Best Backpacking Countries

Ready to pack your bags and head out to see the world, but don't know exactly where to go? Get inspired with our picks for the best countries for intrepid travelers on a budget.

India

Increase your backpacker cred by touring this equally colorful and chaotic country. For all its frustrations, India provides far more soul-stirring moments, like seeing the peaceful birthplace of yoga, in Rishikesh; the spiritually cleansing Ganges River and the grandest monument to love, the Taj Mahal.

Chile

While Chile is more expensive than other countries in South America, it is full of dramatic and vastly different landscapes to explore. In northern Chile lies the otherworldly salt flats and driest desert in the world, the Atacama. In southern Chile the massive glacier peaks tower over Patagonia. And for a trip of a lifetime, fly to remote Easter Island from the lively capital Santiago in just 6 hours.

Australia

Australians are known for their “walkabouts,” the rite of passage for young Aussies to travel the world after they finish school. While young Aussies roam the world, they’re leaving an amazing country behind for tourists to enjoy their own “walkabout.” Down Under lures backpackers with the Great Barrier Reef, the rugged Outback and the youthful cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

Peru

Seeing the breathtaking Machu Picchu should be on everyone’s bucket list. Trekking the Inca Trail is the ultimate way to see the famous ruins, named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This incredible 30-mile hike takes 4 days to complete as you trek high up into the Andes in search of the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Share your stories from the trail with other travelers in the nearby town of Cusco, a backpacker’s favorite pit stop filled with fun hostels.

Vietnam

Every tour of Asia should include Vietnam, a dynamic country changing by the minute. If you’re after stunning views, the jade green waters and limestone islands and caves of Halong Bay will dazzle you. For a taste of bustling city life, tour Ho Chi Minh City, with its mouthwatering street food and fascinating museums.

Cambodia

One of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth, Angkor Wat alone is worth a visit to Cambodia. The largest religious architectural site in the world, this complex of over 100 stone temples was known as “Heaven on Earth” by the Khmer kings who built it over the course of 6 centuries. Ancient temples aren’t all Cambodia has to offer, either; don’t miss seeing Phnom Penh, now one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, with its bustling outdoor markets, exotic street food and lively nightlife.

Ireland

Getting around the Emerald Isle is cheap and easy -- a perfect combination for budget travelers. Travel by bus or rent a car to discover all the natural beauty -- from the Cliffs of Moher to Giant's Causeway -- that’s packed into this little island country. Travel to the remote Aran Islands to see traditional Gaelic language and culture still thrive. Or hit youthful and lively Galway to hear live Irish music in friendly pubs.

Thailand

This backpacker’s paradise rose tremendously in popularity after was filmed in Thailand’s Maya Bay in 1999. In the film, young backpackers search for a hidden paradise, inaccessible to tourists. Even though it’s hard to escape the tourists in Thailand, there’s still plenty here for the intrepid traveler to discover. From island hopping to elephant riding and jungle trekking, there’s no shortage of adventures to have here. And Thai food alone is worth a visit. Spicy and cheap, it’s perfect for the adventurous foodie.

Greece

A budget traveler’s dream, this Mediterranean hot spot offers ancient ruins and affordable islands to explore. Tour ancient wonders like the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Then soak up Greek culture with a tour of the islands, from party-beach Mykonos to sparsely populated Gavdos.

New Zealand

If you’re an adventure junkie or simply an outdoors lover, this country is sure to wow you. Cross off a bucket list challenge in South Island’s Queenstown, the mecca for nearly all adventure activities and the birthplace of bungee jumping. If you want to see the spectacular scenery with both feet on the ground, trek through New Zealand's Fiordland National Park on the 33-mile Milford Track.

Turkey

If you want to backpack in a less tourist-trodden country, this Middle Eastern gem is a great option. Spend a few days marveling at the mosques in Istanbul (which happens to be a major flight hub for scoring cheap airfare). Once you get outside of Istanbul, prices drop tremendously. So you’ll be able to get the most bang for your buck as you crisscross the country, touring the underground caves and rock houses of otherworldly Cappadocia and the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

Southwest USA

There’s no reason to leave the good ole US of A in search of adventure. Southwest’s Four Corners region -- Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona -- offers incredible hiking and jaw-dropping scenery. While the Grand Canyon is a must-see, don’t miss other natural wonders, too, like Utah’s Monument Valley, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns.

my Bangalore boom boom

About Bangalore
Bangalore, also rendered Bengaluru,is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City for its gardens and parks and was once called a pensioner's paradise.

Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous cityand fifth-most populous urban agglomeration. Bangalore is well known as a hub for India's information technology sector. It is among the top 10 preferred entrepreneurial locations in the world.

History 
The term 'Bangalore' is an anglicized version of "Bengalooru," a Kannad term. The word Bengalooru was in turn derived from the phrase 'bende kaalu ooru', meaning 'the town of boiled beans'. The story behind naming the city as the 'town of boiled beans' is said Once a hunting expedition King Ballala of the Hoysala dynasty lost his way in the jungle. Deep inside the jungle, lived an old woman who took pity on the hungry and tired hunter. The old woman was poor and had nothing else to offer but boiled beans. But the king was so pleased with her hospitality that he named the entire city as bele-benda-kalu-ooru.

Climate
Located at an altitude of 920m (3021ft) from the sea level, Bangalore has a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year. During summer the temparature reach a maximum of 27°  Celcius. Winters are colder when temparature goes down to 20° C. Bangalore enjoys both southwest and northeast monsoons. October and November are the wettest months.The Mon soons are during June - Sept. Bangalore has a domestic airport that connects most of the major cities of the country. A few international flights are also operated from here. The city is connected by rail and roads to all parts of the country


Facts Sheets
Bangalore Is located 3000 MT above the sea level, with the surrounding hills and plateaus; the weather is moderate throughout the year. Some of the most famous and distinct tourist spots in Bangalore are the Bangalore Fort, Cubban Park, Lal Bagh etc.

The word Bangalore itself has some interesting history behind it. It is believed that, Bangalore was also known as Bangalooru during those days. The word Bangalooru originally is a Kannada term, when translated in English which means “The town of boiled beans”. This name was give by Veera Bhalla (the2nd), in 1120.However there have been debates on its existence.

Cubbon Park
On a grassy expanse over a few hundred acres in the centre of Bangalore is Cubbon Park, planned and laid out in 1864 by Sir Richard Sankey, thethen Chief Engineer of Mysore. It is named after Sir Mark Cubbon, Bangalore's longest serving Commissio- ner. Lawns with vibrant flower beds, shady bowers and flowering trees, make this an ideal place for fitness freaks and the elderly to take their morning jogs or evening walks. The Park has elegant classical buildings like Attara Kacheri (the Karnataka High Court) and the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Government Museum, Aquarium, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, all of which are well known. Besides these, it also houses Bal Bhavan - an amusement park for children.

Cubbon Park is open to the public at all times, but is closed to traffic from 5 am to 8 am every day. 

Lalbagh 
Surrounding one of the towers erected by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, is the 240 acre landscaped Lal Bagh gardens. Haider Ali, the warrior-king of Mysore, decided to create this garden in 1740 on the lines of the Mughal Gardens that were popular during his time. 

The park has some rare species of plants brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France. Hyder Ali's son, Tipu Sultan, added to the beauty of the garden by publicising his wish to receive much-sought-after species of plants from visiting dignitaries. 

Cariappa Memorial Park
As a memorial to Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa of Karnataka, the Cariappa Park was laid out in 1996 in a portion of the parade grounds between M.G. Road and Cubbon Road. Spread over 22 acres, the park has six segments, an entrance plaza and a seven-feet monolithic monument of Cariappa. There is a huge man-made waterfall and a pond that attracts birds to the park. At the bandstand which is an elevated lawn, six military bands perform every fortnight. The grassy dunes around the bandstand provide comfortable seating for the public. The garden is maintained by various divisions of the Army. 
A play area has been scientifically created in military style to improve physical strength and mental co-ordination of children. There are sand pits, a spiderweb, Tarzan-swing, Burma bridge, zig-zag tunnels and balance bars. 

Bal Bhavan 
Bangalore Bal Bhavan is a beautifully planned amusement park as well as a recreation center, designed for children. There is a small toy train inside the park that runs on a track of almost 3/4th mile inside the beautiful Cubbon Park. Apart from the train, the other attractions of the Bal Bhavan include a Dolls Museum, which boats of a rich assortment of dolls and toys collected from different parts of the world. Read on further to know more about the Bal Bhawan of Bangalore, India.

A 20 million year old fossilized tree adds to the appeal of the park. The tree was gifted to the Bhawan by the Geological Survey of India. There are also facilities for boating inside the Bhavan, along with a small fair ground and a children's park. The park has swings, horse rides and tree houses to keep the children busy and occupied. Hobby classes, like painting, arts and crafts, etc, are also organized at the Bal Bhavan of Bangalore.

The Vijayaranga Theatre situated inside the park organizes children's film shows and theatre performances on a frequent basis. So, if you are going to Bangalore along with your kids, make sure to visit the Bal Bhavan. 

Bannerghatta National Park
Going to a zoo can be a vastly different experience from seeing animals in the wild. Although the Bannerghatta Park is not on the scale of Jim Corbett National Park, it does give nature lovers a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitat. Situated 25 km from the heart of the city, its main attractions are bisons, lions, bears, elephants and panthers among other wildlife. It also has a Serpentarium and a crocodile farm. Being a picnic spot it is always teeming with people.
The park officials organise a Tiger Safari, Lion Safari and a Grand Safari for those interested. You could also wander through the Zoological Garden, with its canopy of shady and sturdy trees, find a quiet resting spot beside a pond and watch waterfowl frolic. A children's corner provides an added attraction. Trekking enthusiasts will enjoy Uddigebande (3.5 kms.) a natural rock formation called Hajjamana Kallu (3 kms.) and Mirza Hill (1.5 kms.) 

Another major attraction now in the park area is a Butterfly park. It houses a large variety of these colourful creatures that you feel tempted to hold them. But do not touch them and see them flying all over the place. 


Vishweshwariah Industrial and Tecwhnological Museum 
This museum is a tribute to Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah, a statesman who worked untiringly to bring science and technology to the common man.  An airplane and a steam engine are displayed in its compound. Inside there are five galleries, each dedicated to a particular aspect of technology.
Approach the room of electronics and the door opens on its own accord, step in and the lights come on, seat yourself and music fills the room. You can monitor your voice as you speak, and learn how things are made - from motion pictures to alarms.

State Archaeological Museum
The State Archeological Museum (also called Government Museum) is close to the High Court with the same red colour and architectural style. The original block was designed and built by Colonel Sankey in 1876.

Several wings have been added on in the later years, all of which conform to the parent style. The original collection in the museum belonged to B. L. Rice of the Mysore Gazetteer. Being one of the oldest museums in the country, it has an exquisite collection of coins, sculptures, old paintings, inscriptions and excavated items.

Planetarium 
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is situated at T. Chowdiah Road in Bangalore. Established in the year 1989, it counts amongst the popular tourist attractions of the city. There is a sky theater inside the planetarium, with a huge dome that has a diameter of fifteen meters. It has a seating capacity of 225 and serves as the venue for two shows of astronomy on a daily basis. The timings of the show are 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm, with the exception of Mondays. In the following lines, we have provided more information on the Jawahar Lal Nehru Planetarium of Bangalore, India. 

Venkatappa Art Gallery 
The Venkatappa Art Gallery is situated in the Karnataka Government Museum. It exhibits some of the rich art of Bangalore. The Art Gallery is comprised of two floors and displays 600 paintings. 

The government museum was established in the year 1865. The museum has exhibits of antiquities from Mohenjadaro and terracotta from Mathura. It contains traditional paintings also. The museum is a must visit place for art lovers. It has some of the exclusive collections of scenic displays. The museum also has some of the great works of the famous artist K. Venkatappa. 

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat 
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat was opened on June 25, 1976 in the heart of Bangalore. It has a unique collection of traditional paintings, leather puppets and artefacts of Karnataka. It has a graphic studio, sculpture studio and an open-air theatre. The majority of the works on display, belong to the students of the Parishat. 

The paintings on display here are on different media like Oil on Canvas, Watercolors, Mixed Media, Etching, Lithography and many more. The prices range from Rs 3000/- onwards, and each work of art is categorised individually, displaying the name of the artist, media used, cost and size of the canvas. Some of the paintings are not for sale.

Vidhana Soudha
The legislative House of the State of Karnataka, this granite building was built by Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state 1951 to 1956. The then Prime Minister Sri Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru laid the foundation on 13 July 1951. It was built at an expenditure of Rs 18.4 Million. Marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building not only in Bengaluru but in India. One of the interesting feature of this building in grand stairs in its front.

The grand stairs has a flight of forty-five steps 62 m (204 ft) wide 21 m (70 ft) deep giving a direct Access to the foyer of first floor leading to an Assembly Chamber. The architecture of the building is Based on Dravidian style, comprising richly carved bases and capitals for pillars, deep friezes, kapotha Cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments domical finials, etc; At the same time, the construction has Been on modern designs, making use of the present-day materials like steel, reinforced cement Concrete glass, plastic, etc. 

Bangalore Palace 
It was constructed by the Maharajahs of Mysore. For many years the building was neglected as a tourist Attraction, but is now open to the public. This is a rundown building with paint peeling on the interior and Generally a tourist trap to be avoided. 

The fee is Rs 100/200 Indian/Foreigner and Rs 500 to take photos Even of the exterior. This includes a guide to point out things like the mounted elephant head, though no Mention is made of the numerous nude paintings. 

Tippu Sultan's Palace 
Which dates from about 1790, is the summer retreat for Tipu sultan, the two story structure is made Mostly out of wood with finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches. 

What remains now is parts of the fort wall with a tablet marking the place where Cornwallis had breached it in 1791. In the courtyard is the Ganesha Temple that is popularly thought to represent Tipu Sultan's religious tolerance. The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches on the gate walls. 

Sehadri Iyer Memorial Hall
This red building with gables, in Cubbon Park was built to commemorate Sir K.Seshadri Iyer, who was the Dewan of Mysore State from 1883 to 1901. The library housed in the building was set up in 1915.The statue of Seshadri Iyer in a small rose garden, in front of the Hall was put up in 1913. The building with the statue in front forms a focal point of a long avenue coming from Hudson Circle 

The Bull Temple
Its located in Basavanagudi, is a typical Dravidian style temple, and is famous for its mammoth bull statue that was carved from a single boulder. Legend has it that the temple was built to appease a marauding bull that stole local crops, and that the offering was effective with the bull subsequently leaving the area.

Since then, local farmers have held an annual festival to express their gratitude. 

Holy Trinity Church 
Located at Trinity circle at the east end of the MG Rd, is a major landmark in Bangalore. It was built in 1851, for the British Regiment stationed in Bangalore. Built in the English Renaissance style, the church can accommodate 700 people and is regarded as the largest "military" church in southern India. It has a congregation of over 450 families. 

ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple 
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in Bangalore city is huge cultural complex that was inaugurated in 1997 to carry out the vision of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON to promote Vedic culture and spiritual learning.

Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, +91 80 2347 1956, +90 80 2357 8346 (fax: +91 80 2357 8625), 3:45AM-8PM. Temple built on a hillock in Rajajinagar atop scenic surroundings, is a perfect blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony. The huge cultural complex was built to promote vedic culture and spiritual learning, and abounds with shops selling devotional items and souvenirs. The annual Krishna and Balarama Rath Yatra is attended by thousands. 

St. Mary's Basilica 
St. Mary's Basilica is a basilica located in the Archdiocese of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the oldest church in Bangalore and is the only church in the state that has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica. It is famous for the festivities held during the St. Mary's Feast in the month of September each year, an event that attracts a number of devotees from in and around Bangalore.The basilica has been built in Gothic-style with arches, ornamental motifs and stained glass windows.Multiple columns and tall spires of the basilica can be seen from quite a distance. The stained glass windows were removed during World War II and were subsequently restored in 1947. 

Gavi Gangadeshwara Cave Temple 
Located in Gavipuram, adjacent to Basavanagudi, was built by Kempe Gowda. This temple with four remarkable monolithic pillars is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple also has a rare idol of Agni god of fire. 

The annual festival is on Makara Shankranti and thousands of devotees flock to see the suns rays fall on the Shivlinga. The temple timings are: 7AM-12:30PM and 5PM-8:30. 

Shiva Temple 
The unique feature of this Shiva temple is the 65 ft tall Shiva statue with a background of cement carved hills. Lord Shiva is seated in Lotus position and river Ganga is flowing from his hair locks. Entrance is from the left hand side of Total Mall and exit from right hand side. 

It is located right behind Total Mall. In fact the Parking lot is shared.  At the entrance it inform you that the normal queue may take around 1 hour for the darshan and you may pay Rs 10 and go via special entrance which will take 10 mins.In the evening and during festivals like Shivaratri there may be rush. 

Sri Ramakrishna Ashram 
There are many Ramakrishna Ashrams in Bengaluru, but the special and central one is in Gandhi Bazaar - the place of temples in Bengaluru. This mutt contains a vast meditating hall, a beautiful park, a vedic school and many more facilities. Sri Sharada Devi had meditated on a location in the park in this boundary. This location is preserved as a monument. A stone on which Swami Vivekananda had sat when he visited Bengaluru is also kept as a monument. This is a calm and peaceful place for the place who enjoy the meditation.

innovative Film City 
Innovative film city Located 40km from the heart of Bangalore and spread over 50 acres of land, Innovative Film City is an entertainment paradise with world class facilities. It houses 27 different facilities ranging from, Amphitheatre, Retail High Street, Food Courts, Theme Restaurants, Entertainment District with India's first Dinosaur Park, Haunted Mansion, Cartoon City with India's biggest Roller Coaster, Aqua Kingdom, Miniature city, Ripley's Enchanted Mirror Maze, Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum,, Funplex within 4D- Theatre, Louis Tussaud's Wax Museum, Go-Karting, Mini Golf, Innovative Wannado City, Adventure Sports, Roller Skates, Fossil Museum, Fossil Hunt, Double Decker Carrousel, etc. 

Amoeba 
Pamper the child in you at Amoeba, Bangalore's most happening bowling alley and gaming zone. Enjoy the latest in arcade games and exchange the coupons you win for interesting goodies at Amoeba. Besides bike racing and air hockey, there are fun rides for six year olds or roundabouts. Bowling is a favourite, but be prepared to wait if it's a weekend when it is packed and the charges are higher. That's when you snack at the caf while watching ESPN on the enormous screen. Amoeba can be hired for private birthday parties too. Have a fun-filled family day!.