19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in India
Embarking on a 19-day journey across India on an ultra-lean budget is the ultimate rite of passage for any hardcore backpacker. This itinerary is designed for those who value experiences over luxury, focusing on the raw beauty of North India and the coastal energy of Mumbai while keeping costs below $8 USD a day.
By utilizing the massive network of Indian Railways (Sleeper Class), staying in social hostels like Zostel, and eating where the locals eat, you will discover a land of infinite complexity. From the Mughal grandeur of Delhi to the lakeside serenity of Udaipur, this is an epic journey through the heart of the subcontinent.
Day 1: New Delhi, India - Arrival and Paharganj Chaos
Arrival at IGI Airport
Take the Airport Express Metro (Orange Line) directly to New Delhi Railway Station for a few rupees, avoiding expensive taxis.
Check into Paharganj
Settle into a budget-friendly hostel in the main bazaar, the heart of the backpacker district known for cheap dorms and street food.
Exploring Connaught Place
Walk to the nearby colonial-era hub. Visit the Hanuman Temple and sit by the central park to watch the city move.
Street Food Dinner
Head to the narrow alleys for Chole Bhature or Samosas, keeping your meal cost under $1.50.
Day 2: New Delhi, India - Old Delhi Immersion
Jama Masjid
Visit India's largest mosque. Entry is free, though there is a fee for cameras. Respect the dress code.
Chandni Chowk Walk
Navigate the chaotic lanes of the spice market (Khari Baoli) and soak in the intense sights and smells of the historic bazaar.
Red Fort (Outside View)
Marvel at the massive sandstone walls from the outside to save on the high foreigner entrance fee.
Raj Ghat
Visit the peaceful memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, located in a quiet park away from the traffic.
Day 3: New Delhi, India - Spiritual Landmarks
Lotus Temple
Experience the silence of this Baha'i House of Worship, famous for its flower-like architecture and free entry.
Humayun's Tomb Gardens
Wander the surrounding parklands for free, or pay the entry to see the precursor to the Taj Mahal.
Lodhi Garden
A favorite for locals, this park contains 15th-century tombs and is completely free to explore.
Night Train Prep
Stock up on bananas and biscuits at a local grocer before heading to the station for your overnight move.
Day 4: Agra, India - The City of Taj
Train to Agra
Take an early morning General Class or Sleeper train from New Delhi Station for a 2-3 hour journey.
Taj Nature Walk
Instead of the expensive Taj entry, walk the nearby trails for great views of the monument from a distance.
Agra Fort Exterior
Walk around the massive moat of the Agra Fort and enjoy the Mughal architecture from the public perimeter.
Mehtab Bagh Sunset
Head across the river to the Moonlight Garden for a stunning, low-cost sunset view of the Taj Mahal.
Day 5: Jaipur, India - The Pink City
Local Bus to Jaipur
Take a public RSRTC bus from Agra to Jaipur. It's the cheapest way to travel between these major hubs.
Hawa Mahal
Observe the iconic 'Palace of Winds' from the street. The facade is the most impressive part and costs nothing to see.
Johari Bazaar
Get lost in the colorful markets of the old city, looking for local handicrafts and cheap street snacks like Pyaz Kachori.
Chokhi Dhani (Budget Version)
Skip the resort and find a local dhaba serving Rajasthani Thali for less than $2.50.
Day 6: Jaipur, India - Hilltop Forts
Amber Fort
Take the local bus from Hawa Mahal to Amber. Walk up the hill instead of taking an elephant or jeep to save money.
Panna Meena ka Kund
Visit this ancient stepwell located near Amber Fort for incredible geometric photos at no cost.
Nahargarh Fort Hike
Hike up the path to Nahargarh Fort for the best panoramic view of the entire Pink City below.
Jal Mahal
Stop by the lake to see the 'Water Palace' glowing at twilight from the promenade.
Day 7: Jaipur, India - Temples and Traditions
Galta Ji (Monkey Temple)
Trek to this unique Hindu temple complex nestled between cliffs. Watch the monkeys bathe in the holy tanks.
Birla Mandir
Visit the stunning white marble temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Albert Hall Museum Garden
Relax in the Ram Niwas Garden surrounding the museum, a popular spot for people-watching.
Lassi Wala
Try the famous lassi served in clay cups on MI Road—a Jaipur staple that is both filling and cheap.
Day 8: Pushkar, India - The Holy Lake
Bus to Pushkar
Catch a local bus to the sacred town of Pushkar, a favorite for budget backpackers for its low costs.
Lake Ghats
Walk around the 52 holy ghats surrounding the lake. Remember to remove your shoes and respect the pilgrims.
Brahma Temple
Visit one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator in Hindu mythology.
Evening Aarti
Witness the beautiful evening prayer ceremony at Varaha Ghat as bells ring and lamps are lit.
Day 9: Pushkar, India - Desert Vistas
Savitri Mata Hike
Climb the hill to the Savitri Temple for a breathtaking sunrise over the desert landscape.
Backpacker Alleys
Explore the winding streets for cheap hippie-style clothing and affordable vegan-friendly cafes.
Desert Walk
Walk toward the dunes on the outskirts of town to see the camel herds without paying for a tour.
Falafel Dinner
Enjoy Pushkar's famous street-side falafel wraps, a quirky local favorite priced for backpackers.
Day 10: Jodhpur, India - The Blue City
Train/Bus to Jodhpur
Travel west across the Thar desert to Jodhpur, the city painted in shades of blue.
Toorji Ka Jhalra
Relax by this beautifully restored stepwell where local kids often jump into the water to cool off.
Sardar Market
Explore the area around the famous Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and try the famous Shahi Samosa.
Rooftop Dining
Many hostels have rooftops with views of the fort; enjoy a simple meal with a million-dollar view.
Day 11: Jodhpur, India - Fortresses and Façades
Mehrangarh Fort Path
Walk the steep path up to the fort. The exterior and the view from the ramparts are free and stunning.
Jaswant Thada
Visit this cenotaph made of thin marble sheets that glow in the sun. The entry fee is very modest.
Blue City Walk
Wander through the Brahmapuri area to find the most vibrantly painted blue houses for your photos.
Mandore Gardens
Take a local bus to these ancient gardens containing beautiful high-rock cenotaphs.
Day 12: Udaipur, India - City of Lakes
Bus to Udaipur
Take a scenic bus ride through the Aravalli hills to Udaipur, often called the Venice of the East.
Lake Pichola
Walk the shores of Lake Pichola and enjoy the view of the Lake Palace floating in the center.
Jagdish Temple
Visit this large Indo-Aryan temple in the middle of the city, famous for its intricate carvings.
Bagore Ki Haveli (Exterior)
Watch the sunset from the Gangaur Ghat right outside this historic mansion.
Day 13: Udaipur, India - Palace Views
City Palace (Outside)
Marvel at the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The courtyards and views from the gate are impressive.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Visit the 'Garden of the Maidens,' a peaceful spot with fountains and marble elephants.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Walk the promenade of this second major lake, a popular spot for locals to grab cheap snacks.
Bahubali Hills Hike
Take a short trip to the city outskirts for a hike offering dramatic views over Badi Lake.
Day 14: Ahmedabad, India - Heritage Hub
Bus to Ahmedabad
Leave Rajasthan for the state of Gujarat. The bus journey takes about 5-6 hours.
Sabarmati Ashram
Visit the home of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a peaceful, free museum that offers great historical insight.
Adalaj Stepwell
A short bus ride away, this five-story deep stepwell is a masterpiece of Islamic and Hindu architecture.
Manek Chowk
Visit this jewelry market that turns into a massive street food hub at night. Try the Gwalior Dosa.
Day 15: Mumbai, India - The Maximum City
Train to Mumbai
Board an early morning express train (Sleeper or Chair Car) to India's financial capital.
Gateway of India
Arrive in South Mumbai and visit this iconic monument overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Colaba Causeway
Window shop along this famous street known for its eclectic mix of items and old-world charm.
Marine Drive
Join thousands of locals sitting on the sea wall (the Queen's Necklace) to enjoy the breeze for free.
Day 16: Mumbai, India - Local Life
Dhobi Ghat
View the world's largest open-air laundry from the bridge near Mahalaxmi station.
Haji Ali Dargah
Walk the narrow causeway into the sea to visit this stunning mosque and tomb accessible only at low tide.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Admire the Gothic architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage railway station from the outside.
Crawford Market
Dive into the hustle and bustle of one of Mumbai's most famous historic markets.
Day 17: Mumbai, India - Coastal Vibes
Bandra Fort
Explore the ruins of Castella de Aguada and get a great view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge.
Juhu Beach
Walk the wide sandy shore and try Mumbai's signature street food: Pav Bhaji and Vada Pav.
ISKCON Temple
Visit this beautiful and peaceful temple complex near the beach for some spiritual reflection.
Bandra Street Art
Walk through the lanes of Chapel Road to see vibrant murals and street art in this trendy neighborhood.
Day 18: Mumbai, India - Cultural Deep Dive
Siddhivinayak Temple
Visit one of the most famous temples in India dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Mani Bhavan
Visit the house where Gandhi stayed while in Mumbai, now a beautifully maintained free museum.
Worli Fort
Visit this lesser-known fort in a traditional fishing village for a unique look at old Mumbai.
Chowpatty Beach
End your trip by watching the sunset at Girgaon Chowpatty while snacking on Bhel Puri.
Day 19: Mumbai, India - Final Souvenirs and Departure
Chor Bazaar
The 'Thieves Market' is the perfect place for unique, low-cost souvenirs and vintage items.
Final Thali Lunch
Find a local Bhojanalaya for an unlimited vegetarian Thali, the most cost-effective meal in India.
Relax at a Park
Spend your final hours relaxing in South Mumbai's Oval Maidan, watching local cricket matches.
Head to Airport
Take the local train and a short rickshaw ride to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Best Time to Visit India
The best time for this budget route is from October to March. During these months, the weather in North India and Mumbai is pleasantly cool and dry, making long train journeys and walking tours much more comfortable. Avoid the summer (April to June) when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), and the monsoon season (July to September) which can bring heavy rains and travel disruptions.
Currency & Money
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). While cards are accepted in major malls and high-end restaurants, cash is king for the budget traveler. You will need small bills for street food, local buses, and markets. ATMs are widely available, but it is wise to use those attached to major banks like SBI or ICICI to avoid high fees. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill at small eateries is appreciated.
Getting Around India
For an ultra-lean budget, the Indian Railways Sleeper Class is your best friend. It is affordable and doubles as your accommodation for the night. For shorter distances, use the public RSRTC or state-run buses. Inside cities, the metro (in Delhi and Mumbai) and walking are the most cost-effective methods. Always agree on a price before entering an auto-rickshaw if they refuse to use the meter.
