Backpacking through India on a tight budget — totally doable

Did India on a shoestring for 12 days and it was absolutely manageable. Based in cheap guesthouses near Varanasi centre and ate mostly at local spots — rogan josh from street stalls cost almost nothing and was better than anything in a tourist restaurant.

Varanasi ghats has an entry fee but worth every penny. ancient living culture was a free discovery that ended up being one of my favourite moments of the trip. Budget travellers: India is worth your time and money, just avoid the tourist-priced restaurants.