Introduction
Backpacking in India on a shoestring student budget used to sound like a dream. But with budget backpacking catching on as a trend among students in 2025, student budget travel to India is being made more accessible than ever. Discovering urban cities, immersing in various cultures, and indulging in local cuisines at a cost of less than ₹5,000 is no longer a dream.
With cheap hostels, sleeper trains, street food, and off-season offers, travelling for less than ₹5,000 is being enjoyed by thousands of college students annually. The following are ten carefully picked cities, each traveled cosily within the ₹5K challenge, which make them ideal for budget-friendly, student-style adventures.
1. Udaipur, Rajasthan – Royal Vibes for Student Budget Travel
Referred to as the City of Lakes, Udaipur has emerged as one of India’s favourite student budget backpacking spots. Hostels in the old city have been discovered for as low as ₹250–₹300 a night. Street-side stalls and rooftop cafés have served thalis for ₹100–₹150.
Activities like boat rides, walking tours, and sunset points are being explored without guides or paid tickets, keeping the trip simple and light on the wallet.
Approx. budget spent: ₹4,600
Pro tip: Walking between tourist spots like Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, and City Palace has helped save money and maximize exploration.
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Spirituality Without Spending
Varanasi’s ancient charm is being felt through its ghats, temples, and spiritual energy. With guesthouses offering ₹200–₹300 beds and street food costing less than ₹50 per meal, the city has emerged as one of the most affordable in India.
A boat ride at sunrise, a walk through narrow alleys, and attending the Ganga Aarti – all are being experienced without extravagant costs.
Approx. budget spent: ₹3,800
Pro tip: Langars and local restaurants like Kachori Gali have provided full meals at student prices.
3. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu – French Aesthetic, Indian Price
India’s French Quarter is being explored by students on a shoestring budget. Hostels in the vicinity of Auroville have been prebooked for less than ₹400 per day, and cycling excursions have been undertaken for ₹100 per day.
South Indian cuisine at street stalls is priced at ₹60–₹80, providing taste as well as nutrition.
Approx. amount spent: ₹4,900
Pro tip: Promenades and beaches, being scenic and free, are enriching the trip without spending a rupee.
4. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh – Harmony
Tibetan monasteries, waterfall treks, and tranquil cafés have turned McLeod Ganj into a backpacker’s hotspot within student budget. Overnight bus travel has cut down stay expenses, and hostels have been located for ₹250–₹300 per night.
Nature, culture, and budget have come together so beautifully here.
Approx. amount spent: ₹4,500
Pro tip: Volunteering at NGOs or local cafés has enabled students to remain longer without shelling out extra cash.
5. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Adventure Meets Affordability
Yoga sessions along the Ganga, dorms that are affordable, and chaat on the streets have turned Rishikesh into a budget-friendly haven. Despite adventure sports such as rafting being included (₹400–₹600), students have been able to remain within budget.
Approx. amount spent: ₹4,900
Pro tip: Free yoga sessions and sunsets by the river have rendered spiritual refreshment absolutely free.
6. Hampi, Karnataka – Ruins & Rock-Scapes for Less
Boulder-scattered country and ancient ruins have been trawled for free in Hampi. Hospet buses and ₹150/day scooter rentals have kept travel affordable. Riverside Guesthouses have been as cheap as ₹200–₹300.
Approx. budget spent: ₹4,300
Pro tip: Dawn treks to vantage points such as Matanga Hill have contributed unparalleled value, without contributing cost.
7. Kolkata, West Bengal – Culture on a College Budget
Heritage, art, and nostalgia are being soaked up in Kolkata without burning pockets. North Kolkata hostels have been priced at about ₹350–₹400.
Metro travel for ₹10–₹30 and street food such as kathi rolls and mishti doi under ₹50 have turned the city into a budget traveler’s paradise.
Approx. amount spent: ₹4,600
Tip for the students: Student IDs have also made ticket prices lower at museums and cultural sites.
8. Gokarna, Karnataka – Goa's Quieter Cousin
Hey, if you’re dreaming of that laid-back, artsy French feel but don’t want to empty your wallet, Pondicherry’s got your back. Seriously, it’s like strolling around mini-France on a student budget.
And if you’re into easygoing beach life, Gokarna’s the real MVP—imagine cosy huts and quiet shores, all for way less than you’d pay in Goa. No crowds, no chaos, just pure chill.
Shack accommodations at ₹300, seafood dishes for ₹150, and treks along several beaches have kept expenses low.
Approx. amount spent: ₹4,700
Pro tip: Foot-beach hopping instead of using autos has saved money and been part of the experience.
9. Jaipur, Rajasthan – A Royal Budget Experience
From Amer Fort to Nahargarh, Jaipur heritage is being explored with student-discounted tickets. Hostels around MI Road and Johari Bazaar have cost around ₹400/night. Thalis and street food have kept expenses under ₹150 a day.
Approx. budget spent: ₹4,500
Pro tip: The Rajasthan State Road Transport buses have provided affordable intercity travel for less than ₹300.
10. Amritsar, Punjab - Faith Shines in Students
A visit to Amritsar is being made very affordable due to the free langar and stay facilities at the Golden Temple. The spiritual value, local benevolence, and cheap transportation costs have enabled students to visit the city attractively and affordably.
Approx. budget spent: ₹3,600
Pro tip: Mix local bazaars and historical excursions such as Jallianwala Bagh for an on-foot experience.
Final words: Student Budget Travel in India Just Got Smarter
By adopting budget tricks, sidestepping tourist traps, and opting for local instead of luxury, students are proving that affordable Indian travel is very much a reality in 2025. Each city on this list is being discovered for less than ₹5,000—without the sacrifice of adventure, cuisine, or culture.
Through proper planning, budget-friendly holidays in India are being turned into lifelong experiences for student travellers, weekend travellers, and young artists.
