India is a land of diversity, both culturally and geographically. Backpacking in India, either solo or with friends, is a sure ticket to life and adventure.
But, like any other trip, planning ahead saves you a lot of hassle, money, and time. Planning starts with an itinerary first: places you wish to visit, sights you always longed to see. And that would depend on what kind of trip you’re looking for. In this article, we’re going to give you a few tips to make sure you enjoy your first backpacking trip through this wonderful country.
How to Get Around?
India is home to a diverse population. And people from all classes of society have their own ways of functioning. So, you may choose to travel in luxury or you have the option to travel in the most frugal ways one can imagine. You can travel across the country in an extremely cost-effective way if you plan well.
The entire country is crisscrossed by an extensive railway network. If you have time, then traveling by train has its own charm. You get to see different places all day long, meet different people, or chit-chat over a cup of tea.
High-end trains have AC compartments, which are comfortable and cool, but there are also non-AC compartments that are cheaper. But don’t expect train rides to be as quiet as back home. The hustle and bustle of Indian trains might throw you off at first, but they do have their charm.
Domestic flights are the best option if you are in a time crunch. All the major cities are connected internally. Spicejet flights operate on an extensive network of domestic routes, which are reasonably priced. Book your tickets online or visit the nearest travel agent.
When traveling around locally within a city, always agree to a price before you board a rickshaw or taxi. Local guides and transport drivers can take advantage if you don’t negotiate well.
Where and what to eat?
When it comes to food, research beforehand on what particular spots are famous for. Every part of India has its own traditional flavors. Not only should you visit famous restaurants in tourist hotspots, but also hang around the local joints to sample more authentic flavors. So if you are in North, don’t just head to the nearest Haldirams but try street foods instead. Foods in various parts of the country are simply mouth-watering. Kashmir has many special local delicacies and you can indulge in almost all of them when you book customized Kashmir tour packages. Hence if you take packages for each state or couple of them together, you can enjoy amazing local food plus best attractions in the state.
However, it’s always better to watch the drinking water and consider carrying bottles with you as much as you can.
Where to Stay?
There are a lot of options when it comes to lodging. Once again, you can choose to spend the night at a high-end hotel or choose from low-cost options like guesthouses or hostels. There are also plenty of ‘Dharamshalas’ (rest houses for travelers) if you don’t mind sharing a dormitory you’re your fellow travelers. It would be wise to check for reviews online or from fellow travelers before the trip if you can.
Have fun!
Keep these short tips up your sleeves, and you’ll have a memorable backpacking trip in India. India is a wonderful place to backpack and is full of natural beauty and bustling city life, making it the perfect country for any adventure lover.