Backpacking tourism in India is an exhilarating fusion of adventure, culture, and self-discovery. The country’s vast tapestry of traditions, history, and diverse landscapes makes it irresistible for backpackers craving immersive and offbeat experiences. From the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched shores of Goa, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, India promises something extraordinary for every curious soul.
What sets backpacking in India apart is its affordability and unmatched diversity. Budget-friendly options—hostels, homestays, and guesthouses—have surged across the country, fostering vibrant communal spaces where travellers connect, share stories, and build friendships. Meanwhile, India’s public transport network, spanning buses, trains, and local rides, offers both economical travel and an authentic, unfiltered window into daily life.
India’s cultural richness leaves an indelible impression on those who venture through it. Whether meditating in Rishikesh, exploring the ancient ruins of Hampi, trekking through the rugged Spiti Valley, or savouring Kolkata’s tantalizing street food, backpackers often form profound connections with both people and places. However, navigating India demands patience and adaptability. Its overwhelming sensory explosion can be chaotic, yet it is always mesmerizing.
For backpackers, India is not just a destination—it’s a transformative odyssey. It challenges, educates, and enriches, leaving travellers with memories that endure a lifetime.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, Co-founder and CEO of Zostel, sheds light on the evolution of India’s backpacking industry. He highlights how Gen Z dominates the backpacking tourism segment, underscores the role of technology in reshaping traveller experiences, and explores its potential to revolutionize the Indian startup ecosystem. Here are the key takeaways from his insightful interview.
Q: How is backpacking tourism evolving in India, and what trends, opportunities, and challenges are shaping its growth?
A: Over the past decade, backpacking in India has transformed from a niche concept into a thriving billion-dollar industry. Unlike traditional tourism, which often focuses on ticking off destinations and capturing superficial experiences, backpacking dives deeper. It’s about immersing oneself in local cultures, meeting new people, and forging meaningful connections. Instead of simply visiting places like Nainital for photos and checklists, backpackers explore with curiosity, creating friendships and memories that last.
India’s youth and the next generation are embracing this form of travel as a tool for self-discovery. It allows them to step out of their comfort zones, experience diversity, and understand themselves better through their journeys. While backpacking in India remains at an early stage, we’ve successfully laid a strong foundation for its future. I’m confident that Zostel, which has been at the forefront of this movement, will expand from its current 100 locations to a thousand in the next five years.
Q: Do millennials make up the majority of backpacking tourists, and what drives their preference for this style of travel?
A: Backpacking has now firmly reached Gen Z. While millennials were the early adopters, their average age has grown, and so have their needs. To cater to this evolution, we have expanded our offerings. Zostel has evolved from being just a hostel to a more diverse portfolio—Hostel Plus, luxury clubhouse-style Zoo Houses, and even resort-like spaces.
Millennials, many of whom now have families, require travel experiences that align with their changing lifestyles. We’ve introduced these upgraded Zostel products to meet their preferences. Meanwhile, the core Zostel experience still thrives among the 25-year-olds who love the spirit of backpacking.
At the same time, Gen Z is stepping into the workforce. They are earning, traveling, and exploring opportunities to do business. This generation is redefining travel as a lifestyle, and we’re excited to see them embrace Zostel as their go-to choice for immersive and meaningful journeys.
Q: How is technology transforming the backpacking industry, and what innovations are enhancing the travel experience for backpackers?
A: If you’re starting today as a CEO or founder, you must operate at the cutting edge. I’ve always believed in integrating forward-thinking strategies into the core of what we do. For instance, leveraging AI agents has allowed us to stay connected with thousands of customers simultaneously, enhancing both communication and security.
Technology like blockchain and digital assets can also play a transformative role, enabling us to give back to our early community and create value for stakeholders. If you’re building something today, it’s crucial to incorporate innovations that provide a competitive edge, whether in revenue generation, customer engagement, or service delivery.
Backpacking, too, demands technology integration. By harnessing tools like AI and blockchain, we can elevate the overall experience, offering travellers superior, seamless, and secure services. In a rapidly evolving world, technology isn’t just an enabler—it’s the foundation for delivering exceptional value.
Q: How will technology and innovation shape India’s startup landscape by 2030, and what transformative roles will they play in driving its evolution?
A: I believe we’re approaching a level of innovation akin to quantum physics, where I can almost anticipate your questions before you ask them. This demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction, and I am confident that we will continue to achieve our goals.
As we progress, especially with the power of AI and virtual reality (VR), we are pioneering new ways to enhance the travel experience. For example, we’re using VR to offer immersive visual experiences of our properties, allowing potential travellers to explore them before they even set foot there. This is just the beginning—exciting, groundbreaking things are happening, creating endless possibilities for the future.
Moreover, I believe these products complement each other perfectly. They align seamlessly with the needs and desires of our user base, offering tailored solutions that resonate deeply with our audience.
