While backpackers flock to Rajasthan's palaces and Kerala's backwaters, Gujarat remains surprisingly under-visited despite offering white salt deserts, beaches, historic sites, and vibrant cities - all within a compact region.
A solo backpacker who completed a six-day journey across Gujarat shared a detailed itinerary on r/backpacking that highlights why this western Indian state deserves attention.
The route covered Kevadiya (home to the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue), Bhuj (gateway to the Rann of Kutch), Mandvi Beach, and Ahmedabad. "Seeing the endless white salt desert for the first time was surreal," the traveler wrote of the White Rann.
"Overall, Gujarat turned out to be a surprisingly diverse trip - deserts, beaches, historic places and vibrant cities all within a few days of travel. Definitely a great destination for backpacking in India."
Why Gujarat Flies Under the Radar
Gujarat doesn't appear on most backpacker itineraries despite its diversity. Several factors explain this: it's a dry state with prohibition laws (dealbreaker for many), lacks international name recognition compared to Rajasthan or Goa, and isn't on the Golden Triangle circuit.
But for travelers willing to skip the backpacker trail, Gujarat offers exactly what many claim to want: authentic experiences away from tourist crowds.
Budget Breakdown
Gujarat follows typical Indian budget travel economics: hostels and guesthouses run ₹300-600 ($3.50-7) per night, trains cost ₹200-400 ($2.50-5) between cities, and thali meals cost ₹100-200 ($1.20-2.40).
Total daily budget: $15-25 covers comfortable backpacker-style travel. Extreme budget travelers can go lower.
What Makes Gujarat Distinctive
Beyond landscape diversity, Gujarat offers distinctive experiences: the state's vegetarian food culture produces unique dishes, Sabarmati Ashram was Gandhi's headquarters, Gujarat has stunning stepwells like Adalaj, and the Rann of Kutch is genuinely unlike anywhere else.
For backpackers looking beyond the beaten path, Gujarat delivers: dramatic landscapes, rich cultural sites, excellent food, solid infrastructure, and genuine interactions in places that see relatively few foreign visitors.
