India has long held the attention of international backpackers as a land of wonder and mysticism. People go backpacking in India not just to see and experience the country’s culture, but also to find their inner self. Ancient Indian practices like Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda are much sought after by backpackers traveling to India.
So if you are in the mood for some soul-searching or for a far-out adventure, then India is the place for you. The following 3 places are the places for backpacking in India where you can experience the magic of yogis, fakirs, sadhus and snake charmers. While backpacking in India you can also rent a local to show you around.
Varanasi
Varanasi or Benares as it was called in ancient times, is one of the oldest cities in the world and an ideal destination when backpacking in India. The city has been one of the holiest sites for Hindus and one where spiritual asceticism is a way of life among the sadhus for centuries. Life in Varanasi revolves around the river Ganga, the most sacred river in India. There are a series of ghats or flight of stairs that lead to the river where pilgrims bathe in the Ganga. The Kedar, Assi and the Panchganga ghat, where the five rivers merge are worth seeing.
The ancient Buddhist temple of Sarnath is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha gave his first Sermon. Sarnath also houses a museum that has Buddhist scriptures and artifacts on display. The Saraswati Education Center is a non-profit organization that imparts free education to children in need and also has a yoga teacher training institute. This is a must-do when backpacking in India if you want to rekindle your spiritual side.
Delhi Backpacking in India
The capital city of India is easily one of the most captivating places in the country. The Gandhi Smriti, Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi’s residence is the perfect place to start your Delhi sightseeing. The serene grounds of the Smriti is a tribute to one the great legends of our time. Delhi is home to 3 World Heritage Sites – The Red Fort, the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. The sites can get crowded, so start your day early.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan or the Presidential Palace is the residence of the President of India and is the largest of its kind in the world. The regal architecture and massive presidential gardens are simply sublime. An evening walk through the lush Lodhi Gardens in central Delhi is a perfect way to end your day. Find a Delhi homestay where you can live with a local family while exploring Delhi. While in Delhi experience some of these unique Delhi attractions.
Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is famous the world over for being the place where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple complex is one of the most spiritual places for Buddhist around the world. It is within this complex that the Bodhi tree, where Lord Buddha was believed to have attained enlightenment, can be found. Next door is the Bodhgaya Museum which showcases the life and times of Gautam Buddha and also a brief history of Buddhism.
Another attraction worth visiting is The Great Buddha statue, the largest Buddha statue in India, surrounded by a wonderful garden if you are in the mood for a picnic or a spot of yoga. The Archaeological Museum is Bodh Gaya’s hidden gem. On display are sculptures and artifacts from the time of the Buddha, making it a definite must-see.
There is a saying in India, that you can take a person out of India, but you cannot take India out of a person. It is for this reason that many visitors to India decide to move to India for spiritual enlightenment. If backpacking becomes too much of a chore, take the pressure off with an India organized tour.
