In India you can expect to be greeted by beautiful temples, bustling cities and sandy beaches. India is a world unlike any other, and if you decide to explore and backpack through it, it is pretty much guaranteed that you’ll see and experience things that you never have before.

India is a very large country,  to travel through it and plan your journey can be overwhelming. However, it is a good idea to have a plan in mind before heading to India, as even though plans change - and as a traveller you want them to be fluid, it will serve you well to have done your research and thought about the key things you want to do when you visit.

Whether you decide to hop on a train, spend your time eating the local cuisine or make it your mission to visit as many temples as you’re able to during your stay, you can rest assured that India has something different to offer than other countries you may have visited before.

There are so many experiences to be had in India.

No matter what countries you intend to visit on your backpacking adventure, it is important that you take out travel insurance to protect yourself against many unforeseen eventualities.

Below is some information about our products, for which Terms & Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

We also wanted to help you to best plan for your trip through India, so you can spend your time booking flights, accommodation and excursions! 

Choosing where you want to travel to in India depends on what you want to do when you arrive. This differs for everyone, so we’ve pulled together a list of popular areas of India to backpack through:

  • Goa: For beaches and food
  • Pushkar: History
  • Munnar: Natural beauty
  • Virupapur Gadde: Rivers and a relaxed atmosphere
  • Rishikesh: Yoga and spirituality
  • Khajuraho: Temples 

If you’re looking to travel India solo, you will be greeted by friendly locals and travellers, ready to welcome you to your adventure. There are many destinations in India that are perfect for the solo traveller, we’ve pulled together some top places for you to visit:

  • Ladakh: Thrill seeking and adventure
  • Jibhi: Forests and nature
  • Varkala: Beaches and water sports
  • Hampi: Architecture and history
  • Kasol: Natural beauty and hiking
  • Goa: Beaches and nightlife 

The accommodation you choose really can change the feel of your trip. Choosing the right accommodation as a solo traveller, might be different to those travelling in a couple or as a group.

Hostels are perfect for all types of traveller, alone or in a group. Some hostels are advertised as perfect for solo travellers, and can be a great place to make friends and meet future travelling companions. Look into any hostel that you are considering, read reviews and look at their website and social media pages. This will give you the best idea of whether or not that hostel is somewhere that you will enjoy.

Hotels can be a pricier option, but you will often find yourself in more luxury than that of a hostel. If you are looking to take a break from staying in a dormitory-style room, a hotel can be the next best thing. Most hotels have different standards of room, so if you search properly, you will be able to find something that suits you and your budget.

Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodation types at a wide range of prices. It is well worth looking to see if there are any affordable Airbnb's in the areas that you wish to visit, you might find yourself surprised with the quality and price of some of them.

Travelling accommodation is also another great option for those of you looking to save some money whilst travelling. There are several trains that travel through the night, meaning you can get your accommodation and travel ticket all in one! Go to sleep in one part of India, and wake up in another to explore!

India is well-known for being an affordable country to travel around, however, it depends on what level of luxury you want to experience and how much you want to do each day.

Aside from paying for the flights and visas, it is likely you will need between £12-25 worth of rupees per person per day when backpacking through India. This will cover the cost of accommodation as well. 

Travelling out of a small wheelie bag or a large backpack can be challenging, but usually those who travel light find it liberating to  not have to worry too much about what to wear each day.

It’s important to remember that modesty is expected in the temples and mosques when visiting India, revealing clothes aren’t allowed and your shoulders should be covered. Furthermore, you will need to cover your head with a head scarf as well.

We’ve put together a list of things you should consider packing for a trip around India:

  • 3-4 tshirts/tops
  • 2-3 light blouses/tops
  • 1 evening outfit
  • Scarf/headscarf
  • 1 jumper/zip up for colder weather
  • 2 pairs of trousers
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 1 swimwear outfit
  • 2 pairs of shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • 5-7 pairs of underwear
  • 5-7 pairs of socks
  • 1 pair leggings/tracksuit bottoms
  • Phone & camera chargers
  • Asian plug converters
  • Any medicine you might need
  • Details of your travel insurance policy
  • Essentials such as Passport, money and ID

The weather in India can be very changeable, and varies across the different regions because the country is so vast. The weather is typically very warm in India, so visiting during the cooler months of the year (October-November and March-April) can be better for those of you who want to explore more doing the day and do a lot of activities.

If you’re planning a backpacking holiday, you’ll understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected whilst you’re away. The nature of backpacking is to explore the world, travel far and wide and sometimes just see where the wind takes you, so, this can mean that things don’t necessarily always go to plan.

Our Backpacker Travel Insurance is suitable for those that are aged 35 and under and plan on travelling a country, or bigger world adventure in one trip. For full details of the terms and conditions that apply, refer to the policy document.

Many bank accounts and credit cards come with some level of travel insurance cover. While some may be comprehensive, they may not cover you for everything you have planned whilst you’re away, particularly if you have adventurous plans or unusual excursions booked. 

Make sure you look into the travel insurance policy that you have before every trip, to make sure it’s suitable for you and your plans.

Purchasing a holiday using a credit card means you are often protected by Consumer Protection cover. In most cases, it allows you to get your money returned to you if your provider defaults and you cannot travel.

If you have booked a holiday through a tour operator or travel agent, it may be worth checking if you are covered by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s License). This type of cover means that your package holiday is protected if, for example, the travel company providing your holiday arrangements or the travel agent themselves fail financially or close down.

Your travel agents will be able to tell you if your holiday is ABTA or ATOL protected. Alternatively, use the links provided to check your cover at home.

Having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will entitle you to the government-provided healthcare of the European Union country you are visiting and lowering the medical costs you would normally expect to pay. Although this is a good addition to take on holiday, it should not be seen as a replacement for travel insurance which could provide you with further protection and peace of mind whilst you are abroad. Our travel insurance policies can protect you against many unforeseen eventualities.
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HealthHero 24/7 GP telephone and video consultations
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Our travel insurance policies provide you access to HealthHero – a 24/7 GP telephone and video consultation service* – which connects you with a UK GP to provide the reassurance and professional medical advice you need while you’re travelling abroad.
 
*For video consultations, time restrictions apply and UK Bank Holidays are excluded.
If you fancy skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing on your next holiday, our Winter Sports and Ski insurance can provide you with cover, so you can start a new hobby or work on your skills with confidence.
With our Annual travel insurance policy, you’re covered for an unlimited number of trips up to 31 days in duration over a 12-month period. You could experience the glitz of Las Vegas, the history of Rome and the beautiful scenery of Bali on the same policy.
Just taking the one holiday this year? Our Single Trip travel insurance can protect you for up to 180 days. Whether you’re taking a city break to Paris or a relaxing beach break in the Algarve, cover is available.
Hiring a car on your holiday can be a fantastic way of exploring the local area. With our Car Hire Excess Insurance policy, you’re protected against the risk of a costly excess if the unexpected happens.
If you want to get the adrenaline pumping on your holiday, then travel insurance that covers sports activities is essential. With our sports travel insurance, you’re covered for scuba diving, bungee jumping and much more.
Whether you’re backpacking in Asia, seeing the sights in Australia or driving down Route 66 in America, our worldwide travel insurance can provide you with cover.
From the bustling capital of Bangkok to the picture-perfect beaches of Khao Lak, Thailand’s a paradise for explorers; our travel insurance for Thailand can protect you as you visit this beautiful country.
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Alternative Cover Options For Pre-existing Medical Conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we are unable cover under our own policies, you may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy through one of the providers featured in the MoneyHelper directory of specialist travel insurance providers for people with serious medical conditions. Do take time to study and compare the terms and conditions to ensure you have the cover you need. To contact the Money Advice Service for further details of the directory

Call: 0800 138 7777 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
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Email: traveldirectory@maps.org.uk