One of the luxuries of India is train travel. Okay, the trains are not as modern, plush and fast as in other countries. Trains add to the charm of traveling in India, isn't that what's important? When backpacking in India, rail travel is always a good option. It's the slower journey that's more fulfilling for you, regards to India. In any other country the same service would put you off, the cause of frustration. Traveling in India, you don't care.
A lot of your time solo traveling throughout India, you'll come to depend upon (and love) the trains. No matter where it is you want to go to, there will always be a train for you. That is one common denominator you can count on. Even the far-flung places off the map, a train will get you as close as possible to where you're going. It's one reason why we love India so much, despite the illusion the country is so poor: it's not.
Some of the best backpacking you'll ever experience in Asia, is in India. In fact, we'd even go as far to say the best backpacking is in India, for solo travelers. Is India safe for solo backpackers? Yes, with caution of course. That the same of any country, particularly for women traveling alone. One thing to be aware of are the markets in most cities. They're crowded, they're noisy and manic from early morning until late.
If you are a woman and unaccompanied, it's common for you to receive unwanted attention. In some cities you get the same experience but, in a bar, or nightclub. In India it happens in the markets. Be wary of your surroundings and what trouble could be lurking around the corner. Otherwise, India is a nice place to be for women and safe to travel.
For us, when we were backpacking in India, we would pick out one city to arrive, and leave from a different city. You choose a route or itinerary that has international airports for entry and exit. Your approach may differ of course. In any case, when deciding to backpack in India, or Asia generally, give yourself a month at least. That's what you budget for. Any shorter a period of time is pointless and yet reasons do crop up for shorter periods.
To give you some clues where to begin, think about what you want from your time in India. What interests you about India, intrigues you? Is it:
It's complicated. Because not only must you decide on where to backpack, but also when to backpack. If you remain unsure, or having second thoughts (it does happen), opt for something easy. The Golden Triangle is a "beginners basic" backpack itinerary. If you are young and under 30 years old, it'll serve you well:
We said a month is best and better for backpacking. That's correct, because India is such a huge country. But, at a pinch for reasons stated, a shorter period could be necessary. The Golden Triangle backpack itinerary opens the door for future returns to India. If you are a little hesitant backpacking to India, especially solo, then this is the safest bet.
The Golden Triangle is circuit that connects three major cities. Each city is amazing (we've been to them all), very individualistic, and ripe for exploring:
The history is so different from one to the other, as is the street food cuisine. But the real reason we took a tour of the Golden Triangle was for the Taj Mahal, that's it. Everything else, we appreciated of course but the dream was the Taj Mahal. Jaipur City takes you into Rajasthan by the way, a haven for backpackers. Read our Rajasthan travel guide for our thoughts, link below.
The list is exhaustive. You could spend a whole lifetime exploring this subcontinent. But here are our 3 favorite destinations for your next solo backpacking adventure to India. The Queen of Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu is a very important destination for backpackers. In our experience Ooty should be the top of your list. But in saying that, Assam and Kerala are two great destination choices also. Any of these three destinations would be reassuring to you, in building confidence.
For more information about all three destinations, read our travel guides:
Remember, there's a reason why Ooty is known as the Queen of Hill Stations, and why it's at the top spot. Our personal recommendation is Ooty. Traveling solo in India, this hill station will create lifelong memories you'll cherish. We didn't backpack solo of course but traveled from Kerala for a short break. All the same, Ooty is perfect for backpackers. You can stay a few days or even a week if that's what you want.
Indian hill stations have lots of things to see and do for everyone, your stay is never boring. During peak season in Ooty, the accommodation is more expensive. Which is a reminder when to plan your backpacking trip, in the low season. The low season equates to monsoon months, which actually aren't all that bad either. Ooty's peak season is from October to June, the busiest because of a wider range of outdoor activities.
In the hill stations, with their elevations so high you expect a little rain year-round. That's normal, and some months have more rain than others. Pack a light waterproof anorak anyway, even if you're going to India during their summer. The monsoon months in Ooty are anywhere from June, or July until September. Outside the monsoon months, as we said the accommodation can be more expensive. Aim for the monsoon period to enjoy cost benefits.
Any side effects from the monsoon season in Ooty? Not really, only that:
On the plus side, there are far fewer crowds, and the town is a lot quieter. Although some activities are no longer available, new activities are. International travelers flock to Ooty (and other hill stations) for the monsoon period. What they're coming for is the trekking to the waterfalls. Seeing a waterfall in India during a monsoon is a rare natural wonder.
Raging torrents of water show the power of nature not seen outside a monsoon. If you are keen to experience new thrills, you'll only need to visit a hill station during a monsoon.
We learnt about Goa in a roundabout way because of our backpacking cravings. Apparently, Goa was, and still is, a commune for hippies. In other words, a place for backpackers to hang out. Is that enough to draw you to Goa, or not? If not, then the idea of have a dozen or more gorgeous beaches should. That's what did it for us.
The best time to backpack or do any traveling to Goa is during the peak season. That'll be from autumn until spring the following year. We visited for a Christmas and New Year break, which was darned marvelous as snow had settled back home. What can you expect from being on the west coast of India? Read our winter adventure to the beaches of Goa for full details.
Decide to stay in the north or the south. It depends on the connection you want, luxury or cultural. And cost ― one is a little more expensive than the other. Remember, peak seasons are more expensive. That may impact your budget, or mean you save for longer to make your dream happen.
Pro Tip #1: There are some beaches in Goa excellent for surfing, if that's your favorite water sport? Any inclination for surfing, Goa is as good a destination as any. And Goa is far from boring.
There is excellent trekking found in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Love exploring? Then plan a backpacking adventure around Manali, India. Himachal Pradesh's state capital is Shimla City, where you are likely to begin your backpacking from. The state also has the Kulla Valley, where you can experience some of the best Himalayan culture. Not to mention the unyielding natural beauty of the mountainous landscapes.
The Himalayas has a way of intimidating. Squeezing you into submission, making you feel small and insignificant. And isn't that amazing? Of all our achievements as a species, we are brought down to earth by giants (of mountains). Of course, you want to go exploring now, to see what all the fuss is about.
The town of Manali is idyllic, the true embodiment of what tranquility really feels like. Traveling from Shimla City, north takes to you Manali Town after a 4-hour taxi journey. The taxi fare will set you back US$60 one way only, which is expensive. There is a bus service, a darned lot cheaper but you're traveling a good part of the day at 9 hours.
We were in Shimla City on a 3D2N trip and traveled to Manali and returned the following evening. That suited us of course, because we wanted to see more than just Manali Town. One of the best times to come to Shimla City in fact, is in India's winter for the snow. The Himalayan valleys promise you some of the best skiing in the world, on par with the Alps.
We visited during the summer months. July is the best month to visit the Himalaya neighborhood. The valley walls are naked, free of obstruction and the floor open to explore. Tribal villages are random, but very welcoming to foreign travelers. Solitary herdsmen taming their sheep you see further up the mountainside. Greenery is everywhere, flower in bloom and the air smells good.
Cold of course, but good. Crossing over streams, rivers and coming across waterfalls adds to the pleasure. The stream waters are cold to the touch, numbing even and you don't care. Because you are living the Himalayan dream.
As with any trip abroad, for the best experience you can have it's important you pack not only the essentials. The secret to enjoying yourself in India is this:
A few items are essential, knowing which is half the battle. Save yourself inconvenience and see what we recommend your backpack should contain:
When traveling in India you'll meet a lot of people, even foreigners from Europe and elsewhere. If you want to blend in with everyone, including locals it makes sense to wear what everyone else is wearing. Pack to dress modestly, cloths to cover shoulders and below the knees. India has a rich religious culture of various faiths. To get the most enjoyment from the temples and forts, dress accordingly.
If you do dress inappropriately, a lot of people tend to stare at you. Don't get the wrong idea, wearing a bikini or shorts on a beach is okay, not to worry. Just not off the beach that's all. Strolling around town or city calls for trousers (or a skirt) and long sleeve shirt or blouse.
One essential item for your dress convenience is a light scarf or shawl. It's something you can throw on to cover up your indiscretions. But don't pack any: buy once you are in India, they're on sale in every market. Don't pack:
The climate in India is always warm to hot, above 88°F even during periods of monsoon. So, India is way too hot for denim. Don't go packing your favorite jeans. What you must expect in India are a lack of facilities, such as running hot water and flushing toilets in most public places. Our first time ever to India, we were shocked and dismayed, really, we couldn't believe it. But you kind of accept that's how things are and adapt.
Staying in a hotel or resort is different of course. Any worthy establishment will have all modern conveniences, wifi and laundry service. Backpacking abroad, your budget does account for a little luxury.
You will at some point, be visiting one of India's hill stations. That's guaranteed in fact, you will want to, so pack a pair of warm socks and a wooly jumper. At those heights, it can be chilly most early mornings and evenings.
How may hill stations in India? At a guess, maybe over a hundred of them. Those we have found a fondness for include:
Rajasthan is a great destination for a backpacking adventure. India's hill stations are best visited out of Rajasthan state. A popular and best hill station is Ooty Hill Station of course. It's our favorite too. Read our separate Ooty, Tamil Nadu travel guide for the low down on why you must travel there.
Another top hill station to stay for a few days is Mannur Hill Station, when on holiday to Kerala. The Kerala state is pure magic. Peaceful and bliss and a wonderful experience for couples. Like Ooty, Mannur is world famous for the tea plantations. Tea plantations have taken root close to many hill stations. And not only Mannur and Ooty hill stations. Shimla Hill Station and Darjeeling Hill Station are another two we've visited, and highly recommend you visit.
Are all hill stations the same? More or less, they all have something in common. That commonality is the great outdoors, and an urge to explore. There is usually at least one lake, but it's common to have several within the vicinity of a hill station. To get a more rounded perspective of hill stations it's our suggestion to visit at least 3 of them.
The reason for so many trips is because you'll plan to come back on a different month or season each time.
Why bother with a hill station? There are lots of reasons. Let's look at a few of them:
The worst possible thing you could imagine is a hill stations are they are lack modern amenities. The town built on the hill stations aren't remote or abandoned. But, the hill stations are well connected to the larger towns and cities. Take note, many Indians themselves retreat to a hill station for a weekend getaway. Hill stations are a regular haunt for many Indians, a favorite for sports such as golfing and fishing.
Furthermore, there are always amazing spots to enjoy a sunrise or sunset. Every hill station has a peak to reach. You go trekking in search of spectacular panoramic views over a forest canopy. Sit it out for those special moments:
Lastly, the hill stations face large crowds during the weekend, and a public holiday. That may not actually bother you. What could be a bother is securing accommodation for when you plan to arrive. Even in low seasons, accommodation may be in short supply so have foresight to book in advance. How far in advance? As far as possible for you arriving in India.
For the explorer in you, India offers you some of the biggest adventures in Asia. That's undisputed, only equal to China for the depth and breadth of country. The amazing thing about India is that it grows on you. In other words, you return many times, as we have. Once bitten, forever smitten. You've no doubt heard of the saying? You've got the travel bug for India. You'll be back to continue where you left off.
There are so many benefits to be gotten by traveling to India, despite parts of the country, usually rural:
We haven't painted a bleak picture for you. Because India's future is bright. You see that with Mumbai City, it's one city that is magical in so many ways. India has cities that are rising, creating more magic and attraction for travelers. So, grab your backpack. Come to India on the next available flight for those adventures you dreamt of.
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