Welcome to the incredible chaos of color, curry, and culture! If India were a song, it would be a mix of a spiritual chant, a Bollywood dance number, and a scooter horn symphony. If you’re a backpacker craving mountains, seashores, soulful experiences, and total sensory overload (in the best way possible), you’re about to find your paradise.
This 15-day India backpacking itinerary is your golden ticket to exploring majestic hills, tranquil beaches, rich heritage, and a delightful dose of organized chaos—all on a backpacker’s budget.
Day 1-2: Delhi – Dive into the Capital’s Chaos & Calm 🌍
Start in South Delhi’s Mohammadpur for a softer landing into India. It’s less frantic than Paharganj and closer to hip Hauz Khas and the tranquil Deer Park.
Explore Old Delhi: Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and the tangled web of spice-filled lanes and textile bazaars. Use the Delhi Metro (brace yourself at rush hour) and rickshaws to zip through town. The energy is electric. The food? Electrifying! Gobble chole bhature, jalebi, and golgappa like a local.
Links to explore:
https://www.adventuresofjellie.com/india/arriving-in-india
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/walking-chaotic-old-delhi-india/
Day 3-4: Agra – Taj, Forts & More Mughal Magic 🌟
Hop aboard the Gatimaan Express to Agra (1h 40m). Set your alarm: Taj Mahal is most magical at sunrise. Then, dive into history at Agra Fort and float through time on a Yamuna River boat ride.
Explore the Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah) and catch sunset views from Mehtab Bagh. Hungry for local vibes? Try Sadar Bazaar for street food and souvenirs.
Hostel Highlight: Joey’s Hostel Agra – 3-minute walk from the Taj and a killer rooftop view!
Links to explore:
https://www.tripsavvy.com/delhi-agra-train-guide-1539616
https://www.manvsglobe.com/backpackers-guide-to-agra-india-budget-uttar-pradesh/
Day 5-7: Jaipur – Pink City Royalty Meets Bazaars Galore 💜
Take a train or cab from Agra to Jaipur (4-5h). Stop by Fatehpur Sikri if time allows. Once in Jaipur, it’s all about palaces and pink-hued perfection.
Day 1: Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal (from outside), and the stunning City Palace.
Day 2: Marvel at Hawa Mahal, time travel at Jantar Mantar, and shop like a royal in Bapu and Johari Bazaars. Pro tip: Bring your A-game for bargaining.
Vinayak Guesthouse is a hit with backpackers, with cozy vibes and great access to major sites.
Links to explore:
https://www.backpackadventures.org/best-jaipur/
https://www.travelfika.com/tourism/jaipur/jaipur-trip-cost
Day 8-10: Rishikesh – Spiritual Sojourn & Adrenaline Overload ⛲
Fly/train combo from Jaipur to Rishikesh via Dehradun or Mohali (~6h). Check in, unwind, then hit Triveni Ghat for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.
Day 9: Conquer rapids on the Shivpuri white-water rafting stretch (16 km), go cliff jumping, or hike to Patna Waterfall.
Day 10: Early sunrise trek to Kunjapuri Temple, yoga by the Ganges, visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and channel your inner Beatle at the famous Beatles Ashram.
Pro tip: Hostels around Laxman Jhula or Tapovan offer both quiet and connection.
Links to explore:
https://www.tripoto.com/uttarakhand/trips/a-budget-outing-to-rishikesh-5b9039791334e
https://www.travelfika.com/tourism/rishikesh/rishikesh-trip-cost
Day 11-15: Goa – Sun, Sand & Soulful Parties 🏖️
Fly from Dehradun to Goa (~5h) and hit the beach running. North Goa (Arambol, Baga) has the buzz, while South Goa (Palolem, Agonda) brings the chill.
Day 12: Rent a bike (INR 300/day) and ride coastal roads, beach-hop, try parasailing or jet skiing.
Day 13: Explore Old Goa’s churches, Fontainhas’ Latin Quarter, and dig into Anjuna Flea Market and Arpora’s night market.
Day 14: Embrace boho vibes—Sweet Lake swims, drum circles, yoga sessions, or full-moon trance parties. Ayurveda and plant medicine sessions await the spiritually curious.
Hostel Highlight: Tranquilo Arambol for budget-friendly chill.
Links to explore:
https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/goa-itinerary/ https://www.travelogyindia.com/blog/backpackers-guide-to-goa/
Budgeting Like a Babu 💰
Your average daily budget can hover around $30-$50 (INR 2,500-4,000), which covers:
- Hostel beds: INR 250-800
- Food: INR 400-1,200 (hello, street food!)
- Transport: INR 150-500 (rickshaws, trains, local buses)
- Activities: INR 400-1,600
Life hack: Travel off-season (March-May or Sept-Nov) for fewer crowds and more bargaining power.
More budget wisdom here:
https://www.lifeofbrit.com/2-months-in-india-on-a-budget/
https://hippie-inheels.com/backpacking-india-budget-1200-rupees-per-day/#:~:text=Daily%20India%20Budget%20for%20Backpackers
Pro Backpacker Tips for Incredible India ✉️
- Stay safe: Stick to bottled water, busy food stalls, and keep your wits in crowded places.
- Dress modestly: Especially at temples.
- SIM Cards: Buy one at the airport or local stores for maps and messages.
- Bargain hard: It’s a sport here, not a scam.
- Pack right: Layers for Rishikesh, beachwear for Goa, breathable clothes for Delhi heat, and comfy walking shoes.
Conclusion: Backpacking India—One Chaotic, Beautiful, Soul-Stirring Journey ✨
From Old Delhi’s sensory overload to Agra’s timeless beauty, Jaipur’s architectural grace, Rishikesh’s spiritual stillness, and Goa’s trance-tinged sunsets—this 15-day backpacking trip is India in all its glory.
You won’t just see India; you’ll feel it in your bones, breathe it in every spice-scented breeze, and carry its soul with you forever. So, pack light, open your heart, and let the curry-scented winds of adventure guide you!
Namaste and bon voyage, you wild wanderer! ✈️
