20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in India
India is a kaleidoscope of sensory experiences, offering the ultimate challenge and reward for the budget backpacker. This 20-day route focuses on the North Indian heartland, utilizing the world's most extensive railway network and the most affordable street food on the planet. By embracing shared dorms, sleeper-class trains, and local 'dhabas,' you can traverse this massive sub-continent for a fraction of the cost of a typical holiday.
This journey takes you through the chaotic energy of Delhi, the architectural wonders of the Golden Triangle, the desert vibes of Rajasthan, and the spiritual intensity of the Ganges in Varanasi. Prepare for an adventure where the travel itself is as much of a highlight as the destinations. Pack light, keep an open mind, and get ready for the epic journey of a lifetime.
The Itinerary
Day 1: New Delhi, India - Arrival and Old Delhi Immersion
Paharganj Backpacker District
Check into a budget hostel in Paharganj, the legendary backpacker hub conveniently located right next to the New Delhi Railway Station.
Jama Masjid Exploration
Visit one of the largest mosques in India. While entry is free, remember to dress modestly and be aware of small fees for camera usage.
Chandni Chowk Rickshaw Walk
Navigate the narrow, bustling lanes of Old Delhi's oldest market on foot. Sample famous Jalebis or Parathas for under a dollar.
Red Fort (Lal Qila) Exterior
Admire the massive red sandstone walls of this Mughal masterpiece from the outside to save on the hefty foreigner entrance fee.
Day 2: New Delhi, India - Heritage and Spirituality
Humayun’s Tomb Gardens
Explore the lush gardens surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage site, which served as a precursor to the Taj Mahal.
Lodhi Gardens
A favorite for locals, this park is completely free and contains the beautiful tombs of the Sayyid and Lodi rulers.
Lotus Temple
Experience the serene silence of this Baháʼí House of Worship, famous for its flower-like shape and inclusive atmosphere.
India Gate
Join the local crowds at this war memorial at dusk. The atmosphere is festive, and the street snacks nearby are incredibly cheap.
Day 3: New Delhi, India - Southern Sights and Transit
Qutub Minar Complex
Marvel at the world's tallest brick minaret, surrounded by ancient ruins that date back to the early 13th century.
Hauz Khas Village
Wander through the urban village's park and medieval ruins overlooking a large water tank, a popular spot for Delhi's youth.
Sarojini Nagar Market
The ultimate destination for budget fashion. You can find export-surplus clothing here for just a few dollars if you bargain hard.
Intercity Train to Agra
Catch an evening train from New Delhi to Agra. The journey takes about 3 hours, arriving late in the 'City of Love.'
Day 4: Agra, India - The Marble Wonder
Taj Mahal Sunrise
If you splurge on one thing, let it be this. Arrive at dawn to beat the crowds and see the marble glow in the morning light.
Agra Fort
Explore the massive red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors until 1638.
Mehtab Bagh
Cross the Yamuna River to these 'Moonlight Gardens' for a stunning, low-cost view of the Taj Mahal from across the water.
Sadar Bazaar
Indulge in Petha, a famous local sweet made from ash gourd, while wandering through this vibrant local market.
Day 5: Agra to Jaipur, India - Entry to Rajasthan
Bus to Jaipur
Board a local RSRTC bus for a 5-hour journey into the desert state of Rajasthan, watching the landscape change outside your window.
Hostel Check-in
Drop your bags at a budget hostel near the Pink City gate, where you can find dorms for as low as $4 USD.
Albert Hall Museum Exterior
Admire the stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture of this museum, which looks particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
Johari Bazaar
Start exploring the Pink City's famous markets, known for jewelry, textiles, and some of the best street food in Rajasthan.
Day 6: Jaipur, India - The Pink City
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
Photographed from the street, this five-story pink sandstone structure with 953 windows is an absolute icon of Indian architecture.
City Palace & Jantar Mantar
Explore the royal residence and the nearby astronomical observatory, featuring the world's largest stone sundial.
Amer Fort Ride
Take a local bus to the outskirts to visit the majestic Amer Fort. Walk up the ramparts instead of taking an elephant ride.
Panna Meena ka Kund
Visit this ancient stepwell near Amer Fort, famous for its symmetrical stairways and incredible geometric beauty.
Day 7: Jaipur, India - Hillside Forts
Nahargarh Fort
Hike up to the fort for the best panoramic views of the entire Pink City. It is the perfect spot for budget-friendly sightseeing.
Jaigarh Fort
Located on the 'Hill of Eagles,' this fort houses the Jaivana cannon, which was once the world's largest cannon on wheels.
Jal Mahal
Stop by the Man Sagar Lake to view the 'Water Palace,' which appears to float in the middle of the water.
Chokhi Dhani (Budget Alternative)
Instead of the expensive resort, find a local thali joint in the city for an authentic Rajasthani meal for under $3.
Day 8: Jaipur to Pushkar, India - The Holy City
Train to Ajmer
Take a short 2-hour train to Ajmer, followed by a local bus over the mountain pass to the holy town of Pushkar.
Pushkar Lake Ghats
Walk around the 52 holy ghats surrounding the lake. Remember to remove your shoes and respect the local religious customs.
Brahma Temple
Visit one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism.
Evening Aarti
Witness the beautiful evening prayer ceremony at Varaha Ghat, where lamps are lit and hymns are chanted as the sun sets.
Day 9: Pushkar, India - Temples and Treks
Savitri Mata Temple Trek
Hike up Ratnagiri Hill for a breathtaking sunrise view over the desert and the town of Pushkar below.
Pushkar Camel Fair Grounds
Even if it's not festival season, the grounds are an interesting place to walk and see the nomadic life of the desert.
Falafel and Chai
Pushkar is strangely famous for its budget-friendly Israeli food. Grab a giant falafel wrap for a very low price.
Old Pushkar Market
Shop for hippie-style clothing and silver jewelry in the narrow market streets that wind through the town.
Day 10: Travel to Jodhpur, India - The Blue City
Bus to Jodhpur
Take a local bus through the heart of the Thar Desert. The 5-hour journey is bumpy but offers great views of rural life.
Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
Start your exploration at the heart of the old city, a bustling market area surrounding a historic clock tower.
Sardar Market
Wander through the stalls selling spices, handicrafts, and flavored teas. Be prepared to bargain for everything.
Stepwell Café Area
Visit the Toorji Ka Jhalra, a beautifully restored 18th-century stepwell that is completely free to visit.
Day 11: Jodhpur, India - Fortresses and Blue Alleys
Mehrangarh Fort
Perched 400 feet above the city, this is one of India's most impressive forts. The museum inside is well worth the entry fee.
Jaswant Thada
Visit this milky-white marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar.
Brahmapuri (Blue Houses)
Get lost in the narrow lanes of the Brahmapuri district to see the iconic blue-painted houses that give the city its nickname.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Take a sunset walk through this ecologically restored park at the foot of the fort for unique desert flora views.
Day 12: Jodhpur to Udaipur, India - The City of Lakes
Bus via Ranakpur
Take a bus to Udaipur. If you find a private traveler bus, try to stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temple, a marvel of marble carving.
Lake Pichola Shoreline
Check into your hostel in the Lal Ghat area and head straight to the water to see the sun setting behind the Lake Palace.
Ambrai Ghat
The best free spot in the city to sit and watch the sunset with a view of the City Palace and Lake Pichola.
Street Food at Sukhadia Circle
Join the locals for dinner at this food hub known for its massive variety of snacks and cold coffees.
Day 13: Udaipur, India - Palaces and Puppets
City Palace Udaipur
Explore the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
Jagdish Temple
A large Hindu temple in the middle of the city, just outside the royal palace, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Visit the 'Garden of the Maidens,' featuring beautiful fountains, lotus pools, and marble elephants.
Bagore Ki Haveli Folk Dance
Watch a traditional Rajasthani puppet and dance show in an 18th-century mansion for a very reasonable fee.
Day 14: Udaipur, India - Heights and Relaxation
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Take a shared rickshaw up to this hilltop palatial residence for incredible views of the city's lakes and the Aravalli Hills.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Walk along the promenade of Udaipur's second-largest lake, which is less touristy than Pichola and very peaceful.
Shilpgram Crafts Village
Visit this ethnographic museum located 3km west of Udaipur to see traditional rural arts and crafts from Western India.
Budget Thali Dinner
Enjoy a massive, unlimited Rajasthani thali for about $2.50 at one of the local dhabas near the bus station.
Day 15: Udaipur to Varanasi, India - The Great Transit
Last Minute Souvenirs
Use your morning to pick up some miniature paintings or leather journals, for which Udaipur is famous.
Board the Train
Prepare for the longest leg of the trip. Board a sleeper class train to Varanasi. This is the true Indian backpacking experience.
Train Life
Spend the afternoon reading, meeting locals on the train, and buying hot chai from the vendors that pass through the aisles.
Overnight Sleep
Settle into your bunk. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks is the soundtrack to your journey across the heart of India.
Day 16: Varanasi, India - The Spiritual Heart
Arrival and Ghat Walk
Arrive in Varanasi and walk from Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat, witnessing the intense spiritual life along the Ganges.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Area
Navigate the incredibly narrow 'galis' (alleys) surrounding the famous Golden Temple, smelling the incense and street food.
Manikarnika Ghat
Observe the funeral pyres at the main cremation ghat from a respectful distance to understand the Hindu cycle of life and death.
Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Watch the spectacular nightly ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat involving fire, bells, and chanting. It is completely free.
Day 17: Varanasi, India - Buddhism and Beyond
Sunrise Boat Ride
Negotiate a shared boat ride at dawn to see the city come alive from the water. The light is magical for photography.
Sarnath Excursion
Take a cheap rickshaw to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Archaeological Museum.
Ramnagar Fort
Cross the river to see the 18th-century fort, which houses a quirky museum of vintage cars and medieval weapons.
Blue Lassi Shop
Try one of the dozens of varieties of lassi at this world-famous shop, served in a traditional clay pot.
Day 18: Varanasi, India - Silk and Temples
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Visit the sprawling green campus of one of the largest residential universities in Asia, including the New Vishwanath Temple.
Silk Weaving Village
Visit a local weavers' colony to see how the world-renowned Banarasi silk sarees are handcrafted on traditional looms.
Durga Mandir (Monkey Temple)
Explore this 18th-century temple built in the Nagara style, painted bright red and home to many playful macaques.
Night Train to Delhi
Board your final overnight train back to the capital. Use the sleeper class to save on a night's accommodation.
Day 19: New Delhi, India - Final Market Hustle
Arrival and Refresh
Arrive back in Delhi. Use the public facilities or a cheap day-room at your hostel to freshen up after the train journey.
Dilli Haat Market
An open-air food and craft bazaar representing different states of India. It’s a great place for final, high-quality souvenirs.
Connaught Place (CP)
Walk around the circular colonial-era shopping district. It's a great spot for people-watching and finding cheap books.
Majnu Ka Tilla
Visit the Tibetan colony in North Delhi for a peaceful final dinner of momos and thukpa in a unique cultural setting.
Day 20: New Delhi, India - Departure
Last Indian Breakfast
Enjoy one last plate of Chole Bhature from a local street vendor for less than a dollar.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Visit this beautiful Sikh temple. If you have time, volunteer in the community kitchen (Langar) that feeds thousands daily for free.
Delhi Metro to Airport
Take the Airport Express Metro from New Delhi station—it’s fast, clean, and much cheaper than a taxi.
Departure
Check in for your flight home, carrying memories of an incredible 20-day journey across the heart of India.
Best Time to Visit India
The best time to visit North India is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, making it ideal for exploring cities and deserts. April to June can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), while the monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rains and high humidity, which can sometimes disrupt travel plans.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While cards are accepted in major hotels and malls, cash is king in the markets, small dhabas, and for public transport. ATMs are widely available in cities, but it's wise to carry some backup cash. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in small amounts (10-20 rupees) for porters or at small eateries.
Getting Around India
The Indian Railways is the lifeline of the country and the most cost-effective way to travel long distances. For budget travelers, 'Sleeper Class' (SL) offers a bed and a true local experience, while '3AC' provides air conditioning for a bit more. For shorter distances, local RSRTC buses and the Delhi Metro are incredibly cheap. Within cities, use auto-rickshaws or apps like Ola and Uber for transparent pricing.
