January is a great time to set travel goals to follow-through on throughout the remainder of the year. If you’re on a tight budget, not to worry – you can backpack to the following five India-based destinations, which were all shortlisted for being very affordable by Times Travel recently. That’s right! Satisfy your gypsy soul in 2019, without burning a hole in your pocket.
Northeast India
The Northeast is full of many breathtaking spots that will leave you in awe. While flights might be a bit of the costly side, depending which city you’re travelling from, once you enter the region, you can take buses and shared sumos to get around. We recommend mapping out areas that can be clubbed together for a smoother experience. Food and homestays are very affordable for the most part. You’re definitely bound to find much inner peace in this picture-perfect, pristine gem of an area!
Varanasi
The ancient city of Varanasi offers an eclectic mix of activities to indulge in – ghaat-hopping, dazzling evening aartis, saree shopping sprees, cozy cafe runs and even music gigs. India’s holiest city has something for every type of traveller. Lodging, food and local transportation is quite pocket-friendly, which means you can stay here for several days without feeling guilty.
Dharamshala
Are the hills calling you? Get lost amidst nature’s beauty in Dharamshala, and even plan a visit to the official residence of the Dalai Lama, if you’d like! Waterfalls. Lakes. Shopping markets. Performances. There’s plenty to explore in and around. Local Tibetan cuisine is extremely affordable (and, delicious). And, if you pick the right hostel or homestay, you can walk to plenty of tourist spots with ease.
Goa
Are you more of a beach bum? Goa is a favorite of many backpackers because lodging is dirt cheap (especially if you go during monsoon season) and alcohol is super affordable. There are plenty of beaches, shacks, clubs and cafes you can choose from. Added bonus – local markets offer really inexpensive dresses, accessories and trinkets, so you can shop to your heart’s content without having to over-think. Since public transportation is a bit of a problem, though, renting a bike or scooty is your best bet – rental prices are very reasonable and you’ll gain full mobility, too.
Delhi
The nation’s capital might seem like an expensive place to visit. But, you can actually live on a minimal travel budget if you crash at hostels, eat delicious street food and use the Metro to get around from one area to the next. Gardens. Mughal architectural sites. Street markets. Cultural performance centres. Lanes exuding rich history. Delhi’s vastness will keep you busy for plenty of days, without excess financial strain!
So, which of these five destinations are you going to backpack to during 2019? Comment below and let us know!