Have you grown tired of the monotonous daily grind and yearning for the adventure of backpacking across India? Well, you’ve made the right decision and landed just at the right place. Over the past 11 months, I have pedaled through the nook and corner of this incredible country, gaining a wealth of experiences and wisdom that I am excited to share with you here.

When planning your itinerary, there are Five fundamental elements to consider: Food, Shelter, Clothing, Communication, and a ‘Hole‘. The importance of the latter attribute will become clear by the end of this article. Or let’s practically call this article about roti,kapda,makaan but ONLY on the road

Regional Languages Across India:

From the perspective of language we could look at India could be broadly divided into as North , South and North East

North: Hindi Dominance

In North India, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of languages, from Haryanvi and Punjabi to Ladakhi and Kashmiri, among others. However there’s nothing to worry as majority of the people in this region understand Hindi. If you’re anything like me, it’s a good idea to brush up on your second language skills and immerse yourself in Hindi culture, perhaps by watching some Hindi films.

South: Dravidian Diversity

When you journey down to the enchanting southern part of India, you’ll encounter a rich diversity of states, each with its unique language and culture. Karnataka has Kannada, Kerala Malyalam, Tamil Nadu Tamil, and in Andhra and Telangana, you’ll find Telugu, which is where I hail from. Unlike the northern states, Hindi isn’t commonly understood here.

I recommend before venturing into each state, take the time to learn some basic words and phrases in the local language. It’s a small effort that can put a warm and welcoming smile on the local faces.

Even if you don’t speak the language fluently, you’ll find that sincere attempts to communicate go a long way. And if all else fails, don’t underestimate the power of sign language , you do meet warm people who are more than happy to help.

Northeastern region :

I vividly recall the words spoken by a local Arunachali girl, a street vendor expertly roasting chicken inside a tin. She asked, ‘Aap log ham sab ko chinky kyu kehtey hai, ham bhi Indians hai’ — a question that resounded with pain and anger. (‘Why? do you guys bully us calling Chinky, though were an integral part of India)

In that moment, I sensed the frustration and hurt caused by the prevailing stereotype of referring to people from the northeastern states as ‘Chinese’ or ‘Chinky.

So, if you have any doubts about whether you can venture into these unfamiliar lands, let me assure you that, after entering these regions, the Seven Sister states took care of me like its own brother. When it comes to language, you’ll encounter a myriad of tribal languages such as Naga, Manipuri, Garo, and Khasi. There’s no Hindi except in Assam, and even English is quite rare, especially in places like Mizoram. Nonetheless the warm and welcoming nature of the people here erases any language barriers. And like I’ve mentioned before do learn some basic words and phrases of the local language.

Network:

Whether navigating through dense forests or braving the frozen passes of the Himalayas, my most significant challenge has consistently been network connectivity. Drawing from my own experiences, I suggest : it’s essential to have two SIM cards, one being a JIO postpaid and the other an Airtel prepaid. This strategy has proven effective in resolving major network problems in most locations, though it’s important to note that there may still be isolated areas with limited or no coverage.

Accommodation:

As a seasoned budget traveler, my advice for finding cost-effective accommodations is neatly organized in order of priority, catering to various preferences:

Camping : Sleeping under the stars or waking up to the pleasant sounds of birds , Camping should be your go to option. While safety is not guaranteed, choosing a campsite in a populated area, like someone’s garden or a farm, can enhance security. It’s advisable to inform a trusted individual of your whereabouts. Additionally, carrying personal safety items like pepper spray and a retractable knife can provide peace of mind. I personally prefer camping in more solitary locations; however, I cannot recommend taking any unnecessary risks.

Gurudwaras : The northern states offer cost-effective or often free accommodation. Many have langar halls providing free meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What’s impressive is their commitment to cleanliness, as they provide well-maintained facilities, including drinking water and washrooms. I recommend paying your respects in the Darbar hall (prayer hall), where sitting cross-legged and immersing in the hymns of worship could be an incredibly healing and transformative experience

Highway petrol bunks often serve as valuable sources of filtered water. Look out for signs indicating Indian Oil COCO or BPCL GHAR, which make excellent rest stops. These Petrol Pumps offer a wide range of amenities, including dormitories, showers, washing machines, eateries, and even self-cooking spaces, ensuring a comfortable break on the road.

Dhaba: In regions like Rajasthan or Haryana, you’ll find numerous Dhaba’s with traditional charpai and common bathing tanks. These Dhabas offer a welcoming place to rest, enjoy a meal, take a bath, and spend the night without any hassle. This arrangement is designed to cater to travelers’ needs across India.

Dharamshalas: Lodging associated with specific temples or sects, provide accommodation from 50 to 500 rupees. However, unlike Gurudwaras, many of them lack cleanliness. It’s best to consider them as your last budget option when no alternatives are available.

Nourishment:

Self Cooking: I began with the concept of self-sustained cooking due to a set budget and a desire for self-sufficiency. However, it proved to be time-consuming and redundant. While it’s doable for a solo tour, I wouldn’t recommend it. Avoid relying on gas canisters, which add weight and can be unreliable. In upcoming articles, I’ll discuss the benefits of multifuel stoves.

Holy Place: When you encounter a holy place, whether it’s a temple, Gurudwara, or church, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the free meals they serve. It’s important to remember that these places rely on donations, and it’s a wonderful gesture to give whatever you can. There are no expectations, and the meals are served with a heartfelt spirit. Additionally, these visits often lead to meaningful connections with amazing people

Restaurants: While traveling on the highway, you’ll encounter numerous restaurants, but these can be costly for budget travelers. My suggestion is, if you plan to eat, take the village routes for a bit, diverging from the highway. You’re likely to discover local eateries offering more affordable, authentic cuisine. If you can’t locate them, always seek recommendations from the locals. This not only breaks the monotony but also provides an opportunity to explore village life and immerse yourself in local culture.

Backup: Imagine being stranded in the scorching desert, remote cold mountain ranges, or dense forests with no food or water—such a situation is undoubtedly dire. For those embarking on adventurous journeys or daring cross-country treks, it’s essential to prepare with superfoods like dry fruits, energy drinks, and easy-to-cook options such as oats and quinoa. These choices not only provide sustenance but can be a lifesaver when facing unexpected challenges in the wild.

Apparel:

For extended journeys spanning various seasons, it’s crucial to adapt to the weather. Layering is my top recommendation. Gradually build a collection of season-specific gear, such as a waterproof jacket, a body warmer, regular clothing, and a winter jacket. You can acquire these items over time, tailoring your apparel to the temperature shifts you encounter. For instance, in mountainous regions, mornings may start sunny, but evenings turn bitterly cold. Layering allows you to adjust and stay comfortable throughout the day.

The Hole:

Traveling across diverse India means frequent encounters with diarrhea. Always stay prepared with tissue rolls and use bushes (well don’t forget to make a hole before and cover it up after ) . In places like Ladakh, where water is scarce and temperatures are cold, Indians accustomed to water-intensive habits need to reconsider their post-defecation cleaning practices. Seek relief at highway petrol bunks, dhabas, and restaurants.

I apologize, but this article is not intended for female travelers. I promise to return with articles catering to the needs of female solo travelers, with the assistance of my fellow travelers.