India is a firm favorite with those backpacking. Just a few of the reasons to backpack there include: to become more independent; to learn about different cultures; to meet new people; to enjoy yourself.

In the six months that most tourist visas permit you can backpack intensely, and still feel like you missed out on so much. There are tropical beaches, there Hindu temples, Rajasthani palaces and forts, there are beautiful Himalayan valleys, breathtaking mountain views and holy cities.

Even though prices are steadily increasing and the tourism trade in India is increasingly aimed towards the middle classes, it's still possible to stay in a bamboo hut on a beach for around 100 Indian Rupees a night. Food is also very affordable and it's possible to eat whilst in the country for a few US Dollars a day, particularly if you eat at the same establishments as the locals However, food is more expensive in places that specifically cater for backpackers and non-Indian food is nearly always more costly than Indian food.

India is accomodating to travelers and although travelling around takes time, it is easy enough to explore for even first time backpackers. It's relatively safe too, providing you use common sense and show respect for the locals. The majority of backpackers in India travel on a route that has been travelled by thousands and thousands of other travelers before them, and as a result you'll come across plenty of services geared especially towards the backpacker market.

Local travel agents are readily available on popular travelling routes and are useful for arranging flights, visas and day trips. Sleeper trains and overnight buses are perfect for backpackers and provide a cheap method of covering moderate distances. Long in-country distances can be covered with internal / domestic flights, which are generally cheap, dependable and can be booked on the day.

Travelling there brings the unexpected and there's always something to phone home about, especially if you venture away from the backpacker hotspots and explore India outside the tourist centres. Then you'll feel more like a traveller and less like a tourist.

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