Bengaluru

Bengaluru is not a typical 'backpacker trail' city, but it serves as an excellent gateway to South India. In June, the weather is nearly perfect—cool and breezy while the rest of India swelters. Most backpackers stick to the Indiranagar or Koramangala areas where the youth culture is concentrated. While there aren't many traditional 'party hostels,' the city is the craft beer capital of India, with hundreds of microbreweries that offer a great social scene. Street food is world-class; you can spend less than $5 a day on incredible dosas and filter coffee in areas like Basavanagudi. Free activities include strolling through Cubbon Park or Lalbagh Botanical Garden. However, the lack of cheap public transport (you'll rely on rickshaws or Uber/Ola) and the tech-centric pricing of certain zones makes it slightly more expensive than cities like Kolkata or Delhi.