Few countries in the world offer as diverse a traveling experience to backpackers and other tourists as India. You can spend months exploring the country’s various climates, geography, food, culture, and history and barely scratch the surface.
Delhi – ”Lutyens’ Delhi”
The first point of arrival for backpackers will be the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. These form the ‘Golden Triangle of India’s most visited cities. They lie about 200 to 250 kilometers apart and form the points of an equilateral triangle on the map.
The traffic and noise of Delhi give Western backpackers a real culture shock. You’ll share the streets with rickshaws, beggars, wedding parties, street vendors, and spice merchants.
What Are the Tourist Places in Delhi?
Red Fort
The Red Fort dominates Delhi and is the city’s most famous and crowded, historical monument. Built by the Mughal emperors to guard the city, it was captured in later years by Sikhs and the British.
Humayan’s Tomb
Humayan’s Tomb, the grave of the second Mughal emperor, dates from 1570 and was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Qutab Minar
The Qutab Minar in Delhi (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It was built in 1206 for reasons that remain unclear. It could have been to mark the beginning of Mughal rule in India or just for calling the faithful to prayer.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid in the Old City is India’s largest mosque. A climb to the top of the southern tower comes with the reward of a stunning view over the city. You can see more of Delhi’s bustle at the Chandi Chowk, the Old City’s principal street. One of the oldest markets in India, it sells everything from textiles to computers and Cleaning Companies.
India Gate
New Delhi, built by the British, consists of straight, broad boulevards. Walk along the main road, the Rajpath, in the evening towards the India Gate. This arch is flood-lit in the evenings and commemorates Indian soldiers who died in the Afghan wars and World War I.
Lotus Temple
What is special about Lotus Temple?
This magnificent lotus-shaped temple is located in the capital city of New Delhi, the structure of the Lotus Temple established and dedicated to the Baha’i faith. After engaging with a stunning white petal lotus flower structure you can enter the temple and can seat in a peaceful seating area there will not any kind of sound you can hear. You will connect with the tranquil vibes of the temple. That makes Totus temple so special for everyone.
The Lotus Temple Baháʼí House ranks amongst the most visited buildings in the entire world. The shrine was built and ready to open for the public in 1986, was designed and conceptualized by Fariborz Sahba (Iranian Architect).
The Lotus Temple is spread over more than 26 acres, it has 9 spacious pools as well as grassy green gardens encompassing it, appending to the grace and richness of the entire area.
Agrasen Ki Baoli (Stepwell)
It is an ancient stepwell built by King Agrasen during the time of Mahabharata. But there is no proof to prove this story.
Historical says that Agrasen Ki Baoli or Stepwell was reconstructed over the old stepwell by the rich Agarwal Community. today’s construction of this ancient stepwell belongs to the fourteenth century in the time of the rule of Tuglaqs in Delhi.
The tourists enjoy the marvelous beauty and architecture of this ancient stepwell. It has 108 steps that lead you down to the well.
Agrasen Ki Baoli is also known as the top haunted destinations in India. Featured in many Bollywood movies and I refer you to must visit this stepwell if you are planning to travel in India.
If you are a hardcore food lover and love to enjoy the food culture of the various places?
Then Delhi is one of the best places to enjoy authentic cuisines, delicious street foods, and also known for flavourful Indian spices markets.
Best time to visit Delhi – November to March is the best time to visit Delhi.
How to commute in Delhi in Lowest Budget – By Taxi, By Metro, By Bus, Hop On Hop Off Bus, Auto Rickshaw, Cycle Rickshaws, On Foot.
Jaipur – the first planned city of India
Jaipur is India’s ‘pink city’ and the old capital of Rajasthan. The city is surrounded by a huge pink wall with seven gates. It is full of ancient forts and palaces with exquisite decorations.
What are the Best Forts to visit in Jaipur?
City Palace
The City Palace, with its magnificent Peacock Gate, was the residence of Jaipur’s royal family. The family’s descendants still live in the Moon Palace by the main courtyard.
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is not so much a palace as a highly decorated wall. Its name derives from the small windows and screens through which the wind could blow. The Palace overlooks the old city and women from the royal house could watch the street life without being observed.
Amber Fort
The Amber Fort is just a half-hour’s drive from Jaipur’s city center on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. This was the seat of the Rajput royal family before Jaipur was built.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is situated on Cheel ka Teela that means Hill of Eagles and Nahargarh means “abode of tigers”. This mighty Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh in the 18th century. If you are in Jaipur must add Nahargarh fort to your bucket list. Its wonderful architecture and scenic view from the top are just incredible. This fort is also featured in the famous Bollywood movie ”Rang De Basanti”.
Best time to visit Jaipur – In Winter (November to January)
Agra – A City on the Banks of the Yamuna River
Once the capital of Hindustan and today in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal. This is the mausoleum built with white marble on the banks of the River Yamuna. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The center of the city is dominated by the Agra’s Fort, which stands on the west bank of the River Yamuna. The other famous river monument is the Itmad-Ud-Daulah, or ‘Baby Taj’. Built of marble, it is the tomb of Mirza Ghyjas Beg, the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal.
Things to do in Agra
- Plan to visit the Taj Mahal in the early morning to experience its divine beauty with sunrise.
- Don’t forget to watch the Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort.
- Take a detor to Fatehpur Sikri
- Visit wholesale markets in Agra where you can shop handicrafts, glassware, marble works, spices, leather items, and many more.
- Must watch Kalakriti dance drama show.
- Enjoy Agra’s Streets food and Mughlai Cuisines.
- Watch the sunset with a boat ride on the Yamuna river with the scenic view of the Taj mahal.
The ideal time to visit Agra – November to February
Darjeeling – The Land of the Thunderbolt
You can escape the cities for the cliffs, waterfalls, and mountain air of Darjeeling in West Bengal state in the foothills of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Everest in Nepal.
Built as a hill station by the British, Darjeeling’s world fame comes from its tea. You could go trekking in the hills, take a train or walk through evergreen and alpine forests. Visit Buddhist villages and monasteries along the way through mountains and valleys and see the sunset from Tiger Hill, just 15 kilometers from Darjeeling town.
What is so special about Darjeeling tea?
Darjeeling tea is exported all around the world. The leaves of the Darjeeling tea can be processed in different ways, resulting in green, black, and oolong which makes this tea so unique.
Best time to visit Darjeeling – April to June (In Summer)
Munnar – The Kashmir of Kerala
The hills in Munnar in Kerala state in southern India are also popular with backpackers. There are cardamom, coffee, and tea plantations, green hills everywhere and curvey roads from these hill gives stunning experience. Located at the confluence of three rivers, Munnar was a favorite holiday destination for the British in South India. There are numerous opportunities for trekking and mountain biking.
Eravikulam National Park, about 15 kilometers from Munnar, is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, a species of ibex and other rare animals, butterflies, and birds. Arrange a trip when the hill slopes are covered with purple-blue Neelakurinji blossoms
Best time to visit Munnar – The weather is mild and pleasant throughout the year.
Also read, Best Places to Visit in Kerala
These five places for backpacking in India will give you an unforgettable travel experience. If you are planning for a budget solo traveling trip in India? after a pandemic and you want some assistance from Indian solo travelers and backpackers. You can ask for any kind of travel assistance on Travomania. We are a group of solo travelers in India who help tourists to plan their trip in a budget-friendly way and secure way. Follow Travomania to get budget traveling tips and virtual travel assistants.
Great list!