10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India

India is the realm of a plethora of enchanting spices, beautiful dances over the Ganges and transcendental temples. It is considered to be the cradle of civilization and history. But that’s not all! India is also incredibly rich in amazing backpacking destinations. We chose to present the best of them to you in this article. Are you ready for the adventure of your life?

1. Gokarna

Lord Shiva watches over this small town from its historical temple. Gokarna is renowned for being one of the seven Hindu pilgrimage centers. What makes it even better as a backpacking destination is its location: an unspoiled rustic nature along the estuary of Aghanashini River, enriched by palm trees and tropical fruits, but also fully fledged resorts for the most pretentious of the tourists.

Boating services seen in Om beach

Hindu puja in Gokarna

Lord Shiva watches

Lord Shiva watches

The public baths in the centre of the town, Gokarna, India 

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2. Pushkar

Another spot on the backpackers’ radars is definitely Pushkar. This also happens to be a Hindu pilgrimage site, allegedly formed by Shiva’s tears after the death of his wife, thus the name, literally meaning “raining eyes” in Sanskrit. It is one of the oldest cities in India, also very famous for its annual festival held in November, the Pushkar Camel Fair. Tourists can engage in breathtaking safaris through the desert of Thor and witness the small villages along the track, during harvesting, which will offer them otherworldly views.

Pushkar Camel Fair

Pushkar Camel Fair

Vegetable seller in Pushkar, India 

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3. Dhramashala / McLeod Gunj

Also known as “"Little Lhasa” due to its Tibetan population, this mesmerizing town lies at the base of mount Hanuman Ka Tibba, which reaches an altitude of 5,639 meters above the sea level. Backpackers love it because it offers many possibilities of studying Tibetan Buddhism, their culture, language, not to mention the opportunity to buy some of their stunning handicrafts, carpets and garments. Did we mention this is Dalai Lama’s temple site?

Dusk from Bhagsu Naag Pathway, Dharamsala

McLeod Gunj Buddhist temple in India

Milky Way Blessings. Dharamsala

The main street in McLeodGanj 

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4. Leh Ladakh

If living on the edge of thrill is your thing, then Leh Ladakh will certainly fascinate you with its high passes, tiny hamlets, Buddhist temples and lovely festivals. It’s an “all in one” tourism highlight, offering you wildlife exploration opportunities, shopping paradises and a chance to live the local culture and traditions in first person.

Drokpa Dard Woman Leh, Ladakh

Prayer Flags at Tsemo Fort Leh, Ladakh, India 

Shanti Stupa, Leh Ladakh

The 9 Stupas at Thiksey Monastery

Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, Ladakh 

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5. Khajuraho

The perfect balance between architecture and sculpture can be observed at this fantastic site uniting Hinduism and Jainism. Khajuraho is one of the capitals of the Chandella rulers, a dynasty that enjoyed its glory during the 10th century. The temples are best known to backpackers for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.

Khajuraho Temple

Monuments of Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh, India

Temple in Khajuraho

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6. Goa

Goa is India’s smallest state and also the richest one. It’s a former Portuguese province, hosting the historical city of Margao, and visited by millions tourists each year, not only for its past, but also for its beaches, places of worship and the rich flora and fauna. Goa is home to two World Heritage Sites: the Bom Jesus Basilica and churches and convents of Old Goa, making it very unique and certainly different from any other place in the Indian subcontinent.

Colva Beach ,Goa,India

India Goa Anjuna Flea Market

Kayaking on Soca River, Slovenia Try kayaking at Baina beach,Goa

Palolem Beach, Goa, India

Shree Mangeshi Temple in Goa

Vagator Beach, Goa

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7. Hampi

Hampi is an important religious center situated within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. According to Google’s recent statistics, it seems that Hampi is the most searched historical places in Karnataka. The “Forgotten Empire” is a great backpacking destination, especially if you plan to explore it by foot or bicycle, which will give you the chance of experiencing a visual delight of history and nature.

Farms as seen from Anjaneyadri Hil

Hampi River 

Hampi Temple

Hampi, Karnataka state, India

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, India

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8. Munnar

A hill station in Kerala, an island of peace, Munnar is situated at over 100 kilometers from any major transport mean. The surrounding region is home to several wildlife protection areas, including the Kurinjimala Sanctuary, the Manjampatti Valley and the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. This subtropical highland is also renowned for its Tea Gardens. Munnar is a truly beautiful Indian traditional town, popular among honeymooners.

Tea plantation, Munnar, India 

Market in Munnar 

Waterfall on the way to Munnar

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9. Darjeeling

Best known for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is located in the Mahabharat Range, at an elevation of around 2,000 meters. It has one of the few steam locomotives still functioning in India. Backpackers love it for its cultural diversity, merging Nepalese, Lepchas, Bhutias and Tibetan traditions with the remaining British allure of the Colonial Era.

A waterfall in Darjeeling's scenic rock garden

Batasia Loop, Indian Railways 

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Mahakal Temple at Observatory Hill - Darjeeling

Tea picker in Darjeeling, India

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10. Rishikesh

Best known to backpacking enthusiasts as “The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas”, Rishikesh takes its name from the Sanskrit "Hṛṣīkeśa", meaning “'lord of the senses”. This is certainly not a coincidence, as the town will definitely captivate all of your senses while on your stay! So rich in sprawling temples, art, legendary spots of Lord Rama’s scriptures, Rishikesh is also known as an important ayurvedic treatment center.

Down the Ganges, Rishikesh, India

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