India circuits

~ marks an estimate. Budgets are per day in US dollars. Check services and fares before setting out.

1. 01

   Delhi

   India · Daily budget ~$19

   This capital is a major centre of arts, commerce, education, tourism, and transit, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. First-timers should expect a chaotic, fascinating megacity and plan around heat, pollution, and scams.

   Delhi →to Agra

   Train~$14

2. 02

   Agra

   India · Daily budget ~$19

   The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort headline a compact Mughal heritage stop that also reaches Fatehpur Sikri and other historic buildings. Pollution and touts are part of the practical picture, and the guide notes that most visitors find a single day sufficient.

   Agra →to Jaipur

   Transport details are not recorded.

3. 03

   Jaipur

   India · Daily budget ~$34

   Jaipur is Rajasthan's capital, founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Its planned layout gives the city a distinctive urban framework.

   Jaipur →to Pushkar

   Bus~3 h 30 min~$5.50

4. 04

   Pushkar

   India

   This sacred Hindu town centers on a holy lake created by Lord Brahma and a rare temple dedicated to the creator god. It is a focused cultural stop built around worship, walking, and a distinctive religious identity.

   Pushkar →to Udaipur

   Transport details are not recorded.

5. 05

   Udaipur

   India · Daily budget ~$30

   Udaipur gathers marble palaces around a cluster of artificial lakes. Water and palace architecture give the city a distinctive lakeside character.

   Udaipur →to Jodhpur

   Transport details are not recorded.

6. 06

   Jodhpur

   India · Daily budget ~$31

   Mehrangarh Fort rises above Jodhpur and shapes the city's skyline. Its hilltop setting offers wide views across the city.

   Jodhpur →to Jaisalmer

   Train~6 h~$16

7. 07

   Jaisalmer

   India · Daily budget ~$23

   Jaisalmer's honey-colored sandstone gives the city its golden appearance. The buildings take on warm tones at sunset.

   Jaisalmer →to Bikaner

   Bus~6 h 30 min~$10

8. 08

   Bikaner

   India · Daily budget ~$19

   This desert city pairs an unconquered fort, ornate havelis, sacred rats at Karni Mata Temple, and camel safaris through the Thar. It is a lower-key Rajasthan stop with a strong bhujia tradition and a royal trading-post past.

   Bikaner →to Bundi

   Transport details are not recorded.

9. 09

   Bundi

   India · Daily budget ~$14

   Historic Bundi is built around Taragarh Fort, ornate step-wells, miniature paintings, and lakeside palace views. It suits travelers who want Rajasthan heritage at a slower pace, with nearby wildlife safaris adding an outdoors option.

   Bundi →to Varanasi

   Transport details are not recorded.

10. 10

    Varanasi

    India · Daily budget ~$25

    Varanasi's ghats line the Ganges and are a focus for boat rides. At sunset, the evening aarti brings ritual to the riverfront.

    Varanasi →to Rishikesh

    Transport details are not recorded.

11. 11

    Rishikesh

    India · Daily budget ~$26

    Rishikesh sits where the Ganges emerges from the Himalayas. Yoga gives the riverside town a defining focus for visitors.

    Rishikesh →to Haridwar

    Train~$3.94

12. 12

    Haridwar

    India

    This holy city is a centre of Hindu religion and mysticism on the Ganges, where the river descends from hills to plains. It has drawn Hindu pilgrims from around the world for centuries and remains a strong fit for travelers interested in ritual and sacred rivers.

    Haridwar →to Amritsar

    Transport details are not recorded.

13. 13

    Amritsar

    India · Daily budget ~$10

    Amritsar centers on Sikh pilgrimage, the Golden Temple, the Jallianwala Bagh memorial, and the Wagah border ceremony. Its free community kitchen, affordable Punjabi food, and nearby heritage sights make it especially rewarding for culture-focused travelers.

    Amritsar →to Dharamsala

    Bus~$9.63

14. 14

    Dharamsala

    India · Daily budget ~$17

    Dharamsala is a cool hill station shaped by its large Tibetan community and the activities of the Dalai Lama. It suits travelers drawn to Buddhist culture and an energetic backpacker scene rather than quiet isolation.

    Dharamsala →to Manali

    Bus~8 h~$6.56

15. 15

    Manali

    India · Daily budget ~$22

    At 2,050 m in the Kullu Valley, this mountain base stages treks such as Beas Kund and Chandrakhani Pass alongside rafting and routes toward Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti. Its setting shifts from lush valley scenery to a snow-covered landscape in winter.

    Manali →to Parvati Valley

    Bus~4 h~$6.50

16. 16

    Parvati Valley

    India · Daily budget ~$25

    Valley visitor destination containing the Kasol backpacker base.

    Parvati Valley →to Shimla

    Transport details are not recorded.

17. 17

    Shimla

    India · Daily budget ~$25

    Shimla is a mountain capital known for its cool summers and Victorian architecture. The Mall and The Ridge give visitors a focus for walks through its historic centre.

    Shimla →to Leh

    Transport details are not recorded.

18. 18

    Leh

    India · Daily budget ~$29

    Leh is a high-altitude city in Ladakh and a base for exploring the region. Its history follows Silk Road routes linking Xinjiang, Tibet and Kashmir.

    Leh →to Jammu

    Transport details are not recorded.

19. 19

    Jammu

    India · Daily budget ~$17

    Jammu is a temple-filled winter capital on the Tawi River, with historic palaces, forts, bazaars, and strong rail and air links. It is a practical gateway for mountain and pilgrimage journeys toward Katra, Patnitop, and the Kashmir Valley.

    Jammu →to Mumbai

    Transport details are not recorded.

20. 20

    Mumbai

    India · Daily budget ~$33

    Mumbai is India's financial and entertainment powerhouse, a city that never sleeps. Colonial-era architecture, bustling street markets, world-class dining, and Arabian Sea views sit alongside a vibrant street-food and Bollywood culture.

    Mumbai →to Pune

    Transport details are not recorded.

21. 21

    Pune

    India · Daily budget ~$30

    Maharashtra's cultural capital blends Maratha history with cosmopolitan energy, historic forts, museums, and varied restaurants. A large student population adds nightlife, while affordable living costs help keep it backpacker-friendly.

    Pune →to Aurangabad

    Transport details are not recorded.

22. 22

    Aurangabad

    India · Daily budget ~$21

    Founded by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1610, this city is the gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Its appeal is concentrated in Mughal history, rock-cut heritage, and easy access to major archaeological sights.

    Aurangabad →to Hampi

    Transport details are not recorded.

23. 23

    

    Hampi

    India · Daily budget ~$27

    Hampi preserves the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Its ruins sit among boulders, palms, banana trees and rice paddies.

    Hampi →to Gokarna

    Transport details are not recorded.

24. 24

    Gokarna

    India · Daily budget ~$27

    Gokarna is a small pilgrimage town in coastal Karnataka. Religious traditions shape the atmosphere of its town center.

    Gokarna →to Panaji

    Transport details are not recorded.

25. 25

    Panaji

    India · Daily budget ~$29

    Panaji pairs Portuguese colonial architecture with the lanes of Fontainhas. The Mandovi River adds a waterfront setting to a city-focused stay in Goa.

    Panaji →to Anjuna

    Transport details are not recorded.

26. 26

    Anjuna

    India · Daily budget ~$24

    This north Goa beach base mixes restaurants, bars, and a famous Wednesday flea market. Its location near Vagator, Chapora, and Mapusa makes it a convenient base for exploring the coast.

    Anjuna →to Kochi

    Transport details are not recorded.

27. 27

    Kochi

    India · Daily budget ~$25

    Kochi's waterfront is marked by the Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach. Nearby colonial architecture reflects Portuguese, Dutch and British influences.

    Kochi →to Alappuzha

    Bus~2 h 15 min~$2.75

28. 28

    Alappuzha

    India · Daily budget ~$24

    Canals, backwaters, beaches, and houseboat cruises give this Kerala city a water-shaped travel rhythm. Its port history and vibrant temple festivals add cultural depth beyond the waterways.

    Alappuzha →to Varkala

    Transport details are not recorded.

29. 29

    Varkala

    India · Daily budget ~$27

    Varkala's laterite cliffs overlook the Arabian Sea and a sandy beach. The cliffs form a dramatic backdrop for time by the water.

    Varkala →to Munnar

    Transport details are not recorded.

30. 30

    Munnar

    India · Daily budget ~$24

    Munnar is a hill station in Kerala shaped by British-era tea growing. Tea plantations spread across its highland setting.

    Munnar →to Thekkady

    Bus~4 h~$5.50

31. 31

    Thekkady

    India · Daily budget ~$23

    Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park, a 777 km² tiger reserve centered on a 24 km² artificial lake. Spice plantations ring the sanctuary, while nearby Kumily offers more hotels and restaurants.

    Thekkady →to Tiruchirappalli

    Transport details are not recorded.

32. 32

    Tiruchirappalli

    India · Daily budget ~$12

    Tiruchirappalli is an ancient South Indian city shaped by Chola and Naicka rule and dominated by the Rockfort Temple above the Cauvery River. Its strong rail and bus connections make it a convenient cultural stop between Chennai and Madurai.

    Tiruchirappalli →to Thanjavur

    Train~3 h~$6.36

33. 33

    Thanjavur

    India · Daily budget ~$20

    The Brihadisvara Temple anchors a visit to Thanjavur. Its pillared cloister, Shiva lingam and stone Nandi offer a close look at monumental temple art.

    Thanjavur →to Pondicherry

    Bus~$9.29

34. 34

    Pondicherry

    India · Daily budget ~$26

    Pondicherry's compact French Quarter makes a rewarding area to explore on foot. Autorickshaws and scooters extend the range of a stay beyond its central streets.

    Pondicherry →to Mamallapuram

    Bus~2 h 30 min~$3.50

35. 35

    Mamallapuram

    India · Daily budget ~$14

    Mamallapuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site shaped by the Tamil Pallava dynasty from the 7th–9th centuries. Its granite carvings, ancient temples, and compact core make it rewarding to explore on foot.

    Mamallapuram →to Lahore

    Transport details are not recorded.

36. 36

    Lahore

    Pakistan · Daily budget ~$20

    Lahore is Pakistan's cultural capital, where Mughal-era monuments, colonial-gothic architecture, and the Walled City create a dense history-focused stay. Food streets, rickshaws, and rooftop dining make the old town especially rewarding to explore.

    Lahore →to Islamabad

    Transport details are not recorded.

37. 37

    Islamabad

    Pakistan · Daily budget ~$25

    Islamabad is a planned, green capital with tree-lined sectors, modern infrastructure, and a relaxed atmosphere. Use it as a calm base for Margalla Hills walks, northern-valley trips, museums, shopping, and onward connections.

    Islamabad →to Gilgit

    Transport details are not recorded.

38. 38

    Gilgit

    Pakistan · Daily budget ~$26

    Gilgit is a Karakoram Highway crossroads and a practical base for northern valleys, trekking, and mountaineering. Cherry blossoms, suspension-bridge views, jeep excursions, and fresh mountain produce add reasons to pause in town.

    Gilgit →to Karimabad

    Shared taxi~36 min~$3.50

39. 39

    Karimabad

    Pakistan · Daily budget ~$27

    Karimabad is Hunza Valley's historic center, combining Karakoram views, restored forts, accessible hikes, and a compact hotel-and-market zone. Walks toward Baltit and Altit, local food, and the KKH make it a rewarding mountain stop.

    Karimabad →to Dhaka

    Transport details are not recorded.

40. 40

    Dhaka

    Bangladesh · Daily budget ~$31

    Dhaka pairs Mughal-era history with Islamic architecture. The Buriganga riverfront adds a busy waterside setting to the city's cultural life.

    Dhaka →to Srimangal

    Transport details are not recorded.

41. 41

    Srimangal

    Bangladesh · Daily budget ~$30

    Srimangal is surrounded by tea gardens that define the town's landscape. The local specialty Seven Color Tea adds a layered drink to the experience.

    Srimangal →to Thimphu

    Transport details are not recorded.

42. 42

    Thimphu

    Bhutan · Daily budget ~$158

    Thimphu centers on Tashichho Dzong, a whitewashed complex serving government and monastic life. Changangkha Lhakhang offers another setting for Buddhist traditions and morning prayers.

    Thimphu →to Paro

    Bus~1 h 30 min~$3.13

43. 43

    Paro

    Bhutan · Daily budget ~$162

    Paro has sacred sites and historic buildings scattered throughout its green valley. Traditional wooden structures along the main street add to the town's architectural appeal.

    Paro →to Darjeeling

    Transport details are not recorded.

44. 44

    Darjeeling

    India · Daily budget ~$27

    Darjeeling combines colonial hill-town character with Tibetan and Nepali culture, famous tea, mountain views, and a heritage railway. Walkable central streets and easy access toward Sikkim make it a rewarding mountain base.

    Darjeeling →to Kolkata

    Transport details are not recorded.

45. 45

    Kolkata

    India · Daily budget ~$27

    Kolkata is a major cultural centre in eastern India. Its nickname City of Joy is associated with Dominique Lapierre's novel.

    Kolkata →to Madurai

    Transport details are not recorded.

46. 46

    Madurai

    India · Daily budget ~$24

    Madurai revolves around the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the busy streets of its old center. Tamil food traditions and the grand halls of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal give the city a strong cultural identity.