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5 Backpacking Destinations in India

By Anusha

You travel to learn; you travel to satisfy your innate curiosity and explore unknown territories. If the description fits you then you are an ideal candidate for backpacking. A journey that is truly considered stepping outside the comfort zone, backpacking can be the experience of a lifetime. As you travel light, hopping trains and buses and at times unique transportation, you will learn not only more about the region, but also more about yourself. Backpacking is a great option both for single travellers as well as groups. It is a great travel idea for the young at heart and the restless.

The vast lands of India harbor many secrets that you as a backpacker may stumble on. Some states in the country provide the ideal grounds for such exploration, they have everything from natural beauty to man-made wonders. Here is our selection of the five states in India that prove to be every backpacker's delight!

1. Rajasthan
The land of the golden sands of Thar, beautiful palaces, awe-inspiring forts and spellbinding sunsets, Rajasthan is truly a backpacker's paradise. It has a little of everything; from the adventure travel destinations such as Ranthambore, the cities such as Jaipur and Udaipur, the heritage places such as Bikaner and those that host popular fairs such as Pushkar! Spot a tiger, go boating on the beautiful lakes, be amazed by the royal grandeur of the palaces and take an unforgettable journey on camel-back across the Thar.

Stay options such as camping out in the desert also provide a fascinating experience. The transport options include buses, trains and even small autos that travel within the state. Food includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, try the local dishes at local shops for the best food at cheap rates. When backpacking you need to ensure minimalistic baggage, which means you may have to give the colourful shopping experience a miss! What you will carry back in plenty are the memories and sights of colourful arts, mesmerising performances and a vivid culture that is Rajasthan.

Camel Rides on the Thar Desert.
Photo Courtesy: Manoj Vasanth

2. Jammu and Kashmir
One state and innumerable travel opportunities. The beautiful Jammu and Kashmir has numerous valleys, mountains and plains to be explored. Cultures that range from the Buddhist settlements in Ladakh to the fervour of Amarnath Yatra can be experienced here. Sightings of the most picturesque lakes from Dal Lake in Srinagar to Tsomoriri in Changthang. The state represents nature and adventure travel for people across the world. You won't need much here but your backpack and a lot of energy!

The vast state offers much to explore, and unless you have a lot of time on your hands, you won't be able to see all of it. Depending on your preference and the season, you can choose the regions to backpack. Travel across hill stations such as Gulmarg or explore the many treasures of Ladakh. Many regions of Jammu and Kashmir provide travel options even for the winter months. As long as you are physically fit there is nothing stopping you from opting for experiences such as the Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar river during the winter season. Enjoy the roadside Dhaba food options, long stretches of highway travel and the stunning sights you can see only in Jammu and Kashmir.

Exploring Lesser Known Destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Photo Courtesy: Partha Chowdhury

3. Assam
Sharing its borders with states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, etc, Assam is truly a beautiful state that offers plenty when it comes to nature and wildlife tourism. As a backpacker, you will be thrilled to explore the varying landscapes from the lush green tea plantations of the state to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Kaziranga and Manas wildlife sanctuary and park.

Those who want to learn more about the local culture, must make a visit to the Kamakhya Temple or witness a festival such as Bihu. Soak in the art and culture, relish the amazing food and travel in ease by bus, train, boat or other road transport means as you backpack on an amazing journey through Assam.

Tea Estates in Assam.
Photo Courtesy: Diganta Talukdar

4. Kerala
The dazzling sights of Kerala is something that cannot be found anywhere else in the country. The lush agricultural fields, coconut groves, moss covered walls, winding roads, and the intermittent waterways are all immensely inviting. Kerala has plenty to offer from fascinating traditions and colourful culture to natural bounty. You can explore wildlife sanctuaries, backwaters, hill stations, beaches, temples and vibrant cities as you backpack across this wondrous state.

The stay options are aplenty ranging from homestays to hotels and even fancy choices such as floating cottages and houseboats. Transport systems for travel within the state include trains, buses, taxis, autos and ferry in some cases. Kerala cuisine is appreciated the world over; make sure you enjoy the delicious seafood and other local delicacies. It is also a great place for artists and photographers and is known to inspire creativity, so carry your camera and maybe even a sketchbook for when the inspiration strikes.

Backwaters of Kerala.
Photo Courtesy: Christian Haugen

5. Karnataka
The state that has remote forests, as well as bustling cities, Karnataka is a great destination for backpacking in India. You can explore the ruins of Hampi, scour the forests of Bandipur, trek through the hills at Kudremukh, be awed by the Jog Falls and immerse yourself in the heritage at Mysore.

The state has good transport system as well, especially bus and taxi service, which connects you to any place in the region. The authentic cuisine of Karnataka will make your taste buds tingle. Enjoy the ragi mudde and chicken ghee roast as you stop at the various eateries across cities such as Bangalore, Mangalore and Karwar. Stay options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Karnataka is an ideal destination for backpacker's, be it for solo or group journeys.

Karnataka

A View of the Plains from Makalidurga Hill.
Photo Courtesy: Sakeeb Sabakka

Read more about: adventure travel backpacking
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