The Best Backpacking India Route for First-Timers

The perfect backpacking India route for first-timers is here! This itinerary can take anywhere between 3 to 4 weeks to complete. It takes in all the main sights in and around the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan.

Backpacking India route

4-day Delhi itinerary

Start your backpacking India route in India’s bustling capital city; Delhi. Delhi can be broken up into 3 sections; Old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi. Here are the top attractions in each area.

Old Delhi:

• Red Fort (500 Rupees/ $7.04).
• Jama Masjid – Mosque (Free).
• Chandni Chowk – The main street in Old Delhi, and where Gadodia Market is located. You will also find the world’s biggest spice market in Chandi Chowk.

New Delhi:

• Swaminarayan Sanstha – Temple complex (Free).
• Humayun’s Tomb – Taj Mahal inspiration building (500 Rupees/ $7.04).
• Ladi Gardens (Free).
• Gandhi Smriti – Where Gandhi was assassinated (Free).
• India Gate (Free).

South Delhi:

• Qutab Minar (500 Rupees).
• Lotus Temple (Free).
• Hauz Khas Village – Make sure to stop by Kunzum Travel Café for coffee and cookies.

Note: Getting around Delhi is easy with tuk-tuks and the metro system. However, tuk-tuks may try to overcharge you. Use this calculator to help you work out a fair fare.

For more information on FREE things to do in Delhi, check out our blog post here.

Where to stay in Delhi

Backpacker Panda Delhi – Backpacker Panda is situated along the Main Bazaar, at the end of the road from New Delhi Railway Station. It’s the perfect place for first-timers due to its proximity to Delhi’s attractions, nightlife and food stalls. We recommend this hostel for budget travellers that like to meet other travellers and socialise.

Bloomrooms Delhi – Bloom Rooms is located a 5-minute walk away from New Delhi Railway station. We love this hotel for its cloud-comfy beds and bright, sunny yellow decor that gives off a happy and refreshing vibe. You also have the option of an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast. The breakfast is a nice mix of Indian and Western cuisines that will give you tons of energy to tackle this busy Delhi itinerary. This place is perfect for couples or people who just want their own space to escape the noisy city life.

For more prices and deals on properties in Delhi, CLICK HERE.

3-day Agra itinerary

After a busy few days in Delhi, take a train to India’s most popular attraction; the Taj Mahal! The Taj Mahal is located in Agra which is just a 3-hour train ride away from Delhi. You can book trains yourself by heading to the Indian government website or checking out Bookaway for an easier alternative. Below we have listed the main attractions in Agra:

• Taj Mahal – Costs 1,000 Rupees ($14.09) or for a cheaper alternative, Mehtab Bagh which is a garden opposite the complex and costs just 200 Rupees ($2.82). Click here to find out everything you need to know before visiting the Taj Mahal.
• Taj nature walk (100 Rupees/ $1.41).
• Agra Fort (550 Rupees/ $7.75).
• Sheroes Hangout – a café run by acid attack victims

Where to stay in Agra

Backpacker Panda Friends Agra – We stayed at Backpacker Panda Friends. The guesthouse has many rooms to choose from; dorm, private, AC and fan. The guesthouse is conveniently located 1 km away from the Taj Mahal’s east gate. The guesthouse has a very social atmosphere and is run by Yusef and his friendly staff. This place is perfect for both solo travellers and couples.

For more prices and deals on properties in Agra, CLICK HERE.

3-day Jaipur itinerary (aka Pink City)

To reach Jaipur from Agra, you can take a train. The train takes a swift 3 – 4 hours and is the easiest way to travel between the two. Here are a few things you must see in Jaipur:

• Jal Mahal – A Palace on the Lake (Free).
• Royal Gaitor Tumbas (30 Rupees/ $0.42).
• Birla Mandir – A pretty white temple (Free).
• Hawa Mahal – A stunning architectural building (200 Rupees/ $2.82).
• Nahargarh Fort (200 Rupees/ $2.82).
• Amber Fort and Palace (500 Rupees/ $7.04).

Want to get off the beaten track in Jaipur? Check out these 4 off the beaten track things to do.

Where to stay in Jaipur

Villa 243 – Villa 243 is a small boutique hotel situated outside of the hustle and bustle of Jaipur. It’s the perfect couples retreat! The villa boasts an on-site masseuse, a rooftop pool and restaurant, taxi services, and sky television. The design and decor are modern and contemporary.

Backpacker Panda Stephels – If you are looking for a more central and lively location, check out Backpacker Panda. They have both dorm rooms and private rooms to choose from. The hostel is very clean and decorated with colourful art. The staff are also very welcoming and accommodating.

For more prices and deals on properties in Jaipur, CLICK HERE.

3-day Pushkar itinerary

Next up on your backpacking India route is the lakeside town of Pushkar. To get to Pushkar you will need to take a 2-hour train to Ajmer. From Ajmer take a public bus or taxi to Pushkar. The ride should only take 30-40 minutes. Here are a few things to do in Pushkar:

• Explore the market
• Relax by the lake
• Brahma temple
• Rent a bike and breathe nature
• Take a flower tour with Dia Homestay

Where to stay in Pushkar

Dia Homestay – For the perfect Pushkar experience, we recommend staying at Dia Homestay. It’s perfect if you want to stay away from the tourist traps of the lake and surrounding markets. Dia Homestay provides the perfect escapism from Pushkar’s beeping bikes and touting traders.

For more prices and deals on properties in Pushkar, CLICK HERE.

3-day Jodhpur itinerary (aka Blue City) 

After Pushkar, head to the Blue City; Jodhpur. To get to Jodhpur you will need to take a bus or taxi back to Ajmer. From Ajmer, you can take a direct train to Pushkar, which takes around 4 hours. Here are a few things to do in Jodhpur:

• Mehrangarh Fort (600 Rupees/ $8.45).
• Jaswant Thada Temple (50 Rupees/ $0.70).
• Sadar Market and clock tower.
• Explore the blue streets.
• Toorjika Stepwell (Free).

For more detailed information on how to spend your time in Jodhpur, click here.

Where to stay in Jodhpur

Almond Tree Homestay – The homestay is situated in a quiet gated neighbourhood and is run by Megah, Chetan and their friendly staff. It’s the perfect stay for couples and people looking for a quiet place to stay after a long day of exploring the hustle and bustle of Jodhpur. The rooms are decorated to a high standard and there is a rooftop jacuzzi pool to relax your body at the end of the day.

For more prices and deals on properties in Jodhpur, CLICK HERE.

4-day Udaipur itinerary

The final stop on this backpacking India route is Udaipur; also known as the White City. There are no direct trains from Jodhpur to Udaipur, therefore we recommend taking a bus. The bus takes between 4-7 hours depending on which bus you take. You can book tickets on the day you want to travel, just go to the main bus terminal. Before we get started on things to do in Udaipur, you may want to check out these super insane things to know first.

Below is a list of the must-see and do attractions in Udaipur:

• City Palace Museum (200 Rupees/ $2.82 or 30 Rupees / $0.42 for the palace grounds).
• Vintage car collection museum (250 Rupees/ $3.52).
• Sunset terrace for food and sunset.
• Views around Lake Pichola.
• Boat ride to Jag Mandir Palace – Where Katy Perry got married (300 Rupees/ $4.23 for boat trip).
• Karni Mata Temple – Take a rope-way up (80 Rupees / $1.13 round trip).
• Art class (150 Rupees/ $2.11 per hour).

Need some relaxation time in Udaipur? Check out these top 5 relaxing activities to do in Udaipur.

Where to stay in Udaipur

Black Pepper Homestay – Cheap, basic homestay that is in an excellent location to Udaipur’s attractions. Also has a restaurant serving delicious Indian and Western cuisine.

For more prices and deals on properties in Udaipur, CLICK HERE.

This is the end of the backpacking Rajasthan itinerary. From Udaipur, you can continue South to extend your India journey to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala or the busy streets of Mumbai. Or, for more inspiration check out these top 10 things to do in India with kids.

Costs of backpacking India

Currency: The currency in India is Rupee. The exchange rate is 70 Indian Rupee to 1 US Dollar.

Daily budget: Excluding accommodation, we budgeted between 1,000 Rupees – 1,500 Rupees ($14.09 – $21.15) per day. This cost is based on two people and covered the costs of activities and food and drink throughout the day.

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation ranges significantly. Dorm beds can be found for as low as 200 Rupees ($2.82) per night. Double rooms start at around 400 Rupees ($5.64) per night but can rise significantly depending on location and luxuriousness.

Food and drink: A curry-based dish is priced between 80-200 Rupees ($1.13 – $2.82). Plain rice costs between 50-110 Rupees ($0.70 – $1.55), and chapatis from 8-15 Rupees ($0.11 – $0.21). The prices will differ depending on the establishment. For international dishes, such as pizza and pasta, prices range from 100-200 Rupees ($1.41 – $2.82). On average a bottle of water costs 20 Rupees ($0.28). A can of beer costs around 200 Rupees ($2.82).

Transport: The cost of the train ranges depending on the class you choose. We opted for a sleeper class. This class is fan-only and is usually packed with locals. This is the cheapest carriage. We recommend you book your train tickets yourself using the Indian government website. You will save a lot of money on agent fees.

India is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Asia. For more cheap countries in Asia make sure to check out this post!

Backpacking India travel tips

Be open-minded – It’s important to come to India with an open mind. India seems to be a lot like Marmite; people either LOVE it or HATE it and want to leave after a week. Be open-minded and you have more chance of enjoying yourself!

Barter, barter – Make sure to put your bartering skills to good use. You will certainly need them; whether that be for tuk-tuks, taxis, souvenirs, or hotels. If you know the item is overpriced, walk away! The price is likely to be half quicker than you think.

Avoid Delhi belly – Getting sick is quite common in India. Whilst at times it may be unavoidable, there are measures you can take to cut the risk. Do NOT drink the water, make sure you wash your hands regularly, and if possible eat at places where you can see the food being cooked.

Booking trains – Many people seek the help of agencies to book their trains. Of course, this comes at an extra fee. However, you can reserve your seats online using the government website. Once you get the hang of it, it’s very easy to use.

Be careful of scams – Genius scams are thought up everywhere in the world, and India has no shortage of them. Be careful of scams that involve buying food and milk for babies and scams around transport hubs. Always purchase your transport tickets from the official transport desk, and always check the information with them. Don’t let anyone tell you that your bus or train has been cancelled. Check for yourself!

Hikes in India – This itinerary mainly covers temples, palaces and forts, but India has plenty of hikes to offer too. Check out this list of top 10 hiking spots.

Essential resources for travelling in India

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing. You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway. Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide. Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

We hope you enjoyed this backpacking India route for first-timers. The Golden Triangle is the perfect region of India for a mix of culture, history, and delicious food. So, book that flight and prepare yourself for the land of tuk-tuks, mouth-watering curries, and much more!

Where to next? Did you know that there are cheap direct flights from Delhi to Kyrgyzstan? So go ahead and explore the exciting region of Central Asia.

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*We were hosted complimentary by some of the hotels and hostels mentioned in this article. All opinions are our own, based on our experience.*