Friday, March 20, 2015

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India

India is the realm of a plethora of enchanting spices, beautiful dances over the Ganges and transcendental temples. It is considered to be the cradle of civilization and history. But that’s not all! India is also incredibly rich in amazing backpacking destinations. We chose to present the best of them to you in this article. Are you ready for the adventure of your life?

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India

1. Gokarna

Lord Shiva watches over this small town from its historical temple. Gokarna is renowned for being one of the seven Hindu pilgrimage centers. What makes it even better as a backpacking destination is its location: an unspoiled rustic nature along the estuary of Aghanashini River, enriched by palm trees and tropical fruits, but also fully fledged resorts for the most pretentious of the tourists.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Boating services seen in Om beach
Boating services seen in Om beach

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Gokarna, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Hindu puja in Gokarna
Hindu puja in Gokarna

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Lord Shiva watche
Lord Shiva watches

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Lord Shiva watche
Lord Shiva watches

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | The public baths in the centre of the town, Gokarna, India
The public baths in the centre of the town, Gokarna, India 

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

2. Pushkar

Another spot on the backpackers’ radars is definitely Pushkar. This also happens to be a Hindu pilgrimage site, allegedly formed by Shiva’s tears after the death of his wife, thus the name, literally meaning “raining eyes” in Sanskrit. It is one of the oldest cities in India, also very famous for its annual festival held in November, the Pushkar Camel Fair. Tourists can engage in breathtaking safaris through the desert of Thor and witness the small villages along the track, during harvesting, which will offer them otherworldly views.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar Camel Fair

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar Camel Fair

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Peoples in Pushkar, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Pushkar, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Vegetable seller in Pushkar, India
Vegetable seller in Pushkar, India 

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4][5]

3. Dhramashala / McLeod Gunj

Also known as “"Little Lhasa” due to its Tibetan population, this mesmerizing town lies at the base of mount Hanuman Ka Tibba, which reaches an altitude of 5,639 meters above the sea level. Backpackers love it because it offers many possibilities of studying Tibetan Buddhism, their culture, language, not to mention the opportunity to buy some of their stunning handicrafts, carpets and garments. Did we mention this is Dalai Lama’s temple site?

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Dusk from Bhagsu Naag Pathway, Dharamsala
Dusk from Bhagsu Naag Pathway, Dharamsala

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | McLeod Gunj Buddhist temple in India
McLeod Gunj Buddhist temple in India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Milky Way Blessings. Dharamsala
Milky Way Blessings. Dharamsala

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | The main street in McLeodGanj
The main street in McLeodGanj 

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4]

4. Leh Ladakh

If living on the edge of thrill is your thing, then Leh Ladakh will certainly fascinate you with its high passes, tiny hamlets, Buddhist temples and lovely festivals. It’s an “all in one” tourism highlight, offering you wildlife exploration opportunities, shopping paradises and a chance to live the local culture and traditions in first person.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Drokpa Dard Woman Leh, Ladakh
Drokpa Dard Woman Leh, Ladakh

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Leh Ladakh, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Leh Ladakh, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Leh Ladakh, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Prayer Flags at Tsemo Fort Leh, Ladakh, India
Prayer Flags at Tsemo Fort Leh, Ladakh, India 

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Shanti Stupa, Leh Ladakh
Shanti Stupa, Leh Ladakh

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | The 9 Stupas at Thiksey Monastery
The 9 Stupas at Thiksey Monastery

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, Ladakh
Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, Ladakh 

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

5. Khajuraho

The perfect balance between architecture and sculpture can be observed at this fantastic site uniting Hinduism and Jainism. Khajuraho is one of the capitals of the Chandella rulers, a dynasty that enjoyed its glory during the 10th century. The temples are best known to backpackers for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Khajuraho Temple
Khajuraho Temple

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Khajuraho, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Monuments of Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh, India
Monuments of Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Temple in Khajuraho
Temple in Khajuraho

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4]

6. Goa

Goa is India’s smallest state and also the richest one. It’s a former Portuguese province, hosting the historical city of Margao, and visited by millions tourists each year, not only for its past, but also for its beaches, places of worship and the rich flora and fauna. Goa is home to two World Heritage Sites: the Bom Jesus Basilica and churches and convents of Old Goa, making it very unique and certainly different from any other place in the Indian subcontinent.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Colva Beach ,Goa,India
Colva Beach ,Goa,India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Goa

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | India Goa Anjuna Flea Market
India Goa Anjuna Flea Market

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Kayaking on Soca River, Slovenia Try kayaking at Baina beach,Goa
Kayaking on Soca River, Slovenia Try kayaking at Baina beach,Goa

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India |
Palolem Beach, Goa, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Shree Mangeshi Temple in Goa
Shree Mangeshi Temple in Goa

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Vagator Beach, Goa
Vagator Beach, Goa

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

7. Hampi

Hampi is an important religious center situated within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. According to Google’s recent statistics, it seems that Hampi is the most searched historical places in Karnataka. The “Forgotten Empire” is a great backpacking destination, especially if you plan to explore it by foot or bicycle, which will give you the chance of experiencing a visual delight of history and nature.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Farms as seen from Anjaneyadri Hil
Farms as seen from Anjaneyadri Hil

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Hampi River
Hampi River 

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Hampi Temple
Hampi Temple

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Hampi, Karnataka state, India
Hampi, Karnataka state, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, India
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, India

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4][5]

8. Munnar

A hill station in Kerala, an island of peace, Munnar is situated at over 100 kilometers from any major transport mean. The surrounding region is home to several wildlife protection areas, including the Kurinjimala Sanctuary, the Manjampatti Valley and the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. This subtropical highland is also renowned for its Tea Gardens. Munnar is a truly beautiful Indian traditional town, popular among honeymooners.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Tea plantation, Munnar, India
Tea plantation, Munnar, India 

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Market in Munnar
Market in Munnar 

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Tea plantation, Munnar, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Tea plantation, Munnar, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Tea plantation, Munnar, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Tea plantation, Munnar, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Waterfall on the way to Munnar
Waterfall on the way to Munnar

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

9. Darjeeling

Best known for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is located in the Mahabharat Range, at an elevation of around 2,000 meters. It has one of the few steam locomotives still functioning in India. Backpackers love it for its cultural diversity, merging Nepalese, Lepchas, Bhutias and Tibetan traditions with the remaining British allure of the Colonial Era.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | A waterfall in Darjeeling's scenic rock garden
A waterfall in Darjeeling's scenic rock garden

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Batasia Loop, Indian Railways
Batasia Loop, Indian Railways 

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Darjeeling

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Darjeeling

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Mahakal Temple at Observatory Hill - Darjeeling
Mahakal Temple at Observatory Hill - Darjeeling

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Tea picker in Darjeeling, India
Tea picker in Darjeeling, India

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

10. Rishikesh

Best known to backpacking enthusiasts as “The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas”, Rishikesh takes its name from the Sanskrit "Hṛṣīkeśa", meaning “'lord of the senses”. This is certainly not a coincidence, as the town will definitely captivate all of your senses while on your stay! So rich in sprawling temples, art, legendary spots of Lord Rama’s scriptures, Rishikesh is also known as an important ayurvedic treatment center.

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Down the Ganges, Rishikesh, India
Down the Ganges, Rishikesh, India

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Rishikesh

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Rishikesh

10 Best Backpacking Destinations in India | Rishikesh

Photo Source : [1][2][3][4]