India
Backpacking in India: an adventure for all your senses
India is a country that won't let go of you. The sounds, the flavours, the crowds - it all hits you at once. For backpackers, it's ideal: you can travel around for months without spending much money.
28 August 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 3 sources
What shouldn't you miss?
The Taj Mahal is world-famous, and rightly so. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is just as impressive. Both are absolute highlights.
But there's more. Shillong, in the northeast, is known for its rock music scene - locals call it the 'Scotland of the East'. The Yamuna river near Delhi is sacred to Hindus, but also pretty polluted. That's exactly why you get the most authentic photos of everyday Indian life there. In Goa, you can do yoga.
Here's the thing: many visitors fly between cities. Big mistake. You miss the trains and buses, where you have the real encounters with local people.
- Take photos by the Yamuna river - you'll see things there you won't see anywhere else.
- Stay in Shillong a few days to discover the music scene.
- Take the train or bus to your next destination, not the plane.
What you see in India happens to you nowhere else - not even if you've already travelled a lot.India
Budget: it really is cheap
Budget around 15 dollars a day per person. That covers a tasty local meal, a double bed, transport and entrance tickets.
All-you-can-eat meals cost just 1 dollar. Internet costs no more than 20 cents an hour. Many backpackers stay between 2 and 3 months.
How is it so cheap? Use sleeper class on trains and buses. Eat where local people eat. Avoid pricey tourist squares.
- Book sleeper class for trains and buses - comfortable and great value.
- Eat at small restaurants where local workers have lunch.
- An hour of internet costs 20 cents - handy for planning your route.
What to sort out before you leave
It's better to get your visa in your home country. Also make sure you already have a ticket to your next destination (another country) before you land. This saves you hassle with immigration.
A warning: don't just eat anywhere. Small eateries with dirty toilets give a lot of people food poisoning. Choose places where lots of people eat - that's usually the safest bet.
- Sort your visa before you leave - easier and quicker.
- Have proof of booking or a ticket for your next country ready.
- Don't eat at places with poor hygiene.
