! Try:
- Delhi: Chole Bhature, Momos
- Varanasi: Kachori-Sabzi, Banarasi Paan
- Hampi/Goa: Thalis, fish curry
- Avoid uncooked salads or unfiltered water
- Street food is amazing! Try:
Visa & Documents
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- Most foreigners need an e-visa (easy online application)
- Carry a few passport photos and hard copies of your passport
- Some Northeast states (e.g., Arunachal) require ILP (Inner Line Permits)
Safety & Culture
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- India is mostly safe, even solo, with basic precautions:
- Avoid isolated areas at night
- Dress modestly in rural areas and temples
- Respect local customs and ask before taking photos
- India is mostly safe, even solo, with basic precautions:
Budget Breakdown (per day estimate)
| Expense | Budget (INR) | USD (approx) |
| Hostel stay | ₹400–800 | $5–$10 |
| Food | ₹200–500 | $3–$6 |
| Transport (local) | ₹200–600 | $2.5–$7 |
| Sightseeing and entry | ₹100–300 | $1.5–$4 |
| Total Daily Cost | ₹1,000–2,000 | $12–$24 |
Essential Packing List
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- Lightweight backpack (40–50L)
- Power bank, universal adapter
- Travel insurance
- Layers (light clothes + warm jacket for the north)
- Scarf/sarong (temples, sun protection)
- Reusable water bottle & filter (like LifeStraw)
- Basic meds (diarrhoea, altitude, cold)
Final Thoughts
India can feel overwhelming — and magical. This 3-week backpacking route is designed to ease you in, with a mix of safe cities, Himalayan retreats, soulful villages, and coastal escapes. You’ll leave with dusty shoes, a full heart, and a lifetime of stories.