6 Month Solo Travel Itinerary to Explore the Whole of India: A Complete Guide with Budget, Routes, and Practical Tips

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by

Himanshu
in

India is not just a country; it’s a continent of experiences wrapped in one landmass — from the snow-capped Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan, the dense forests of the Northeast, the beaches of Goa, and the backwaters of Kerala. Covering the whole of India in six months as a solo traveler is both a challenge and a dream. With the right plan, discipline, and mindset, it’s absolutely achievable and incredibly rewarding.

This blog offers a complete 6-month solo India travel plan, covering the most significant regions, must-see destinations, estimated travel costs, transport suggestions, safety advice, and practical tips — ensuring a rich, memorable, and realistic journey.

Why a 6-Month Solo Trip Across India?

According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, domestic travel in India grew by over 20% in 2024, with solo travel witnessing a sharp rise, especially among professionals taking career breaks or working remotely. India offers unparalleled diversity — 28 states, 8 union territories, and over 1,600 spoken languages, all connected through one massive rail and road network.

In 6 months, a solo traveler can comfortably explore each zone — North, West, South, East, and Northeast India, plus the Union Territories — while balancing travel fatigue, climate conditions, and budget limits.

Overview: The 6-Month All-India Travel Route

Here’s a broad division of your travel schedule:

MonthRegionKey DestinationsEstimated Travel Cost (₹)Average Stay Duration per Place
1North IndiaDelhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Himachal35,000–45,0003–5 days each major city
2North-East IndiaSikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal30,000–40,0003–4 days per state
3East IndiaKolkata, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand25,000–35,0002–4 days per city
4South IndiaTamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka40,000–50,0003–6 days per state
5Western IndiaGoa, Maharashtra, Gujarat35,000–45,0003–5 days per location
6Central & Union TerritoriesMadhya Pradesh, Varanasi, Chandigarh, Kashmir30,000–40,0002–5 days each
Total (Approx.)₹1.8 – 2.5 lakh—

Month 1: North India — Heritage and Himalayas

North India sets the perfect tone — diverse in culture, architecture, and terrain.

Route:

Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Manali → Shimla → Amritsar → Dharamshala

Highlights & Details

  • Delhi (4 days) – Start in the capital. Visit Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Chandni Chowk. Stay near Connaught Place for better metro connectivity.
  • Agra (2 days) – Just 230 km from Delhi (4 hours by train). Visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh.
  • Jaipur (3 days) – 240 km from Agra (5 hours by bus). Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal. Try Rajasthani Thali.
  • Jodhpur (2 days) – 330 km by overnight train. Mehrangarh Fort, Clock Tower market.
  • Udaipur (3 days) – 250 km by road. Visit Lake Pichola, City Palace, enjoy sunset boat rides.
  • Manali (4 days) – From Delhi, 540 km (12 hours overnight bus). Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, local cafés.
  • Shimla (2 days) – Scenic toy train ride from Kalka. Mall Road and Jakhu Temple.
  • Amritsar (2 days) – Visit Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Wagah Border (Delhi to Amritsar ~450 km).

Tips:

  • Use IRCTC trains and Himachal Volvo buses for economical travel.
  • Stay in hostels (₹500–₹800 per night).
  • Local meals: ₹200–₹400 per meal.
  • Best time: October–February (pleasant weather).

Month 2: North-East India — Nature and Serenity

The Northeast offers breathtaking landscapes, unique cultures, and less-crowded trails.

Route:

Guwahati → Shillong → Cherrapunjee → Kaziranga → Gangtok → Pelling → Tawang

Highlights & Details

  • Guwahati (2 days) – Gateway to Northeast. Visit Kamakhya Temple and Brahmaputra cruise.
  • Shillong (3 days) – 100 km (3 hours) from Guwahati. Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, local markets.
  • Cherrapunjee (2 days) – 55 km from Shillong. Visit Double Decker Root Bridge, Mawsmai Caves.
  • Kaziranga National Park (2 days) – 200 km drive from Shillong. Jeep Safari for one-horned rhinos.
  • Gangtok (3 days) – 500 km (overnight bus/train to Siliguri + cab). Visit Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery.
  • Pelling (2 days) – 130 km from Gangtok. Famous for Kanchenjunga views.
  • Tawang (3 days) – 320 km from Tezpur (road travel). Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, snow-covered peaks.

Travel Tips:

  • Road conditions vary; keep extra travel days.
  • Permits required for Arunachal and Sikkim — apply in advance.
  • Average daily spend: ₹1,200–₹1,800 including stay and food.

Month 3: East India — History and Spiritual Roots

Route:

Kolkata → Bhubaneswar → Puri → Konark → Bodh Gaya → Patna

Highlights

  • Kolkata (4 days) – Explore Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum. Try street foods like Kathi rolls and puchka.
  • Bhubaneswar (2 days) – Visit Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri Caves.
  • Puri & Konark (2 days) – Beach town and Sun Temple (35 km from Bhubaneswar).
  • Bodh Gaya (2 days) – Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha attained enlightenment.
  • Patna (2 days) – Historic Patna Sahib Gurudwara, Golghar.

Distances & Travel

  • Kolkata to Bhubaneswar – 440 km (overnight train).
  • Bhubaneswar to Puri – 60 km (2 hours).
  • Bhubaneswar to Gaya – 700 km (overnight train).

Cost & Stay

  • Train travel under ₹1,000 per segment (sleeper class).
  • Hostels ₹600–₹900; food ₹300/day.

Month 4: South India — Culture, Temples & Coastlines

Route:

Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry → Madurai → Munnar → Kochi → Alleppey → Bangalore → Mysore

Highlights

  • Chennai (2 days) – Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
  • Mahabalipuram (1 day) – 55 km south of Chennai, famous for Shore Temple.
  • Pondicherry (2 days) – 100 km from Chennai. French architecture and Auroville.
  • Madurai (2 days) – Meenakshi Temple and heritage walk.
  • Munnar (2 days) – Tea plantations, waterfalls, trekking.
  • Kochi (2 days) – Backwaters, Fort Kochi, local markets.
  • Alleppey (1 day) – Houseboat cruise (average ₹6,000/day solo).
  • Bangalore & Mysore (3 days) – Modern tech city and Mysore Palace.

Travel Tips

  • Southern rail and bus connectivity are excellent.
  • Opt for overnight trains to save hotel costs.
  • Best time: November–March (pleasant weather).
  • Average daily budget: ₹2,000–₹2,500 (includes accommodation and meals).

Month 5: Western India — Beaches, Cities, and Desert

Route:

Goa → Mumbai → Pune → Ahmedabad → Rann of Kutch → Mount Abu

Highlights

  • Goa (4 days) – Baga, Calangute, Colva, and heritage forts. Rent scooters for ₹400/day.
  • Mumbai (3 days) – Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves. Local trains are cheapest.
  • Pune (2 days) – Shaniwar Wada, Osho Ashram.
  • Ahmedabad (3 days) – Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj Stepwell, Law Garden.
  • Rann of Kutch (3 days) – White salt desert, Rann Utsav festival.
  • Mount Abu (2 days) – Cooling hill station in Rajasthan.

Distances

  • Goa to Mumbai – 590 km (overnight bus/train).
  • Mumbai to Ahmedabad – 530 km (train 7 hours).
  • Ahmedabad to Bhuj – 330 km (overnight bus).

Cost

  • Western India tends to be moderately priced: ₹1,800–₹2,500 per day.
  • House stays and hostels widely available.

Month 6: Central India & Union Territories — Heart and Crown of India

Route:

Varanasi → Khajuraho → Bhopal → Indore → Ujjain → Gwalior → Delhi → Srinagar → Leh-Ladakh

Highlights

  • Varanasi (3 days) – Ganga Aarti, boat ride at sunrise, Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
  • Khajuraho (2 days) – World Heritage erotic temples (400 km from Varanasi).
  • Bhopal (2 days) – Upper Lake, Tribal Museum, Bhimbetka Caves.
  • Ujjain (1 day) – Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of 12 Jyotirlingas.
  • Gwalior (2 days) – Gwalior Fort and Scindia Palace.
  • Srinagar (3 days) – Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Hill.
  • Leh-Ladakh (4 days) – Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake (via Srinagar-Leh highway).

Distances

  • Delhi to Srinagar – 800 km (flight preferred, 1.5 hr).
  • Srinagar to Leh – 420 km (2 days road trip).
  • Leh to Delhi (return flight) – 1.5 hours.

Budget

  • Daily average ₹2,500–₹3,000 including transport.
  • Leh region can be costlier due to remoteness.

Estimated Total Budget for 6 Months

Expense TypeApproximate Cost (₹)Remarks
Accommodation60,000 – 90,000Budget hostels & homestays
Food50,000 – 70,000Local dhabas, simple meals
Inter-City Travel45,000 – 60,000Trains, buses, a few flights
Intra-City Travel20,000 – 25,000Autos, metros, local cabs
Activities & Sightseeing25,000 – 30,000Entry fees, guides
Miscellaneous15,000 – 25,000Shopping, SIM, emergencies
Total (Approx.)₹2.2 – ₹3 lakhFor 6 months

Safety & Practical Tips for Solo Travelers

  1. Documents: Keep scanned copies of ID, visa (if foreigner), tickets, and emergency contacts in cloud storage.
  2. Health: Carry a basic medical kit and hydration salts. India’s temperature ranges from –5°C in Ladakh to 45°C in Rajasthan.
  3. Accommodation: Use verified hostels and check reviews. Prefer locations near railway stations or markets.
  4. Budget Control: Use UPI apps and digital wallets; withdraw cash weekly to limit spending.
  5. Local Etiquette: Dress modestly in rural and religious sites. Learn basic greetings in Hindi.
  6. Transport Strategy:
    • Use overnight trains to save hotel costs.
    • Use local buses in the hills and metros in cities.
    • Confirm tickets 10–15 days in advance.
  7. Climate Awareness:
    • North India: Winter ideal (Oct–Feb)
    • South India: Best Nov–March
    • Northeast: Avoid heavy monsoon (June–Sept)
  8. Connectivity: Mobile signal weaker in Ladakh, parts of Northeast; download offline maps.
  9. Emergency Contacts:
    • Police: 100
    • Women Helpline: 1091
    • Tourist Helpline: 1363

Sample Weekly Routine During Long Trips

DayActivity
Day 1Arrival & rest
Day 2Explore main attractions
Day 3Local food & culture
Day 4Day trip to nearby site
Day 5Relaxation / writing / journaling
Day 6Night transfer to next city
Day 7Travel day / light activity

This rhythm helps avoid burnout and keeps your energy balanced for a 6-month journey.

Best Travel Practices

  • Pack light — 10–12 kg backpack maximum.
  • Essentials: power bank, sunscreen, reusable bottle, microfibre towel.
  • Avoid tourist traps: Negotiate prices for taxis, guides, and souvenirs.
  • Engage Locally: Talk to locals for hidden gems; India’s best experiences are often unplanned.
  • Keep a journal: Recording memories daily helps process your long trip mentally.

Why a Solo Journey Across India is Life-Changing

A solo 6-month India trip is not just sightseeing — it’s a test of patience, adaptability, and courage. You’ll witness more than 15 climate zones, 30 major languages, 500+ cuisines, and a culture that continuously evolves with each state line you cross.

By the end, you’ll have:

  • Ridden trains across deserts and mountains.
  • Watched the Ganga flow at dawn and Arabian waves at dusk.
  • Met monks, farmers, musicians, and chai vendors.
  • Collected stories that define India’s true essence — diversity in unity.

Disclaimer

The itinerary and cost estimates provided are for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs, weather conditions, permits, and travel routes may vary depending on individual preferences, seasons, and local regulations. Travelers should verify details and safety guidelines before travel. The intent of this article is to inspire and inform safe, sustainable, and responsible travel across India.