Traveling has evolved into different things for different individuals. However, what remains constant is the thirst to explore. Travel around India like a backpacker and see its captivating wonders for yourself. Here are 7 compelling reasons why visiting India should be at the top of any backpacker’s travel itinerary, from its colorful culture and magnificent scenery to its spiritual awakenings and delectable cuisine.
Many forms of touring have emerged over the years, and backpacking is amongst the most prominent.
There are a lot of things that distinguish a regular holiday or a vacation from backpacking.
There are some unique characteristics, such as
- More than tourist products, a backpacker seeks the real experience of the destination.
- Emphasis is on learning about local beliefs, ways of life, culture, etc.
- Backpacking is a budgeted affair.
- More than leisure, the purpose of backpacking is personal. It may be to dip into spirituality or to seek solace from the city life, and so on.
- It is usually undertaken for an extended period, typically from a few months to even years.
Astonishingly India satisfies more than just those mentioned above.
Let’s take a brief look as to why a backpacker must travel to India!
1) India is the Most Diverse Nation
Exploring the local culture forms the crux of backpacking. Below-listed examples are just the tip of the iceberg. Travel to India and introduce yourself to a world of varying encounters.
- Four of the major religions in the world originated in India
- The number of cultural and physical patterns nationwide is endless.
- India’s diversity transcends cultures, beliefs, and religions. It is as diverse geographically. You can go from hills to deserts to shores quick!
- Due to its diversity, more than 4700 newspapers in 300 languages are printed in India, every day!
2) Backpacking in India is Inexpensive
Backpacking is about spending as much time traveling and exploring as possible. This is possible only when you have enough funds to cover travel expenses. Or, you know a place that fits the budget.
- India is hands down less expensive than most of the other countries in the world.
- It is a developing country. However, you will find an intriguing blend of modernization and old-world charm in the majority of the Indian cities.
- You can survive your backpacking trip in under $20 a day.
- Everything that has a price is negotiable! Shopping, grocery, transportation, meals, etc.!
- Apart from the exchange value, accommodation options such as hostels are available at nominal prices. New budget lodging spaces are opening up by the minute.
3) Every New Day is a New Experience
As established earlier, Indian diversity is matchless. Every passing day, you will learn and observe something out of the ordinary.
Culture shock is common. However, Indian hospitality will help you transcend all travel inevitabilities.
- The differences in lifestyle are so vast that every state of India feels like a whole new country.
- From landscape to race, one thing that remains constant is the population. With so many people around, you are bound to come across experiences, unlike any other.
- Kumbh Mela, for example, is the largest peaceful human gathering on earth. It takes place at four Indian locations, namely Ujjain, Nashik, Allahabad, and Haridwar.
- Except the unexpected when you travel to India. The journey will be anything but monotonous.
4) Getting Around is No Barrier
From commuting to communicating, India has everything in your favor when it comes to getting around as a tourist.
Even though metropolises like Mumbai, Delhi, etc. have a traffic problem, there is always a way out in India!
- In spite of having 300 plus languages, India is the world’s second-largest English speaking population. So, getting around isn’t a problem.
- Unlike many non-westernized countries, India has well-placed sign and notice boards, in both local and English language.
- The world’s largest democracy has one of the most well connected networks of roads. Public transport is available easily and in many mediums.
5) The Perfect Place to Delve into Spirituality
Spirituality is synonymous with India. It is the birthplace of various religions, customs, and lifestyles.
- India is home to countless places of worship. Every village of every city in every state has multiple sites dedicated to god.
- World’s yoga capital also has endless rejuvenation and meditational centers.
- There are holy rivers, trees, idols, even men! Asceticism is still widely present throughout the country.
- Spiritual retreats, ashrams, monasteries, and places of spiritual congregation and refuge are plentiful.
- Muslims are a minority in India. However, mosques in India outnumber even the Muslim countries of the world.
6) The Mouth-Watering Indian Cuisine
Contrary to the stereotypical image, Indian food is not all spicy. It has a wide range of variety. Even within the same region, you will experience significant culinary differences.
Traditional Indian food is based on six fundamental flavors. However, the modern diet is a combination of several elements.
- India is home to delicacies that are delicious and nutritious.
- While the majority of the population is vegetarian, there is no shortage of non-vegetarian delights.
- Excluding remote and rural areas, you can find American and international fast food joints scattered throughout the nation.
- However, nothing beats the local flavors. In general, go north for tandoori; the south has hot and spicy cuisine; East is the curry paradise; West is about seafood, and Central India is a blend of all.
7) Endless Attractive Sites and Sights
Lastly, from touristy places to those beyond, India never runs out of tourist activities and attractions.
- India has a never-ending number of sites of historical importance, including 35 UNESCO world heritage sites.
- India has caves, national parks, heritage sites, ancient temples, waterfalls, mountain ranges, beaches, and everything else in between.
- Every month in India comes with an assortment of festivals. Along with it come fairs, processions, and celebrations.
- There are more offbeat locations for backpackers than any other country!
- Every nook and corner of the country is filled with mysteries, urban myths, and fascinating stories.
Are you still wondering about the ideal backpacking destination? You should start looking for cheap flights to India right away! It is as if the country was made to be backpacked!
Most of the international tourists prefer to start from metropolises of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, or Chennai to cushion culture shock.
But, no matter where you go, traveling to India will be anything but tedious. Happy Backpacking!