India 7 Top India Backpacker Tours from G Adventures By Sharell Cook Sharell Cook Facebook Instagram Twitter Sharell Cook lives in Mumbai full-time and has been writing about India travel for TripSavvy since 2008. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/24/19 Giles Caldicott/Getty Images If you're young and want to travel India on the cheap, G Adventures offers some fun backpacker-style trips for "18-to-Thirtysomethings". These tours are aimed at people who want to explore the world in an affordable way with other like-minded travelers. They provide plenty of free time and flexibility, as well as an opportunity to really connect with each destination. A key feature of the tours is that they're fast-paced and cover a lot of ground. The tours are usually longer than other G Adventures tours, so more can be fitted in. Experiences and social interaction are major focuses. Overnight transport is favored to reduce the cost of accommodations, and there are fewer included meals than normal tours. This enables travelers to spend money when and where they want. As for the accommodations, you'll be staying in hostels and basic budget hotels. (However, India has some fabulous world-class backpacker hostels these days, so you don't have to worry about them being dirty and dingy). Travel during the summer and monsoon seasons (from April to July) and save 20% on selected trips! 01 of 07 Rajasthan and Varanasi on a Shoestring Getty Images\ Ian Cumming This very popular small group tour includes many of India's classic destinations and is an excellent way to experience the best of India without spending much money. You'll be able to wander through Old Delhi, go on a camel safari in Bikaner, explore ancient forts and palaces in Rajasthan, take a boat trip down the Ganges River, and of course visit the Taj Mahal! Duration: 20 days.Destinations: Delhi, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Tordi Sagar, Puskhar, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi. 02 of 07 Uncover India: Delhi to Goa Lonely Planet/Getty Images. If you want to see the classic sites of north India but can't bear to miss the fun in the sun on the beaches of Goa, then this tour is for you! Highlights include the Taj Mahal, rural village life, taking a camel cart ride into the sunset, having a meal with a local family, getting an insight into royal India in Udaipur, and shopping at Goa's night market. Duration: 15 days. Destinations: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Tordi Sagar, Pushkar, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Goa. 03 of 07 Kerala Beaches and Backwaters Kerala Tourism. This small group tour provides a great cultural introduction to Kerala. It includes many of Kerala's famed destinations—Fort Kochi, the backwaters, and breathtaking Varkala beach. You'll take a trip along the backwaters in a traditional houseboat, plus spend a night at a homestay. You'll also have the opportunity to get an Ayurvedic massage if you wish or visit a local temple. Duration: 7 days. Destinations: Kochi, Alleppey, Kollam, Varkala. 04 of 07 North to South India on a Shoestring Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images This tour has the same itinerary as the Uncover India tour from Delhi to Goa, but with the Kerala Beaches and Backwaters tour added as an additional component. Duration: 21 days. Destinations: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Tordi Sagar, Pushkar, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Alleppey, Kollam, Varkala. Continue to 5 of 7 below. 05 of 07 Discover India and Sri Lanka Andrii Lutsyk/ Ascent Xmedia/Getty Images This action-packed new backpacker tour is ideal for those who want to visit Sri Lanka as well (And, why not? The country is becoming a popular backpacker destination). It encompasses the 21-day North to South India on a Shoestring itinerary plus and added 11 days in Sri Lanka. The attractions covered in Sri Lanka include historical sites such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, Minneriya National Park, a farm stay near Kandy, handicraft workshops, tea plantation, trekking in Horton Plains National Park and to Little Adam's Peak, cooking classes, and Galle Fort. Duration: 32 days. Destinations: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Tordi Sagar, Pushkar, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Alleppey, Kollam, Varkala, Negombo, Sigiriya, Digana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Galle, Hikkaduwa. 06 of 07 Discover Kerala and Sri Lanka vs_gokul/Getty Images If you don't have a month to spare for the Discover India and Sri Lanka tour but would still like to visit both countries, this shorter Kerala and Sri Lanka tour is a suitable option. It's made up of the Kerala Beaches and Backwaters tour and 11 days in Sri Lanka. Duration: 18 days. Destinations: Kochi, Alleppey, Kollam, Varkala, Negombo, Sigiriya, Digana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Galle, Hikkaduwa. 07 of 07 Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure Phil Clarke-Hill/Getty Images If you're feeling adventurous, this fast-paced small group tour will take you overland to Kathmandu after visiting some of India's top attractions. It's a blend of classics such as the Taj Majal, backpacker favorites such as Pushkar, and fresh mountain air and nature. Duration: 15 days. Destinations: Delhi, Pushkar, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Lumbini, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara, Kathmandu. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email