17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in India
India is a sensory explosion that rewards the bold traveler. This 17-day itinerary is designed for the true backpacker: someone who values experiences over luxury, prefers a 20-cent chai on a railway platform to a hotel lobby, and wants to see the soul of the subcontinent without breaking the bank.
By utilizing the world's largest railway network, staying in social hostels, and eating where the locals eat, you will traverse the Golden Triangle and the majestic desert state of Rajasthan. Prepare for an intense, beautiful, and deeply rewarding adventure through one of the world's most culturally rich nations.
The Itinerary
Day 1: New Delhi, India - Arrival and Paharganj Vibes
Check into Paharganj
Drop your bags at a budget hostel in the backpacker ghetto of Paharganj, right across from the New Delhi Railway Station.
Exploring Connaught Place
Walk from Paharganj to the Georgian-style circular market of Connaught Place for a mix of street food and window shopping.
Street Food Crawl
Head to the stalls near the Inner Circle for your first taste of Chole Bhature and spicy Aloo Tikki.
Hanuman Temple Visit
Visit the ancient temple at Baba Kharak Singh Marg to witness the evening prayers and vibrant local atmosphere.
Day 2: New Delhi, India - Old Delhi Immersion
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Admire the massive sandstone walls of this Mughal masterpiece from the outside to save on entry fees, or pay for a ground ticket.
Jama Masjid
Visit India's largest mosque. It is free to enter, though there is a small fee for cameras. Dress modestly.
Chandni Chowk Market
Navigate the narrow alleys of one of the oldest and busiest markets in India. Perfect for people-watching and photography.
Raj Ghat
Pay your respects at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, set in peaceful gardens away from the city noise.
Day 3: New Delhi, India - South Delhi Parks
Lotus Temple
Experience the silence and unique architecture of this Baháʼí House of Worship. Entry is completely free.
Lodhi Gardens
A favorite for locals, these gardens contain 15th-century tombs. It is the perfect spot for a cheap picnic lunch.
Hauz Khas Village
Walk through the medieval ruins and the deer park overlooking the royal tank. A great spot for sunset photos.
Dinner at an Ashram
Many local religious centers offer simple, nourishing meals for a very small donation.
Day 4: Agra, India - The City of Love
Train to Agra
Board an early morning train (Shatabdi or Intercity Express) from New Delhi for the 2-3 hour journey to Agra.
Agra Fort
Explore the massive UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors.
Mehtab Bagh
Cross the Yamuna River to the 'Moonlight Garden' for the best budget-friendly sunset view of the Taj Mahal.
Petha Tasting
Try the famous Agra Petha, a local sweet made from ash gourd, sold at stalls throughout the city.
Day 5: Jaipur, India - The Pink City
Taj Mahal Sunrise
The biggest splurge of the trip, but a must. Enter at dawn to see the marble glow and beat the crowds.
Bus to Jaipur
Take a public RSRTC bus from Agra to Jaipur. It's roughly a 5-6 hour journey through rural landscapes.
Johari Bazaar
Arrive in Jaipur and head to the Pink City markets. The pink-hued buildings are beautifully lit at night.
Lassi at Lassiwala
Head to MI Road for a legendary lassi served in a traditional clay cup (Kulhad).
Day 6: Jaipur, India - Forts and Views
Hawa Mahal
Photograph the iconic 'Palace of Winds' from the street level. The facade is the most impressive part.
Amber Fort
Take a local bus to the outskirts. Skip the elephant ride and walk up the rampart for a free, scenic entry.
Panna Meena ka Kund
Visit this ancient stepwell near Amber Fort for incredible geometric photos. Entry is free.
Nahargarh Fort Sunset
Hike up the hill to Nahargarh for a panoramic view of the entire Jaipur city as the lights come on.
Day 7: Jaipur, India - Local Crafts
Albert Hall Museum
Admire the stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture from the outside, surrounded by thousands of pigeons.
Galta Ji (Monkey Temple)
Hike to this unique temple complex built into a mountain pass. Watch out for the cheeky resident macaques.
Bapu Bazaar
The best place for textile shopping. Practice your bargaining skills for some cheap souvenirs.
Street Food at Masala Chowk
An open-air food court where you can try various Rajasthani specialties in one clean, cheap location.
Day 8: Pushkar, India - The Sacred Lake
Arrival in Pushkar
Walk from the bus stand to the center of this small, holy town. It is easily explored entirely on foot.
Pushkar Lake
Walk the 52 ghats surrounding the sacred lake. Be mindful of religious ceremonies and photography rules.
Brahma Temple
Visit one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Entry is free, but leave shoes outside.
Sunset at Sunset Point
Join the circle of travelers and locals watching the sun dip below the desert horizon to the sound of drums.
Day 9: Pushkar, India - Desert Vistas
Savitri Temple Hike
Climb the hill for sunrise. The hike takes about 45 minutes and offers the best view of the town and desert.
Israeli Breakfast
Pushkar has a large Israeli traveler community; enjoy a cheap, massive Shakshuka at a local cafe.
Desert Walk
Walk out toward the fairgrounds to see camels and rural desert life without paying for a guided tour.
Malpua Tasting
Try the sweet, syrupy pancakes known as Malpuas, a local specialty in the main market.
Day 10: Pushkar, India - Slow Travel Day
Yoga Class
Many guesthouses offer donation-based yoga sessions in the morning.
Market Wandering
Find unique silver jewelry and bohemian clothing in the winding narrow lanes of the main bazaar.
Local Music
Look for flyers for evening sitar or tabla performances, often hosted in small cafes for free.
Plan Next Move
Visit the local bus stand to confirm the departure time for the long journey to Udaipur tomorrow.
Day 11: Udaipur, India - City of Lakes
Bus to Udaipur
A roughly 7-hour journey. The road winds through the Aravalli Hills, offering beautiful rural views.
Check-in near Lal Ghat
Udaipur's budget hostels are clustered around the lake with stunning rooftop views.
Jagdish Temple
Visit this large Hindu temple in the middle of the city, famous for its detailed stone carvings.
Gangaur Ghat
Sit on the steps of the ghat at sunset and watch the reflections of the palaces in Lake Pichola.
Day 12: Udaipur, India - Palaces and Puppets
City Palace Exterior
The City Palace is expensive to enter; explore the massive courtyard and gates for free to enjoy the grandeur.
Bagore Ki Haveli
A historic mansion by the lake. Visit the museum during the day for a very low entry fee.
Boat Ride Alternative
Instead of a private boat, take the government-run ferry to reach the other side of the lake for a few cents.
Dharohar Folk Dance
Watch the evening puppet and folk dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli. It's affordable and highly authentic.
Day 13: Udaipur, India - Gardens and Hills
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Visit the 'Garden of the Maidens,' famous for its fountains, marble elephants, and lotus pools.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Walk along the promenade of Udaipur's second-largest lake, popular with local students and families.
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)
Take a shared auto to the base and hike or take a jeep up for the most legendary sunset in Rajasthan.
Rooftop Dinner
Eat a budget Thali on a rooftop overlooking the illuminated Lake Palace in the middle of the water.
Day 14: Jodhpur, India - The Blue City
Bus to Jodhpur
Take the bus through the desert (approx. 6 hours). Keep your camera ready for glimpses of the Aravalli range.
Sardar Market
Walk under the Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and dive into the chaotic, colorful central market.
Stepwell Square
Visit Toorji Ka Jhalra, a restored 1740s stepwell. It's a social hub and free to visit.
Omelette Shop
Visit the famous 'Omelette Man' near the clock tower for a legendary, cheap meal featured by world-renowned chefs.
Day 15: Jodhpur, India - Fortress of the Sun
Mehrangarh Fort
Walk the steep path to the fort. While the museum has a fee, the outer ramparts and views are worth the walk.
Jaswant Thada
A short walk from the fort, this white marble cenotaph offers a peaceful escape and great views of the blue houses.
Blue City Walk
Head to the Brahmapuri area to find the famous indigo-colored houses. It's a free, living museum.
Pachatiya Hill
Find the secret stairs to this hill for a spectacular view of the fort at sunset without the crowds.
Day 16: Travel - The Great Indian Railway
Mandore Gardens
Visit the old capital of Marwar, 9km from Jodhpur, to see beautiful 'Devals' and temples in a free park.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Pick up some Jodhpuri spices or tea from the market before heading to the station.
Overnight Train to Delhi
Board the Mandore Express. Sleeping on the train saves you the cost of a hostel night.
Train Dinner
Order a 'Railway Thali' or buy snacks from the platform vendors for the ultimate budget experience.
Day 17: New Delhi, India - Final Market Hustle
Return to Delhi
Arrive back in the capital. Store your luggage at the station's cloakroom for a few rupees.
Janpath Market
Spend your final hours bargaining for handicrafts and jewelry at this famous street market.
Bengali Market Food
Have a final feast of Chaat and sweets at one of Delhi's oldest food markets.
Airport Express Metro
Take the super-fast and cheap Airport Express Metro from New Delhi Station to T3 for your departure.
Best Time to Visit India
The ideal time for this itinerary is between October and March. During these months, the weather in North India and Rajasthan is pleasant and cool, perfect for walking and exploring forts. Avoid the scorching heat of April to June (which can exceed 45°C) and the monsoon rains of July to September, which can disrupt train and bus schedules.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While high-end hotels take cards, India is still very much a cash-driven economy, especially for street food, local buses, and small market stalls. Always carry small denominations. Tipping is not mandatory at street stalls, but in small restaurants, rounding up the bill is appreciated. Use UPI apps if you have a local SIM and bank account, but otherwise, ATMs in cities are plentiful.
Getting Around India
The best way to traverse this route is the Indian Railways. It is incredibly affordable and spans the entire country; use 'Sleeper Class' for the ultimate budget experience. For shorter distances between Rajasthan cities, the government-run RSRTC buses are reliable and cheap. Within cities, use the Delhi Metro (which is world-class) or walk. For rickshaws, always negotiate the price beforehand or use apps like Ola or Uber to get a fair estimate.
