Solo Backpacking Trip to India – Travel Story

Even though I have lived in India for a very long time, my parents did discourage me from going on a solo backpacking trip within India initially. So I can understand if you too are having mixed feelings about going on a solo backpacking trip to India. But now that they have seen me traveling across the country time and again, they and I have realized that it’s perfectly safe to do so.

I video call them from everywhere I go and introduce them to people that I meet. It becomes re-assuring for them that I am not alone, even though I did start my journey just by myself.

And, that is true for every journey that you undertake. You might start by just yourself, but that doesn’t define the rest of your journey. It’s just your start point. You will meet people throughout your journey – While getting from one place to another, while sitting at a restaurant, in the hostel that you stay. And, you might even end up spending a couple of days together.

I for one enjoy traveling solo in India. I have been doing it for 2 years now. And, I have been to more than 15 states, in this country.

Is it safe to go on a solo backpacking trip to India?

So I can say this from my experience, that it is perfectly safe to go on a solo backpacking trip to India.

I would suggest that you take the standard precautions though – not taking the road less traveled after dark, carry pepper spray, don’t take any candy from a stranger (you know where I am going with this, right?). If you have all of that sorted, you will be fine traveling alone in India.

But all in all, I have traveled to the north, south, north-east and central India, and no complaints. Yes, I have been overcharged as a tourist and made fun of in the local language (that I did not understand), but that I think happens in a lot of places. It’s not just India.

So as long you are good at ignoring certain things and not taking everything to heart, I think you’ll be just fine.

Read more: Pros and Cons of Traveling on a Budget

Awkward moments – If you must know

On many occasions, the people that I met told me about their experiences while traveling in the country. I usually stay in hostels and so I end up meeting a lot of backpackers. And, here are some of their experiences, as well as mine, to help you prepare yourself mentally and give you the idea of things that you should expect while solo backpacking in India.

• Some people will randomly shove their phones in your face and take your picture. No reason, no explanation, no warning. Just like that. They will randomly stand next to you, try to have you in the frame while taking selfies. Just ignore them and keep walking.
• Even in places like Jaipur, Mumbai, and Agra, which see a lot of tourists all year round, you will face a lot of awkward behavior. But not from all people, just a handful. Some people on the street will stare you for no reason. They will keep looking at you irrespective of your gender. Again, ignore and keep walking.
• Every state is different. Speaks a different language, has a different culture, and a different social environment. So try not to expect the same kind of social environment that you get in Goa, everywhere else. Goa will be different than Delhi which will be different than Nagaland, which will be different than Rajasthan. Just, every place is very different.
• Enjoy the variety, and the change of landscape and social behavior as you go along.
• People are very helpful and welcoming, even though some of them might charge you a token fee for their help and kindness.

Food

• The food differs from place to place. In some places, it is super spicy while in others, not so much. Spicy in India has a whole new level. Every state has a different kind of spicy. So if you are not into that kind of food, just make sure to ask them to hold back on the chilly.
• In some places, non-veg food is easily found, while in others, it is not so readily available. The same goes for vegetarian and vegan food. So before you go to a place, you might want to research a little to know if you need to carry your own food. For vegans, some people might not know what vegan is, but if you ask what’s for lunch/dinner, there will always be either rice and curry or roti and curry.

• Street food is amazing, but I have seen a lot of tourists restraining from it, because of the fear of getting sick. And, obviously, no one wants to spend their days in a hospital’s waiting room, or in a hotel room resting while on a trip. So yeah, it’s understandable. But in case you do gather up the courage to try some of the street food, I would suggest that you go for something that is cooked.
• When all is said and done, Indian food is one of the reasons why a lot of people visit India. While others look forward to trying a new palette of flavors. There are a lot of TV shows too where people visit India, try the local food, and then make their own version of it.

Read more: 5 way to find offbeat places to travel

Places to visit while on a solo backpacking trip in India

Varkala

To get you started and make you comfortable while you are on a solo backpacking trip in India, I would say, go for Goa or Varkala. These are the two places, where you will meet a lot of tourists from all over the world. You could sit with them, ask for tips and suggestions. Get warmed up and know that you are not alone.

Goa

This the one place where you don’t have to think a lot. Everyone who visits India visits Goa. Sometimes multiple times and sometimes end up staying for longer than they originally planned to.

Rajasthan

The pink city aka the city of palaces. The one state where you can get a taste of the royal life. You can stay in the Jaisalmer Fort, enjoy a stay in the luxurious heritage hotels, or take a dip in rock-cut pools!

Himachal Pradesh

Mostly popular among young folks but you can also find some middle-aged people enjoying the landscapes. It’s a must visit. You won’t be disappointed.

Varanasi

The evening service at the ghat is worth the visit whether you are a spiritual person or not. It is something to look forward to.

Meghalaya

North-East is the least explored of all. Not a lot of people, local or otherwise, make it to the North-Eastern states of India. There are bridges made of living roots, caves to explore, and waterfalls to dive in.

What was your solo backpacking experience like? Would you like to share any stories?

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