Top 10 Destinations

1. Parvati Valley

The Parvati River enters the Beas just above Bhuntar and its ethereally beautiful valley stretches back up to the hot springs at Manikaran and beyond into the 5000m heights of the Great Himalayan Range. The valley has a well-deserved reputation for its charas (hashish), and several villages have been transformed into hippie/backpacker hang-outs, offering cheap accommodation, international food and nonstop music to crowds of international travellers. Like Manali, the Parvati is a favourite destination along the 'hummus trail' followed by post–military service Israeli travellers. It's also increasingly popular among young Indians. Police sometimes set up checkpoints along the roads to search for charas.

2. Spiti Valley

A backpacking trip to the Spiti Valley, fondly called as ‘Little Tibet’ can be a wonderful experience, especially if you love the sight of snow-clad mountains and roaring river streams. This desert mountain valley in Himachal Pradesh, over the years, has become a favourite among adventure aficionados, but this is not the only reason for its popularity. It is home to the famous Tabo and Ki monasteries, and acts as the cultural and research centre for Buddhists. Trekking in Spiti Valley is something that you will definitely enjoy. Since it remains disconnected from the rest of the country during winters due to heavy snowfall, you should plan your trip accordingly.

3. Ladakh

The Leh Ladakh backpacker trail is one of the highest in the world, and holds attractions for tourists like the highest motorable road in the world or the highest ATM or even the Highest Food cafe in the world. A night stay at Turtuk and Alchi are a must do along with having some yak cheese and rafting in the Indus and Zanskar rivers.

4. North Rajasthan

A state of culture, camels, puppets, cheap shopping and the Thar dessert. The city of Jodhpur has the mighty Mehrangarh fort towering over the blue city, making it a delight to backpack to. Open air dessert camping is a must for anyone who backpack to Jaisalmer. The town of Pushkar is the Pushkar is the most happening place in Rajasthan with trance parties and a vibrant night life that's kept in close secret. Backpacking through Rajasthan is a must for anyone who wants to see the cultural side of India.

5. Hampi

Unreal and bewitching, the forlorn ruins of Hampi dot an unearthly landscape that will leave you spellbound the moment you cast your eyes on it. This pride of the Vijaynagar Empire is a dream destination, carved out of stone, for the history buff backpackers. Backpackers from all across the globe can be seen here. Chill by the banks of the Tungabhadra river on a full moon night with a beer in hand. Hampi is generally a safe, peaceful place, but don’t wander around the ruins after dark or alone, as it can be dangerous terrain to get lost in, especially at night.

6. Rishikesh

This place is not only popular with backpackers, but also a lot of Indian tourists as it is the religious gateway to the popular Char Dham Yatra (Pilgrimage) – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The ashrams and meditation and Yoga centres like OSHO and Vivekenanda are a favourite amongst backpackers and other travellers, who can learn Sitar or Tabla in the evening and practice Yoga in the morning next to the banks of the River Ganges. But Rishikesh is not all spirituality and contorted limbs; it's now a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hang-out, and gateway to treks in the Himalaya.

7. Dharamshala

Dharamsala, located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is another destination where you can head to for your backpacking adventure. If the natural beauty of this place attracts thousands of leisure tourists, then its sacred monasteries beckon hordes of worshipers. This is not all; over the years, Dharamsala has gained reputation as an adventure sport destination as well. As you walk through the city and its buzzing markets, one thing that you will immediately notice is the simplicity of the locals. When in Dharamsala, you can explore places like the rock-cut temples of Masrur, enjoy a boat ride on Dal Lake, pay a visit to the famous Namgyal Monastery, and visit the Kangra Fort and Kangra Museum.

8. Gokarna

Situated on the coast of Karwar, Gokarna is a small town in Karnataka, primarily known for two reasons - its beaches and temples. Gokarna can be different things to different people. Every year hordes of tourists visit Gokarna in search of sanctity and salvation on one hand, respite and relaxation on the other. The Paradise, Om and Half Moon beaches of this backpacker destination of India is the perfect place to relax on a hammock.

9. Varkala

The town of Varkala in Kerala is a quiet beach destination, located about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The most famous highlight of this place is its beautiful black-sand beach, where people love to swim, sunbath and enjoy sunrise and sunset. Another interesting activity that you can enjoy at Varkala Beach is paragliding, which is organised from the cliffs adjacent to it. In addition to beach activities, in Varkala, you can head to the famous Janardana Swami Temple, which is said to be about 2000 years old. Similar attractions to visit in this town include Sarkara Devi Temple, Sivagiri Mutt and Kaduvayil Juma Masjid.

10. Munnar

The picturesque hill station of Munnar in Kerala is simply one of the best places for a backpacking trip, especially because it is a year-round destination. The serene environs and pleasant climate of this hill town will make your journey ever so enjoyable and exciting. Situated at the confluence of rivers, Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, Munnar is famous for its sprawling tea estates as well as rich flora and fauna. Besides witnessing its tea estates, you can explore its other attractions on your trip, and some of them are Attukal Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam and Anamudi Peak.