indian tour budget

India on a budget: 14 ways to get the best experience for less

Dec 20, 2023 • 11 min read

From buying street food to traveling around on the cheap, these top tips can help your money go further in India © Bhupi / Getty Images

India is heaven for budget travelers. Few places on earth offer quite so many rewarding travel experiences for such a pocket friendly price, particularly if you travel in cheaper classes on buses and trains and stay in budget hotels or hostels.

When planning a budget trip to India , remember that cost and comfort are closely linked. Traveling in unreserved train carriages can be extremely cheap, but seats are hard benches, there’s no air-conditioning and carriages can be overcrowded. It’s better to think of things in terms of value – paying more to travel in an air-con or sleeper-class train carriage will bring much more comfort, at a price that is probably still less than you’d pay for a similar service elsewhere. 

One of the best things about travel in India is how much control you have over your budget. If funds are tight, you can save on accommodation by skipping air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom or a view. If cities are burning through your budget, just head to the countryside for more manageable prices. Plenty of travelers scrimp and save on some stages of their trip to allow for splurges such as lavish banquet meals and stays in the former palaces of maharajas.  

However you like to travel, here are our top tips for getting the best out of India on a budget.

Travel at the cheapest time of year

When planning a trip to India, always consider the places you want to visit and what the weather will be like when you get here. The cooler, dry winter from November to March is the most expensive and popular time to visit , coinciding with the best weather for sightseeing. The rainy monsoon season from June to September sees smaller crowds and lower prices through most of the country, except in places like  Ladakh , where the peak season coincides with the months when snow recedes from the mountain passes.   

April is often the cheapest time to find flights, but the temperature can soar above 32°C (90°F) in popular destinations such as Rajasthan , Tamil Nadu , Kerala  and Goa , making travel uncomfortable. Note that many beach resorts close during the rainy season, while some mountain areas are impassable in winter, as snow blocks roads through the mountains. 

Plan around festivals 

Always keep an eye on the festival calendar . Major festivals – like Durga Puja in Bengal – can see vast movements of people, sending prices for accommodation and transport rocketing skywards. The Indian government has a calendar of the year's gazetted government holidays , but local religious festivals can also draw huge crowds. If you are specifically traveling to see a festival, book well ahead to secure transport and accommodation for a reasonable price.

Travel overnight to save on accommodation

One of the smartest ways to save money is to travel by overnight sleeper train, saving the cost of a hotel without eating into your precious sightseeing time. First class is comfortable but expensive, and you’ll be cocooned away from other travelers; traveling in air-con two-tier or three-tier carriages, or fan-cooled sleeper carriages is much cheaper.

On premium trains such as the Duronto, Shatabdi and Rajdhani services, the cost of dinner and breakfast is included in the price of a ticket. On other services, you can buy inexpensive packed meals and snacks from vendors on board or on station platforms. 

Traveling by night bus will also save you the cost of a hotel room, but many services have loud music or DVD movie screenings, and some drivers take advantage of the quieter roads to drive dangerously fast.

Book ahead for trains at busy times

It might sound obvious, but the further in advance you make reservations the less you’ll pay for your train ticket. Reservations for Indian Railways open 120 days before departure, and seats in desirable classes can fill up fast, pushing late-bookers into more expensive (or unreserved and less comfortable) seats. The easiest way to reserve seats is via online booking sites such as 12GoAsia ; if you’re already in India, book in person at the station. 

Consider the type of train you travel on too. Seats on newer Duronto and Vande Bharat trains cost more than the equivalent seat on other trains as these services are faster and stop at fewer stations. Express and Mail trains are slower and stop frequently, with fewer on-board services, but much lower fares. For a full guide to India’s train classes and types, check in with the Man in Seat 61 .

Go off the beaten track

If you travel to any of India’s megacities – particularly Mumbai – you’ll pay premium prices for rooms, food and drinks. It’s worth considering alternative, less-visited hubs, where similar travel experiences can be had for lower prices. Hyderabad , for example, is home to some of the country’s best biryani restaurants, bazaars, museums and Islamic architecture, but the cost of living is significantly lower than in Mumbai or Delhi (unless you stay in the city’s lavish Falaknuma Palace hotel ).   

Instead of visiting the crowded temples at Ellora and Ajanta in Maharashtra , consider exploring the monuments at Hampi , Badami and Aihole in Karnataka, which see fewer tourists on package tours and offer cheaper accommodation nearby. Instead of battling for a quiet spot on Goa’s packed beaches, think about visiting Tamil Nadu’s Puducherry with its promenades, surfing and beach yoga.

Check into one of India’s appealing hostels

Budget accommodations are easy to find in India. Plenty of budget hotels and guesthouses can be booked via websites such as MakeMyTrip and Agoda , but big cities can still be pricey and staying in the cheapest hotels can sometimes mean compromising on comfort, hygiene and, on some occasions, security. For a happy balance between low prices and comfortable facilities, seek out India’s new wave of hostels, where bargain beds come with bonus opportunities to plug into the traveler grapevine. 

Offering comfy mixed dorms, female-only dorms and private rooms, the Zostel hostel group has opened properties across the country, from Jaipur and Delhi to Aurangabad and Alleppey, with a bed costing from as little as Rs 600 a night with a shared bathroom, free wi-fi and breakfast included. The Hosteller is another expanding chain, with hostels from Agra to Udaipur.

Ask for a discount

Many hotels in India offer seasonal prices, with significant discounts available at quieter times of year. If you’re traveling in the off-season, it’s always worth asking at reception to see if there’s a discount on offer, whether this means a bargain price or a tempting saving on a superior class of room. This also applies at five-star properties – most offer dynamic pricing on room rates through their websites. You may get an even bigger saving by asking on the day at the reception; try early in the evening, when staff may accept a lower price to fill remaining empty rooms. 

Haggle (just don’t overdo it)

Part of the fun of trawling India’s mesmerizing markets and bazaars is negotiating with vendors to score a good price. Haggling is a normal part of life for locals as well as foreigners, but remember that it’s not a battle. The first price quoted may be too high, so counter with a lower offer and see how the vendor responds – with some give and take, you should reach a price you can both agree on. 

Haggling should never be a confrontational process. If the seller’s final price is still too high, politely decline and try another vendor. There’s little point haggling over small amounts of money; you might pay slightly more than the going rate, but vendors are often poorly paid, and that extra Rs 20 could make a big difference to someone with a family to feed.

Agree a fare before you set off

If you can’t find a prepaid taxi stand, you’ll need to agree on a fare with the driver. While most taxis and autorickshaws have meters, drivers are sometimes reluctant to use them, so negotiate a fare or clarify that you'll pay "by the meter" before the journey starts. For cycle rickshaws, you’ll always have to agree on a fare, but remember that rickshaw-walas are poorly paid for a physically demanding job – paying a few rupees more than the going rate likely won’t make a big difference to your budget, but it will give a driver something extra to take home.

Purify your own water 

While bottles of water may seem cheap, your water bill will soon mount up if you reach for a fresh bottle every time you feel thirsty (you’ll also create a LOT of unnecessary plastic waste). India’s tap water is not safe to drink, but most hotels will let you fill your water bottle from their purified water supply for free. Alternatively,  you can purify water as you go using a travel water filter or chlorine purification tablets. If you go trekking, purifying water as you go will save both weight and waste, helping to keep the mountains free from plastic rubbish.

Share a car and driver for maximum freedom

Hiring a car or 4WD with a driver for the day (or for multiple days) can be a great way to get off the beaten path in India and see the places in between the famous stops. Split between several people, it can also work out cheaper than joining an organized tour. Ask other travelers at budget hotels, hostels and popular cafes and restaurants to see if anyone wants to join you on a trip, then discuss an itinerary. Drivers and vehicles can be found at taxi and 4WD stands in many towns; many drivers’ collectives display printed lists of prices for local excursions.   

Feast on street food

Food varies wildly from one state to another in India and the best way to get a feel for the local specialties is to eat on the streets. It’s also a great way to keep a lid on costs. Seek out street food vendors in bazaars, office districts and around transport hubs, and you'll find budget friendly options like freshly stuffed pani puri (filled crispy dough balls) and deep-fried pakoras (vegetable fritters). 

Vendors with long lines of eager diners can usually be relied upon for hygiene and quality. If you feel nervous about eating street food, seek out vegetarian dishes, as there’s less chance of picking up a bug. Treats cooked at high heat and made on demand, such as vada pav (batter-fried potato balls served in a bun) and dosas (rice and lentil pancakes), are usually a safe option. Don’t be afraid to ask around for street food recommendations; locals are more than happy to point visitors towards their favorite roaming food carts and hole-in-the-wall vendors.

Reduce your costs when using local transport 

The same advice applies to local transport. When traveling from the airport into the city, ask if anyone wants to share a ride at the baggage carousel. To save money while exploring downtown, rideshares are increasingly popular in major cities, and you’ll have the added bonus of knowing that you’re paying the going rate, rather than an elevated "tourist price." Rideshares can be summoned via the Uber, Ola, Lyft and Bla Bla Car apps.  

Another good way to save is to use dedicated prepaid stands for taxis and autorickshaws at airports and train and bus stations. There’ll normally be a desk or booth where you can book a ride for a fixed rate – staff will give you a receipt with the registration number of your vehicle, which you then hand over to the driver.

Save money on calls and browsing

Few countries have favorable roaming deals with India, so the cost of using your home phone for texts, calls and getting online can soon mount up. Stay in touch for less by buying a local prepaid SIM card from a local mobile phone company such as Jio , Airtel or Vi . Most companies offer data packages, so you browse on the move as well as make calls. Make sure your phone isn’t locked to your home network, or pick up an inexpensive phone locally. 

If you’re flying into a major city such as Delhi or Mumbai , you can buy a SIM card at the airport. Alternatively, buy a local SIM from a phone shop – you’ll need a couple of passport photographs, a local address and the contact details of someone who can vouch for you (which the phone office may be able to provide). It’s a slow and sometimes bureaucratic process, and you may need to wait up to 24 hours for your SIM to be activated. However, it does make transport and online bookings (including train tickets) considerably easier.  

Daily costs

• Hostel room: from ₹400
• Room in a budget hotel: ₹500 to ₹1500
• Short autorickshaw ride: from ₹100
• Half-day bus ride: around ₹500
• Cost of a vegetarian thali meal: from ₹100
• Dinner in an upmarket restaurant: from ₹1500
• Bottle of beer: around ₹150
• Average daily cost: ₹3000 to ₹30,000

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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Want to save time & money on your next India trip?

Check out the list of travel hacks learned after +4 years in India

2 Week Travel Budget For India + Free Downloadable Worksheet

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you I will earn a commission if you click through and purchase.

If you’re planning a trip to India, it’s VERY helpful to plan your budget ahead of time. When I was planning a recent trip, I had booked the big expenses like flights and hotels, but I wanted to know about how much money I would spend…

What’s a two-week travel budget for travel in India? Budget travelers will spend $20-50 a day. Mid-range travelers will spend $50-150 a day. Luxury travelers will spend +$150 a day.

Of course, it will vary based on where you visit and what you do. My family and I took a fairly typical two-week trip with a mid-range budget. Then, I calculated all my expenses, broke them down into categories, and averaged each one per day. You can see all the expense here and download a travel budget spreadsheet template on Google Sheets.

We were NOT budget travelers, and splurged on private drivers, tour guides, and even a 5-star hotel in Kochi. I spent $986 for two weeks or $65 a day, including visas and travel insurance (not including flight to India). We spent $25 a day for 3-to-5-star hotels with $11 a day spent on food.

Let’s take a look at some travel budgets for budget, mid-range and luxury travelers.

Overview of Two-Week Travel Budgets: Budget, Mid-Range, & Luxury Travels

You could travel in India for as little as $20 a day, or spend hundreds or thousands if you wanted to stay in palaces and live like a king.

To plan your budget, I created a fill-in-the-blank spreadsheet template for you. Plugin your budget, then your costs and you can estimate how much you can spend on important categories like: Food, Transportation, Entertainment, and Shopping.

Budget Travelers

• Hostels & Hotels: $2-7 a day. You can spend as little as $2 for a night in a mixed dorm room at a hostel, or for a very basic guesthouse. This means no AC and a shared bathroom.
• Transportation: Buses and trains are your best option. A 4-hour bus can be as little as $3-5. While an 8-hour overnight train in a sleeper class will be around $15-20. You’d want to minimize using taxis and try to split rickshaws or Ubers with other travelers.
• Food: $3-15 a day. You can eat healthy safe food like masala dosas in South India. The fruit is cheap on the street. I recommend not going TOO CHEAP on food, because you risk getting sick which could ruin a two-week trip. For a dollar or two more, go to better places with other tourists.
• Entertainment: You can find a lot of free or low-cost activities and things to do. If you’re staying at or near a hostel, you can usually find activities for budget travelers.

Mid-Range Travelers

For a few extra dollars, you can get a LOT more in a hotel or for a meal.

• Hotels & Guesthouses: $7-40 a day. You can find very clean nice simple guesthouses for $7 in major cities and in decent locations. If you spend $10 more, then you can probably have AC as well.
• Transportation: It can cost $50 a day for a private driver, and while you don’t need this every day, it can be helpful in places like Agra which have numerous tourist spots that you can see in one day. You can also get around quite comfortably in Ubers or Meru Cabs, as well as rickshaws. You’ll still want to take some overnight sleeper trains and domestic flights are usually less than $100 one-way.
• Food: $15-30 a day. You can get delicious meals at nice restaurants for $10. If you get breakfast included in your hotel and have simple lunches you can eat very well in India.
• Entertainment: You could hire a tour guide for a day like in Agra with the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Or a more obscure place like Khajuraho’s Karma Sutra Temples. The nicer hotels and restaurants you are going to might have music or dancing included so costs won’t be too much unless you seek out specific experiences. Tours like Kerala’s Backwaters would be one of the more costly tours.
• Shopping: India can be a shopper’s paradise if you like bargain hunting and don’t mind negotiating. You can find great tailored clothing, cashmere scarves, spices, and much more.

Luxury Travelers

If you want to live it up, you can spend thousands of dollars on a train trip with your own cabin and butler, or hundreds for a hotel room with views of the Taj Mahal from your room.

• Hotels: +$40 a day. The Oberoi Amarvilas sits near the Taj Mahal and has views from each room and will cost at least $300 a night. We spent $40 per person for a 5-star hotel in Kochi which was very comfortable with a pool, two nice restaurants on-site, and very friendly service.
• Transportation: $100 a day. You’d have a nice SUV or sedan, with bottle waters and snacks usually, plus a driver who can speak decent English.
• Food: $30-200. Most of your meals can be less than $20, even at very nice restaurants. In Bangalore, I paid $10 for one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. But we did spend $150 (for 3-people) for a delicious meal at the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel.
• Entertainment: You can hire the best private tour guides, as well as find concerts, festivals, hot air balloon rides, private Bollywood film screenings and much more.
• Shopping: India is a great place to buy cashmere, saffron, blue pottery in Rajashtan, Mysore silk and more.

Most Common Two-Week Itinerary: The Golden Triangle

Most people with two weeks or less in India, will explore what is called “The Golden Triangle” or Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

Delhi was once the capital of India and in many ways is still the center of the heart of India. There is so much to see from the historic Red Fort to the towering Jama Masjid to the always Instagram-worthy Humayun’s Tomb.

Chandni Chowk is one of the most historic and bustling markets in the world. You can walk through the tiny lanes in Old Delhi and see crumbling buildings, and then experience some nightlife and fine restaurants as well.

Agra has one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the ever-popular Taj Mahal. It’s only a 4-5 hour drive from Delhi, which you can find a taxi or Uber for. You could also take a train or bus. Aside from the Taj Mahal, you can find the Agra Fort with it’s red sandstone walls and the abandoned palace Fatehpur Sikri.

We stayed in a 3-star hotel the Atulyaa Taj which was within walking distance of the Taj Mahal. It also had a rooftop pool (which was freezing), views of the Taj from the roof, and was $11 for a room each night (split three ways). The Oberoi Amervilas’ Esphahan Restaurant had delicious 12-hour roasted lamb shanks and we spent $50 a person there. Pinch of Spice has delicious Indian food that is ~1000 rupees a person. Ask them for NO SPICE, unless you have tough taste buds!

Jaipur is in Rajasthan known as “The Land of the Kings.” You can visit the Amber Palace and Hawa Mahal are beautiful historic relics. I want to meet and have my photograph taken by one of the last box camera street photographers in the world. You can also take a ride on an elephant (although the treatment of the elephants is in question).

A Two-Week Itinerary for India

I was traveling with my mom and aunt, who had picked out some of the most popular spots to visit like Varanasi and the Taj Mahal. We also went off the beaten path to the erotic temples of Khajuraho and the jasmine fields in Madurai.

We had spent a week in Tamil Nadu where I live and then flew to Delhi to start our tour.

Here was our trip plan:

• Day 1: Fly to Delhi then take a taxi to Agra.
• Day 2: Agra – See the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri
• Day 3: Agra – Day Off
• Day 4: Spend the day in Agra, then take a sleeper train to Khajuraho
• Day 5: Khajuraho – View the Erotic Temples
• Day 6: Khajuraho – Go back to the Erotic Temples so I could take photos
• Day 7: Spend the day in Khajuraho, then take a sleeper train to Varanasi
• Day 8: Varanasi – Arrive at our hotel on the Ganges and go to burning ghats, then Ganga Aarti at sunset
• Day 9: Varanasi – Go on a sunrise boat ride with tour guide
• Day 10: Varanasi – Go shopping and walking on the narrow lanes
• Day 11: Take a flight from Varanasi to Cochin in Kerala. Arrive late.
• Day 12: Cochin – Spend the day by the pool at the beautiful Casino Hotel
• Day 13: Cochin – Go to Kerala’s Backwaters
• Day 14: Take a taxi from Cochin to Thekkady – Tour at the Spice Plantation and Periyar Tiger Sanctuary. Then stay at Aranya Nivas Hotel in the Periyar Tiger Sanctuary.
• Day 15: Take a taxi from Thekkady to Madurai.
• Day 16: Take a taxi from Madurai to Tiruvannamalai.

Alternate Itineraries and Destinations

I would have liked to see the deserts and ride on a camel. I would have liked to go the Ranthambore National Park which is one of the best places in India to photograph a tiger.

Goa is beautiful and has a lot for tourists to do. I’d love to spend time on Arambol Beach and meet other digital nomads. Be fun to work at a coworking space for months as well!

Pondicherry:

In South India, Pondicherry or Puducherry was once colonized by the French, and you can still find French cuisine, especially crepes. There are some nice beaches and decent shopping in a quaint city.

Not far away is the experimental community of Auroville, which is also a unique place to visit. They have a golden dome in the center of their community and plenty of nice restaurants and coffee.

Mahabalipuram:

In South India, Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO site and not far from Chennai. You can find ruins from the 7th and 8th centuries that were built by the Pallava dynasty.

Tips To Save Money in Your Budget

• Do NOT Upgrade To Get a TV in Your Hotel Room: You can save money by getting standard rooms that are clean and spacious. Upgrading to get a TV just means you will have a lot of Indian channels to watch.
• Share Taxis: We spent ~17 hours in taxis which would have added $150 to my bill if I was a solo traveler.
• Take buses: Taxis can be $50 for a 4-hour trip, whereas a bus will be $4-$5. If you have the time and don’t mind the inconvenience, it’s a much more inexpensive way to travel.
• Book your train tickets in advance: We booked our train tickets 2 weeks in advance when we should have booked them at least a month in advance. This meant we had fewer options for train tickets.
• Buy World Nomads insurance: The average price for basic travel insurance is $100 a month. World Nomads is easier to use, covers more adventurous activities, and you can renew while you are traveling all for much less than $100 a month.
• Skip trip cancellation insurance: If you don’t need trip cancellation insurance (which World Nomads offers as a part of their packages), you can save even more money by going with SafetyWing. You can get a quote here in minutes (affiliate link).
• Learn to negotiate: Every price is negotiable in India and if you negotiate well you can get very fair prices. I was able to get us better rates on rickshaw rides, money exchange rates, shopping in the markets, and even avoiding credit card fees.
• Use Uber or Meru: Meru is the Uber of India, or at least it used to be before Uber became the Uber of India 🙂 They both have fixed rates and better prices than you can find from rickshaw and taxi drivers. You can find them in most big cities like Agra and Delhi.
• Do NOT give money to random people: A nice enough guy came up to us at the burning ghats in Varanasi and just started telling us about them – the type of wood used for the fires, how they embalm people, why Hindus do this, etc. He invited then gave my mom and aunt a tour before asking for a “donation” to his “organization” to help poor people get a cremation. The next day our official tour guide told us that there is no such thing as the organization he mentioned and we had just given our money to a “drug addict,” haha. He was convincing though so just be cautious about giving your money to people. The poverty in India is in your face and heart-breaking, so it makes sense why you might be inspired to give, who doesn’t want to help? BUT there are official charities you can give your money to where it will definitely go to a good cause.

Quick Note about how I Handle Sending and Receiving Money from India:

One way I handle transferring money internationally is by using Wise, formerly Transferwise since they have the lowest fees that I’m aware of and it’s super easy to do with just my email address. I’ve had friends reimburse me in just a minute and saved thousands with recurring payments from US clients.

If you are looking to send money abroad, it’s a great tool — much cheaper than using your local bank. You can also get your own local bank account details in Europe, UK, US, Australia and New Zealand with the Wise Borderless account.

Also, Indians can now transfer money in rupees to 40+ countries.

To learn more, check out the details here .

Related Questions:

What is a budget for 3 weeks in india.

For mid-range travelers, $1500 would be plenty, not including a flight to India. This would be about $65 a day which would include 3 to 5-star hotels, tour guides and admission to all the best attractions like the Taj Mahal.

For budget travelers, you could do it for $1000 if you were staying in hotels and budget guesthouses, taking buses instead of taxis, and eating local foods.

For luxury travelers, $2000 would be plenty for 4 to 5-star hotels, the nicest restaurants, and taxis and tour guides.

How Much Money To Take To India?

If you’ve paid for your hotels and flights, then you just need money for food, transportation (taxis, rickshaws) and entertainment and tours. For budget travelers, take $20 a day. For mid-range travelers, take $30 a day. For luxury travelers, take $50 a day.

How Much Spending Money For India For 3 Weeks?

For a budget traveler, $105 for transportation ($5 a day), $150 for food ($7 a day), $100 for entertainment and tours ($5 a day). For a mid-range traveler, $210 for taxis ($10 a day), $210 for food ($10 a day), $126 for entertainment and tours ($6 a day).

Benjamin Jenks

Traveler, Filmmaker, and Lover of India. I've been living, writing and sharing what I've learned about traveling in India since 2018. Learn more about me here or Youtube .

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• Ends Udaipur, India

Royal Rajasthan Tour

• Activities Local culture & Cultural, religious and historic sites Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Local boat rides & Walking tours 'data-more-tripid='1390'>+2 more
• Transport Jeep, Boat & Private Vehicle
• Operated in English, French, German, Spanish

• Starts Darjeeling, India
• Ends Darjeeling, India

Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
• Accommodation Hotel, Hut, Camping, Home-stay, Eco Lodge, Guest House & Sleeping Hut
• Transport Jeep & Train
• Age Range 10-60 yrs
• Operated in English, Hindi, Nepalese

Highlights of Northern India

• Activities Local culture & Cultural, religious and historic sites Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Festivals and events 'data-more-tripid='7488'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train & Resort
• Transport Boat, 4WD Jeep, Sleeper Train & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,648
• Special Deal (4%): - US$ 58
• Total Price from: US$ 1,590
• Jul 21 Only 8 seats left
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Luxury Golden Triangle Tour

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture
• Transport Boat & Private Vehicle
• Operated in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Traveling to India? Chat with a local travel specialist in India who can help organize your trip.

India Tour Reviews

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• Kathryn Luanne Miles

Traveller Photos for Trips in India

India — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

A trip to India is a bombardment on your senses. The country introduces you to all kinds of sights, sounds and smells and it can be a bit difficult to take in everything the very first day. The only way to explore India is to be patient and give it some time. You feel the glaring lack of privacy, but you also come to fall in love with the fascinating beauty all around you. From a rich culture that dates back centuries to ancient archeological ruins that still stand in all their glory, from glittering temples to elaborate forts and palaces, India is a dream you never wish to wake up from.

The country has a long and colorful religious history and is famous for its celebrations and festivals. Irrespective of which time you choose to visit, you always have a festival to become a part of. And it is not just about exploring temples and worshiping deities. You can also rediscover yourself at one of those yoga ashrams scattered all over the country. People have been visiting India for decades and still find themselves falling in love with its culture, architectural riches and arts that easily rival the best of Italian renaissance.

Tour Highlights

• Stare in awe at the majestic Taj Mahal
• Explore the intricate artwork and ancient culture hidden in the Ajanta Caves
• Take part in the colourful Holi festival in Vrindavan
• Discover the famous pink walls and 953 windows of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
• Ride across Dai Lake in Srinagar on an old wooden boat called Shikara
• Stroll through the tea fields of Darjeeling

Travel Tips

• Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, get ready for a culture shock. Heavily populated India is incredibly busy in terms of crowds, sights and sounds. Take it slow and be open minded on your India tour.
• Learn about common scams before setting off on your India holiday. A quick internet search will tell you the most frequent scams and how best to avoid them on your travels.
• Perhaps surprisingly for one of the world’s tech capitals, fast internet can be hard to find in India, particularly outside the country's largest cities. Consider buying a local sim card so you’re always connected.
• Have no worries about learning Hindi, English is widely spoken in India. You’ll also see it on most road signs, so navigation is relatively easy.
• Women, in particular, should opt for loose-fitting clothing. Tight or revealing outfits may generate unwanted male attention. However, no matter what you wear, Western travellers should be prepared for unwanted attention.
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The Cost of Travel in India: A Detailed Budget Breakdown

India is one of the cheapest countries I’ve ever travelled to.

But not only that, it’s one of the best value places I’ve visited.

Value is important when it comes to travel. There’s no joy in spending $5 on a dorm bed if it’s frequented by cockroaches and dengue-carrying mosquitoes and leads to nothing but stress. Similarly, paying $100 a night for a basic guesthouse with few amenities is never going to be a highlight of any adventure.

In India, I couldn’t stop talking about how much value I was getting for my rupees. Whether it was paying $29 a night to stay in one of the best guesthouses ever or $18 to marvel at the magnificent Taj Mahal, I never once felt like I was being ripped off.

Which is not at all what I expected when I decided to travel to India.

Today, I want to share just how much you can expect to spend if you plan on travelling around the country on a mid-range budget.

Let’s get started!

Here’s a brief rundown of where I visited over my three weeks in India.

New Delhi: 4 nights Agra: 1 night Jaipur: 2 nights Bundi: 1 night Kota: 1 night Pushkar: 3 nights Udaipur: 4 nights Jodhpur: 3 nights Jaisalmer:  4 nights

I also spent time in Fatehpur Sikir, Abhaneri, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, and Ranakpur.

What’s Included in this Post

This budget breakdown covers how much I spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and whichever miscellaneous items popped up while I was in country.

I’ve not included my flights into and out of India as this is going to vary significantly based on where you’ll be arriving from.

The amounts in this guide are listed in Indian Rupees and U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S. And, as always, I do not accept comps or press trips, so everything listed in this post is something I personally paid for with my own money.

Okay — let’s dive in!

The Cost of Accommodation in India

One of the joys from my time in India was the accommodation. I stayed in some truly wonderful places.

Indian hospitality is known for being on another level to the rest of the world, and if you opt to stay in homestays, you’ll definitely get to experience it. There was the owner of the Delhi homestay who made a whopping eight phone calls in order to get my SIM card working, showed us around the local night market, and drove us to the Lotus Temple so we didn’t have to take a rickshaw when the pollution was particularly bad. There was the owner of the Pushkar homestay who went out of their way to buy us dairy-free food when they learned my partner and I are lactose-intolerant. Everywhere we stayed, we were shown kindness and hospitality.

India is also a great destination to splurge, as accommodation is seriously inexpensive compared to much of the rest of the world. Sure, you can spend $1 a night on a dorm bed if you want — and there are plenty of those around — but if you decide to pay $40 a night, you’ll find yourself staying in some seriously luxurious spots.

Here’s where I stayed in India:

New Delhi: I already mentioned above the sheer number of things our guesthouse owner did for us while we were in New Delhi, which is why this guesthouse is my number one choice in India. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s located in South Delhi in a safe, quiet neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants and markets around. The room is clean and comfortable, and the owner is just the absolute best . You’ve got to stay here if you’re going to New Delhi — we paid $38 a night .

Agra: I stayed in a private room in  a gorgeous homestay  in Agra for $28 a night. It was within walking distance to the Taj Mahal and the lovely family who owns it had so much helpful advice for making the most of our short stay in the city. The rooms were bright, clean, and airy, and the grounds were full of lush plants. The owners also helped us arrange a driver from Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri to ensure we wouldn’t get ripped off. I definitely recommend staying here while you’re in town.

Jaipur:  I opted for  this private room  in a quiet location at a cost of  $24 a night . There were fantastic breakfasts up for grabs, the hotel was next to some great restaurants, and the owner was so helpful in the loveliest kind of way. The guesthouse is built right up against a fort, which made for a particularly cool location. I didn’t like the more touristy parts of Jaipur, so staying in a more local neighbourhood made our experience so much more enjoyable.

Bundi:  I loved our accommodation in Bundi! We booked at  this homestay  at a cost of  $19 a night , I was sold. We had a beautiful room with an incredible view over the fort and palace. The owners were so welcoming and it was in a perfect location. Bundi is home to uniformly terrible accommodation, so this homestay is basically the only decent place in town. And the homemade dinners? Phenomenal!

Pushkar:  I absolutely adored the owners of  our homestay in Pushkar , where we paid  $25 a night . They were some of the loveliest people I think I’ve ever met. They greeted us with cups of chai and plates full of food, and every breakfast was all about sampling the dozens of freshly-baked options. The room was clean and airy, and it was great to be staying a 5-minute walk from the centre of Pushkar.

Udaipur:  I splurged on  this beautiful guesthouse  — pictured above — in Udaipur at a cost of  $79 a night . It’s definitely pricey for India, but if you feel like treating yourself, I can highly recommend it. In chaotic Rajasthan, it was so wonderful to take a break from the pandemonium and stay in such a calming environment. The guesthouse had friendly staff, beautifully decorated rooms, and a fabulous breakfast.

Jodhpur:  I opted for  this beautiful guesthouse  in Jodhpur at a cost of  $29 a night  and I’d say it was the best-value place of anywhere we stayed in India. The Indian breakfasts were delicious and enormous, the owner helped us out with seeing the best things in the city, and the views from the rooftop terrace over Jodhpur were incredible. Finally, the rooms were so cool! I loved the furnishings and vibe of the place, and easily could have stayed for a month.

Jaisalmer:  I chose  this wonderful guesthouse  in Jaisalmer at a cost of  $45 a night . Jaisalmer is home to a living fort, which means you can stay inside its walls. As cool as that sounds, I strenuously recommend not doing so. The hotels are damaging the walls of the fort due to excessive water usage, and the Indian government is even trying to pay hotel owners to leave in order to protect the complex. The guesthouse we stayed in was a 5-minute walk to the fort and I loved being able to look out on to it. The staff were so chilled-out and kind, and they helped us book a kickass tour to the desert and ghost town. Our room was gorgeous and spacious, and the rooftop terrace had a great view of the city. I loved it.

Our total cost of accommodation in India came to an average of $40 per day, or $20 each.

The Cost of Transportation in India

I loved travelling around India! I thought that transportation would be the worst aspect of my time in the country, but it was actually one of the best.

If you can afford to splurge a little, you’ll have a much more enjoyable time. But again, if you’re on a tight budget, you can get around for just a few dollars per journey.

12Go Asia and Uber and have been such game-changers in the India transportation game.

12Go Asia is my favourite travel discovery from the trip, as it made booking trains online so easy! My tip is to aim to book the most important and longest legs of your trip three months in advance, which is when tickets are released. I waited until several weeks before my departure date to book the trains and all of the ones I wanted to take were fully booked.

Uber and Ola (the Indian version of Uber) are also game-changers for India travel. They also make haggling with rickshaw drivers so easy. Just open up Uber to see what the cost would be, and then you have a maximum price for the journey. Just showing the rickshaw drivers that it was 200 rupees on Uber made a huge difference and had them dropping their prices immediately. Or, of course, you can just take Ubers around the cities, as keep you isolated from the pollution for a while.

And Uber is so cheap in India! As in, a one-hour drive across Delhi cost $7 . The vast majority of our rides cost a dollar or two. When it’s so affordable, there’s no reason for walking around for hours in the fumes just to save money.

For travel in-between the cities, I mostly used the trains, but I also took a handful of buses, and hired private drivers between Agra and Jaipur and Udaipur and Jodhpur. I was nervous about the buses — and we appeared to be the only foreigners taking them — but they were no big deal. They were comfortable, clean, and spacious enough.

Here’s how my transportation costs broke down in India:

Train from Delhi to Agra in comfort class: 1177₹/$16.52 Car and driver from Agra to Jaipur: 5000₹/$70 Train from Jaipur to Kota in 2nd class: 1172₹/$16.45 Bus from Kota to Bundi and back: 70₹/$1 Train from Kota to Ajmer in 2nd class: 1407₹/$19.75 Taxi from Ajmer to Pushkar: 400₹/$5.60 Taxi from Pushkar to Ajmer: 350₹/$4.91 Train from Ajmer to Udaipur in comfort class: 1017₹/$14.27 Car and driver from Udaipur to Jodhpur: 4000₹/$56 Bus from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer: 365₹/$5.12 Uber for three weeks in India: 4500₹/$63 Rickshaws for three weeks in India: 1400₹/$20

My total cost of transportation in India came to a total of $293. That’s an average of $13 a day.

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in India

Everything was reasonably priced in India, but the costs do add up because there’s so freaking much to see and most sites have entrance fees. In every spot you visit, there’ll likely be three or four places you’ll want to check out, but they’ll all have entrance fees.

Here’s how I spent my money on activities and entrance fees in India:

Activities:

• Grab a $10 discount on your first UrbanAdventures tour by using the code LJFRIEND635840 at checkout!
• Full day tour of Jaipur and Amer: 4000₹/$56
• Day trip from Udaipur to Chittorgarh: 3000₹/$42
• Sunset lake cruise in Udaipur: 300₹/$4
• Camel and desert safari from Jaisalmer: 2450₹/$34

Entrance fees:

• Entrance to Jama Masjid mosque, Delhi: 450₹/$6
• Entrance to Qutub Minar, Delhi: 600₹/$8
• Entrance to Red Fort, Delhi: 550₹/$8
• Entrance to Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi: 550₹/$8
• Entrance to the Taj Mahal: 1250₹/$18
• Entrance to the baby Taj, Agra:  250₹/$4
• Entrance to Agra Fort: 550₹/$8
• Entrance to Fatehpur Sikri: 550₹/$8
• Entrance to Abhaneri stepwell: 250₹/$4
• Entrance to Amber Fort, Jaipur:  500₹/$7
• Entrance to City Palace, Jaipur: 700₹/$10
• Entrance to Observatory, Jaipur: 200₹/$3
• Entrance to Ranijiki stepwell, Bundi: 200₹/$3
• Entrance to Sukh Mahal + museum, Bundi: 300₹/$4
• Entrance to city palace, Udaipur: 300₹/$4
• Entrance to Monsoon Palace + shuttle, Udaipur: 425₹/$6
• Entrance to Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur: 600₹/$8

My total cost of activities in India came to $318, which worked out to $14 a day.

The Cost of Food in India

Oh, Indian food — I love you so freaking much. And in India, I  ate .

The good news is that meals in this country can be great value for money. I usually spent between 200₹ and 400₹  per meal, which is around $3-4 , and everything I ate had me declaring it to be one of the best meals of my life. Everything you eat will be wonderful here, whether it’s from a street food stand or a high-end restaurant.

And I didn’t get Delhi belly, either! My trick was to carry hand sanitiser with me and use it on an hourly basis, but especially just before eating. Most of time, people get sick from touching surfaces and then their faces, so by keeping my hands clean, I was able to avoid many of the germs. I also followed a vegetarian diet for 99% of my meals, which definitely helps keep your stomach safer. You won’t even miss eating meat, as the meals are all so delicious.

All but two of the guesthouses I stayed in included breakfast in the cost, so that helped save money, too.

My total cost of food in India came to $170.20, which is a daily average of $7.40

Miscellaneous Expenses in India

A local SIM card:  I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

I mentioned above that my guesthouse owner in New Delhi helped me with my SIM card, because let me tell you: getting it working was a nightmare!!! I simply purchased a tourist SIM from the counter at Delhi Airport, the staff told me it would start working within 24 hours, and it just… never did.

In order to get it working, my guesthouse owner had to make three separate calls to the phone provider over the space of three days; one of which lasted for well over an hour. There’s no way I could have achieved this on my own, and if it hadn’t been for the lovely owner, I’d have needed to give up and buy another SIM card! (Which would have been another nightmare altogether.)

Fun fact: if you don’t buy your SIM card at the airport, getting one involves a solid hour of work. My boyfriend decided to go down this route and the application process involved all of these ridiculous questions, like his dad’s date of birth and his dad’s occupation. What?! Yet again, the guesthouse owner saved the day and went to the local phone store with us to help translate and speed up the process.

So, here’s what I recommend doing instead.

This year, I started using  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy a virtual SIM card online  before  you arrive in India, and then as soon as you land in the country, can switch on your data and start using it.

It’s worked flawlessly for me and now I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. Especially not in India! Never, ever. Just make sure your phone is e-SIM compatible (all recent iPhones are, and many Android phones).

You’ll pay  $5 for 1 GB of data  or $13 for 3 GB for India and can also top-up through the Airalo app.

Travel insurance for 23 days in India: $1.50 per day

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to India. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in India?

It’s time to tally all of my expenses to see my total travel costs!

Accommodation:  $20 per day Transportation:  $13 per day Food:  $7.40 per day Activities/Entrance Fees:  $14 per day Miscellaneous:  $1.50 per day

Average amount spent in India: $56 a day!

I’m pretty happy with the overall cost of my trip, because it was one of the best I’ve ever taken. Yes, I paid more than I could have, but I thoroughly enjoyed travelling on a mid-range budget and avoiding some of the stress that travel in India can bring.

How about you? How expensive were you expecting a trip to India to be?

Related Articles on India 🇮🇳 12 Reasons Why I Absolutely Loved Rajasthan 💗 Three Perfect Days in Delhi: I Love This City So Much 🙅🏼‍♀️ How Not to Spend a Day in Jaipur 🤩 The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Taj Mahal 💛 The Ultimate Guide to India’s Golden Triangle 🐪 Pushkar Travel Guide: 11 Things to Do in Pushkar 🤍 Yes, Udaipur is as Great as Everyone Says 🎶 I Went to a Pink Floyd-Themed Cafe in India

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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12 comments.

As usual, a great post to be bookmarked! 1) Were the guest houses significantly cheaper than the hotels, or were they just where you preferred to stay? 2) Did you generally pay in Rupees, and if so, what is the best way to convert your money?

Another stellar post!

PS! I got your book for my birthday and AM LOVING IT!

Glad you had such an amazing time! India was by far the cheapest country I’ve hit on my trip so far, and thats including places like Vietnam! I have to say that you’re totally right about the trains selling out, but you know what doesn’t? The sleeper buses! I ended up taking buses almost the entire 3 months I was in India, and I mostly booked them the night before or even the day of! Try using the ixigo app (which worked with my UK card) or getting your hostel to book through Redbus (my card wouldn’t work unfortunately) The sleeper buses consist of a single bed and double bed per row, so if you’re travelling alone make sure you don’t accidentally book a double and end up with a stranger! The beds are tall enough to lay flat (if you’re under about 5ft 10) and generally have plastic doors you can slide across making you (and your carry-on) feel nice and secure! Although always take the duration estimates with a pinch of salt, if a journey says it’ll be 13hrs, best assume it’ll be 16! Just incase anyone wants to know haha

First class post Lauran.

Thank you so much, Jules!

India’s one of those countries I desperately want to go to but keep putting off because I think to really enjoy it I need to go for a long time as I’d need time to get used the culture and adapt before I’d be able to really enjoy it. I’m so used to budget travel it hadn’t occurred to me that as mid-range is so affordable this could be the perfect way to do it in a shorter amount of time.

Yes! I was definitely the same as you. I felt as though I’d need to go for six months in order to get a true insight into India. But you can definitely still get a good taster from a week or two in the country! And when the mid-range travel makes the experiences a little less stressful, it’s worth a small splurge that isn’t really that much of a splurge because everything is great value for money :-)

Love reading these. We are a couple (55 and 60 ) four grown up kids and first grandson is now three. Been planning our RTW trip for so many years now. Always something stopping us ( looking after elderly parents ) a dog etc. Finally able to go for it and Covid! Just shows we should never put it off but we are so hoping to finally get cracking in 2021! Planning first stop one month in India . At least six months in total then back to the UK and plan doing it all again the year after ( but via Africa / Dubai ) the next time. Easing lockdown reading your blog. Thank you and Hapoy New Year !

Great look at a great country! Glad to hear India is just as cheap as when I last visited but nobody does luxury like India, hey?!

India was an extraordinary experience for us. We spent almost three months there kind of in the middle of a nine month trip around the world with our kids back in 07-08. I think our average daily cost for everything was less than $60 CAD per day. Best accidental experience was getting on the wrong train out of Mumbai and ending up in Chittorgarh. What an incredible place, especially when the sun is just coming up and the sky is crazy blue. I like to say that I’m glad we did it when we were younger (well, youngish) because I’m not sure I’d have the energy to do it now, at least not how we did it back then. Maybe not having a ten and twelve year old with us this time around would help in that regard. But it was a great joy to be able to see India through their eyes as well. All in all, it was a wonderful experience with so much to see and do, and the food was amazing. A pleasure to explore.

Hi Lauren, High Five to you for enjoying life to its fullest. I loved Jaipur and would love to go back to explore the Rajasthan. It is my dream to explore India for a year. Did you buy the entrance tickets, commute tickets, and hotel booking in advance? Thank you.

Hi Lauren, We’ve just found your blog – this is amazing. Thank you. We’re a family of 3 traveling this summer to India for 3 weeks. I’ve a wee query – are the costs updated to 2024 or from 2020?

Looks like this article published in 2024 but the replies/responses are from 2020.

Many thanks Ylva x

Hi Ylva! The costs are all updated to 2024 prices :-)

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Thomas Cook offers a wide range of exciting India travel packages. You simply need to decide on a day of travel and pick the place to spend your holidays, and we will do the rest. Take your spouse, go with your buddies or plan a solo trip, whatever may be your vacation plan, we will make it happen.

Most Popular Thomas Cook Indian Holidays

Although India has a huge assortment of lovely holiday destinations to pick from, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kashmir, Goa, Leh-Ladakh , Andaman and Nicobar islands and certain regions of North East India form the cream layer of the most popular India tour packages. Choosing the best places to visit in India is not very difficult, as every place in India has its own flavor, culture and peculiarity. Easy to customize and extremely flexible, these Indian tour packages offered by Thomas Cook are the best-selling deals and are a favourite among tourists, both within India and abroad. Thomas Cook offers meticulously designed travel packages for different locales in the country. Furthermore, we provide packages both with fixed departure plans and also those that can be fully customized based on the travellers’ specific needs.

While Thomas Cook offers most of the bestselling India holiday packages including that of Sikkim, Darjeeling, Coorg, Kashmir, Goa and more, we also specialize in other offbeat and comparatively lesser frequented vacation spots in India viz. Pondicherry, Tirupati, Tawang, Mahabaleshwar et al.

Variety of India Holiday Packages

At Thomas Cook website, you will not just find packages for every destination in India worth a visit, but also for every occasion, mood or company. We have a variety of special themed holiday packages like honeymoon packages in Gods own country Kerala, pilgrimage tours to the pious Char Dham, beach holiday packages to the alluring Goa, luxury vacations in the divine Nilgiris, adventure tours to the spirited Gir and so on. Thomas Cook has something for every wandering soul. All you need to do is make up your mind and book a tour with us, and we will take care of the rest.

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Cost of travelling in India

Last Updated on April 1, 2024

The cost of travelling in India will vary depending on a lot of factors, but one of the best part about travelling in India is that it offers incredible experiences for every type of traveller at every budget.

As a travel destination, India has much to offer. India is also inexpensive because of its value for money accommodation options, transportation, food and service, and its weak monetary value. But you don’t have to stay at hostels or simple BnBs and eat cheap street food the entire time. From 5-star hotels to mid-range boutique resorts, luxurious train travel and private cars, gourmet and international restaurants – everything is available in India.

So whether you are a backpacker or here for a luxury trip, this blog will help you figure out the cost of travelling in India according to your requirements.

Table of Contents

Overall Cost of travelling in india

Your overall cost of travelling in India includes accommodation, transport, entry fees for commonly visited sights and meals. It does NOT include personal expenses such as the Pashmina scarf or the leather sandals you bought at a shop.

Budget Traveller: INR 2,000-3,000 (30-50 USD / 25-45 EUR per day, per person)

If your travel style is backpacking, India is a great destination for you on this budget. Young, adventurous backpackers can experience India to the fullest. This includes stays in dormitories at backpackers’ hostels or private rooms at cheap budget hotels. You would have to travel on local buses and trains and will be able to take only one domestic flight for the longest distance. You will be able to visit the most popular sights and eat both street food as well as in local restaurants.

Mid-range Traveller: INR 3,000 – 6,000 (50-90 USD / 45-80 EUR per day, per person)

If you like to keep the cost of travelling on the economical side without compromising on basic comforts, you are a mid-range traveller . Just by adding 40 USD or 30 EUR to a backpacking trip, you can make your trip significantly comfortable by being able to stay at charming boutique hotels and friendly homestays. You could also travel faster by including a few domestic flights from budget airlines.

You can also choose comfortable train classes and a few chauffeur-driven car rides. From time to time you can treat yourself with a meal at a fancier restaurant and add one activity per city like cooking classes, a desert safari or a nice trek.

High-end Traveller: INR 6,000 -12,000 (90-175  USD / 80-150 EUR per day, per person)

If your travel style is luxury trips and the cost of travelling doesn’t matter, you will be delighted with the variety of options that India has in store for you, especially in terms of hotels and resorts. You can fly your way to most places and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car. All the big cities and some of the smaller cities as well offer great gourmet dining options that shouldn’t be missed. You can also opt for private tours at many of the places.

India has some of the most delightful p alace-turned hotels and gorgeous boutique luxury hotels . Let us surprise you.

Look at some of our different travel plans here and here.

Cost of Accommodation in India

The cost of accommodation will depend on you accommodation budget . Hotel tariffs are generally higher in major cities, tourist havens, and during the peak winter months of December , January and February . They’re lowest in the off-season and the monsoon season which is from mid-June to September .

Budget Traveller ( Backpacker)

As a budget traveller you can easily find hotels and hostels in India between INR 700-1,500 (9-20 USD, 8-18 EUR) per night that offer a clean simple room or a nice dorm bed. Breakfast is sometimes included.

Over the last decade, India went from having its first hostel to over two hundred hostels. They are safe, clean, fun (they plan great activities), and a wonderful place to meet other travellers . We tend to include them a lot while planning trips for backpackers.

You can also find other cheap places to stay in India as low as INR 300-500 (4-7 USD, 3-6 EUR) per night, but cleanliness and safety is questionable. These are best if booked after being personally inspected.

Mid-Budget Traveller

A mid-range traveller can get a good private room with a private bathroom at an average cost of INR 2,500 (34 USD, 29 EUR) for a room per night. The rooms can range from simple and basic to a few heritage or boutique stays. Most places offer breakfast, and some might have a pool, a garden, or a great view.

To give you an idea on hotels that you would be staying at: Mewar Haveli or Kankarwa Haveli in Udaipur or lovely home-stays across India.

Comfort and Luxury Traveller

If you like a comfortable bed, affordable boutique or heritage hotels, rooms with a good view,  and a nice pool , you would have to spend an average of INR 7,500 (90 USD,  80 EUR) for a room per night. A rich and nice breakfast would always be included.

You’d be staying in many heritage hotels or boutique stays. For instance, Shahpura House in Jaipur or Ratan Vilas in Jodhpur are such heritage hotels focused on comfort.

Discover More: India’s Crème de la Crème of Hotels

Cost of Transportation

Budget traveller (backpacker).

Trains are the main mode of transport for the budget traveller in India. Remember, trains are a great and inexpensive way to travel around India, but on some routes trains are not possible or train tickets might be sold out by the time you decide to book , so you would have to take buses then. Sometimes local buses are only available at the destination and cannot be booked by us.

You will use public transport or tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws) to travel within cities. You should account for an average daily cost of INR 800 (11 USD, 9 EUR) per person as transport expense.

North India by train and bus or a backpacking tour of South India is inexpensive and fun.

Comfort Traveller

You would have a car and a driver for most of the trip. In addition, overnight train rides would always be the best available A/C class and only an option if it were the most convenient solution. You would take flights whenever distances are too long. Having a car and driver through your trip in India is a comfortable and flexible way to explore the country.

You would be spending an average of INR 1,500 (USD 20/ EUR 16) for transportation per day.

Find Out More: What you need to know about US to India travel?

Cost of Meals in India

India is one of the cheapest countries when it comes to food, and Indian food is one of the best. While bigger cities and tourist places may have expensive food options, in general, food prices in India are comparatively quite low.

If you eat at local restaurants, you would get breakfast (omlette/parathas/idli/dosa) and a cup of tea or coffee for around INR 60-80 (1 USD/ EUR) per person. A warm and fulfilling lunch and dinner would cost you a minimum of INR 80-150 (1-2 USD/ EUR) per person per meal.

Whether you have budget constraints for want to try gourmet food, Indian food caters to all taste palates and prices.

Few challenges with local restaurants

• Hygiene could often be circumspect, but that is a risk you are always going to have to take when travelling in India. Often, food from good restaurants can get you sick too. To reduce the risk, always avoid deserted restaurants; eat at places that have a lot of people.
• Finding local restaurants in bigger and mid-sized cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur) is quite easy. In smaller towns it is harder as every restaurant is set up for tourists (expensive). Be prepared to explore and go beyond the touristy parts of small towns.

Meals at nice restaurants can set you back by approx. INR 250-400 (3-6 USD/ EUR) per meal, per person. This price would not include alcohol.

If you have a higher budget and plan to go to fine dining restaurants and eat at five-star hotels with a great view, then a meal can cost anywhere between IN R 1,000-2,500 (12-35 USD/EUR) per meal, per person.

Cost of Alcohol in India

There are two things you need to keep in mind about alcohol in India.

Availability:

It’s not very difficult to find alcohol in India. However, not all hotels and restaurants serve alcohol. A lot of restaurants may not have alcohol on their menu (as they do not have a license to serve) but will arrange it if asked.

Some hotels that do not serve alcohol let you carry your own alcohol to the hotel. Alcohol is not available at supermarkets, but India has what we call ‘wine shops’ that are dedicated just to selling alcohol. Wine shops are not easy to find, so ask your hotel/driver about the nearest one.

Alcohol is more expensive in bigger cities like Mumbai and Delhi where taxes are higher. A beer at a bar/pub/club could start from INR 150 to 500/600 (2-6 USD/EUR) depending on the place you’re going to. Stronger drinks and other alcoholic beverages (whiskey, gin, vodka, cocktails, etc.) could cost from INR 200 to 1,000 (2-13 USD/EUR). It’s hard to generalise because it very much depends on the place you are at and what you’re ordering in particular. It could range from extremely cheap to very expensive even for foreign standards. Alcohol is about 30-35% cheaper in smaller towns. Wine shops have relatively cheaper prices for everything.

Cost of Monument Entry Fees

India charges a different fee for Indians and foreigners (15x more to a foreigner). This might seem a little unfair but it is mostly to create the possibility for every citizen of India to visit every kind of monument despite financial restraints.

However, children under the age of 12 have a free entry in a lot of monuments. A valid student ID gets you a highly discounted entrance fee.

You should budget INR 6,000 (80 USD/ 70 EUR) per person for monument entrance fees when visiting India. However, in some places like Delhi, Agra or Jaipur you will spend more for sightseeing than in other places just because these places offer more of sightseeing monuments, such as the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, or Hawa Mahal. In other places like Goa or Kerala, which have fewer monuments, you will most likely spend more on activities.

In addition to the above discussed expenses we expect you would spend money on a local sim card , shopping, miscellaneous things, and the occasional tip .

Keep in mind however, that these are all approximate prices and can be slightly different to the real-time prices. Since the rupee changes quickly and sometimes even drastically, expect some slight changes. Regardless of the changes, we give a comprehensive list at every location with no transparent costs, so you won’t be surprised when something comes at you.

Activities that you are likely to spend money on

You would probably participate in a range of activities when visiting India. The cost of the same can vary from activity to activity. At times it would sound unreasonably cheap and sometimes compared to prices of everything else in India it may feel a little expensive.

• Cooking classes cost between INR 750 to 1,500 per head (10-20 USD, 9-18 EUR). This is usually a 3 to 4 hour class and you eat an entire meal that you’ve just prepared. So, it is a great value for the price.
• Riding an elephant in Amer Fort, Jaipur costs INR 1,000 (10-15 USD/EUR) for two people/riding one elephant. But be aware that the elephants don’t always get good treatment!
• A half-day canoe ride in the backwaters of Kerala, usually including a meal costs INR 1,200/1,500 (16-20 USD, 14-18 EUR)
• Watching a traditional dance show in Kerala costs you around INR 200 (2 USD/EUR)
• Flying Fox/Zip-lining in Jodhpur costs around INR 1,500 (20 USD, 18 EUR)

Account for INR 6,000/10,000 (110-150 USD/EUR) per head for two weeks for such activities.

Uncover the Secrets: Best Time to Explore Kerala

Learn all about traveling to India from the UK in this informative article.

While using a travel agency may seem like an unnecessary cost, we’ll actually save you a huge chunk of your budget by streamlining your trip. We can get better deals on hotels and travel and make sure you don’t get duped by folks looking for some easy money. By advance booking of flights and trains you save good amounts of money, so you can spend it on something for yourself. Tell us about your travel preferences and your budget, and let us do the rest of the tedious stuff for you.

FEW MORE COSTS WHILE TRAVELLING TO INDIA:

Now that you have a fair idea of what to expect when it comes to making a travel budget before you visit India, there are some less glamorous costs to keep in mind as well.

Travel Insurance:

No matter which country you come from or travel to, travel insurance is something you should never compromise on. With a valid travel insurance plan, not only does your travel to and from India get covered in the case of any mishap, but it also covers loss of baggage, important documents and even health concerns or accidents during your travel.

Emergency Cash:

Always keep emergency funds on the side. These funds are over and above any India travel budget you put together. Before you visit India, ensure you keep some money aside for international and domestic flight changes, any unprecedented natural disasters, any acts of violence or war, loss of passport and identification documents, theft or assault, or unforeseen family emergencies. Anything is possible when you travel around the world.

Foreign Currency Conversions:

Always stay up-to-date with the latest currency exchange rates, not just before your departure date to India but also during your stay. Keep some cash handy in both currencies (I ndian Rupees and your country). This will be particularly useful in parts of India where ATMs are not readily available or you’re in the mood to eat street food (most vendors do not accept card or online payments). A few dollars also come in handy if you’re in transit at an international airport.

Taxes and Extra Charges

Whether you attend a show, visit a monument, enjoy fine dining or book a hotel room in India, there are taxes and charges to be paid. So when you do research for your upcoming India trip, including putting together a travel budget, always leave extra room for extra charges. After calculating the average price of a meal, remember to add service charges or taxes as a percentage on top of the total amount. This way, you won’t be stuck having less than enough money at any given point of time.

Read Further: Get Acquainted with India’s Abundant Pursuits

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. how much does a trip to india cost.

India travel budget depends on various factors, including trip duration, time of year , your travel style (budget versus luxury), where to stay and the places you plan to visit. Add to that your airline ticket and visa, any other official expenses and some taxes and fees along the way. The average daily cost for travel can be calculated as about INR 1000 to 6000 a day for a tight budget and the comfort traveller, including food, sightseeing and transport. That comes to about 15 to 90 USD. Having said that, always look up price fluctuations and currency rates closest to your India trip, to get a more accurate estimate.

Q. How to do budget travel in India?

India can be a very affordable destination even on a tight budget if you plan it properly. Some useful ways to ensure a well-planned India travel budget include:

• Travel in India during the off-season months
• Book red-eye flights and budget airlines for the cheapest flights
• Consider staying at hostels or couchsurf while you’re in India to get cheaper accommodation.
• Pack light to avoid overweight baggage fees
• Book hotels, train tickets, and events well in advance to avoid last-minute surge prices
• Always ask for discounts, offers or any seasonal deals
• Book your domestic and international flights well in advance for discounted rates
• Check with hotels, transport services and travel agents for discounts, offers or any seasonal deals
• Get used to using public transport within the country

Q. What is the average cost of tourism in India?

The average cost of tourism in India includes average daily travel budgets for accommodation, food, transport and activities. If you count as a mid-range traveller, then you can expect a daily minimum expense of about INR 3000 or USD 12. Budget travellers can save costs by using public transportation, eating at cheaper restaurants and sightseeing at free-entry tourist attractions.

Q. How much money should I take for one week travel in India?

For one week travel in India during peak tourist season, you can expect double the pricing for accommodation, commute, and activities. But if you travel during the less active months of the year, a total of INR 15000 or USD 181 should be enough to cover your commute, food and daily expenses. You can even throw in a few fine dining experiences, depending on the places you visit.

Q. How can I travel with low cost?

Making a travel budget that doesn’t leave you empty-handed by the end of your trip isn’t as difficult as it seems. There are many ways to cut corners, while planning a trip anywhere in the world. The following steps can help you ensure you enjoy your holiday to the maximum, while draining your pocket by the minimum:

• Choose your travel dates from off-season months
• Get cheaper accommodation via couchsurfing and hostels

About Harsh Sonawala

Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to India Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to India?

• How much does a one-week trip to India cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to India cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to India cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to India

For a trip to India, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $15 to $110. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $29 to $220. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $39 (₨3,274) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors. These costs include food, accommodation, sightseeing activities, and getting around locally. Keep in mind, though, these figures can vary somewhat based on your individual travel style, level of luxury, and chosen activities. Destinations across the country, such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur, might might vary somewhat from the overall average price, but they usually stick close to this range. Read on for a breakdown of travel typical expenses as well as a comparison of tour prices versus Independent travel.

If you're planning an Independent trip to India, budget travelers should plan to spend around $15 (₨1,230) per day for their trip. This average includes hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and activities. If you're on a mid-range budget, plan for around $39 (₨3,274) a day which covers the cost of typical hotels, normal restaurants, and a variety of popular attractions. Luxury travelers should allow for $110 (₨9,206) a day, which would cover higher-end hotels, nicer restaurants, and more private tour options. All of these price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for India from other travelers, along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

How much does a one week trip to India cost?

On average, visitors to India spend between $103 and $771 for their week-long adventure, with the average being $274. This covers sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a duration of one week, you'll have the opportunity to explore one, two, or even three locations within India, depending on the level of depth you desire for your visit. Some of the most popular places to consider exploring are Mumbai , Delhi , and Jaipur . It's important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on personal preferences and choices. Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience tailored to your specific interests.

How much does a two week trip to India cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $206 and $1,541 for your trip to India. The average price for a two week trip is $548. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Jaipur, Srinagar, and Pushkar.

How much does a one month trip to India cost?

When embarking on a month-long trip to India, expenses can range from $441 to $3,303, with an average cost falling around $1,175. For those fortunate enough to have a full month, considering a vacation rental with a kitchen for at least a portion of your stay can help save money with meals. Backpackers often opt for hostels due to their affordability and the added benefit of a social vibe.

Hostel Prices in India

With more than 720 hostels in India, the average price is $6 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in India not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in India here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in India.

• $7 for a dorm bed at The Funky Monkey Hostel in Goa more details
• $4 for a dorm bed at Orchards House - The Hidden Tribe in Manali more details
• $3 for a dorm bed at Shiv Shakti Hostel in Rishikesh more details

Hotel Prices in India

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across India. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in India .

Hotel Regent Grand

Rodas an ecotel hotel.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in India?

Organized tours and independent travel are essentially the two main ways to plan a trip to India. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, with travel experts handling all the logistical details and the added benefit of an expert guide imparting valuable insights. This option is favored by those who appreciate the convenience and ease provided by tours that often include transportation and expert guides.

On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages, allowing for greater freedom and flexibility in customizing itineraries and exploring at one's own pace. This option appeals to individuals who value spontaneity and control, enabling them to immerse themselves in local culture on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on personal preferences and travel style, considering factors such as convenience, guidance, and flexibility.

Comparing Trip Costs in India

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in India?

Organized tours typically average around $136 per day and provide the convenience of an all-inclusive package with one comprehensive payment. On the other hand, independent trips usually average around $39 (₨3,274) per day and involve individual payments for accommodations, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Both organized tours and independent trips have their own unique challenges and benefits, so it's crucial to thoroughly understand the aspects of each to make a fair comparison. For a detailed analysis of tour prices in India, check out our comprehensive guide on tour prices in India here .

Here are a few sample tours in India:

• South and North India Tour ($7,870) 30 days, 26 destinations more details
• The Exclusive Luxury Tour of Rajasthan (INDIA) - 16 Days (All Inclusive) ($4,990) 16 days, 10 destinations more details
• Luxury Rajasthan Delhi Tour ($5,000) 12 days, 10 destinations more details
• TALES OF INDIA : TAILOR MADE INDIA (Luxury Tailor Made Journey) ($5,498) 10 days, 10 destinations more details
• Essence of India (Small Groups, End Mumbai, With South India Extension, 16 Days) ($7,198) 16 days, 9 destinations more details

More for India

If you're planning a trip to India, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Budget travel , India

India travel budget: complete cost of backpacking india.

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Planning a trip to India? In this guide, I’ll share the cost of travelling India and my tips for backpacking India on a budget. Since I’ve now visited India twice and spent 3 months there in total, I’m qualified to share my India travel budget so you can plan yours, too!

INDIA BUDGET TRAVEL ESSENTIALS India Lonely Planet Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Activities: GetYourGuide Getting around: flight ( Skyscanner ) / bus / train ( 12Go ) Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads) Must-read: My budget travel archives

There’s so much I love about India . From delicious food to friendly locals and diverse destinations, there’s so much to see and do. With snowy Himalayas, balmy beaches and busy megacities, there are fantastic places in India to travel solo as well as ideal locations for couples and families. But how much does a trip to India cost? While overseas tourists may indeed find India affordable, it depends on your travel style. Many foreign travellers and Indian locals travel the country in style so there are plenty of opportunities to splash out if your India trip budget allows. Like anywhere, upmarket accommodation and activities can cause your travel budget for India to swell!

Cost of travelling India on a budget

Having spent a month in India in 2015, I already knew how cheap it can be. However, that first trip was a while ago so I couldn’t remember exactly what I’d spent or the cost breakdowns. During my recent trip, I noted down my spending to put together this budget India travel guide. If you’ve been to other Asian countries like Vietnam or Thailand, you’ll find it easy to travel India on a budget. In my experience, India is slightly cheaper than these Southeast Asian countries. It’s also much cheaper than the East Asian countries. India travel is a fraction of the cost of travel in Korea or Japan, for example.

My total travel budget for India

Drumroll, here’s my grand total:

Note – all prices in this blog will be in USD ($) or Indian rupees (Rs.)

$1,500 in 2 months! That’s $769 per month or $25 per day. This total doesn’t include flights or visas but it’s still pretty affordable, right? Although my budget travels in Taiwan can almost compete as I spent a similar amount, I did more activities in India so it was better value overall. Even if you’re on a low budget, you can still do and see some amazing things in India. And eat like a king/queen, of course!

Things that make backpacking India cheap

Food and drink – if you eat at local restaurants, you can keep your India travel budget incredibly low. It’s easy to eat fantastic Indian food for as little as 50 rupees (50c) a meal.

Transport – there’s fantastic public transport in India from local buses to the vast train network. The best thing about the Indian railway system is its different tiers. You can travel in AC First Class to put your feet up with air-con and lots of room to yourself, or you can travel in Sleeper Class or Unreserved Seating and pay $20 to go half the way across the country! Whatever your India budget, the trains will accommodate it. Use 12go to book tickets . Hotels and guesthouses – the accommodation in India is some of the cheapest I’ve stayed in. You can set your travel budget for India as low as $200 a month and you’ll still find comfortable accommodation. If you’re travelling as a pair and splitting rooms, it’s even cheaper. Even if you’re a solo traveller in India , you can get great deals on private rooms, plus there are countless colourful and friendly hostels all over India.

Not sure what to pack and wear? Check out my India female packing list

Things that aren’t cheap about backpacking India

Not much! Sure there are a few scams in areas where locals need money (like anyone in the world) but it’s rare and won’t eat into your India travel budget. Just remember to haggle when shopping or you may pay inflated prices on goods! Prices for foreigners – let’s be honest, often when we travel we’re getting charged an informal foreigner tax. In India, it’s a bit more official: attractions often display one price for foreigners and another for locals (often it’s several times the price). I don’t have a problem with this – I believe locals should be able to experience their cultural heritage. We, on the other hand, shouldn’t be budget travelling in India if we can’t afford to support the country we’re seeing!

India travel budget – food and drink

The cost of travel in India is remarkably low when you eat like the locals do. Saying that, there are all types of restaurants in India from fine dining, Western chains in the bigger cities and, if you make a wrong move, some tourist trap restaurants where you won’t get the best food or prices. Average food and drink prices in India:

• Chicken biryani – 80 Rs.
• Cup of masala chai – 10 Rs.
• Thali meal (platter of small dishes) – 100 Rs.
• Pav bhaji (curry, bread and dips) at a street stall – 50 Rs.
• Kulcha (naan stuffed with potato and spices) and chai – 75 Rs.
• Lassi (cold yoghurt drink) – 30 Rs.
• Takeaway pizza like Dominoes – 280 Rs. (don’t judge – try the paneer makhani pizza!)
• Brunch and coffee in a modern cafe – 350 Rs.
• Curry and soft drink at touristy restaurant – 350 Rs.

To eat Indian street food without getting sick , look out for busy places with locals eating and a fast turnover of food. I mostly eat vegetarian food while travelling in India as it seems safer, although I became obsessed with chicken biriyani while visiting Pondicherry and never had any problems.

Cost of India visa

This depends where you’re from and whether you can get an e-visa. As a Brit, I paid $85 for my 6 month India visa onine but as of 2022, e-visa is currently closed for UK citizens. Be sure to do your research in advance. It’s pricey as visas go but a necessity if you want to backpack India.

Cost of travelling India – accommodation

Accommodation will be your biggest expense during budget travel in India. If you’re backpacking India as a pair, you can save money by splitting double or twin rooms. But even as a solo traveller, the price of private rooms is affordable. I generally stayed in hostels as it’s the most social way to meet people while travelling solo .

Hostels (shared dorm) – $3-7 per night. You don’t have to slum it to stay in hostels in India: they may not be luxurious, but they’re always colourful, friendly places with all your amenities. Private room in a hostel – $10-20 per night. These are similar in price to a budget hotel room so it depends whether you’d rather privacy or a social atmosphere. If I want alone time, I still pick a private hostel room as I know there will be a community around if I do want to socialise later. Budget hotel room – $12-20 per night. These will usually be fairly basic but have everything you need.

Mid-range hotel in India: $20+ per night. Although incredibly expensive hotels in India exist, it’s a great place to splash out if you have some money left over at the end of your trip. You can stay in a 5-star hotel from $80 per night! India budget travel tip – look out for guesthouses and homestays. Not only will they reduce the cost of travelling in India but they’re friendly places to meet locals and learn about Indian culture.

Best hostels for backpacking India

Rishikesh – I spent almost a month at Shiv Shakti Hostel and the staff were so friendly, often taking us on day trips and offering fantastic local advice. Book from $3 . New Delhi – Moustache Delhi from $5 (the Moustache chain is always a fun and colourful base!) // J House / Joey’s Hostel . Jaipur – Moustache Jaipur from $3 including rooftop pool access. Pushkar –   Madpackers from $3  with rooftop cafe and yoga classes. For an upgrade, stay at  Inn Seventh Heaven from $15.   Udaipur –   Zostel from $5 with rooftop cafe and beautiful views over the lake. Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala – Ram Yoga Hous e from $12 – I can’t recommend this lovely budget hotel enough! The private bedrooms have balconies looking out over the Himalayas. Mumbai – Namastey Mumbai Backpackers

Cost of India travel – flights

There are plenty of budget airlines flying around India, as well as in and out. Overall, international flights to and from India are fairly affordable. Prices of one-way flights (not including luggage): London to India – From $350 (£250). The cheapest flights are into New Delhi, Marmagao, Bengaluru, Kochi and Mumbai. Bangkok to India (where I flew from) – from $70. The cheapest flights are into Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Amristar. New York to India – from $550 (cheapest flights are into Delhi and Mumbai) Australia to India – from $500 (cheapest flights are into Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai).

Cost of getting from Indian airports to city centres

It depends which city you’re arriving into but here are some averages to help you plan your India budget trip: Delhi airport to city centre : 400-500 Rs. by standard taxi which takes 30 minutes. From 250 Rs. by Uber or Ola. You can also get the bus to travel from New Delhi airport to the city centre for a couple of rupees. Mumbai airport to city centre : 500-700 Rs. by standard taxi. Be warned, Mumbai traffic is notoriously crazy so the ride can take 1-2 hours. India budget travel tip – always check Uber and Ola apps when taking a budget trip in India. They’re almost always cheaper than pre-paid airport cabs.

Cost of India travel – flying internally

While I usually avoid internal flights for environmental reasons, it’s tempting in India when you consider the vast size of the country and the affordability of internal flights. Prices of one-way flights (not including luggage): Delhi to Mumbai – from $40. Delhi to Varanasi – from $30. From Delhi to Hyderabad – from $50 Delhi to Bengaluru – from $50 Delhi to Kolkata – from $60. Budget India travel tip – check local websites such as Indigo . I usually use Skyscanner and find you can’t beat the prices but I did have good luck finding bargains on Indigo.

India budget travel – cost of India trains

Although the railway network can seem daunting during your first trip to India, it’s the most cost-effective way to get about. If you want to travel India on a budget, it’s best to use 12go.asia . The old process was complicated: you had to register with IRCTC (the Indian Railways website), scan your passport and receive verification by SMS (on an Indian mobile number) or email which took forever. There were also complications when paying with a foreign bank card. Now, you can use 12go.asia to search trains and buses in India and book them with ease. Woohoo! Search journeys with 12go.asia here .

Average train prices in India

Delhi to Mumbai: AC First Class Sleeper, $60; AC 2-Tier Sleeper, $40; AC 3-Tier Sleeper, $30 Delhi to Agra: AC First Class Sleeper, $20; AC 2-Tier Sleeper, $15; AC 3-Tier Sleeper, $10 Delhi to Jaipur: AC First Class Sleeper, $30; AC 2-Tier Sleeper, $25; AC 3-Tier Sleeper, $20

Different types of train class

Understanding and booking cheap train tickets will reduce the cost of travelling in India. These are the main Indian railway seating classes : AC First Class Sleeper – the most expensive class of sleeping cabins. The cabins are spacious with lockable doors. AC 2-Tier Sleeper – the second most expensive sleeper class. The doors don’t usually lock from the inside. AC 3-Tier Sleeper – more open-plan sleeping facilities with more of a cramped feel and less privacy. Sleeper Class (SL) – the cheapest sleeper class. Not recommended unless you are really travelling India on a budget! AC Chair Car – for short, daytime journeys, this is the best class of seating. You sit up in rows rather than having a bed. Second Seating AC (2S) – this less comfortable version of AC Chair Car is a happy medium for budget India travel. Unreserved General Class (UR) – the cheapest ticket of all. You can’t book in advance and will end up standing. Very local and busy.

India travel budget – buses

While the Indian railway is the most popular way to travel in certain regions, there are also places in India – such as hilly Himachal Pradesh – where there are no trains whatsoever. Luckily, it’s not a problem while budget travelling in India because there’s also a decent bus network. The best way for tourists to travel India on a budget is to book in advance on Red Bus . Booking a bus ticket is simpler than booking a train ticket. Day journeys will have regular seats whereas overnight journeys will often have beds instead.

Average bus prices in India:

Amritsar to Dharamsala (4 hours) : 600 Rs.

Delhi to Jaipur (6 hours): 750 Rs.

Delhi to Rishikesh (6 hours) : 600 Rs.

How to get around cities in India on a budget

India is a cheap place to explore when you’re settled in a city for a few days. Here’s how to get about cheaply: Taxis – it’s been said that the taxis in India are the second-cheapest in the world, averaging €1.29 per 5km. You can use TaxiCalculator to predict journey prices ahead of time – this may also help when it comes to haggling! Apps Uber and Ola have the cheapest fares and you won’t get charged a ‘tourist price’. Rickshaws – these can be an affordable way of getting around cities. Sometimes when I was out without mobile data and couldn’t call a cab, I hopped in a rickshaw. I can’t promise my haggling was up to scratch but I usually paid 300 Rs. for a 30-minute ride.

Scooter hire – hiring a motorbike isn’t as popular in India as in Southeast Asia but there are a few places where it’s an option. In Rishikesh, a group of us explored the countryside by bike and, in Tamil Nadu, many travellers hired a bike to visit Auroville from Pondicherry . Expect to pay around 300 Rs per day for scooter hire. Remember to wear a helmet, firstly for safety but secondly, because the police may use it as an excuse to fine you otherwise. Intercity buses – for budget travel in India, don’t overlook local buses. These will be busier and more cramped than the tourist buses mentioned earlier. Instead of booking a seat or bed, you’ll leap on and rub shoulders with the other passengers. While the cost of travel in India by local bus varies, I recently paid 9 Rs (12c) for a 30-minute journey.

Cost of day tours

In cities like Jaipur where there are lots of palaces and must-see attractions, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to see them during a tour. Factor the following into your India travel budget: Taxi/rickshaw day tours – In Jaipur, I paid 500 Rs. for a full-day rickshaw tour with a driver. I believe the same tour by aircon taxi would cost 1,000-1,500 Rs. and can be split between however many people are in the car. Note – when you take a private day tour, there are often hidden costs. As well as drivers expecting large tips, they may expect you to buy them lunch or even clothes, plus they’ll often stop at their friend’s shops and pressure you to buy. If you’re not interested, just be firm and say no. For tours that feel more official, GetYourGuide have my seal of approval. Their India tours start from $10 and you can check reviews from past guests .

Budget India travel – entry fees

While not excessively expensive, entry fees can add up in India, especially when you consider you’ll largely be paying foreigner prices rather than local ones.

Here are a few things I paid for to give you an idea of India prices:

Hiring tour guides – this is a good option when visiting historical sites as you learn about the history of the place and also fund jobs for locals. At Jaipur’s Amber Fort, the official price was 300 Rs. but a local guy charged me 100 Rs. as he was a trainee. Jaipur City Palace entry fee – 800 Rs (expensive!) Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur entry fee – 200 Rs. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur entry fee – 200 Rs. and another 100 Rs. for an audio guide. Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh entry fee – 600 Rs. (150 Rs. for locals).

Related: skip-the-line ticket inc entry to Jaipur’s top 8 attractions ($8)

India budget – shopping

India is a fantastic place to shop. Not only are goods affordable, but you’ll support local livelihoods and take home some beautiful garments and items. Indian fabrics, clothing, bags and jewellery are so colourful and eye-catching. It’s shame I wasn’t planning a trip home anytime soon because I couldn’t buy much without carrying it around in my backpack for the next year. Here are some average costs in India for shopping:

Colourful silk headband – 50 Rs.

Women’s top – 150 Rs. Embroidered bag – 200 Rs Embroidered leather water bottle holder – 300 Rs.

India backpacking – tours and activities

Perhaps because it has a reputation for being less safe than places like Europe and Southeast Asia, I found while backpacking in India that most hostels ran group tours and activities where guests buddy up and do things together. From shared dinners to chai-making workshops and walking tours, there was always something fun going on. I loved taking these types of tours while backpacking in India because it was fun to learn from the locals and see India through their eyes. Here are a few India travel costs for tours and activities: Food tour with 13 street snacks (organised by my hostel) – 500 Rs. Half-day sunrise temple and trekking tour inc breakfast – 800 Rs. Browse GetYourGuide India tours in major cities (they run food tours, sightseeing day trips and multi-day trips).

Tiger safaris in India

One of my highlights of backpacking India was seeing wild tigers in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park . If this sounds up your street, this is what I spent on the experience:

• Tiger safaris by shared tour – a 6 seater costs 1,714 Rs. per safari; a 22 seater costs 1,375 Rs.
• Train from Pushkar to Sawai Madhopur station – $11
• Train to Jaipur from Sawai Madhopur station – $4
• Overall, I spent $100 on 2 safaris and 2 nights in a hotel inc. 3 meals a day (there were no restaurants nearby). This may seem a lot for a low budget India trip but it was so worth it to see tigers!

Price of yoga in India

Practising yoga is really popular but, for budget travellers in India, you may have to stretch the purse strings slightly since it’s often priced with tourists in mind. Saying that, India is one of the cheapest places in the world to take a yoga teacher training course which can be a great investment for the future. Check out my Rishikesh travel guide for details on yoga, meditation and ashram stays there.

Add these costs to your travel budget for India:

10 session yoga class pack – 2,000 Rs. 1-hour sound healing session – 700 Rs. 200-hour yoga teacher training course – $1,300 12-day sound healing teacher training course  – $1,500.

Cost of attending Holi festival in India

Attending Holi festival as a foreigner costs… drum roll, please… Nothing! I felt perfectly safe as a female traveller at Holi Festival and didn’t spend a single rupee all morning. The meaning behind the festival is tied to welcoming in the new year and washing away the old one. As well as having a wholesome meaning, it’s a hospitable festival with plenty of free food being handed around. The only thing to know when travelling India on a budget is that your clothes will be ruined! The colourful Holi paint never washes out so you should wear your worst clothes OR buy cheap ones for the festival. I picked up some cheap white and yellow clothes so the paint would show up, but donated them to charity afterwards.

India budget – data and SIM cards

It was harder than I expected to get a local SIM card while backpacking in India. I assumed I’d be able to buy one in any shop like I usually do in Southeast Asia. However, as my hostel owner in Amritsar told me, you need an Indian address and contact number to register for an Indian SIM. Luckily, he sorted one out for me but another option is to get an Indian SIM at Delhi and Mumbai airports. Also at local markets, you’ll be able to find something less official if you keep your eyes peeled. Commonly, once you have a SIM and can top it up, you’ll pay around 400 Rs. for a monthly package that allows you 1GB of data per day. Not a huge addition to your India trip budget!

Cheapest places for backpacking India

The most expensive places to travel in India are those where the attractions are spread around in the countryside and you’re relying on hackling over rickshaws or organising taxi day tours. The best way to reduce the cost of travelling in India is to a) visit big cities with Uber or Ola and b) visit smaller Indian cities and towns where you can explore on foot.

Best places for an India budget trip

Delhi – there’s a world to do in Delhi and an affordable Metro. Tickets range from 20-50 Rs. per journey. There are plenty of free things to do in Delhi including meditating at the famous Lotus Temple, visiting India Gate and exploring Hauz Khas complex. Pushkar – is small enough to explore all the main things to do in Pushkar on foot and you can even climb to Savitri Mata Temple for fantastic views at the top of the hill. There’s delicious food in Pushkar including endless cheap street food and some of the best falafel you’ll ever eat!

Dharamsala/Mcleod Ganj – up in the mountains, there are lots of cheap things to do like hiking and meditation, plus everywhere is walkable. It’s not a place with big must-sees and entrance fees which helped keep my travel budget for India low. Check out my Dhramasala travel guide for everything to see and do.

Udaipur – I spent a few idyllic days exploring Udaipur also known as the City of Palaces. Even if you sit on the hostel rooftop and sip chai watching the world go by, it will be a wonderful trip! There are plenty of budget hostels and hotels in Udaipur like Zostel . Goa – beaches and cheap drinks make Goa a fantastic budget destination in India! Amristar – in the state of Punjab, this was one of my favourite India backpacking destinations. One of the best things to do in Amristar is visit Sikh pilgrimage site, The Golden Temple. Not only is entry free but they also serve a free meal to 100,000 daily visitors as caring for the community is an important part of Sikhism. My best budget tip for Amristar is to organise a group tour when visiting the Wagah Border for the famous daily dance show.

India backpacking itinerary

While it’s way too difficult to put together a quick India itinerary because the country is so enormous, here are a couple of route suggestions for budget backpacking in India based on my past travels.

2 week Rajasthan backpacking itinerary

Day 1 – Fly into New Delhi and spend 2 days in the city. Day 3 – Catch a train to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. I’d suggest 1-2 days in Agra. Day 5 – Spend 3 days in Jaipur exploring spectacular palaces. Day 8 – Spend two days in Udaipur. Explore the palaces and take a boat ride across the lake. Day 10 – Move onto Jodhpur, known as the Blue City, and take a flying fox zipwire across the valley from the fort. Day 12 – catch an overnight train to Jaisalmer where you can explore the desert and camp under the stars. All these places can be accessed by train which will keep your budget low especially if you travel in the lower train classes.

Read next: detailed Rajasthan itinerary

10 day northwest India backpacking itinerary

Day 1 – Fly into Amritsar and visit the Golden Temple and Wagah Border show. Day 3 – catch a bus up to Dharmshala and base in the town of Mcleod Ganj. Here you can visit the Tibet Museum, meditate and do some hiking. Day 6 – catch a night bus to Rishikesh where you can spend several days exploring the countryside, visiting the Beatles Ashram, practising yoga and enjoying the vibe in the many Rishikesh cafes . All these places can be accessed by bus. There are so many other India backpacking itineraries including from Mumbai to Hampi and down to Goa, and from Chennai to Pondicherry, as well as backpacking around Kerala and the southwest. You could spend a lifetime and not see it all!

Cost of India travel – tips and charges

Should you tip in India? Yes! It’s a great way to support local livelihoods. Around 5-15% is an appropriate amount to tip in India . You can leave this in restaurants or give it to tour guides. You’ll rarely be expected to tip taxi drivers unless it’s an organised taxi tour when they often expect another 25% or so on top of the price of the tour. A final thing to note while backpacking India is that tips are occasionally expected when someone’s helped you out. Whether that’s showing you the way or giving you an offering at a temple, sometimes what seems like a favour or friendliness turns into the demand for a tip. Although you don’t have to, I would usually give 20 or so rupees.

Thanks for reading my India backpacking guide!

Check out my other country budget guides:

• Taiwan budget travel guide
• South Korea budget guide
• Cuba travel on a budget
• Backpacking the UK on a budget

I hope you have a wonderful time in India and this blog has helped you plan your India trip budget. It’s such a fantastic country where your money goes far!

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

See you next time,

Ps. Want to remember these India travel costs? Pin this for later!

VISITING INDIA?  These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – it’s easy to get between cities by flight. I use Skyscanner and search by whole month to find the best value dates. Buses – buses are comfy and efficient. Use 12Go to book . Trains – these are a good option for long journeys because you have a bed rather than a seat. Use 12Go to book . For hotels , I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator and Klook in case they have a better price. For food experiences with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Pack the latest copy of India Lonely Planet . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Home » Asia » India » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking India Travel Guide (Tips + Secrets • 2024)

Backpacking India… It’s a hell of an experience. I have visited India five times now, spending nearly two years backpacking across this crazy sub-continent.

When I was nineteen, following a life-changing injury, I threw all of my shit into a battered pack and caught a one way flight to Delhi, I had just $2700 to my name and was able to make this last over a year whilst backpacking in India.

The wonderful thing about backpacking India is that pretty much anybody can afford it, especially if you don’t mind being a little uncomfortable.

I jumped off the deep end and hitchhiked, couchsurfed and slept rough a lot to make my travel dreams a reality but, to be honest, backpacking in India is so cheap that you don’t really need to do this… A budget of just $500 a month will go a long way when backpacking India and it’s possible to do it for far less.

Why Go Backpacking in India?

Since I was nineteen, I’ve been coming back to India again and again. Often I promise myself that this will be the last time and like many India backpacking veterans, I have a love/hate relationship with India!

Your first time in India may well come as something of a shock even for experienced travellers. It is generally dirty, crowded, noisy, chaotic and frustrating. There are wild animals everywhere, a lot of extreme poverty and widespread dilapidation. Some of the local customs also take some serious adapting to – get used to been stared at, hassled, scammed & having your personal space invaded.

So yes, the real India can be a real challenge but, for adventurous backpackers, India offers some of the most incredible exploring in all of Asia. If it gets under your skin, you will keep on coming back time and time again. Visiting the beautiful places in India is a task worth taking on.

Best Travel Itineraries For Backpacking India

After nearly a total of two years backpacking in India, I reckon I’ve only seen about half of this truly incredible, massive, country. The country is so big that is really does make sense to plan your backpacking route before you rock up and to focus on seeing one part of India at a time.

There are plenty of amazing spots to explore but you need to be sure you choose the right spots at the right time – you don’t want to be travelling in the Great Thar Desert during summer!

To make things a bit easier, I’ve popped together some different backpacking routes for India; these can easily be combined or added together to create the absolute perfect India itinerary.

But whatever India backpacking route you take, prepare to be astounded, amazed and a little bit frustrated! You need at least one month in India to enjoy these itineraries.

Backpacking India 1-Month Itinerary # 1 – Spiritual Extravaganza

Rajasthan (paired with Varanasi) is a great introduction to backpacking India! This is an area that checks most boxes – There are plenty of chilled out sites well on the backpacker radar but if you dig a little deeper you can find isolated villages and hidden temples rarely visited by travellers.

After getting your bearings and hopefully avoiding getting scammed in New Delhi , head on over to Varanasi for the spiritual experience of a lifetime. After a quick stop in off beat Khajuraho , settle into Agra to see the Taj Mahal, AKA the most famous landmark in India.

Then it’s time to experience Rajasthan, one of my favorite places in India. Jaipur will serve as a sweet introduction–it’s quite a nice Indian city–where as Pushkar is like a desert version of Goa. Bundi is a true gem, and a place you shouldn’t rush through. Package tourists don’t make it here.

Finish off your epic Rajasthani adventure with the big three, Jodhpur (known as the Blue City), Jaisalmer , and Udaipur . A better trip through one of India’s most beautiful states doesn’t exist.

One important thing to note is that Rajasthan can be damn hot… This means that you really, really want to try and explore this part of India during November to March; outside of these months, it can be fairly unbearable.

Backpacking India 1-Month Itinerary # 2 – Off the Beaten Track Adventures in South India  

This is perhaps the best South India travel itinerary for explorers keen to see a bit of the real India before diving into the heady parties of Goa and Gokarna.

Bangalore is a tech hub of sorts and one of India’s cleaner cities, but don’t spend more than a few days here before heading to the very offbeat Kodagu –don’t be surprised if you’re the only foreigner in town.

Next up, take a relatively short local bus to Mysore , which is easily my favorite city in India. It’s clean, has some delicious street food and is pretty easy to manage overall. A night train is the best way to move onwards to Fort Kochi , a cheeky little beach town that checks every box of what you’d want from a sticky place.

You final two stops will bring you back to the tourist trail, but rest assured that it will be worth it. The back waters of Alleppey are best seen from the local boats, and even popular Varkala (which can be reached by train or bus) has plenty of hidden spots to get off the beaten track in.

Backpacking India 1-Month Itinerary # 3 – Mountains and Yoga in Northern India

Traveling to the Subcontinent to find yourself? Then this Backpacking India itinerary may be for you.

The Himalayas are unlike any other part of India, mountains have always held a special place in my heart and the Indian mountains are some of the best in the world… although not quite as incredible as neighbouring Pakistan, the ultimate adventure destination !

If you’re coming from said neighbour, you’ll be starting right in Amritsar , which is home to the famous Golden Temple and legendary Sikh hospitality. Otherwise, break your Rishikesh virginity, though do be warned that it will be an absolute zoo in May and June.

Once you’ve got that out of the way–it’s time for the mountain fun to begin! First head to Mcleod Ganj , a spiritual mecca home to the famous Dalai Llama. Be warned–it’s easy to get stuck here! Next, make a stop in Bhagsu before moving on to Manali .

These days Manali is a commercialized mess, so I highly encourage you to get to the more authentic Vashshist as SOON as possible. The hippie vibes are only beginning amigos, as the mountainous roads will then lead you to Kasol , the main hub of the iconic Parvati Valley.

After enjoying hashish, trance and natural beauty for days, answer the Himalayas’ call and get yourself on the next HRTC bus to Leh , capital of Ladakh.

After you’ve spent a solid amount of time living the high-altitude life, it’s time for Srinigar , the capital of India’s portion of Kashmir. I highly recommend giving this region the time it deserves. It might be more expensive than you’d like, but Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir is very hard to travel in as a foreigner so get your fix here!

Be warned; travelling in the Himalayas is uncomfortable, tiring and sometimes dangerous. It is worth getting to grips with your route before you go travelling in India, planning on the road doesn’t work so well in the Himalayas as the roads have a tendency to get washed away!

Best Places To Visit In India

You can spend a lifetime and still not see everything this mega-country has to offer, but I think these are the very best places in India that you just shouldn’t miss…

Backpacking Delhi

Many backpackers arriving in India for the first time will start their adventure by staying in Delhi , which is unfortunate.

Delhi is probably my least favourite city in the whole world and whilst it may have some hidden charms, I have yet to find them despite visiting the city over half a dozen times. The traffic is crazy, and driving my multicolored rickshaw through the streets was a truly nutty and hair-raising experience.

Delhi is not one of the friendliest places in India. When you arrive into Delhi’s main airport, catch a metro into town and make your way to the Panchsheel area; this is where you can find the widest array of backpacker-friendly accommodation, and is the best area in Delhi to stay in. Some of the best hostels in Delhi are in Paharganj and more quieter, cleaner options can be found in the upscale South Delhi area.

In general, I recommend getting the heck out of Delhi as quickly as possible… There are plenty of much lovelier places within India to spend your time. However, if you do want a better and more comfortable experience, there are some pretty epic Delhi Airbnbs to choose from.

Backpacking Varanasi

You can’t explore India without having a proper Varanasi experience… I say experience because Varanasi is totally nuts and will leave you reeling as you navigate through twisting alleys, passing holy men and funeral processions, stray cows and colourful stores selling silken saris.

Make your way to the river and catch a sunset boat ride on the Ganges, the most holy river in Hinduism. On the way, make sure to pick up one of the best lassis in all of India at Blue Lassi in the market.

There are plenty of cheap hostels in Varanasi , and just as many budget guesthouses. Varanasi has to be seen to be understood… I recommend spending three or four days here. There are good train links between Delhi and Varanasi and I recommend catching a sleeper train – go for 3AC class.

Backpacking Khajuraho

From Varanasi you should be able to catch a train directly to Khajuraho. As always you should book your ticket in advance and try to get a night train to save on accommodation. This area is famous for its hilariously erotic temples. Hire bicycles as some of the main sights are spread out and it is a great way to explore.

Try to catch the temples at sunrise, they are amazing. It is possible to arrange a rickshaw to take you to a lovely river where you can swim, ask around. Touts are persistent here and like to target fresh backpackers. I recommend staying for two to three days so you can get a well-deserved break before heading onwards to Agra…

Backpacking Agra

There are only three things worth seeing in Agra. The first and best is ‘ Joney’s Place ’ – it offers the best, and cheapest food in all of India.

The second is the Taj Maha l, it costs a whopping 1100RS to get in and this will probably continue to rise for foreign visitors in the coming years. Finally, 26km outside of Agra is the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri which is interesting if you have time but is unfortunately filled with very pushy touts.

The Taj Mahal is chief amongst the top sites to see in India. However, staying in hostels in Agra for more than two days is not recommended… Sadly it’s a true shit-hole of a city and not to be dwelled in… From Agra you can catch a train to Jaipur – but may have to change at Delhi.

Backpacking Jaipur

My second least favourite city in India is undoubtedly Jaipur. You can however mitigate its horror by choosing carefully where to stay in Jaipur . Try to spend just a day here if you can as the city is stressful and ugly. Ajmer Palace , 12km outside of the city, is stunning and worth the trip.

The Monkey Temple (Galtaji) is not to be missed – set beautifully into the side of a hill, make sure you go all the way up and over to the other side of the hill to find it. Other than the old buildings, Jaipur is a great place to shop for textiles, custom-made clothes and jewelry.

Jaipur is a great place to be during the festival of Diwali, easily one of the most important festivals in India.

Stay at one of Jaipurs’ best hostels –there are plenty to choose between. From Jaipur, you can catch an overnight train to Jaisalmer and work your way back towards Delhi across Rajasthan or jump to Pushkar. The airport does some good value domestic flights – if you book ahead you can get to Goa for $40.

Backpacking Pushkar

Finally, somewhere to relax now that you’ve done the obligatory sights of India! You could happily spend a week in Pushkar, exploring the many temples and the gorgeous lake within the centre of the town.

Pushkar is renowned as a town of religious importance and you can’t drink or eat meat here… meaning that, of course, you can but your beer will be disguised in a teapot and will cost more.

Pushkar is a shoppers paradise and is filled with thousands of stores selling pretty much everything… the market is a great place to buy bulk if you’re planning to sell your travel souvenirs back home 😉

There’s a strong backpacker community here, the town suffers from many a hippie-wannabe, and there’s lots of yoga and meditation classes available. Whilst exploring the lake, avoid the priests like the black plague – they are extremely skilled scammers. Do not let them place a wristband upon you, they will ask for a ridiculous payment.

For a truly striking sunset, climb one of the nearby hills surrounding the town. Pushkar has great but, very strong, Bhang (marijuana) lassis; these will knock you out if you are not careful.

Every year, the famed Pushkar Camel Festival comes to town – this is a totally insane event but well worth seeing if you happen to be in India at the time; book your accommodation in advance as everything tends to sell out.  Four to five days is about right for a visit to Pushkar although its possible to linger for weeks.

To get to Pushkar you must first catch a train to Ajmer and then catch a forty five minute bus onwards to Pushkar itself. From Ajmer you can catch a bus to Bundi, a logical next stop.

Backpacking Bundi

I loved Bundi. It’s well off the tourist radar and definitely worth visiting. I stayed in a lovely little guesthouse called simply The Lake View Guesthouse . Rooms were cheap, just $6 for a huge double with bathroom. Bhayvam Homestay does rooms for $3 but they are basic and you have to share a bathroom.

Definitely visit the palace and the fortress atop the hill (take a stick to deter the monkeys ) as well as Kipling’s house. Hire bicycles to go exploring outside the city, you will be utterly alone and this is a great chance to do some real exploring.

Stay for at least three days in Bundi and be sure to check out Krishna’s Tea Stall .

Backpacking Jodhpur

Although there may not be a great deal of tourist sites to visit, Jodhpur is an excellent example of a Rajasthani market town, a good wander through streets to soak up the busy vibe and colours is a must during your stay. In the state where every town has a fort, Jodhpur is no exception and it’s definitely worth visiting.

It’s one of the most amazing fortresses in the world. Take the audio tour to find out plenty of awesome history about this amazing place. I would stay for one or two days. You then easily catch a bus from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.

Backpacking Jaisalmer

A giant sandcastle rising out of the desert, Jaisalmer fort is one of my favourite places in all of India and the starting point for the annual rickshaw race across India.

Even better, if you’re keen to go camel trekking and to spend a night camping out in the desert with fellow backpackers, this is the place to do it! Haggle hard… The prices vary wildly!

The legal Bhang shop sells shakes and cookies – they can get you very high and are a fun way to while away an evening; as always, be careful if you’re experimenting with drugs on the road. Not including time for a camel trek, you only need two days to explore Jaisalmer. There are good train links out of Jaisalmer.

Backpacking Udaipur

What a truly wonderful place. I lingered here for almost a month when I was on my first backpacking trip to India at the age of nineteen. There are wonderful hostels in Udaipur , great restaurants, interesting cycle rides, captivating lakes and atmospheric temples.

Try to stay somewhere near the central Jagdish temple. Shop around for accommodation as it’s possible to find good rooms for $4. I got some beautiful, custom made shirts in Udaipur which cost about $4 each – well worth it.

Five days is a good length of time to spend in Udaipur before catching a train back up to Delhi or travelling onwards to Goa or Mumbai. A train to Goa, via Gujurat, takes around 46 hours and I strongly recommend that nobody ever attempts this again… It was one of the most god-awful journeys of my life!

Backpacking Bombay

Let’s start with the name. Nobody calls this sweltering city Mumbai and the city is very much Bombay.

Now that the name is out of the way, let’s get onto the city. Bombay is, in a single word, intense! If you survive Bombay you have done well. Bombay is not only dirty, crowded and full of touts, it is also the most expensive city in India and can quickly drain your bank account on account of the wild nights out… Tinder works well in Bombay.

I loved Bombay and spent over 2 weeks hanging out but I was couchsurfing and had some great friends to show me Mumbai’s best neighbourhoods and help keep my costs low . I highly recommend trying to make a friend in Bombay as they will show you a side of the city that most backpackers in India simply are not aware of.

In case you can’t find a host, worry not as there are now loads of decent Mumbai hostels. You should definitely brave the local trains at some point, they are packed to bursting but are a quintessential Indian backpacking experience.

From Bombay, you can easily catch a train to Aurangabad.

Backpacking Ajanta & Ellora

The famed cave temples and dwellings of Ajanta and Ellora rival those of Petra… Huge temples and structures have been carved into the rock and occupied by holy sects for centuries, the history here is absolutely fascinating.

To visit Ajanta and Ellora, you will need to make a base in Aurangabad; a quintessential middle-of-nowhere Indian town.

You’ll need a full day to visit the incredible cave temples of Ellora, travel by tuk tuk for 600RS. Be sure to make a stop at the truly awesome ruined fortress of Daulatabad, a place with a bloody and fascinating history.

On day 2, take a taxi (1200RS) if in a group or a bus (150RS each way) if you are on your own to the Ajanta Caves; a collection of thirty Buddhist monasteries carved into a shoehorn of rock sitting above a lush green forest. On day 3, get the heck out of dodge (there really is fuck all to do in Aurangabad) and catch a train (6 hours) to Nashik.

Backpacking Nashik

The ghats, stone steps leading down to the river for washing and praying, in Nashik are truly mesmerising and, unlike in Varanasi, there are no pushy touts looking to make a quick rupee from backpackers.

If you are into your photography, Nashik is one of the best places to visit some truly untouched Ghats and to capture scenes of Indian rural life.

One day in Nashik is enough; besides the ghats there isn’t much to see. I couchsurfed here and found myself in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class in the evening… such is travelling in India! If you fancy spending a second day in Nashik, there is a pleasant day hike to Trimbak which is worth checking out.

From Nashik you can arrange a sleeper bus towards Goa, or if you are feeling adventurous catch a train to Gulbarga and then onwards to Bidar and Bijapur, you may have to go via Bombay. I couchsurfed in Nashik.

Backpacking Bidar

The epic fort in Bidar is probably one of the most untouched forts in all of Asia and, best of all, if you visit you will probably have it all to yourself.

From Gulbarga, a bus (three hours) runs to Bidar, there is very limited accommodation options here – I stayed in the Hotel Mayura , right next to the bus station. Bidar Fort is filled with hidden, locked, passageways and epic buildings.

If you find an attendant, you can tip him 100RS to wander around with you or, even better, simply give you the keys. The fort alone is well worth coming to Bidar for but the city itself does have some other interesting sites and is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the Sikhs. From Bidar, it’s a seven hour, ass-bruising, bus ride to Bijapur.

Backpacking Bijapur

Palaces, tombs, gateways, temples and minarets, all carved from solid basalt and covered in twisting vines and flowers. The architecture in Bijapur is simply stunning and it is widely renowned as one of the most important historical cities in India, despite this it attracts very few backpackers and you are likely to have it all to yourself.

A couple of days is adequate time to see all of the sites, it could be done in one single day if you are tired of the heat and are keen to hurry on to somewhere a tad more relaxing.

I recommend staying in Hotel Pleasant Stay , the cheapest accommodation is next to the bus-stand – it’s fairly horrible. From Bijapur, catch a bus to Hospet (3 – 4 hours) and from Hospet catch a thirty minute rickshaw to Hampi…

Backpacking Hampi

Backpacking Hampi is hands-down my favourite thing to do in India. I’ve been a total of five times and, every time, it’s changed drastically. It is famed for its climbing boulders as well as the assortment of ancient temples and Hampi’s primary backpacker area across the river.

Local buses from Hosepur to Hampi begin running at around 7am but expect usual Indian delays. The ride takes 30 – 40 minutes and costs about 15 rupees. Tuk Tuks are available and will charge you between 200 – 400. Tuk Tuk drivers will also lie and tell that you that the busses to Hampi start at 8.00, 9.00 or even that there aren’t any at all to try and get your custom.

Scooters can be rented cheaply in Hampi (300-400 rps), but aren’t actually necessary. Bicycles can be obtained for 200 – 300 rps. I recommended joining a bike tour around the temples and ruins of the main island – they can be joined for 300 including bike, last 4 hours and cover about 9km with lots of stops – bring sun cream and water.

Note that as of February 2020, the local government has began totally demolishing the entirety of the development “across the river”. This means all of the hostels and the entire Hampi backpacker hub is gone. The temples are still there, as are the rocks but to be frank, Hampi just lost half of its appeal and charm in one fell swoop. It remains to be seen how the demolition will affect Hampi’s.

Backpacking Goa

Probably the most famous place in all of India and a magnet for hippie wannabes and all kinds of backpacker assholes, traveling in Goa is a complicated, chilled, paradoxical place that is well worth a visit no matter what you hear.

The trick with Goa is choosing where in Goa to stay.

• Baga is for package tourists.
• Anjuna and  Arambol  for party people.
• Vasco da Gama  and  Margao have more local Goan life and traces of the Portuguese colonial era.
• South Goa for those seeking some peace.

Both Palolem and Patnem are pretty relaxed. You can arrange fishing, dolphin watching and kayaking from the beach.

Another beach well worth considering is Arambol beach in the North. It’s a lively, hippy mecca, and you’ll be sure to find some cute Goa Airbnbs and hostels to base in. There are loads of yoga classes and meditations, there are jam sessions every night and shops selling some genuine boutique items as well as the standard backpacker stuff. 

If you shop around you can still get a beach front shack for around 500 rps though prices spike between Christmas and February. There are also a number of trendy eco-resorts in Goa that are worth checking out!

Most restaurants along and around the beach are very similar and do perfectly decent Indian standards as well tantalisingly fresh fish tandooris. Cheeky Monkey has a great fusion menu and the shack next to the coconut seller does amazing thali’s for 100 – 150 rps.

There are no big parties in Arambol itself although Rusta has began doing Wednesday Techno Parties. Morejim however is a short ride from Arambol (don’t drink/drug & ride) and has a number of club nights featuring all minds of music.

That said, Arambol itself has numerous happenings every single night until around 10:30pm (midnight if its away from then main drag). I recommend attending Ecstatic Dance at the Source and seeing what weird and wonderful stuff is going on at Magic Cafe and the Love Templ e.

The big, wild, legendary Goa parties take place in and around Anjuna & Vagator . There are parties catering to different tastes each night during high season (Dec – March) so if you like commercial, techno, R & B or house you can find it.

However, my absolute premium advice is to attend at least one Goan Trance Party as they are utterly mind blowing. Try Shiva Valley on Tuesday nights or Shiva Place on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Hilltop & Origens claim to be “temples of trance” and do attract big name DJ’s, but they are overpriced, soulless & shit.

Backpacking Gokarna

For a taste of ‘Goa before the tourists’, many people backpacking India head to Gokarna. The main beach is quickly catching on and becoming more touristy, much like Goa. That said, there are plenty of smaller beaches which are only accessible by boat and are home to small communes of hippies.

Gokharna is a short(ish) way from Goa and its relatively quiet. Beaches generally act as either a warm up for or come down from the madness of India’s tourism capital. Gokharna itself is classic Indian small town with a few temples, some dirt roads and lots of cows. There are plenty of guest houses, shops, travel agencies and ATM’s to be had here and its worth a look.

However, people come here for the quiet, secluded beaches which are 6km and 150rps in a Tuk Tuk away. My personal nickname for Om Beach is Jaffa Beach as its firmly established on the Hummus trail. By day, play volleyball, explore the temples in the old town or fish upon the high seas. By night, discover the real reason that many hippies have moved to Gokarna; a better supply of mushrooms and weed.

The guest houses here range from 300 to 500rps and the quality differs drastically. Shopping around and checking them all out is strongly advised as many don’t have WI-Fi or reliable electricity and are frankly depressing. The absolute pick has to be Mooksa with its extensive grounds at the back of the cafe. Dolphin Bay is to be avoided.

Some of these places don’t even have electricity so if you’re looking for something a bit more out there – this might be it. I would recommend staying at the Zostel hostel.

The necklace sellers on the beach are mostly young and pleasant but do get annoying. If you don’t intend to buy anything then make it very clear and be firm without been rude. If you say “I may buy later/tomorrow” then they will try to hold you to that.

Snakes are also very common here. I found one, 2 foot long, in my room and saw several small snakes in the jungles immediately surrounding the beach. The local staff told me they’re not poisonous but Google tells me there are some cobras around. The beach dogs are very friendly and the beach cows are generally harmless, but may try to eat your belongings. Remember, these animals are sacred in Hindu culture so respond accordingly if this happens.

Backpacking Rishikesh

Famous since the Beatles first rocked up here and got stuck into an Ashram, Rishikesh is a popular stop with yogis backpacking India and is well worth checking out, even if you are not into yoga. If you are into yoga, Rishikesh is the perfect place to take a course or earn your yoga certification.

Catch a train from Delhi to Haridwar and then catch a bus (one hour) onwards to Rishikesh bus station – from here, you will then need to get a tuk tuk to drop you near Lakshman Jhula, cross the bridge and find a place to crash.

There are lots of cheap backpacker accommodation options around as well as good Rishikesh hostels . I recommend staying at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram which is near Ram Jhula. You should definitely eat at the awesome Beatles Cafe,  Ira’s Tea , and Ramana’s Café .

Whilst in Rishikesh, hire mopeds for 300RS a day and go exploring. The foot-traffic within Rishikesh of thousands of pilgrims can be quite intense but once you are over the bridge and happily zipping along the mountains roads it’s a lot of fun. You can also arrange to go white water rafting in Rishikesh.

I recommend three or four days in Rishikesh. There are loads of Yoga and Meditation courses available ranging from a matter of days to entire months. Oh, and “ The Beatles Ashram ” is now an urban art museum which is well worth checking out.

From Rishikesh you can reach the incredible Valley of Flowers. I recommend taking around 3 days to make stops along the way. Trust me, it’s so worth it. From nearby Haridwar, you can also catch a train to Amritsar.

Backpacking Amritsar

The Golden Temple, the most sacred temple in the Sikh faith, is simply breathtaking. Sikhism welcomes all and you can stay for free in the golden temple dorms. Wander around until someone shows you where to go.

Ask the temple guards if unsure. Keeping with the spirit of Sikh hospitality, you can also get free food at the temple all day long.

You should visit the Wagah border ceremony in the evening and have a giggle at the ridiculous flag ceremony performed by soldiers from the Indian and Pakistani armed forces… It’s better from the Pakistani side!

One full day in Amritsar is enough as it’s very hot. After a night in the temple dorm you can catch an early morning bus to McLeod Ganj, or a sleeper train south. For more info, check out my amigos guide to Amritsar .

484 pages with cities, towns, parks, and ALL the out-of-the-way places you will WANT to know. If you truly want to discover Pakistan , download this PDF .

Backpacking McLeod Ganj

Home to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan’s in Exile, McLeod Ganj (or little Tibet) is a chilled place to spend a couple of days among the Tibetan people and is a great place to pick up souvenirs. There are many interesting day hikes around the area.

I would recommend staying at Backpackers Inn but you can also find tons of really cheap Tibetan family run places if you shop around a bit.

We stayed at one of these for 250RS a night, though prices will likely be higher these days thanks to inflation. McLeod is pretty small and a few days here should be more than enough unless you are doing yoga or choose to get involved with a charity.

There are several projects for volunteers here working with Tibetan refugees, be sure to check out Tibetan World where you can sign up for hour long language exchanges with the Tibetan monks, who are always keen to improve their English. And to leave you with a cheap food tip, The Black Tent Cafe does a fantastic Tibetan breakfast.

Backpacking Bhagsu and Dharamkot

Just a short twenty minute walk from McLeod Ganj is the backpacker hub of Bhagsu.

Lower Bhagsu is pretty modernised and my advice is to keep going up the hill. Bhagsu is an Indian backpackers paradise with hand made crafts, tie-dye clothing and Didgeridoo lessons at every turn. When travelling through India the first time, I fell in love with Bhagsu.

The area is very popular with Israeli’s and there is even a Hebrew book exchange. In the evenings, head along the stone paths into the hills and follow the music and the scent of ganja, there are many little cafe’s and lodges along the trail where musicians jam into the early hours of the morning.

Bring a torch as finding you way back after dark could be a challenge on a night with no moon! There are some great treks that can be done from Bhagsu without a guide; the most popular is Triund which only takes about three or four hours and is manageable even for newbie trekkers.

You can rent a tent to sleep in at the summit, it gets cold so bring layers if you have them.

Backpacking Old Manali

Arriving into Manali, you will be dropped in the main bus station in the modern part of the town, whatever you do; don’t stay here!

The real Manali is still a couple of kilometers away and you can choose between basing yourself in Old Manali or Vashisht. Old Manali is far busier than Vashisht and definitely the place to base yourself if you want to party – there are plenty of great hostels in Old Manali to meet party friends here too!

In Old Manali, ‘ Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted ’ does great deserts and has a movie room. Meanwhile the Sunshine Cafe has incredible food from all over the world and is a solid bet for nightly live music. The marijuana in Manali is amazing and freely grows everywhere.

Manali is an adventurer’s paradise and you can arrange white water rafting, paragliding, zorbing and canyoning… or, you could just get blazed all day. If you have plenty of time, it’s worth checking out both Old Manali and Vashisht, if you’re short on time, you’ll have to choose…

Backpacking Vashisht

If, like me, you prefer to simply chill with a cheeky smoke and watch the mountains, Vashisht is the place to go. Old Manali is great but, recently, it’s become overrun with large hordes of party-orientated backpackers, usually from Israel. Vashist is just a fifteen minute tuk tuk ride from Old Manali.

Vashisht is roughly set across the valley opposite Old Manali and is kind of like its little brother. The small town is much quieter than Old Manali and therefore a fantastic place to stay if you want some peace and tranquility.

There is a hot spring at the top of town and daily religious processions where you can watch devout locals fall into a state of trance. The Rasta Cafe is a great place to hang out and is famed for its Special Lassis ( be warned, they can be very strong ).

Private rooms can be found from between 600-1000Rs if you are willing to go door to door and haggle and you can sometimes even bag a room with a stunning mountain view.

From Vashisht, you could consider getting hold of a Royal Enfield and exploring the Spiti Valley  or, if you are short on time and funds, you can begin the epic bus journey to Leh in Ladakh.

The overnight minibus is supposed to take at least eighteen hours but when I did it, it took closer to thirty six hours due to landslides…

It was an awful journey but, ultimately, was so worth it. You can fly to Leh but, well, the bus journey is a rite of passage when backpacking India so you should do it, the views will be stunning if there is no cloud cover. Remember to take Diamox with you to combat altitude sickness.

Alternatively, from Vashisht, you can head south to Kasol for some easy treks within the lower Himalayas.

Backpacking Kasol

If you are taking a trip to Parvati Valley , chances are you will pass through Kasol, which is a popular backpacking destination for good reason. The town of Kasol can be reached by a five to six hour bus ride from Manali for 200RS.

Kasol has soared in popularity in the last few years and is now rivalling Manali as the backpacker hub for Himachal Pradesh. Depending on how long you spent in Manali, it is definitely worth heading here for a few nights if you have the time.

Kasol itself is largely popular with Israeli travellers and you will see many a hippie wannabe, from all nationalities, clad head to toe in hilariously impractical gear they have bought from the many stores selling hippy dippy shit upon every corner.

If you’re into shopping, you will probably love Kasol. It’s a good place to pick up quality clay chillums – 120RS – anyway. Kasol itself is, like Manali, famed for its marijuana and laid back backpacker vibe.

There are many day-hikes and longer multi-day treks that can be attempted from around Kasol. For a full run down of chilled out places to visit in the area have a good look at the  Kasol and Around guide  by Drifter Planet.

Backpacking Kalga and Kheerganga

From Kasol, you can catch a minivan up into the mountains and trek for forty five minutes to reach the truly serene village of Kalga.  It’s well worth spending a couple of days here, hanging out in the very chilled Sunset Cafe run by the unendingly friendly Nepalese manager, Hans – he is a man of many names.

From Kalga, most backpackers head off on the six hour hike to Kheerganga where you can bathe in a hot spring said to be one of Lord Shiva’s favourite places to relax after a hard day’s godding.

Despite this, it’s well worth spending one night in Kheerganga to see the stunning night sky at elevation; the lack of light pollution makes for some soul-stirring stargazing.

Kheerganga itself has, sadly, been hit with rapid unchecked development and is not a particularly nice place to stay – accommodation is crowded, dirty and overpriced. If you have a tent, bring it. Kheerganga might have some of the most disgusting toilets in all of India, which is no easy accomplishment.

Backpacking Leh and Ladakh

There is a lot to do in Leh and some great trekking in Ladakh. Start by the visiting the amazing palace and the massive Stupa – the donkey sanctuary is also worth a visit.

If you fancy some trekking, there is the 6-day Markha Valley Trek in Hemis National Park (the largest national park in India ), the 5 day Nubra Valley trek and the challenging Rumtse to Tso Moriri-dayer.

Ladakh and Kashmir are great places to travel on your own wheels and ideal for motorbike trips. You can also try hitchhiking or get a shared Ladakh taxi to explore the region.

Backpacking Srinagar

From Leh, you can take a jeep (very expensive) or an old bus to Srinagar (or you can fly). I would recommend flying… or avoiding Srinagar altogether!

I visited Srinagar as one of the very last stops on my first fourteen month adventure in India and by the time I got there I was totally broke… Unfortunately, without cash, it’s pretty difficult to see Kashmir as you really do need your own transport or to book yourself onto jeep tours which tend to start at around 2000RS a day.

In Srinagar, the one must-try experience, in my opinion, is to explore the lake by shikara. The lake is truly gorgeous and a peaceful place to spend an afternoon exploring. From Srinagar, you can catch a bus down to Amritsar or fly to Delhi.

Backpacking Bangalore

Bangalore is something of a boom town in India and has firmly established itself as the centre of the sub-continents mega tech industry. The city is something of a typical modern Indian city; unplanned, chaotic and ugly.

That said it is much more tolerable than Mumbai and Delhi; you will get far less hassle and meet with less scams. Because of its booming tech and business scene, the city also has a young, educated, enterprising crowd who are in many ways the cream of India’s youthful crop. There are lots of micro pubs, some great places to eat, and a few clubs putting on gigs and electronic music nights.

For a kick ass Mutton Biryani, check out the ever busy and beautifully basic Shivaji Military Hotel in Banashankari and for a classic South Indian breakfast of rice cakes head to Sree Krishna Kafe in Koramangala.

If you’re exploring South India then you should consider flying into Bangalore instead of the disappointing, punishing shit hole that is Mumbai. The hostels in Bangalore are way better and international flights are regular and affordable.

Backpacking Kodagu

A six hour bus journey from Bangalore lies the largely unexplored Kodagu region.

Although Lonely Planet claims to have been to Kodagu the information in the book is so point blank wrong that I find this hard to believe.

This is real exploring territory. It is easy to arrange a homestay once you reach the administrative capital of Madikeri. From Madikeri it is worth taking the hour long bus to Bylakuppe to visit a Tibetan colony.

The best thing about Kodagu is arranging a homestay, I recommend Homestay Kodagu , and simply heading off into the hills on a hiking adventure…  

A bus to Mysore from Kodagu takes about four hours. It is one of the most romantic destinations in India. Kodagu is perhaps one of the top romantic destinations in India.

Backpacking Mysore

Mysore is a truly ancient city and it still has a real feel of the British Raj about it.

You should definitely visit Chamundi Hill, climb the thousands of steps if you fancy a workout. The imposing Mysore Palace is well worth an afternoon and, if you can find them, there is word of underground parties in Mysore by night. Srirangapatna makes a great day trip from Mysore.

Mysore is, hands down, my favourite city in all of India… Saying that, it’s still a city in India and so you might want to do a runner after a few days to the more chilled out coast.

Backpacking Fort Kochi

Famed for the ancient Chinese fishing nets lining the shore, Fort Kochi is a great place to chill out for a couple of days.

Think laidback beach vibes, plenty of delicious seafood, and lots of opportunities for colourful travel photography.

To get away from Fort Kochi, you must first travel to Ernakulam so that you can catch onwards transport (two hours by bus) to Alleppey.

Backpacking Alleppey

There’s only one real reason to come to Alleppey when backpacking India… to arrange a trip on a houseboat and explore the backwaters .

A three day, two night jaunt is the standard and when haggling for the rental make sure food is included in the price. There are hundreds of houseboats so take your time choosing and make sure to haggle.

Check out this list of awesome Houseboats on the backwaters. If you do end up having to stay in the town there is a YMCA . Just outside of Alleppey is a little known but very beautiful stretch of beach and some interesting villages easily explored by bicycle.

Backpacking Munnar and Periyar

By now, you’re probably a bit stressed and need some time out, never fear; simply get your ass to Periyar wildlife sanctuary. To get to Periyar you must first head towards the town of Kumily.

Bank to spend a week between Periyar and nearby Munnar as you cycle, hike and drink way too much coffee. There are buses to Periyar from both Ernakulam and Alleppey.

Backpacking Varkala

The very tip of India, Varkala is reachable by train from Alleppey (three hours) and the train line does in fact run all the way to Bangalore. Varkala is a lovely stretch of sand and restaurant shacks but sadly suffers from a crowd of rather pushy shop owners.

If you have your own transport, you can explore some of the surrounding, quieter, beaches where it’s possible to camp without being bothered…

Getting Off the Beaten Path in India

Whilst India is well worn by tourist footfall, it is an insanely massive county and therefore getting off the beaten path is a lot easier than you would imagine. There is so much more to India than the Golden Triangle route that most first-timers take.

For example even tried and trodden Rajasthan has hidden gems like Bundi just a 4 hour bus ride away from Jaipur.

In Goa, it is simply a case of getting a bike and driving inland to explore the forest and villages that other tourists never get to.

Or you can go to places most tourists simply never make it to. Northeast India is like a country within a country, giving all the vibes of Southeast Asia while still in India. Majuli Island is a particular gem that I recommend getting to now–it might be underwater in coming days. Other Indian islands are worth checking out too.

While Bombay itself sucks, the state of Maharashtra does have some fantastic, lowkey beaches that will show you what seaside life in India used to be before mass tourism. Guhagar is perhaps my favorite beach in the country that you’ll have all to yourself during the day.

Meanwhile Tilmati Beach (near Karwar, another offbeat town worth checking out) is a real black sand beach only known to locals and fishermen.

While you’re in the area, you can stay in Mahabaleshwar and enjoy epic sunset views from the killer vantage point at Wilson Point.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Top Things To Do in India

India is a truly weird and wonderful country, travelling in India is totally unlike travelling anywhere else – this is a subcontinent comprised of 29 states , each of which could be, and once was, it’s own country.

When backpacking India, you will be assailed on all sides by mind-boggling sights, sounds, smells, and tastes… Here are a few must-try experiences whilst travelling in India…

1. Try the street food

Eating plenty of Indian street food is one of the best ways to stretch your budget and you can pick up meals for as little as 10RS in some places…

Indian street food can be truly fantastic; I highly recommend Masala Dosa but Pokhara’s, Paaj Bhuri & Fried Chillies are also delicious. Try to pick a vendor with lots of Indian customers, they usually have the best food.

2. Visit a Hindu temple

Yes the Taj Mahal is a must see, but India is absolutely full of other stunning mausoleums, shrines, and temple ruins, many of which never make the news.

My favourites are in Khajuraho and Hampi, but it’s not just the ancient temples that should appeal.

For a taste of something a little bit different, check out a Hindu temple that is still running; some of the best ones are in Udaipur.

3. Couchsurf with the Sikhs

Couchsurfing in India is a great way to keep the cost of traveling in India low, and to get to know the local people. The Sikhs are some of the most hospitable people in India and whilst travelling in India I was frequently invited to stay by turbanned fellows sporting mighty fine mustaches.

These guys were almost always unbelievably hospitable and kind. Turn to Couchsurfing  to help keep your costs down whilst backpacking in India.

4. Explore the East

While most travellers plan to stick to North India or South India, the country has a massive East Coast (plus the 7 states that make uo Northeast India) that few foreigners make it to.

The hub of the east is undoubtedly Kolkata, a fantastic city where you’ll likely be one of only a handful of other backpackers.

The states of Tamil Nadu and Odisha are both quite unique in their own way, and are definitely worth the trip if you’re truly committed to travel India as authentically as possible.

5. Attend a festival

India is world-famous for its truly amazing festivals , my favourites of which are Diwali, the festival of light and Holi, the paint-throwing festival, one of the most famous festivals in the world . However, please note that Holi is not so cool for female travellers. Basically, local men get very drunk & excited which often culminates in spates of sexual assault; sorry to have to be so blunt.

Even so, a festival of some kind should be on your India itinerary.

6. Travel India with your own transport

The best way to see the real India is to travel with your own transport. I’ve motorbiked extensively across India and, more recently, drove a rickshaw 2500km across the country.

Even if you just hire a scooter for a day, travelling with your own transport in India is the best way to peel back the layers and get to grips with this amazing country.

7. Get off the beaten path

The backpacker enclaves of sleepy little Hampi, Goa and Manali are always full of backpackers chatting shit about how much they love India… the only thing is; this isn’t the real India.

The real India can be tough, it can be challenging but it is also one of the most rewarding budget travel destinations in the world. Furthermore, if you take the time to get off the beaten track, to hit the road and to go on a proper adventure you won’t regret it.

Best of all, when the real India has tired you out, then you can make a run for one of the backpacker enclaves… lucky you’ll never run out of epic places to visit in India .

8. Party in Goa

Experiencing Goa’s insane nightlife is must for your India itinerary. Yes, it’s popular, yes, it can be a bit touristy.

But trust me when I say you haven’t been to a party until you’ve danced the night away at a psy trance party.

9. Take a hike

India is home to the majestic Himalayas, and the trekking opportunities are endless. While not quite as awe-inspiring as neighbouring Pakistan, you can find some pretty epic views all over the North of the country.

India has some absolutely world class trekking op’s up in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (the Gaumukh Trek takes you to the start of the Ganges) and Ladakh. Alternately though you can also find ample–though more restricted–opportunities in if you visit Kashmir and/or Sikkim.

10. Explore Little Tibet AKA Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is one of the most unique places you can visit on an India backpacking trip. It’s quite a small region, yet it will truly make you feel like you’ve left India altogether and crossed the border into Tibet.

Locals look Tibetan, their language is almost identical, and they practice Buddhism. It’s in Spiti where you can find the oldest monastery in all of India.

This high-altitude region is similar to Ladakh, but is very much its own. Even if you plan to head towards Leh, a week in Spiti is one you won’t soon forget.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Backpacker Accommodation in India

When I first went backpacking in India, hostels did not yet exist. Instead, there was mostly cheap hotels and guesthouses available.

This is still largely true but there are now many high-quality backpacker hostels throughout India .

Guesthouses and commune-style accommodation can be a great experience as well; I’ve stayed in some amazing places and ended up enjoying it so much that I stayed for weeks at a time. With an increasing number of eco-resorts popping up as well, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

There is a lot of commune-style accommodation around; it tends to attract plenty of wannabe hippies but don’t give up if your first experience isn’t great, try a few of them to see if you can find a place with a vibe to suit you. Zostel Hostels is a decent backpacker hostel chain worth checking out.

And as a quick insider tip: If you want to see all – and we mean ALL – hostel options in India, be sure to check out BOOKING.COM . You can even filter your personal travel needs to find the perfect place for you.

The Best Places To Stay in India

India backpacking costs.

The good news is that India is one of the cheapest countries in the world to go travelling if you’re smart with your money it’s possible to travel in India on a budget of just $10 a day, even less if you haggle like a pro.

The trick to super cheap backpacking in India is to travel slow. The faster you travel, the more it will cost. In general, it’s likely you will spend between $10 – $30 a day depending on how comfortable you want to be.

A Daily Budget in India

These prices are based on the current exchange rate of 73 rupees to the dollar (March 2020).

Money in India

There are lots of international ATMS but they can be tough to find once you are outside of the cities and are in more remote areas. Also note that some ATM’s will not accept certain cards and a lot of them are often empty or broken.

Typically, you can expect to try 2 – 3 ATM’s before finding one that works. Many will charge 200 rps per transaction and this is in addition to any charges your bank levies. It’s advisable to avoid small ATM transactions and get out a bunch of cash at once – just make sure you hide it well.

Travel Tips – India on a Budget

Normally, my top three tips for budget travel are to hitchhike, camp and cook your own food but in India, food, transport and accommodation are already so cheap that this is not really necessary unless you are backpacking India on a budget of just a couple of dollars a day.

Don’t get me wrong – it is totally possible to travel in India with almost no money, I’ve done it, but it’s also possible to go travelling in India on a modest budget and still travel in relative style.

• Local Transport:  India is home to over one billion people, and many of India’s people need to travel great distances on just a few rupees. Journeys can be long and uncomfortable but it is possible to get from the top of India to the bottom for cheap. The sleeper trains are a great way to travel around India cheaply and the buses are a decent second option.
• Couchsurf :  Accommodation in India varies wildly in quality and cost but, in general, you can find a quality room for just a couple of dollars – especially if you are in a backpacker hub. It can be harder when you are out exploring the wild side of India but, as always, Couchsurfing comes to the rescue. I couchsurfed in India about twenty times and it was a great way to cut down on costs – just be careful when picking a host; you want somebody with plenty of positive reviews.
• Haggle:  India is the worst country I have ever been to from the point of view of people trying to rip me off… Even when the price of an item is clearly printed on the packaging, some unscrupulous motherfuckers will try to charge three times as much. India is a country where you simply must haggle for almost everything – accommodation, tuk tuks, street food, souvenirs… All can be haggled down.
• Become an expert:  Learn the secrets to unlocking sustainable long term travel .

Why You Should Travel to India with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world , be sure to watch the video below.

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time To Travel To India

Below is a general guide to India’s weather patterns, but India’s massive size means you need to closely investigate the weather patterns for your specific destination at the time of year you plan to visit. For example, some careful planning could see you travelling just in front of the monsoon as opposed to travelling in it, it could see you hitting the hill stations in the heat and the plains in the cooler months…

The “best” time to visit India is generally October to March when the weather is warm, dry and sunny. The Himalayas are cold but clear. This is peak tourist season and the time when most backpackers visit India.

Around April to May , the temperatures and humidity start to increase along with periodic thunderstorms so this part of the year is when it makes the most sense to head up into the mountains.

From June to September , the Indian Plains are scorching and many locals retreat to hill stations to escape the heat, eventually, the cooling monsoons sweep across the country.

Be aware of the very real possibility of heat stroke and dehydration particularly if landing in Delhi. Ladakh in the far north is generally only accessible between June and September by road, but careful monitoring of conditions is necessary if you are headed that way.

Road closures due to weather changes can be instant, and last for weeks. My overland journey between Manali and Leh took a horrific 35 hours when an avalanche washed away part of the road.

What to Pack for India

Here’s what I would never leave off my India packing list :

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Staying Safe in India

India can be a real assault on the senses, the body and the mind. This is a country with many lessons to teach . Whilst India is generally not considered a “dangerous” destination, there are actually a lot of little hazards to watch out for.

Perhaps the single biggest danger is traffic. Roads are jammed and motoring standards low and reckless. Take care when crossing roads and try to follow locals across. If you rent a bike or scooter, drive very carefully, cautiously, wear a helmet, and do not drink/drug drive – tourists are killed in this way every year.

Other dangers are disease and sickness. Do not ever drink tap water and even take care when showering in low budget guesthouses as the water can cause infections. Food hygiene standards have improved but “Delhi Belly” can still strike; try to avoid very dirty restaurants, eat only fresh street, frequent busy eateries, and use hand sanitiser.

You should also see your Doctor before visiting as a number of vaccinations are advised.

Bring sickness. and diarrhea medicine from home along with a supply of paracetamol and anti-septic. Whilst medicine is available in India, a lot of it is fake.

Crime against tourists is pretty rare (except for sex crimes against women) but pick pocketing occurs and unattended valuables will go missing. A simple padlock  is well worth taking with you and if you want to go all out, I recommend the PacSafe to protect your gear.

That said, scams in India against tourists are very common and you can expect to encounter them daily. There are far too many to list but a few classics include holy men asking for donations, various street beggars, been sold invalid tickets and taxi drivers saying your hotel is burned down. Basically, as a rule distrust pretty much everybody who approaches you and anybody who can make money out of you.

In 2016 veteran adventurer Justin Alexander, went missing whilst trekking around Kheerganga with a Sadhu of dubious intent. Justin was a real mountain man and a big inspiration for me.

The Sadhus, wandering Hindu holy men of India, are a fascinating group of people but can be extremely dangerous, I do not recommend interacting with them if you are alone – many of them are outlaws, frauds & drug addicts. Hiking into the mountains with them is not a good idea.

Be careful with the police in India, getting arrested is not fun. You can bribe your way out of most situations fairly quickly but the trick is to do it fast; the more police become involved the more expensive it will become – get your ass out of the situation before you arrive at the police station.

There are plenty of animal hazards in India. These inside street dogs & as well as mosquitos, snakes & parasites. Monkeys are amusing but can be vicious and will try to steal from you (phones, food, washing lines etc). Even street cows can get aggressive so keep your distance. If you head into the wilderness then add Tigers, Bears, Hyenas and Elephants to this list of beasts.

Another hazard is falling coconuts – they claim a lot of lives across Asia each year.

Despite the daily challenges, Backpacking India is an experience that easily outweighs these small dangers.

Some Extra Travel Tips for Staying Safe in India

• Check out Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking.
• Pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road.
• Check out this post for plenty of ideas on ingenious ways to hide your money when travelling.
• I strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst in India (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!)

Staying Healthy In India

Travelling in India and totally avoiding traveler’s diarrhea is pretty impossible. Be sure to completely avoid the tap water, even when brushing your teeth (use purified water!) to improve your chances of escaping…

Many backpackers travelling in India tend to go vegetarian for the duration; not a bad idea considering Indian’s suck at cooking meat.

Eating street food is fine; just make sure the food is well cooked and is cooked in front of you – you don’t want something that’s been sitting out for hours. Potato and egg dishes tend to be the safest.

Female Travellers in India

Time to touch on a touchy topic…

One of the biggest problems with India is the attitude of many Indian men towards women, especially foreigners. Frankly, the way women are treated can be disgusting and the country is sadly in denial about the problem.

Most female backpackers encounter some sort of problem at one time or another whilst travelling in India. This can range from being stared at, “wanked at”, groped, followed or worse. Which is why choosing solo-female traveller friendly destinations is key.

Female travellers need to be extra careful and super vigilant at all times in India especially on public transport and after dark. You can minimise hassle by dressing modestly, saying you are married and being direct – note that any politeness you show to strange men may be interpreted as a “green light”.

Having some self defense skills  when you’re on the road, or off it, is always worthwhile and in my opinion everybody should have a go at training in martial arts at least once in their lives.

I’ve met many kick ass ladies who have travelled India by themselves and I’ve asked a whole bunch of them for their advice on the matter… For even more tips on how to travel the world fearlessly as a kick ass solo female, check out my mate Teacake’s Top Tips for How to Travel Safely as a Women  – she is a legend and I have a huge adventure crush on her.

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in India

Marijuana is widely available across most of India (it’s where it came from) and it’s also possible to pick up psychedelics and party drugs pretty easily in places like Goa. Take the usual precautions when buying and taking drugs as arrests and deaths do occur.

Usually, it’s smoking weed that will get you arrested so be subtle to avoid problems in the first place. Avoid buying weed from tuk tuk drivers.

Tinder works in India and is a great way to meet people, especially in some of the bigger, more modern cities. However, Indian society is conservative and sex a taboo subject. Don’t expect to get your rocks off with the locals.

If you are travelling with your partner , I advise saying you are married. Keep public displays of affection to a minimum especially in holy cities and especially when there are a lot of local men around.

Dating in India

India remains very conservative when it comes to dating and gender relations. Furthermore, dating foreigners is a serious no-no for many Indian’s who are still encouraged to marry within their “caste”.

That said, female travellers to India can expect to receive a lot of attention from Indian men and will have no trouble hooking up if they so wish. For guys looking to hit a home run though, the situation is substantially more challenging as Indian women really do have to take social pressures very seriously.

Tinder is now established in big cities although you may well find that matches rarely go beyond polite chat.

Same sex relationships are still taboo in many parts of Indian society, though LGBT travel in India is possible if you stay discrete in public. PDA is a no go for heterosexual couples too, though hand-holding is common in major cities.

Why You Should Get Insured BEFORE Travelling to India

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

How To Get into India

There are multiple international flights to dozens of cities in India but most backpackers arrive via Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa or Kolkata. You can also cross the Wagah border from Pakistan, cross from Nepal and Bhutan or cross from South East Asia via Myanmar over the recently opened Tamu-Moreh border.

Entry Requirements For India

You will need a Visa to enter India unless you are from Nepal.

The Indian Visa process has undergone a lot of changes in recent years and the types of visas available, and fees, vary between nationalities with little logic or consistency.

Most nationalities can now get a sixty day E-visa online, prior to arrival and this is the most coming visa type. However, sixty days travelling in India is simply not enough. If you have the time, I suggest taking 3 months or more. Note that citizens of the UK, EU and US can now get a 12-month or even 5-10 year Visa. Other nationalities should check.

For further information visit the Indian Government E-visa website .

I recommend iVisa  for sorting your visa ahead of time – these guys are quick, efficient and not too expensive – a good shout if you are low on time and want to get your visa sorted in advance.

Find the best transport, best time and the  best fare with 12Go . And why not use what you’ve saved to treat yourself to something nice upon arrival?

It only takes 2 minutes!  Book your transport on 12Go now  and guarantee your seat easily.

How To Get Around India

One of the biggest challenges facing backpackers is travelling around India. India is a truly vast country and sometimes the travel distances are absolutely massive. I once spent thirty-two hours crushed into a third class steerage carriage on a long-distance train, it was an interesting experience…

The most comfortable way to get around India is usually by internal flights but for backpackers on a budget, the trains are usually a better bet. There are also VIP tourist buses, super cheap local buses and, of course, hitchhiking is always an option.

I spent a good bit of time on local buses. Whilst they are cheap, they can be seriously uncomfortable. For journeys of over 5 hours, I strongly recommend booking ahead and paying the extra money for a tourist, VIP bus.

Read this article for more tips on how to save money while travelling in India. When you are in the cities, try to avoid catching taxis or rickshaws as this is where you are most likely to get ripped off.

Traveling by Train in India

No India guide is complete without some train talk. When backpacking India, most travellers opt to make use of the trains and this is a quintessential experience. In general, most backpackers in India go for the 3AC class; these are six bed cabins with air-conditioning (which is usually fucking freezing; avoid the top bunk!).

You can also opt to go for the non air-conditioned coaches but these are often rammed full of people; for short journeys it’s OK but for longer, overnight, train journeys I recommend going for 3AC. To book your train tickets, you should register online with IRCTC but note that the website can be confusing as fuck.

You can book train travel via a travel agent but note that they will charge a fee – some even rip you off by selling you less class than you asked for but this is just one of the many, many scams played on travellers in India.

Train tickets tend to sell out really fast; book in advance if you can. When travelling on trains in India, take a padlock and chain to lock your backpack to something; you can usually buy one on the station from a tout for 100RS. 

Keep valuables in a day pack and use it as a pillow. Often when you book a train you will be put on a waiting list – provided you have booked a couple of weeks in advance and are in, say, the top fifteen you will almost always get a seat.

You must book in advance though. If travelling alone I recommend booking a ‘side upper’ berth as it has a curtain and you won’t be bothered as much. When you book your train make a note of the train number, the time it leaves, arrives and the PNR number, you will need this to get your ticket off of the PNR machine at the station or from a mobile phone.

Travelling By Bus in India

In general, buses tend to have fixed prices and you buy your tickets on board. There is a ton of VIP sleeper buses set up for tourists and these are the most comfortable way to travel when there are no rail-links; beware though, due to the hairpin bends, crazy driving and shitty roads, a good night’s sleep is rare unless you have a Valium to hand.

If you’re heading off on a proper backpacking adventure and leaving the tourist zones, local bus is often the only way to travel in India. Travelling by local bus is one hell of an experience; it can be frustrating, rewarding, enlightening and sometimes simply damn hilarious.

You will meet a lot of Indians on local buses who will try to befriend you. They can sometimes be annoying but do try to be patient – it’s not every day they meet somebody travelling in India… Be mindful for some common scams that you might get pulled into.

Traveling by Rickshaw in India

In general, it makes sense to get a rickshaw rather than taxis for short distances as they are usually cheaper. You must ALWAYS haggle when getting a rickshaw or a taxi in India, otherwise you really will be taken for a ride.

Uber is also widely used in major cities, and keeps you from getting scammed as you get a fixed price.

I drove a multicoloured rickshaw across India, this is the best way to travel in style…

Note that Uber (car, bike and Tuk Tuk) is now available in most major cities and ensures better services and better prices. There is no Uber in small towns, many backpacker enclaves and Uber is strangely absent from Goa.

Travelling by Motorbike in India

One of the best ways to see India is from the back of a motorbike and if you have a tent with you your options vastly expand… Suddenly it’s possible to get pretty much anywhere, to live off the beaten path and to camp out in some truly stunning places.

The iconic Royal Enfield is the bike of choice for most backpackers in India and you can normally buy one for around $2000. If you are travelling India by motorbike it’s well worth taking a good backpacking tent.

Hitchhiking in India

I’m a huge fan of hitchhiking and have hitched rides in over seventy countries, India can be a great place to hitch a ride but it’s not recommended if you’re a solo female traveler – please, don’t even try it.

It helps to have a sign and a map  so you can make it 100% crystal clear where you want to be dropped. Before you get in the vehicle, make sure you clarify that you are not going to pay for the ride – some Indians will expect payment as you are a ‘rich backpacker’.

Onwards Travel From India

India shares land borders with Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar. The Pakistan Wagah border can be crossed via Amritsar although you must obtain a visa in advance.

The border with Myanmar is accessed via the Eastern Syam region, though as of December 2022, it remains closed to travellers.

The most commonly crossed land border is Nepal. Visas are issued on arrival and transport links well established. You can take a bus from Delhi – Kathmandu (24 hours) or Varanasi-Kathmandu (12 – 18 hours).

• Backpacking Nepal
• Backpacking Sri Lanka
• Backpacking Myanmar
• Backpacking Bhutan

Working in India

The Indian rupee is not one the worlds more powerful currencies and relatively few people emigrate to India in search of work. Westerners working properly in India are few and far between generally working in multi-national firms and in political roles. 

However, there is no shortage of westerners hustling a living in and around backpacker hubs such as Goa and Himachal Pradesh.

Many Westerners work as DJ’s, run boutiques, or offer Yoga classes. Most are actually working illegally, do not have the necessary papers and do not declare their income. The Indian authorities are rather lax in addressing this and the underground economy is quietly tolerated.

If you do want to work in India legitimately, then business visas are available although Indian bureaucracy makes actually obtaining one a real challenge.

Many westerns work in the backpacker economy. Either they obtain business visas or work illegally.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Teaching English in India

Perhaps one of the best options for backpackers wanting to explore India long-term and experience living in this truly incredible country is to get a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course online and teach English abroad .

TEFL courses  open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world.

Volunteering in India

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst giving something back. There are loads of different volunteer projects in India ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much everything!

India is a developing country so there are quite a lot of volunteer opportunities in health and social. However, bear in mind that English is an official language in India so its less common to find volunteer teaching gigs than it is other places in the world. Its also very uncommon for travellers to volunteer in hostels as these roles are usually filled by local employees.

If you do volunteer in India, be careful to do your research and trust your gut to avoid been taken advantage of by unscrupulous hosts. Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and Workaway are a good way to get your foot in the door of the volunteer community.

However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

If you Signup for Worldpackers – as a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. So for just $39 a year, it is definitely worth giving it a shot.

Indian Culture

India is a full on culture shock. It is a colourful, loud, lively and smelly carnival of carnage. The exact quirks of Indian culture do vary from region to region but as rule, expect a lack of personal space and a lot of staring!

Indian society is still quite conservative so dress modestly and behave respectfully.  That said, Indians are very interested in foreigners and you can expect to be approached rather a lot.

It’s very common to be invited to stay the night or offered a free meal, especially in offbeat areas that seldom see tourists.

Useful Travel Phrases For India

There are countless languages and dialects spoken across India. The 2 official languages however are Hindi and English. If you speak English, you will get by fine. English standards vary dramatically.

Here are some useful Hindi (North Indian style) phrases;

Hello – Namaste (Stick to hi/hello for a casual greeting)

My name is _______ – Mera naam ______ hai.

How are you? – Aap kaise hain?

I’m fine. – Main theek hun.

I don’t speak Hindi – Mujhe hindi nahi aati.

No plastic bag –  koee plaastik kee thailee nahin

No straw please –  nahin puaal krpaya

No plastic cutlery please – K oee plaastik katalaree krpaya

Where is the bathroom? – Bathroom kidhar hai?/ Bathroom kahan hai?

How much does this cost? –  Yeh kitne ka hai?  

I want water- Mujhe paani Chahiye  

This is too expensive – Y e bahut mehenga hai         

Make your price less – B haav (or daam) kam karo

Cold – Thanda / Hot – Garam

Help! – Bachao!

I do not know – Mujhe nahi pata

Idiot/ Dumbfuck – Chutiya

Stop – Ruko

Okay/good/whatever –  Theek hai

What To Eat In India

Indian food is one of the worlds greatest cuisines and my personal favourite. Food does vary quite a lot from region to region but is generally on the spicy side. India is also home to the largest vegetarian population on earth and in some regions, the sale of meat is forbidden! 

Let’s take a look at some Indian classic dishes:

Chicken Tikka Masala – This tomato sauce based dish is actually an example of British-Indian cuisine but you will find it on offer at most tourist spots. Best served with rice.

Biryani – Spicy rice based dish. Regional variations include veg, chicken, mutton and many more. Delicious.

Daal – Translating as “lentils” Daal comes in endless varieties. It is a cheap, filling & ubiquitous Indian staple.

Thali – Coming in veg, fish or meat options, a Thali is a round silver dish filled with daal, rice and mixed veg. A great value, filling lunch standard.

Pakoras – Deep fried batter cakes filled with onions, spices and assorted veg. A fantastic snack.

Masala Dosa – A paper thin flour pancake filled with spiced potatoes. Served with samba sauces and enjoyed as a South Indian breakfast.

Lassi – Delicious milk drink. Comes in sweet and sour versions.

Chai – Sweet, milky Indian tea served everywhere as often as possible.

Paneer Tandoori – Soft cheese marinated in spices and baked in a charcoal oven.

Please/ Sorry/ Excuse me/ Taxi/ Train/ Bus/ Plane are all things you can say in English and people will get you just fine!

A Brief History of India

India is ancient and boasts as much history as them rest of the world combined. What is now India existed as a series of separate & often warring states, sultanates and ‘Raja’s’ from antiquity, until been unified under British Colonial rule during the Victorian era.

Modern India was formed on 15th August 1947 when British rule officially ended. Upon leaving, the British partitioned the sub-continent into India and Pakistan. Goa remained a Portugese Colony until 1967 when the Indian army annexed it – many Goan’s still consider themselves not to be Indian.

Today, India is undergoing something of a personal identity crisis. The current Prime Minister Modi is a Hindi nationalist rabble rouser who is stirring anti-Islamic sentiment. Bizarrely, this is manifesting in a pitiful attempt at the “de-mughalisation” of India.

Books To Read About India

You will get so much more out of your backpacking trip to India if you read up a bit whilst out there… Luckily, India has to be one of the most written about destinations in the world, and there are some fantastic books out there. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Shantaram : The first book I ever read on India, Shantaram inspired me to book a one way flight to Delhi and travel around India for 14 months. The book follows the possibly true, possibly exaggerated, story of an escaped Australian convict and his (absolutely balls-to-the-wall) crazy adventures in India.
• The White Tiger : One of the first books I read whilst backpacking India, this is a really useful, often amusing, sometimes horrifying, tale that will help you better understand the caste system.
• Nine Lives : Nine people, nine lives; each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story. William Dalrymple is one of the best writers when it comes to offering insight into Indian culture and I highly recommend reading everything he has written.
• Full Tilt, Ireland to India with a Bicycle:  Shortly after her tenth birthday, Dervla Murphy decided to cycle to India. Almost 20 years later, she set out to achieve her ambition. Her epic journey began during the coldest winter in memory, taking her through Europe, Persia, Afghanistan, over the Himalayas to Pakistan, and into India.

FAQs About Backpacking India

A few more commonly asked questions before you head out to backpack India…

How long do you need to backpack India?

A lifetime! And no I’m not kidding–even after 2 years in India, I reckon I’ve only seen half of it. But for backpackers with a lot of time, give India at least 6 months. Anything less than 1 month isn’t worth the flight cost if I’m being honest.

Is it safe to backpack around India?

While India definitely isn’t the safest place for solo female travellers, it is a relatively safe country overall with proper planning and research. For couples and guys, India is certainly safe enough, though do beware of scammers in and around major tourist spots.

What are the dos and don’ts in Indian culture?

Always remove your shoes when entering an Indian temple or home, never criticize the country or the military, and for female travellers in particular: dress modestly. Unless your in a backpacker enclave like Goa, shorts are a no-go.

How much does it cost to travel around India?

India is damn cheap! While not quite as budget friendly as it used to be, there are plenty of backpacker hostels to choose from as well as tons of cheap guesthouses. The street food is plentiful and costs pennies, and if you don’t mind being uncomfortable, even long distance transport will only set you back a few dollars. In short, it’s definitely possible to visit India for $500 a month, or less if you’re really ready to rough it.

Is India good for partying?

Hell yes! India’s backpacker hot spots have some of the wildest parties you could imagine. Hit up Goa and Parvati Valley for some of the trippiest vibes. Meanwhile, nightclubs and bars are plentiful in major cities.

Final Advice Before Visiting India

How did you enjoy the best India travel guide on the internet? Backpacking through India can be one hell of a crazy party at times. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. You can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your homeland.

If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives. Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

When buying a local craft, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

Backpacking India or any region for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

• Essential Info For Your First Time in India
• Buying a SIM Card in India
• 21 Beautiful Places in India
• Backpacking Pakistan

Updated December 2022 by Samantha Shea of Intentional Detours

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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125 Comments

Amazing travel guide for the travelers.. Thanks for providing.

I do t see anyone talking about east north east India? Starting in Kolkata and moving north/west. Do people say that’s not an ideal route? Thoughts?

There is nothing wrong with North East India and some people absolutely love it. However it does receive far less visitors and I must confess, in my 7 times in India I never got there either! One day I would like to as some of the regions look just incredible.

I’m planning to do a few trips to India over the next 2 yrs and this web site has been very informative. It has made light work for me in deciding what to do. So, a big thanks for that.

Thanks for the fast reply! By the way I have a 5 year, multiple entry visa. I understand a single stay should not exceed 180 days, as for the rest it is a bit unclear to me. I can stay for a maximum of 180 days before having to leave India, now if I cross borders into a different country can I re-enter into India for an additional maximum stay of 180 days with the same 5 year visa. And can I continue to do this for the duration of the five year visa? Hope this makes sense as I’m sure many others do similar things. Thank you!

Best Forward Joseph

Thanks for the quick reply! By the way I have a five year visa, multiple entry. I understand I can not exceed 180 days at a time, and the validity is 5 years. The guidelines are a bit unclear to me. I wonder if I am able to stay for a max of 180 days, leave India, return for another max of 180 days for the duration of 5 years, with the same visa. I hope this makes sense. As I am looking for clarification from others who have done similar.

Best Forward, Joseph

I have in some cases read that if you stay the full 180 days, you cannot return for two months afterwards. I have also read you can only stay 180 during each calendar year.

India, being India anything is possible… so you may be able to return the very next day after leaving.

Unfortunately you will need to check directly with Indian immigration to be sure.

How easy is it to renew visa in India (extend my 180 days)? And how would one do this?

It’s painfully difficult. It requires getting a C form, making multiple visits to a Police station as well as the consulate.

For the sake of your sanity I would leave India and get your next visa from either Kathmandu, Sri Lanka or Dubai.

Love your blog!! My interest in visiting India is 100% piqued.

That said, I probably can’t take off more than 10-14 days due to my job. How would you recommend compressing these itineraries? I understand India is a big country, call me daunted ?

Where would you coming from? Because if you are flying from the UK, US or Aus then you are going to lose a few days to jet lag so if you can only get 1 days, forget it and go somewhere else.

If you can manage 14 then pick one area and explore it. That could mean doing 2 weeks in Goa, or 2 weeks up in North India enjoying the mountains.

Alternatively, if you want to see palace and fortress, then start in Delhi, take a trip to Agra and then spend 7 – 10 days in Rajasthan.

Thanks for visiting India. It’s my country and I just love it. It is a land of vivid culture, language, religion and many more interesting things. Keep writing more on India and keep sharing. Love to read your articles.

Wow!! This is such an amazing and sensational post. A complete guide to travelers who wants to visit India. You’ve done a great job, Will!! I impressed with your points on tips for female travelers in India. Yes, Still harassment over women persists in India, especially in the Northern parts. I would like to advise solo women travelers to take care of their belongings. Thanks and Have a nice journey all!!

Great article.

Hi! This post (like all of your others) is amazing & so informative – thank you!! I was wondering if you can recommend any good places to be for the Holi festival. I’d love to see it with locals rather than tourists 🙂 thanks

Hi Liv, Personally Ive celebrated in Jaipur previously, it was wild (and local) experience. I think the thing to remember is there are locals everywhere, even in tourist places, so there will be locals around to celebrate with if you want. You could also consider specifically heading to a Krishna strong hold as they will certainly be celebrating there. Northern India is well known for their celebrations. It’s an awesome event, have fun and cover your phone:)

The bike which you showed in one pic is awesome

Great guide! Definitely going to be referring to it when I take my trip. I’m planning on heading to India from mid-April this year to late May. I know it’s going to be very hot everywhere but the mountains, so I plan to spend most of my time up there, but is it still do-able to visit Delhi, Agra and maybe even Varanasi as well? It seems crazy to me to go to India and not see these places as a minimum requirement. I’ve done the south of Spain in the height of summer (think 40 at midnight in Sevilla) so I’ve been there before. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

Hi Will im thinking on going for a month and a half with my girlfriend to the north side starting around rishikesh on February and March.

Do you think is a good time of the year to go visit? And enough time?

Thanks for all the great info! .

Hi Francisco, This is a good time to visit, as it avoids the monsoon period and it shouldn’t be as hot as some other parts of the year. In 6 weeks you should be able to cover a decent number of destinations, especially if you are focusing on a particular area of the country. Love it or hate it, there is a lifetime adventure to be had in India!

India is one my favorite countries to travel in for it’s beautiful photo opportunities! Thanks for this guide!

Amazing guide thank you so much!!

I am planning on travelling to India for 10 days which I know is not a lot but unfortunately I dont have any more time. I will be in Sri Lanka before that so I want to stick to the south of India. In your opinion, what are the best places to see in the Southern part of India? I’d like to see as much as possible but I’d rather see a couple places really well, instead of many places very fast and spend ages traveling between places. I was thinking potentially Kochi-Munnar-Kumily-Alappuzha but I would love to get your opinion

Don’t miss Hampi! 🙂

Thanks! Is there a way to get from Bengalore to Munnar?

Immense website, thanks for the effort, a huge leg up for me planning my trip, hope you still check these posts. Ive got just over 3 weeks to have a look around India in feb/march, my plan was to first visit a region in the himalayas then travel south but this is not looking practical in feb weather. So was thinking of flying into delhi, then checking out Bundi, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer then heading to Goa for the last week to fly out while stopping off at Ellora on way. How would you prioritise this, how flexiable can I be with trains, I don’t really want to commit X amount of days to each place booking trains in advance as I’d rather wing it, would I need to book the train south in advance though, Any recommendations?

You can’t be too flexible with trains as all the 3AC tickets (the class you want) will sell out… so do try and book ahead when you can 🙂

Hi Will. Loved your blog, relieved to have read it at the right time. I am planning to travel Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the coming month. I do not have any limitation in time but money yes. Can you advice me on below question: 1. What are must visit and must do (both in Himachal and Uttarakhand) 2. How do I find budget stay (Considering I am a solo female traveller) 3. Is there any community to connect with other travellers

Hey Sneh, sorry but all the info we have is in this gigantic guide 🙂

Wow the great post with nice tips for all traveler…

Travelling is important as it helps to keep us fresh and encourage to work. It helps us to learn many new things and culture of India. There are many amazing places to travel solo, these are some amazing places of it. I have visited some, will plan soon for next of the given list.

Hi Will. Loveddddd your blog post on India. Going in Jan. Did you travel to Sri Lanka after? If so do you recommend the best way to get there from Goa, is it ferry or plane and if you did travel there can you travel on the same visa you get for india? Thanks Maya

We haven’t been to Sri Lanka yet, but a flight is going to be the easiest! As different countries, the visa process is different and depends on your nationality too.

Thanks for sharing such an amazing article. After reading the article, I feel it your article will definitely help me a lot in my next journey.

I am literally on this page since I woke up! Feels so good to start a travel plan with this great Guide you wrote down here! Thank you for that!

My plan is a little ambitious I think. 1 month to cross the country. I would arrive in Delhi, jump straight to Rishikesh (yoga lover), then Bundi – Mumbai – Goa – a few stops until I get to Mysore for 1 week ashram. You can give me any opinions (please do it!) but what I am most concerned is the distances and not many transport options between the stops in the north, specially Delhi – Bundi – Mumbai.

What are your thoughts about it? Will be great having your support!

The country is actually surprisingly well connected. If there isn’t trains, there are buses. Having said that things can move very slowly sometimes. For an itinerary like this it might be worth flying to Mumbai to save some time.

Thanks for the great post! Absolutely inspiring! I’m going to travel in India from February till July. So far I booked my flight to Kochi and the first 2 nights in a hostel. In beginning of march I’ll be at a wedding in east India (Vijayawada). That’s all I planned so far. I don’t want to have an exact itinerary, but a rough idea where I can go at all due to waether conditions. So I guess I’ll do Kerala in Feb. After Vijayawada, I guess it might make sense to do something like your Delhi-itinerary, so I can see that area at all before the great heat arrives. (Originally I thought I’d do that last, because my flight back is from Delhi, but weather apparently doesn’t like that plan. 😉 ) Than in April I kind of have to escape to the north, I guess? Do you think it is worth spending 3 months up there, or would it make sense to go to a neighbouring country at some point? Thanks for your advice!

3 months in Northern India would certainly not be time wasted, but if you felt inclined Pakistan and Nepal are both equally if not more spectacular countries 🙂

Amazing guide, Will! Super comprehensive.

I’m so happy I found this guide — Amazing!!

Curious: you’ve mention Workaway for volunteering, which I’ve been looking into. I’m also looking at WOOFING and others. That said, I’m curious what your experience with this is in relation to visas? Do you travel India on the longer 6 month, 1 or 10 year TOURIST visa and are still able to volunteer? Or have do you recommend getting a volunteer visa?

Everything I’ve read, says that volunteering is illegal on a tourist visa, yet the volunteer visa is for the duration of work? I wouldn’t know this if travelling from project to project.

Am I overthinking this? Are backpackers just working on a tourist visa and the Workaway hosts don’t care/ask?

I don’t think you’re going to get in trouble for volunteering on a tourist visa, you should be fine 🙂

Gujarat is great great great…..the best food in india

and kassardevi after December the Beit Habad is empty from israelis that time and the weather is great, hot and cold at night.

le hishtamea Alex Sternick on he way to Gujarat

Hi clair! Thanks alot for the feedback, so the idea is to land in delhi and see some mountains and yoga, on the itinerary Will says the better months are between may and september so we are still a bit not so sure If its wise to go on that direction for the weather conditions.

You think its ok to try to see a bit of the moutains side?

Thanks you once again

Hi Francisco, it depends what time of the year you will be travelling. Currently in the north it is cold, especially at night. That doesn’t mean you can’t venture there it just means you need to check the forecast of specific places you want to visit. Especially if you are looking to go far north, road closures etc are certainly possible. If you were looking at somewhere like Rishikesh, at this time of the year, its likely cold at night but still ok in the day.

Hi clair! Thanks lot for the info one more time! 😉 yeah we arrive next week so we will stay February and march guess we will check out rishikesh and from there we collect more info and we follow your advice on moving depending the weather. Thanks again!

Hi Will, First of all, it’s amazing how much heart and effort you put in this blog. I’m planning to travel india and nepal via backpacking next autumn and your report was really inspiring to me. The limit I set myself is about 6 weeks and I am asking, do you have any suggestions, which places are really worth travelling, if I wanted an impression of not just small parts of the country? Thanks Simon

Hey Simon, I’m glad you found it so helpful 🙂 For Autumm, I recommend spending your time around Rajahstan and then heading up to Manali. Don’t miss Bundi!

Hi Will! This page is honestly amazing. So so happy I found it. A friend and I are doing Asia for 4 weeks and never really considered India till now. If you only had 2 weeks to do India, what would you recommend. I would love to go back one day and do a bit more but I only have a 2 week window before I have to start work in London. I’m from Australia 🙂

With 2 weeks in India – I would go: Delhi overnight train to Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Pushkar – Bundi – Agra / Dharamasala – Back to Delhi… Or Hampi – Goa – Gokarna Or Delhi – Rishikesh, Manali and surrounding area, Dharamasala 🙂

I am so thankful that I found this super duper helpful post about India, sadly, most of the Itineraries that you provided are rougly for a month/months, sighs…I got 10 days only to visit India…probably I will stick in Delhi.

Wow…. never seen before such a rich and helpful guide!

I’m from Israel and as you could have saw, many places had become little israel with hebrew signs everywhere this route is known in israel as the “hummous route” haha and there is not many info about places out from this route in israeli website

I want to visit again and to be honest I want to keep distance from my fellow israelis….I see them every day here 🙂 in Kasol and Old manali I didnt saw 1 tourist from other countries !!

wich places in the northen india are you recommand?far from israeli menu in resturants for 3 weeks second visit in India

Hey brother, there certainly are many Israelis in India, that’s for sure – as for where to go to escape the crowds, that’s tough to answer – India is SO massive and easy to get off the beaten track. My advise would be to head to Ladakah – still MANY tourists – and then to do a 5 – 7 day hike from there, lots of options around 🙂

I did a 2 month south india tour, and I plan to do a north trip soon. Thanks for the amazing list of places and things to do, I have added few more things after reading this. I agree with all the things you mentioned, except for non vegetarian food part. I got to taste some really good meat dishes while I was here, especially in Muslim/Christian dominated regions, and in state of kerala and tamilnadu. Meals in hyderabad was one of the best I have had, you should try hyderabadi haleem next time you are there.

I read your blog post and it was amazing there are full of information about your backpacking experience. I would like to go to India someday. I have a question? The locals from there? Are they taking advantage to a foreign tourist? I mean, when it comes to fare, food, and others?

It’s impossible to generalise against a whole nation like that. India does however have more than it’s fair share of touts and scam artists.

hi, its depend u will get bad guys all over the world, but india is nice country you should make a small group.

Great blog Will – many thanks.

If you had to recommend one place in India which fits the bill for being a relaxing place to hang out and chill for a week or so (looking for a recharge), where would it be? Ideally, somewhere with a few Western comforts and other travellers to meet. Cheers G x

Manali / Hampi / Kasol / Gokarna / Dharamasala / Jaisalmer / Bundi

Traveling to India has never seemed more appealing than after reading your stuff! great work!

I am planning on traveling from end of August to mid October but not sure where to go within India and outside of it (Nepal, Sri Lanka…)

Could you recommend a good itinerary that contains a bit of tracking in the beginning and some relaxing stuff at the end (plus good weather of course)?

Thanks in advance!

Hey buddy – thanks for your kind words! For the itineraries – look in the article… there’s about six recommended ones.

Hi I’m in India now have been here for last 11 months fly back to uk on 29th this month I am planning to come back and travel for another year love it here!! But I’m suddenly worried I may get rejected for another 1 year multiple entry visa 2 months after this one expires as I did nepal visa runs same day and had problems at immigration have you got any experience with this any advice would be much appreciated would be heart broken if my visa was rejected because I went to nepal and returned same day

Great advice on India from all perspectives. Loved the details, tips and tricks you describe accurately!!! I have been there done that and will go back again this year. Thank you very much and please keep posting inspiring travel stuff!!! Namaste 🙂 JP

Wow! The great places to visit once in a lifetime. I stayed at Jaipur Zostel & Moustache too. These are indeed the best travel guide to the budget.

The statement ” Indians suck at cooking meat ” is generalized. Being the home for curries, there are many great non vegetarian food in India ( except beef ). If you avoid meat, you’re missing a lot of really good dishes there. It really depends on where you buy meat or consume it. Most Indians know the best places to find quality meat and dishes, and the tap water in India is not for drinking. Indians buy 20 litre water cans for drinking, so packaged water is a better option. Like Anthony Bourdain, Indian food won’t give you troubles.

We are heading to India from Thailand next month. We will be landing in Chennai. My wife works remotely and needs reliable internet Wednesday to Saturday. We have give 0r take 6-8 weeks. what would you suggest for an itinerary that would let us see and experience as much as we could based on this time of year. We are not big into trekking as we are just barely on the better side of 50. Slainte!

I have no advice at all I’m afraid when it comes to needing to build an itinerary around reliable internet…

Man what a great post! We are coming to India via Chennai in about a month. we are looking to spend about 6-8 weeks. Based on the time of year how would you maximize your time. My wife works online so reliable wifi is important and we have wanted to come to India for years! Is the whole currency thing pretty much sorted out? Cheers!

Currency situation is now sorted 🙂 With 6-8 weeks, I would definitely 100% go up to the mountains -Dharamasala, Manali, Kasol, Ladakh as it’s gonna be seriously hot everywhere else in the country.

Thanks again for this blog mate, its my go-to for info for my trip at the moment Do you have any experience/advise on getting hold of a Royal Enfield in India, and if so would you advise rent or buy? and from which city?

Thanks a million

Hey brother! I would recommend buying rather than renting because you can probably sell without making a loss – there are Royal Enfields in most cities 😉

reply to will : It’s always to book trains whatever through IRCTC official website. 3ac for a caucasian tourist would not be a very good idea as it would not provide them desired comfort and privacy.

What on earth are you talking about? Being caucasian does not make you rich… And anything above 3AC is a rip off.

Hi. This is a very honest informative article. I’ve just started my search of destinations. I plan to leave in 2 days time and go for 2 weeks. Oh, where to go, where to go. I like the idea of a 3 day boat trip, fishing, a chilling on rustic beaches

Hi Will, his was so helpful, thank you for sharing. I’m hopefully going to follow your northern route for a while as I need to escape the heat during June-July. I was wondering if you could advise me on whether or not I need to pre-book rail and bus tickets around the Rish-Amr-Mcl-Bhag-Man-Kasol areas or if you were able to buy on arrival? Regards, Tristan

It’s always worth pre-booking trains in India. Buses not so much but train tickets sell out weeks in advance on some routes, especially for 3AC – which is probably the class you want.

Thank you, relevant trains booked, taking a gamble with the buses. Have read and reread this post more times than I can count now. You’re a star, not only for providing this info but ditching your desk too. Hopefully I can join one of your trips to Pakistan in the future!

Thanks Tristan, I’m glad you found this mammoth post helpful! Come join me for a smoke in Pakistan some time 🙂

Loved this blog Will. I did a 6 month tour of India back in 1992 and have been back on many shorter trips since. My Mum and Stepfather have a small villa in South Goa on an incredible stretch of beach called Velsao, so i visit them twice a year. I live in UAE so its only a short flight. I just turned 50 and plan to move to Philippines in a couple of years with my Filipina wife to take things easi(er). Before that i plan to do a 3 month tour of India – some places ive been to before, but many ive read about and missed out previously. That may hopefully get the country “out of my system”. Trouble is ive got about 40 places on my list already and your blog gave me another 10 at least. I am looking at Pondicherry in the South to Srinagar in the North…. so i think 3 months is cutting it a bit fine, might need to add another 6 weeks at this rate. Back in 1992 i was really on a tight budget, probably 50 quid a week, this time i will have more money, im not sure i can handle too many overnight bus journeys any more. Cheers. Andy

Hey Andy! Sounds like an epic adventure dude – traveling in India is always different, that’s why I love to return! 🙂 Hope to catch you on the road for a beer sometime 🙂

Yep should be a good one. Trying to get the Mrs excited about joining me. She is trying to persuade me instead to back pack from South to North Philippines. I think there might have to be some compromise, or better I save harder now and we do both. Cheers.

Hi Will, Me and a friend have 6 weeks in india in June/July, we fly into Delhi and out of Kulcuta. As its high summer we are staying out of Rajesthan. However do you think we have time to head north out of Delhi into the mountains for 2 or 3 weeks before heading east towards Kulcuta? if so how would you alocate the time? I was thinking a few of the places of your itinery #3 before heading east.

Cheers Fred

Hey Fred, I would definitely recommend going up to the mountains – it’s gonna be fucking hot around Delhi and Kolkata. Swing up to Manali, visit Kasol for sure, you could swing up to Ladakh if you want to do some hiking… Honestly though, going at that time of year; I would try to spend MOST of it in the mountains, it’s going to be sweltering everywhere else.

Thanks for the advise Will, How does this look as a rough itineary, will it be possible in 6 weeks? Delhi- Paliala- Amristar- Dharamshala- Manali(and Vashisht)- Leh(Ladakh)- Rishakesh- Agra- Varanesi- Kolkuta

Many thanks in advance

Ambitious but do-able – if you go at the right time of year! I would recommend flying back down from Leh, to Delhi, and possibly skipping Rishikesh – you’ll save some time that way.

Hi Will, I get new piece of info everytime re-read your article! Thumbs up for the superb insight of your baling in India. Any recommended website to book the houseboat accommodation in Srinagar?

Hey Will! Really appreciate your website, its hugely helpful when planning a trip to have advise from someone like minded! My partner and I are off to India in September for two months to kick off our big travels. Im working through a rough itinerary, enough to know the areas that we will go so we can book the trains in advance. So far we have Delhi – Varanasi – Khajurajou – Agra over 12 days then a 10 day Vipassana course in Pushkar. After that Pushkar (4 days) – Bundi (3 days) – Udaipur (5 days) – Jaisalmer (3 days) – Jodhpur (2 days) – maybe Bikaner. It looks we have 12 or so days free after that Im wondering what you would recommend. Is this enough time to head up to Manali or somewhere up there and if so where would you recommend? We are kiwis and into hiking but dont want to be taking a crap load of hiking gear so cant really do any huge hikes. I also dont want to be a tick box tourist jumping from sight to sight, would be better to just stick with what we have and space it out more to get more involved with the places we are at? Cheers!

Hey Renee, you are going to have an epic time in India and hell yes; book those trains in advance! AC3 all the way! Your itinerary looks solid and yes for sure, with 12 days left it makes sense to head up to Manali for a few days and explore the area around Kasol – there’s some great hikes you can do, and I strongly recommend taking some chill time at Kalga – go visit Hans and stay in his Sunset Guesthouse. Kheerganga is a popular trek destination but personally, I loved the hike and was less keen on the end destination – crowded and litter everywhere. Vashisht is a chill place to spend some time. RE Hiking gear – you won’t need to carry much, just be sure to have proper hiking shoes and you should be golden. You can buy waterproofs and warm clothes easily once in India and you won’t need camping gear unless you want to do something more ambitious. Have an epic trip!

Great info Will, this will definitelycome in handy as a great source of info for our travels later this year where hopefully I will be one step behind you. You never know, I may be able to buy you that beer finally. Happy travels Dude

Looking forward to the beer bro!

Two friends and I are planning on traveling to travel India in late February for a month. We are al 18/19. Our initial plan is to fly into New Delhi then travel to Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Bundi, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and back to Delhi. Is there anything you would recommend doing or not? We are also considering Udaipur? We are looking for a mixture of a proper Indian experience and a relaxing/spiritual time. We all enjoy a good smoke etc but don’t have the biggest budget. Any thoughts? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

Hey buddy, That’s a pretty fucking good itinerary, it’s actually similar to the first itinerary I did myself! I would cut Jaipur and make the dash down to Udaipur. Make sure you spend enough time in Bundi, it’s the highlight! India is cheap – but, you have to haggle! If you don’t, it ain’t cheap at all.

This has been the most helpful thing I’ve read leading up to my trip–thanks! I’d love a bit of advice. Right now what’s set in stone for my trip are stops in Delhi, Jaipur (for a wedding), and a variety of stops in the south. What’s up in the air is another stop in Rajahstan. If you had to pick just one stop inbetween Delhi and Jaipur what would it be? I was most interested in Varanasi and Udaipur I think but would love your take. Thanks man!

Hey bud, between Jaipur and Delhi – there isn’t much to stop at to be honest. You could swing to Ajmer Fort, 11km outside of Jaipur but you would be better off making a dash down to Bundi.

Hi Will! This is such an amazing guide, I’m going to take all of your tips into account on (and while planning) my trip!

In November I’m flying to Delhi and then the plan is as follows: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Keoladeo National Park – Jaipur (might scrap this after reading your post) – Pushkar – Bundi (after reading your post ;)) – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Nawalgarh – Mandawa and then back to Delhi.

I’d like to do this in about a month. Do you have experience with Chittorgarh and Udaipur? I’ve read good stories on these locations, but am not sure yet. Also, are you familiar with Bikaner, Nawalgarh and Mandawa? Then last but not least, do you think the Keoladeo National Park is worth a visit?

Thanks in advance for your answer!!

Hey Laura, I actually lived in Udaipur for a month – loved it there, amazing city! I’m stoked you are heading to Bundi, definitely one of the highlights of Rajahstan! I have no tips for Bikaner, Nawalgarh or Mandawa I’m afraid! Have an awesome trip.

I see these blogs looks very useful,but manali and shimla is also great places for travelling.these are perfect for the tourist.December and January tourist can enjoy a lot .so we have to go in these months.

Wow Will this is such a detailed and useful guide! It must have taken you ages 🙂

Great Article Will. I am in early phase of my planning to travel whole of India. I was born and raised there but have been living in US for last 15 years and working in the corporate world. I love the diversity of culture and being a photographer want to capture the true essence of the country. I am planning on following the route Guru Nanak (1st Sikh Prophet) took during his 5 travels around India and world. I believe this will give me good structure and allow me to explore some historical sites as well. I can also stay in these historical gurudwaras and visit other local locations nearby or enroute. I want to get your feedback on what would be an ideal loop and whether there are any concerns from your experience, carrying camera gear around. I have home in Chandigarh and will probably travel out from Delhi. Here are websites showing the different locations Guru Nanak visited. Appreciate your feedback with this. I am planning to account around 3 months for this and if needed can rent my own vehicle as well. Money is not an issue but I would like to get the best experience. http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/The_Udasis_of_Guru_Nanak http://www.singhsahib.com/travel-route-map-of-sikh-guru-nanak-dev-ji.php

Okay, we’ll scratch Jaipur off the list! 🙂 I found a sleeper bus from amrit to bikaner via Neelam Travels (10hrs) and it made delhi-dharam/amrit-bikaner doable. I also read about Indian Himalayas and I think that part including Leh and Srinagar and Rishikesh should be a whole another trip for another time. I would really love to include Nepal cause I heard that the atmosphere and the people are more pure. Is that true? We also plan on trekking in the himalayas from Kathmandu(?) for 3 days. Do you think I should trade Nepal for Manali and Kasol? Thanks soooo much! 🙂

So Ladakah and Srinigar should definitely be saved for another whole trip but you can get up to Manali relatively easily, I recommend staying in Vashisht for a more chill vibe, with less people, or Old Manali if you want to party. From Manali, head to Kasol – You don’t need to spend any time here and can instead transfer from Kasol up to Kalga; Kalga is awesome and has a very chill, somewhat Tibetan, vibe – go and stay in the Sunset Cafe and say hello to my friend Hans! Sunset Cafe in Kalga is just a gorgeous place to soak in some mountain views and from here you can do a relatively easy two day round trek up to Kheerganga. Nepal is amazing – I would hesitate to say the people are more pure, you have good people and bad people in every country in the world, but there is certainly less hassle in Nepal. Saying that; if you get yourself up to Manali, and especially Kalga, you won’t have any hassle up there – plus the hash is awesome. Nepal is great but my gut instinct is that you should save it for another trip and trade in Kathmandu (a fascinating place but a city all the same) for some time around Kalga; Manali and Kalga is a great place to end a trip 🙂

Wow! Sunset Cafe is beautiful! Will definitely include that in our itin. So, we decided to stick with our route but added Manali and Kalga before going to Dharamsala. We traded Jaipur for Bundi and moved some days to spend a 4-day trek in Pokhara and 2 days around Kathmandu. Thanks so much for all your suggestions! 🙂

Hi Will! Many thanks for this meaty post! My friend and I (both women) are planning to backpack India for 3 weeks and Nepal for a week in July. What do you think of this route? Delhi-Dharamsala-Amritsar-Bikaner-Jodhpur-Pushkar-Jaipur-Agra-Varanasi-Nepal-Delhi

Any tip/advice/suggestion would be much appreciated! 🙂

For three weeks, that’s a truly massive amount of ground to try to cover… I would probably cut Varanasi and to try and see India and Nepal in three weeks just isn’t possible, unless you simply want to spend a couple of days in Kathmandu, this look like a very tiring itinerary to me though to be honest. It’s gonna be hot! Especially in Rajahstan… Do not miss Bundi in Rajahstan though, epic place. Maybe go Delhi – Agra – Jaisalmer (via Delhi, skip Jaipur it’s shit), Jodhpur, Pushkar, Bundi, Delhi – from Delhi you could then make a dash to either Varanasi, Kathmandu or up to Dharamasala and Amritsar, but not all three. Not unless you want to spend like a day in each place anyway because the distances are absolutely massive and you’ll lose a lot of time travelling. Amritsar will be hot, you should maybe make a break for Manali or go trekking around Kasol instead; doable from Delhi in six or seven hours I think, bus, and will be cooler, well worth it. Good luck!

Thanks for your response! ? Why is jaipur shit? ? I thought the pink city is a must see. Anyway, we’ll do 2 days in delhi, 2 days in dharamsala, 1 day in amritsar (golden temple), 2 days bikaner; Jaisalmer is too far so we won’t be able to do it. We opted for Bikaner (just for the overnight desert safari) instead. Then 2 days jodhpur, 1 day pushkar. And maybe skip Jaipur and do Bundi for 2 days then agra for 2 days and varanasi for 2 days. From varanasi we’ll take the bus to sunauli (1day) then 3 days in pokhara and 3 days in kathmandu then fly back to delhi. 23 days all in all. We’ll take sleeper buses/trains to save on accomodation costs. What do you think? Many thanks! ?

Sorry for the unnecessary question marks; those are emojis that apparently didn’t work. 🙂

Jaipur just isn’t so great; if you have to skip somewhere that’s on your list, I would skip Jaipur. I guess it depends what you want but it’s possible to do an overnight train from Delhi to Jaisalmer and then work your way back through Rajahstan via Jodhpur, Pushkar, Bundi. I would definitely not miss Bundi. I would also spend 2 nights in Pushkar and one night in Jodhpur, there’s more to see and do in Pushkar. Pokhara and Kathmandu are both nice – your trip is totally doable, just bear in mind that it’s a lot of long journey… like, a lot! I would consider cutting Varanassi and spending a week in the Indian himalayas; around Manali and Kasol is great trekking and it’s really chill; which you might want towards the end of your trip. Pokhara is pretty nice but it’s still a city and Kathmandu is amazing but far from chill. Do whatever works for you for sure, just throwing some stuff out there 🙂 – they are all great destiantions, but to get them all in to 3 weeks will be tiring.

The most racist blog I have ever read about backpacking in India. Indian men want white girlfriends who can get them out of the country? Most white female travellers I have met date Indian men who literally pay for their entire trips including flights, accomodation and experiences. Maybe you can cut down on the racism next time you visit an Asian country or you might as well stay in your little bubble of white privilege and spare us the torture of such racist blogs.

You’re an idiot – most white female travellers you have met date Indian men? That is clearly wrong. If you don’t like my blog, fuck off and don’t read it – problem solved.

salivating at the thought of masala dosa. Fuck it, I’m back there next year. There’s also a plant that only flowers every twelve years up in the Tamil hills, so that alone makes it worth the effort.

Cheers for the rump-kick.

Shine on, Dude.

Hi Will, I’m an Indian living in Mumbai. I have travelled the coastal areas of Gokarna and Goa on the bike several times. However I’ve always been fasinated with the Himalayas, and your article would make a dead man want to backpack. Im Planning to ride from Mumbai to rishikesh – manali – khirganga – kasol – leh and the places youve mentioned next month. Thanks again for everything you do. This is pretty awesome.

That sounds like an amazing ride dude! Happy trails…

Waouh just thank you for doing such an amazing post on this country !! I’m planning to visit India by the end of the year for the first time, and you litteraly answered every single questions I have !!! Bouddha bless you ^^ I’ll definitely start with the easy itinerary for a first 🙂 especially as I may be travelling solo, I prefer to play it safe first ! Thanks again. This is Amazing content !!!

I’m happy you found it helpful 🙂

Sharing your experience like these will definitely help a lot of people, including myself. It’s a great advantage to know what to expect so travelers can prepare themselves properly!

Great post man. Currently travelling around India with my Girlfriend for the first time. Absolutely incredible place and we echo everything you have said!!

Any recommendations for Rajesthan?

Bundi is my favourite place in Rajahstan. Don’t miss it out. Go up into the fort early on in the day and take a staff to ward off the monkeys; it’s an amazing experience and view up there. Indiana Jones-esque shit!

India always a romantic land! I have backpacking to a lot of places, perhaps I will planed to India! Your post so clearly! Thank you!.

It has always been a dream of mine to travel along the original hippie trail and end up in Goa. Fingers crossed, I get to actually do that one day! Thanks for all the details about India 🙂

If you do the original hippie trail, you shall have to come through wonderful Pakistan as well! 🙂

Hi Will, Just found your this post and your blog – great advice here! I’m thinking about going to India from April-September this year and was wondering if you could help me out with a few queries. I want to slow travel through the south of the sub-continent, or at least start off doing this, though it will be ‘off-season’ for the months that I’m hoping to go. Have you had much experience travelling during the off-season? Would I be better off travelling the north of the country where it will be much cooler?

Hi Dom, India is so big that even in off season you will still find places to go and things to do. When the heat arrives (and in some places it does get damn hot) head for the hill-stations, or to the mountains in the north. If its monsoon season, try and plan head, check local weather forecasts, often info is pretty good on where and where it going to rain. Try to keep out of its path.

Thanks for sharing your experiences about India. Have couchsurfed through the US but wouldn’t have imagined doing it in India, have heard so many bad things and it seems like a risky country but also equally fantastic. I didn’t realise it was such a cheap country either. What would you recommend in terms of carrying currency? Is it dangerous to have cash on you? Someone told me i might be better with an http://icicibank.co.uk/personal/travel_card.html “>Indian Rupee Travel Card but wondered what your experience was. Thanks.

Thanks for your comment! You definitely can couchsurf in India but I have to say I would be very careful as a woman – when I was surfing and I had female surfers with me, even when I was there, we had to be on our guard 24/7. It is safe to surf if you have a male companion but otherwise I wouldn’t recommend it. The CS boards are great ways to find travel buddies though! I simply took my debit card and got out the maximum amount of cash – 10,000 rupees ($200) – once every two weeks, it was always absolutely plenty. I usually had about 500 rupees on me and the rest in my day bag which came with me everywhere; I got pickpocked once (whilst drunk) and lost about 3000 rupees ($60) – really not too bad for over 14 months in the country. If your careful and avoid flashing your cash you will be fine; muggings are extremely rare in India; it certainly is not like south america! Let me know how you get on and definitely give India a go; currently the rupee is weaker than it has been in thirty years so it really is wonderfully cheap! 🙂

We traveled across India on bicycles for 5 months. We finished less than half a year ago. And all this time I felt safe there. Talking about the money. We always had cash with us just because outside bigger cities it’s not possible to pay with credit card and the same way it’s almost 100%, that you will not be able to pay with credit card for those cheap hotels, even if they will be in big cities. Taking out cash is not a problem, as there are a lot of ATMs, many with security guards. I would suggest to have two credit cards. One with small amount of money on it, used for cash withdrawals. And second one, hidden, with all other money.

Hi Kaspar! I would love to do some long-distance cycling adventures, I have a buddy who cycled from Australia to the UK via most of the ‘stans – a seriously epic adventure. To be honest when I was in India I never really had many problems with money – it certainly helped to have cash on me where possible, I got the best exchange rates but I mostly just used my debit card to make cash withdrawals. Although I was robbed a couple of times, without my knowledge, in my 14 months in India I never felt particularly threatened – then again, I met a lot of female backpackers who did.

Hi Will !.just found your post and found it absolutely helpful. I am from northeast india and always dreamt of backpacking through the country. .After reading your detailed information i just want to jump onto next train available..hopefully i get to do it someday.

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Love on a budget: 8 affordable honeymoon destinations in India

TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA Created : Apr 29, 2024, 00:00 IST

Planning a honeymoon doesn't have to mean emptying your bank account. In India, there are plenty of romantic destinations that won't break the bank. Here are eight budget-friendly honeymoon destinations that promise unforgettable experiences without the hefty price tag.

With its golden beaches, lively culture, and budget-friendly accommodations, Goa is a forever favourite among honeymooners. Whether you're relaxing on the beach, exploring Portuguese architecture, or indulging in seafood at local shacks, there's something for every couple in this vibrant coastal paradise.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Famed as the ‘City of Lakes,’ Udaipur offers a romantic backdrop of palaces, lakes, and gardens. Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, explore the majestic City Palace, and get lost in the narrow streets of the old city. With affordable guesthouses and street food stalls serving up delicious Rajasthani cuisine, Udaipur is perfect for couples on a budget.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is a charming hill station known for its tea gardens and stunning views of the mountains. Couples can ride the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visit Buddhist monasteries, and hike through lush greenery. Budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays offer cosy accommodations amid breathtaking scenery.

With its French colonial architecture and tranquil beaches, Puducherry exudes old-world charm and romance. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, explore the French Quarter, and sample delicious Creole cuisine at local cafes. Affordable guesthouses and boutique hotels provide comfortable stays for honeymooners looking to unwind by the sea.

McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Tucked away in the Himalayan foothills, McLeod Ganj offers a peaceful retreat for nature-loving couples. Hike through scenic trails, visit Tibetan monasteries, and immerse yourselves in yoga and meditation. Budget-friendly guesthouses and cafes serving hearty Tibetan cuisine make McLeod Ganj an ideal destination for couples seeking serenity amidst natural beauty.

Coorg, Karnataka

Fondly called the ‘Scotland of India,’ Coorg is famous for its lush coffee plantations, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls. Couples can go for nature walks, visit picturesque waterfalls like Abbey Falls, and savour freshly brewed coffee. Affordable homestays provide cosy accommodations amid the tranquillity of nature.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a spiritual hub known for its yoga and meditation retreats. Couples can enjoy river rafting on the Ganges, attend yoga classes, and explore ancient temples and ashrams. Budget accommodations and street-side eateries serving delicious vegetarian food make Rishikesh an affordable destination for honeymooners seeking spirituality and adventure.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Situated amid the lush Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is a serene hill station known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Couples can take boat rides on the serene Kodaikanal Lake, stroll through fragrant pine forests, and visit scenic viewpoints like Coaker's Walk. Budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays offer cosy accommodations amid the tranquillity of nature.

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Planning a honeymoon doesn't have to mean emptying your bank account. In India, there are plenty of romantic destinations that won't break the bank. Here are eight budget-friendly honeymoon destinatio...

Cheapest Countries to Visit From India For a Budget Dream Vacation!

Cheapest countries to visit from india, here is the list of 25 cheapest countries to visit from india for a budget dream vacation, 1. thailand.

Thailand, with its favorable exchange rate, has always been an attractive and affordable destination for Indian tourists. The country's relatively low living costs and  geographical proximity to India ensures low strain on budgets and shorter flight durations and a plethora of competitive airfares. Whether it's budget-friendly accommodations, delicious street food, or affordable local transportation, Thailand seamlessly combines quality experiences with cost-effective travel, making it a preferred choice for many. Flight Tickets from Bangalore  - Prices starting at INR 14,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2000- INR 3,500 Visa Policy - Thailand has waived visa fee for Indian citizens from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024.  Ideal Duration - 7-14 days  Best Time - November to April

2. Sri Lanka

With mesmeric beaches, quaint places, historical monuments, hill stations, bustling cities and mouth-watering seafood with places that'll serve you with peace and chaos. If you want city life, then Colombo and Negombo are the best choices. If cold weather, tea plantations, and waterfalls captivate you, then Nuwara Eliya and Kandy are the places you would want to visit. Positioned in the Indian Ocean, it has the best shorelines and seafood to stomach.  Flight Tickets from Bangalore - Prices starting at INR 18,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 1,500- 2,000  Visa Policy - Sri Lanka has announced visa free entry for Indian citizens till 21 March 2024. Ideal Duration - 7-14 days Best Time - December - March

A Buddhist kingdom located on the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan offers snow-covered hills surrounded by steamy clouds. This country is known to have the highest Gross National Happiness, thus assuring its primary agenda to keep the people happy. Entering the delightful world of monasteries, the Himalayan mountains, unpolluted air, dumplings to pork dishes and prayer flags fluttering in the air - Bhutan is a treasure.  Flights till Bagdogra - Prices starting at  INR 12000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 1,200 - INR 2,000  Visa Policy -  Visa Free for Indians, however you'll need a permit to visit Thimpu & Paro. Ideal Duration - 5-10 days Best Time - March to May and September to November

Popularly known as 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', Nepal experiences violent large thunderstorms erupting through the valleys from the Himalayas. This one on the list is probably going to cost you the least while providing you with the best experience of soaring Himalayan peaks and lush green mountains. Nepal is the best place to cruise around. Trekking in the mountains of Nepal is a must-do, available at prices ranging from Rs 3,000-Rs 3,500.  Flight Tickets from Delhi  - Prices starting at INR 9,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2,000- INR 2,500 Visa Policy - Visa Free for Indians Ideal Duration - 7-10 days Best Time - October - December; March - April

India Travel Packages

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Kashmir Tour Package 6 Nights 7 Days - Complimentary Photoshoot

Manali volvo tour package - excursion to solang valley, sikkim tour package for 7 days - excursion to tsomgo lake, leh ladakh summer holiday package with nubra & pangong stay, darjeeling tour package for family: gangtok & kalimpong, bestseller andaman and nicobar tour package, 5. azerbaijan - the land of fire.

Azerbaijan, often referred to as "The Land of Fire," is a captivating country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its nickname stems from its ancient Zoroastrian roots. Witness the awe-inspiring Heydar Aliyev Center, an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid. Its fluid, futuristic design embodies the spirit of modern Azerbaijan and serves as a cultural hub showcasing art, design, and innovation. Flight Tickets from Delhi - Prices starting at INR 26,000 - INR 28,000 (Roundtrip) Ideal Duration : 5-7 days Daily Budget:  INR 4,500 - INR 6,000 Visa Policy for Indians : eVisa available Best Time : April to June and September to October

6. Kazakhstan - The Land of the Wanderers

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Covering an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers, it is the ninth-largest country in the world. The capital city of Kazakhstan is Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), a mix of modern and historic cities. Flight Tickets from Delhi - Prices starting at INR 15,000 (Roundtrip) Ideal Duration : 7- 10 days Daily Budget: INR 2,000 - INR 3,500 Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time: May to September

Bordered by eight countries and surrounded by three seas, Turkey's fascinating location merges with its' eastern charm. If you're a history buff, Istanbul is a delight. Also called 'The land beneath the half-moon', Turkey is a country of many worlds with intriguing cultures, scintillating mosques and palaces, ancient cities and delicious food that leave you mesmerised!  Flight Tickets   from Mumbai - Prices starting at INR 31,000 (Roundtrip) Ideal Duration : 5 - 7 days Daily Budget: INR 11,000 - 13,000 Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa available Best Time: April to May, September to November

Vietnam is a country that reveals itself only to the determined seeker. Located in Southeast Asia, you will stumble upon numerous things in this gem of a country in a budget-friendly way. It nestles the largest cave of Asia, Halong Bay, islands, forests, religious places and more.  Known as the paradise of street food which includes traditional rice noodle soup, rice crepes and beef noodles, you can't miss the floating markets which are a joy for the bargaining-shopper.  Flight Tickets from Delhi - Prices starting at INR 18,000(Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2,500- INR 3,000 Ideal Duration - 10-14 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required Best Time:  November - April

Laos is a forested and mountainous country packed with sloping hills, pine trees, countless waterfalls, extant hills tribes, colonial architecture and skyline-silver lakes. Biking around villages filled with green forests, trekking on mountains with superabundant greenery and exploring the riddled caves are all the activities that will keep you wildly entertained without spending a penny. Renting a bicycle for the entire day will cost you around INR 120, and you can cycle around the hills or the side streets. Flight Tickets from Bangalore -Prices starting at INR 29,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 1,000 - INR 1,100 Ideal Duration - 7 -10 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa on Arrival or E-visa available Best Time: November to March

10. Philippines

The land of emerald rice fields, gipsies, Philippines has 7000 tropical islands that will leave you spell-bound. The Maroon slick of sand on every ocean with mega islands and hidden lagoons where divers, sun worshippers and adventurous travellers pitch a tent and spend nights on the coastline in Palawan. This unofficial zipline capital of the world is a place for kayakers, Boracay and kiteboarding. Mountain-biking and canyoneering are also gaining popularity. Flight Tickets from Mumbai - Prices starting at INR 20,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 5,000 - INR 7,000 per day Ideal Duration - 10 -14 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa on Arrival Best Time: November to April

11. Malaysia

Sharing borders with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, Malaysia is in the equatorial region of the globe. The tropical rainforest climate covers this land throughout the year. If you are someone looking mountain ranges, forested hills and coastal plains, Malaysia is your destination. Hosting a wide range of Rafflesia genus, Malaysia is home to the largest flower in the world. With exotic dishes that blend Indian, Thai and Malay flavours, Malaysian food reflects its multi-ethnic culture.  Flight Tickets from Bangalore -  Prices staring at INR 15,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 4,000 - INR 8,000 Ideal Duration - 7- 10 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa available or Visa on Arrival for short stays Best Time : March to October

12. Singapore

Known For : Gardens by the Bay Sentosa Island Universal Studios Singapore

Singapore is filled with an unbelievable amount of creativity, culture and cuisines. It is the perfect combination of tall intricate buildings, islands, heritage temples and narrow streets which make it a fascinating country of Asia that you can visit with a small budget. Food being the most important part of a country's culture, Singapore provides with a variety of cuisines ranging from chicken rice, chilli crab and fish head curry to oyster omelettes and pork ribs.  Flight Tickets from Mumbai - Starting from INR 18,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 6,000- INR 7,500  Ideal Duration - 5- 7 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa available  Best Time:  December to June

Best Time: January to November

270 Singapore Attractions

13. Cambodia

Cambodia is a southern country in South East Asia and is an empire of temples. Angkor Wat, the largest religious building along with Siem Reap is one of the major attractions of the country. Cambodia offers a variety of experiences like beguiling riverfronts of Phnom Penh, beaches of Sihanoukville, colonial towns of Battambang, endless rice fields of Mondulkiri and lush green park with quaint structures which offer tranquillity. You can also cycle around the villages of Cambodia to have a look at the local life of this country and have an entirely different kind of experience in terms of adventure and peace.  Flight Tickets  from Delhi - Starting at INR 24,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 3,000 - INR 3,200 Ideal Duration - 5- 7 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time : November to April

14. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is now even more accessible for Indian travelers with direct IndiGo flight connectivity from Delhi. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Silk Road heritage adorned with stunning mosques, madrasas, and bustling bazaars. Enjoy budget-friendly accommodations and delectable cuisine, from flavorful plov to sumptuous kebabs. Experience the blend of culture and affordability that Uzbekistan offers, making it an ideal destination for Indian travelers seeking remarkable experiences without breaking the bank.   Flight Tickets from Mumbai  - Starting at INR 22,000  Daily Expenses - INR 3,500 - INR 4,900 Ideal Duration - 5- 7 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time: March to May and September to early November

15. Indonesia

The natural beauty of Indonesia makes it a tourist magnet among avid travellers looking for an inexpensive adventure. Situated between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, it is the world's largest island country with untouched blue waters, beautiful marine lives, and amazing corals. Indonesia is also one of the best international destinations for honeymooners for a romantic getaway and Bali has a number of romantic resort options.  Flight Tickets from Bangalore - Starting from INR 21,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 6,000 - INR 6,500 Ideal Duration - 10-14 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required for most visits Best Time: May to September

16. Georgia

Georgia is located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Owing to this, it is widely influenced by the different and very dynamic cultures of both continents, which is remarkably amalgamated and made it's own. Georgia houses diverse cities. On one hand, we have the capital city of Tbilisi, which is filled with cobblestone pavements, maze-like streets and sporadic works of modern architecture. On the other hand, it boasts a sprawling cave monastery situated in the city of Vardzia. Flight Tickets   from Delhi - INR 29,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 3,000 - INR 5,000 Ideal Duration - 7-10 days Visa Policy for Indians : eVisa available Best Time: May to September

Arab countries give you one of the best travelling experiences enveloped with numerous ancient places and historical backgrounds that widen your knowledge while making your trip memorable. Bordered by the Red Sea to the east and south, it adds an element of adventure for all the scuba divers. The local markets are among the remarkable attractions in Egypt for all shoppers out there. The great pyramid of Giza which is one of the seven wonders of the world is worth visiting in Egypt.  Flight Tickets from Mumbai - Starting from INR 31,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2000 - INR 3500 Ideal Duration - 7-10 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time:  October to April

The historic side of Russia is the one for those looking for glittering palaces, high-walled fortresses and ancient churches. Charming and historical villages like Pskov and Suzdal, are within easy reach of these cities. Russia simply delivers what you're looking for be it an adventure or getting some inspiration from artists and writers. A hike around Lake Baikal, water-rafting and trekking in the Altai Republic, skiing or rock climbing in the Caucasus. You will also be swept away by the immense hospitality of people. Flight tickets from Delhi - Prices starting at INR 30,000  Daily expense - INR 3000 - INR 5000 Ideal Duration - 7-10 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required, different types available Best Time:  May to September

Taiwan is nothing but a roughly sweet potato-shaped island nation that's densely populated. Besides, the crowded cities, Taiwan is the place of mountains and lush green forests. Known for tropical marine climate and tall mountains and cosy spring weather, one cannot miss its vibrant culture and entertainment hub. As the population is dominated by ethnic Chinese, most festivities are favoured to traditional Chinese culture celebrated with great pomp. Flight Tickets from Delhi -  Starting from INR 25,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2000 - INR 3000 per day Ideal Duration: 7-10 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time : April - May ; October - December

Located in Western Asia and comprised of beaches Qatar has recently opened its gates to tourism. Visiting this country will be like an Arabic fairy tale. It is overflowing with ancient art displayed in museums, sacred religious places, spectacular skylines, sand dunes, world-class restaurants and active adventures. You can also cruise around the deserts and arrange camping and dune bashing for the never-ending thrill. Don't forget to add this to a load of experience of modern and ancient sites. Flight Tickets from Mumbai -  Starting from INR 20,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 4,000 - INR 6,000 Ideal Duration : 3-4 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required Best Time: November to April

Jordan is the land of camel caravans, legendary king's highway, Muslim armies, Roman crusaders and traders of spice who left behind impressive monuments. The Crusaders' castles, Roman amphitheatres and Christian mosaics have always fascinated travellers around the world. It is the jewel in the crown of Jordan's antiques. A ride during sunset through the Wadi Rum, getting drawn to the weathered stone, reddened dunes and desert landscapes will leave you mesmerised. Flight Tickets   from Mumbai- Prices starting at INR 25,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expense - INR 4323 - INR 6000 Ideal Duration : 5-7 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa on arrival and e-Visa Best Time : March to May, September to November

22. Hong Kong

Known For : Victoria Harbour A Symphony of Lights Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong is another Chinese destination for a cost-effective travel hunter. It is located on the southern coast of China and follows many Chinese traditions despite being cosmopolitan. Also called 'The pearl of the orient', the dazzling skylines, soaring hillsides, religious sites, green parks, street markets for all the bargain maniacs, quiet islands and the fantastic views of the cities will make you visit this place time and again.  Flight Tickets from Delhi - Starting from INR 24,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 8,000 - INR 10,000 Ideal Duration : 3-5 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa-Free for 14 days with pre-arrival registration Best Time:  October to December

Best Time: October to December (Autumn)

337 Hong Kong Attractions

23. United Arab Emirates

UAE is the middle class tourist hub for India because of the affordability and the amount of pleasure it provides to the visitors in terms of desert safaris and desert camping, shopping, swimming and diving in Fujairah to float in the waters of Gulf of Oman, indoor skiing and wayfaring on the beaches to rob your troubles. Two places that you can't miss visiting are Dubai to have a tour of the world's tallest pre-eminent building Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi for the glorious white marble domes and mosques. Flight Tickets from Bangalore -  Starting from INR 19,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 5,000 - INR 6,000 Ideal Duration: 3-5 days Visa Policy for Indians :  Visa required Best Time: October to February

24. Myanmar

Scattered landscape with glided pagodas and the traditional ways, that's Myanmar in short. The place never ceases to amaze travellers, unlike other lands that you've heard of. The Golden Rock on Mt. Kyaiktiyo which stand on the edge of a chasm, the pious monks and the wonder of Shwedagon Paya are the mesmerising spots in Burma, Myanmar. Apart from these, Myanmar lets you experience the simple pleasures of life. Flight Tickets from Delhi - INR 24,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 1,750 - INR 2000 per day Ideal Duration:  10-14 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required Best Time:  November to February

25. Oman - Gateway to the Charming Arab World

Oman is an Arab country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Though there is no diversity in religion here, you will find a variety of tranquil landscapes and sceneries. The beauty of the emerald beaches, the rich Arab history in the ancient forts, the lush green mountains, unique wildlife and endless deserts will give you an Arabian adventure unlike any other country in the Gulf Coast.  Flight Tickets from Delhi : Starting from INR 17,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expense: INR 4,500-INR 5,500 Ideal Duration : 5-7 days Best Time : October to April  Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa

Making an international trip is not just a dream and we have just proved it to you with this list of the cheapest countries to visit from India so that you don't rue the day you put your plans to cold storage and never took it out. From Islands and beaches to mountains and valleys you can fly away for an immense amount of entertainment without making your wallet fall off a cliff.

This post was published by Niki Sharma

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Budget Tours & Trips to Northern India

Discover a varied offer of Northern India budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Agra and New Delhi. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.

250+ cheap Northern India tour packages with 3,038 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
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Refer to G-adventures

Indian Getaway

our tuor guide A Jay Shing was the best we had and we have been traveling the world

North India Revealed

Great tour, amazing route, confortable itinerary, fun people, delicious food :)

Rajasthan Adventure

Great tour! Khushwant was an amazing guide who was great at making sure everyone on the tour was happy and got what they wanted out of the tour

• Sightseeing

India Golden Triangle Tour - 6 Days - All Inclusive

Fantastic holiday we had in India we were great taken care by our driver and guides they did amazing job

Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore

Enjoyed our trip to India enormously!

Super Saver: India Golden Triangle Tour - 6 Days

We did Private India Golden Triangle tour and stayed for three nights in Delhi as wanted all went well as per programme

Himalayas Tour By Train with Amritsar [Golden Temple] & Shimla Toy Train Tour [10 Days]

We enjoyed the places we visited on this tour as it covered all the places we were interested in, the only disappointment in the itinerary was the cancellation of the Toy train from Shimla, which we expected to be a highlight of this tour. We particularly liked Amritsar and the guide was very helpful in taking us into the kitchens at the Golden Temple which we may not have done on our own - he was very informative. The Partition Museum was interesting, although half an hour was not enough time and we had to leave half way through the visit. The experience of the flag Ceremony at the border with Pakistan was fun and enjoyable. Dharamshala was lovely but it felt like we were on a mystery tour as we couldn't communicate with the driver about the plan for the day due to him speaking and understanding very little English. As it happened, he took us to all the places we wanted to visit, but it was frustrating not knowing what was happening and timescales. We had the same problem in Shimla. Malkeet our driver was very helpful and reliable and we felt safe in the car with him, even though no seat belts in the back. The hotels were mixed - we liked the Clarks Inn Amritsar very much but the hotel in Dharamshala was totally inadequate. No one else staying there, no drinks available, not even bottled water and even though they provided us with a menu, they did not have most things and it seemed they were not cooking at the hotel but instead going out to get a take away! They did get us one beer for the evening, even though we would have liked more. The only breakfast option was omelette and toast (which was not prepared with food hygiene in mind). The general cleanliness of the hotel. such as bedding and table linen did not make our stay comfortable for the two nights. The room was dark and dingy and had seen better days. The location was isolated so there was no where else we could go to eat or drink in the evening. We would have have liked to been able to go out and choose somewhere to eat. The hotel in Shimla was okay but not a good location for us to have any independence on dining outside the hotel. Overall, apart for the Toy train, everything went to plan and there was someone to meet us at every new destination on the tour. We enjoyed the tour.

• €126 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Royal Rajasthan with Taj Mahal Tour

We had a fabulous time on our India tour with Swastik India. Guides had amazing knowledge about the places. They were very patient in answering all our questions. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in India.

Experience the Royalty of Rajasthan in 10 Days

I highly recommend Colourful Indian Holidays tours. We were extremely satisfied with the service they provided during our trip to Rajasthan. The hotels were very nice with clean and spacious rooms and good food. The trips were well planned and we are thankful to our tour coordinator Mr. Poonia for taking care of all necessary details. The driver Mr. Prahllahd Singh was very friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed the trip and look forward to visiting other places with Colourful Indian Holidays.

Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi & Khajuraho

Well organized tour and good communication with the local operators. All the guides and drivers were very kind. Only the completely crowded and dirty overnight train from Khajuraho to Varanasi was a bit too „authentic“ for my taste and I had to pay a fine because the age on my ticket (which was pre-booked) was not correct. Anyway, I will never forget this part of the journey :) All in all it was a great experience - thanks for having helped me to realize my first India-trip.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

13 Days Tour of Varanasi, Orchha, Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur & Udaipur [Rajasthan]

Erything was perfect,beautiful placas,Nice People,lovely templos.

Adventures Ranthambore Wildlife Safari Tour from Delhi with Safari Rides

Very adventurous trip. Though the top zones were not open so we had chosen the canter as it has a more chances to see the tigers and we saw that. Loved it

Golden Triangle Tour with Pushkar

An amazing adventure that has resulted lifelong memories. Mr Malik was the highlight. He was very respectful and ensured we were experiencing the real India.

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Volunteer in India (2-6 Weeks)

This is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience! I only signed up for 2 weeks since I was unsure of what to expect and ended up trying to extend my trip. Unfortunately, my boss at home didn’t let me stay any longer but I have plans to come back in the future. The whole PMGY India team makes you feel at home and is very helpful with any needs you may have. I did medical volunteering and was able to take vital signs, dress basic wounds, distribute medications, and give injections all under the supervision of a physician. In my two weeks, I was able to view surgeries at the local hospital and work in a rehabilitation/ physical therapy clinic, an ultrasound clinic, a laboratory, elderly facilities, and the slums. There is a school right next to the volunteer house which allows you to play with the children and help teach them English during your free time. I highly recommend this experience to everyone. You must be open-minded to new/ different cultures to get the most out of your experience!

Budget Tours & Trips to Northern India Reviews

An incredible tour in an incredible country. India is diverse and complex, offering so much for travellers to see and explore. The pacing of the trip was intense, but appropriate would strongly recommend the tour for the intended age group 18-35.

Very informative,a bit of a challenge ,had a great time.

North India Revealed, was an amazing tour. Our guide Sanjeev was really good. Free time is a bonus and though sometimes felt obligated to do what the rest of the group is doing, you can still go off and explore on your own. Watch out for beggars, of all ages including children. They don't take no for an answer. In India they expect tips, I wasn't aware of this but its on 10 Rupiahs which equates to about 2c Australian. Overall a really good trip.

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• 32 Budget International Trips For Your Holiday In 2024 Which Will Cost You Less Than An iPhone!

23 Mar 2023

Bought an iPhone? Congratulations! But how long will the joy of owning an iPhone last – a few days, hours or months? Just imagine if you could buy yourself one of the best budget international trips at the same or a lesser price, the memory of which would last for a lifetime! You read it right, there are some amazing vacation spots around the world, where you can travel for as low as 50,000 and that’s for a round-trip! Some good amount of research, planning months in advance, and a few tricks & tips are all you need to get going. Read on to inspire the backpacker in you and head for these kickass international destinations at a shoestring budget.

If you do thorough research and plan well, then you can travel to even the most expensive countries on a budget. Here is all the information you would need to plan a trip to budget international destinations from India.

32 Budget International Trips From India In 2024

Below is a list of 32 budget international trips under 50k that’ll cost you less than an iPhone. Keep scrolling down and pick a spot for your next best international trips from India. If you carefully plan your vacation in advance, you could save some bucks and the entire cost of the trip will come out to be cheaper.

• Singapore: Trip Starting From INR 42,000
• Malaysia: Trip Starting From INR 40,000
• Thailand: Trip Starting From INR 35,000
• Indonesia: Trip Starting From INR 45,000
• Seychelles: Trip Starting From INR 40,000
• Qatar: Trip Starting From INR 45,000
• United Arab Emirates: Trip Starting From INR 50,000
• Hong Kong: Trip Starting From INR 40,000
• Sri Lanka: Trip Starting From INR 35,000
• Cambodia: Trip Starting From INR 25,000
• Vietnam: Trip Starting From INR 40,000
• Bhutan: Trip Starting From INR 35,000
• Nepal: Trip Starting From INR 25,000
• Turkey: Trip Starting From INR 30,000
• Kenya: Trip Starting From INR 30,000
• Egypt: Trip Starting From INR 40,000
• South Korea: Trip Starting From INR 40,000
• Myanmar: Trip Starting From INR 35,000
• China: Trip Starting From INR 40,000
• Taiwan: Trip Starting From INR 40,000
• Lebanon: Trip Starting From INR 45,000
• Sultanate Of Oman: Trip Starting From INR 30,000
• Russia: Trip Starting From INR 45,000
• Jordan: Trip Starting From INR 30,000
• Paraguay: Trip Starting From INR 45,000
• Laos: Trip Starting From INR 30,000
• Japan: Trip Starting From INR 65,000
• Greece: Trip Starting From INR 50,000
• Philippines: Trip Starting From INR 50,000
• Nicaragua: Trip Starting From INR 75,000
• Bangladesh: Trips Starting From 30,000
• Bolivia: Trips Starting From INR 75,000

1. Singapore: Trip Starting From INR 42,000

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Singapore is a country that celebrates colourful culture. Take the best low budget foreign trip from India to Singapore in 2024 and make loads of memories. A tiny yet modern country offers great bargains and is a wise way to spend money on a vacation. If you still haven’t explored Singapore then this is your time to plan a budget international trip and visit this country. With an extensive number of futuristic places to witness and some cherishable experiences to behold, Singapore is one destination that never fails to impress. All of this is exactly what makes Singapore the best of international tours that one can take this year! Don’t forget to indulge in free things to do in Singapore to save additional expenses.

Air Tickets: The round trip flight tickets can cost between INR 20,000 – 22,000 onwards if boarding from New Delhi or Mumbai or INR 11,000 – 15000 From Chennai or Kolkata Stay: Singapore offers accommodation options like the City Backpackers @ Kallang or Fernloft City Hostel which offers stay for as low as INR 600/ night. On the other hand, a single room can start from INR 2000/ night in a decent budget hotel Places To Eat: Chinatown food centre, Maxwell food centre or any hawker centre are the places where you can get a meal in less than INR 500 inclusive of main, drink, and dessert Places To Visit: Singapore is famous as a holiday destination either for its day excursions or Singapore cruises. Either way don’t miss out on the Singapore tourist attractions like the famous National Museum of Singapore or Orchard Road/ Dhoby Ghaut Shopping stretch. Must Visit include Underwater World, Dolphin Lagoon Suggested Duration: 4 Days and 3 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 42,000 Interesting Tips: Explore Singapore at night when it is beautifully lit up with the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel and Singapore flyer view Best time to visit:  February-April How to reach:  The international airport of Singapore – Changi Airport is well-connected with all the major parts of the country. Taking a flight to Singapore is the best way to reach this destination Currency of Singapore: Singapore Dollars Language of Singapore:  English, Malay, Tamil, Mandarin Chinese

Must Read: 10 Best Resorts In Singapore

2. Malaysia: Trip Starting From INR 40,000

There are numerous exciting things to do in Malaysia that will make you have the best time here! Think of Malaysia for budget foreign trips and you shall begin to imagine turquoise waters, stunning beaches and pleasant climate. One of the major tourist hubs in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is the perfect picturesque destination you’ve been waiting for and where you can plan a low-budget international trip from India. Those who are in search of international trips under 1 lakh should surely consider visiting Malaysia. This destination has plenty to offer well under the budget! Also, make sure you plan your trip during the months when in festivals in Malaysia take place!

Air Tickets: A round trip could start from INR 20,000 onwards Stay: You can easily find guesthouses or dormitory rooms in Kuala Lumpur starting for as low as INR 300 per night Places To Eat: Track down places in Kuala Lumpur like Nasi Kandar Pelita, Saravanaa Bhavan, Taman Paramount Night Market and so on Places To Visit In Malaysia : Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Pangkor, Redang Island and other places are visited in Malaysia. While top things to do are a day tour to Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, dinner along the Singapore River, Chinatown Trishaw night tour, Batu Caves and temple tour, Petronas Towers Suggested Duration: 4 Days and 3 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 40,000 Interesting Tips: Malaysia is a Muslim country and drinking is frowned upon, so drinking is both restrictive and expensive. Save your drinking for a better-budget country Best time to visit:  December-February How to reach:  The best and the only way to reach Malaysia from India is by taking a flight. There are regular flights flying to and fro Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Air Asia and Malaysian Airlines are the best airlines to book Currency of Malaysia: Malaysian Ringgit Language of Malaysia: Malay

3. Thailand: Trip Starting From INR 35,000

Topping the charts is the world-renowned destination – Thailand. Indulge in its beaches, mountains, culture, food, and more. And the best part is, it is one of the cheap international destinations from India that fits just within the budget for all. It is one of the most cheap foreign trips from India. From adventure enthusiasts to leisure seekers, Thailand offers one of those international trips under 30k from India that is for every kind of traveller.

Air Tickets: The round trip flight tickets can cost fairly between INR 17000 – 20,000 if boarding from New Delhi or Mumbai. Taking a round trip from Kolkata could cost around INR 9000 approx. If you are looking for cheap foreign trips from India without a visa then this is one of the best destinations for you Stay: Whether you are travelling in a group or solo, Thailand is full of budget staying options starting from as low as INR 573 per night per person. You can choose from a dormitory-type accommodation, a hostel or even a decent budget hotel Places To Eat: Thailand is famous for its street food. A good budget meal can cost up to approximately INR 60 Places To Visit in Thailand : A combination of any 2-3 cities like Bangkok, Pattaya and coral islands, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai is a good option to explore the culture of Thailand. Almost every city will be home to a few of the many Ancient Buddha temples, Pattaya floating markets, elephant show and so on Suggested Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 35,000 Interesting Tips: Explore the “tuk-tuk ride”, underwater world, floating market, Thailand’s famous “Som Tam” (Papaya Salad) and needless to say, the street shopping around Victoria’s Monument in Bangkok Best time to visit:  November-April How to reach:  Thailand is home to two major airports – one in Bangkok and one in Phuket. Both the international airports connect Thailand to the major countries in the world. Thai Airways is the major airline running in this nation Currency of Thailand:  Thai Baht Language of Thailand:  Thai

Suggested Read: 31 Festivals In Europe

4. Indonesia: Trip Starting From INR 45,000

Rich in cultural heritage, visit Indonesia for its encouraging natural beauty bounded by much more! If you are looking for international trips under 1 lakh then Indonesia is one destination that you can surely consider! It is really is perfect for low-budget foreign trips from India. You could also plan your trip around the time of festivals in Indonesia for a unique cultural experience. Indonesia happens to be one of the best and cheapest foreign trips from India without a visa. So travel to this beautiful destination of luxury and tranquillity without any hassles!

Air Tickets: Flight expenses for a round trip could cost you approx. INR 25000 and could be less if booked well in advance Stay: Hostels in Jakarta could cost INR 700 onwards per night Places To Eat: Three square warungs (food stall) meals can cost as little as INR 120 per meal. Dining in decent local restaurants could cost INR 500-600 per day Places To Visit in Indonesia : Make sure to visit places like – Bali, Java, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Sumatra. Don’t miss out on things like the Bali Village cycling tour, Spa treatments at places like Anika Spa, water sports, and volcano tours Suggested Duration: 5 Days and 4 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 45,000 Interesting Tips: A shoestring traveller can spend as little as INR 800 per day and still explore the scenic island country! But confine yourself to selected cities as budget accommodation can be limited and also flying from one island to another is much more expensive Best time to visit: May-September How to reach:  One can book a flight to Soekarni-Hatta International Airport which is situated in Jakarta or head to Denpasar’s airport i.e. Ngurah Rai International Airport. It takes around 5 hours to cover the distance to Indonesia by airways Currency of Indonesia: Indonesian Rupiah Language of Indonesia:  Indonesian

5. Seychelles: Trip Starting From INR 40,000

Seychelles Islands would totally fit your requirements if you want to plan a a low-budget foreign tour. Nested amidst the sparkling Indian Ocean, this African nation is essentially an archipelago formed by over 100 islands. Famed for its boundless natural beauty and picture-perfect range of beaches, it is an ideal place to take budget international trips with your family or better half.

Air Tickets: The round trip flight tickets from New Delhi could cost approx. INR 36,000 onwards Stay: Le Duc de Praslin, Chateau St Cloud, and Le Relax Hotel are some great options for those looking for affordable accommodation in Seychelles Places To Eat: Bravo Restaurant, La Perle Noire Restaurant, Maria’s Rock Cafeteria, Chez Jules Restaurant, and many more Places To Visit in Seychelles : Mahe Island, La Digue, Vallée de Mai, Anse Source d’Argent, Frégate Island, and more Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 40,000 Suggested Duration: 7 Days and 6 Nights Interesting Tips: Choose to travel around by bicycle to make sure you enjoy the natural beauty of this island nation to the fullest Best time to visit:  April-May, October-November How to reach:  Seychelles is home to two major airports named Seychelles International Airport and Praslin Island Airport. The best one is the former one as that is the entry point for international travellers. This is the busiest airport of this island nation Currency of Seychelles:  Seychellois Rupee Language of Seychelles:  French, English, Seselwa

Suggested Read: Secrets Of The Seychelles

6. Qatar: Trip Starting From INR 45,000

With the stunning beauty of the Persian Gulf, Qatar is one of the most prismatic tourist destinations among the Arab countries. If you still haven’t explored this place then make sure that you plan your next budget international trip to Qatar this year. There are plenty of places to visit in Doha for a wonderful vacation. Qatar also happens to be one of the offbeat places to take affordable international trips from India that is not heavy on your pockets! It may not be one of the cheap international destinations but you can surely travel on a budget.

Air Tickets: While the tickets can cost you approximately INR 17000 if planned on time Stay: The accommodation could cost you approx INR 9000-10,000 for a 5-day stay in the country Places To Eat: The must-visits include Doha, Dhal Al Misfir, Khor Al Adaid Natural Reserves and Zubarah Fort Things to Do: Things to do in the country include helicopter rides, beaches, dune bashing and camel rides Suggested Duration: 4 days and 3 nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 45,000 Interesting Tips: December and January are the ideal months to explore the Gulf area with milder, pleasant and chilly evenings Best time to visit: April-May, September-October How to reach:  One can book their flight tickets to reach Qatar. Doha International Airport resides in the country and connects the country well to all the major parts of the world Currency of Qatar:  Qatari Riyal Language of Qatar:  Arabic

7. United Arab Emirates: Trip Starting From INR 50,000

Another stunning beauty of the Arab world is the United Arab Emirates with Dubai as its most precious tourist jewel. A hub for international tourists, UAE is found on the bucket lists of several travellers. If you are one of them then this is the year when you can plan a budget international trip and explore the UAE. This land of Sheikhs hides attractions that never fail to inspire awe and blanket experiences that are nothing less than Royal! Dubai is indeed one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.

Air Tickets: Flight tickets start from approximately INR 12,000 depending on the time of the year Stay: At the same time, the accommodation in Dubai for backpackers could cost approximately INR 2000/ night Places To Eat: For meals, a sprinkling of local knowledge could open plenty of budget-friendly options like Ravi in Al Satwa and Zaroob Places to Visit in UAE : Indulge in the city’s best views of Dubai Marina at night to the neck arching sight of Burj Khalifa Suggested Duration: The suggested time to spend your travel here is 5 nights Travel Calculation: Prepare to have a budget of INR 50,000 in the country Interesting Tips: Make use of Dubai’s recently invested rental bike scheme which allows you to rent sturdy bikes and save money on taxis Best time to visit:  October – April How to reach:  Although there are plenty of airports housing in UAE, the major ones are Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport, and the Dubai International Airport. There are direct flights that link UAE to the major countries all around the world Currency of UAE:  Dirham Language of UAE:  Arabic

Suggested Read: 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit UAE

8. Hong Kong: Trip Starting From INR 40,000

The former British colony perched on the shore of the South China Sea offers plenty of bargains despite being famous for its glitz lifestyle. Head here for a groovy and electrifying holiday experience. Hong Kong is one of the best places when thinking of cheap international destinations from India so make sure that you explore it this year if you still haven’t.

Air Tickets: If booking with a time gap of fewer than 2 months, the round trip could cost approx. INR 27,000 Stay: Hostel prices start around INR 700 per night at places like HK Downtown Backpackers Places To Eat: While Hong Kong is generally expensive, one can save money while eating the market food, noodles, and dumplings which could cost less than INR 100 at Tim Ho Wan on 2-2 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok Things to do: Include a hike on the famous Dragon’s Back Trail, Avenue of the Stars, and Hong Kong Museum of Art (entry is free on Wednesday). There are also plenty of day trips from Hong Kong that you could take on your vacation. Must visits include Lantau Island, Stanley Market, Cheung Chau Island, Sai Kung Suggested Duration: 5 Days and 4 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 40,000 Interesting Tips: Explore the top shopping favourites – The Temple Street Night Market and HK’s Kitschy-cool Street. For a better bargain try and say this: Tai Gwai la (It’s too expensive!) Best time to visit:  October-December How to reach:  Hong Kong International Airport is the most popular airport in this nation. There are direct flights such as Air India, Indigo, Cathay Pacific, and many more that operate to this destination Currency of Hong Kong:  Hong Kong Dollar Language of Hong Kong:  Chinese, English

9. Sri Lanka: Trip Starting From INR 35,000

Sri Lanka is one of the most cheap foreign trips from India. Famous for being the best backpacking destination, it is home to landscapes and culture which is much like India. Visit this home away from home that solves the purpose for those looking forward to cheap foreign trips from India. It is one of the world’s cheapest countries to travel from India. With the fragrance of tea plantations encircling the atmosphere, lush green foliage covering the floors, and locals serving mouth-watering dishes, Sri Lanka is a destination that takes away the breath of travellers!

Air Tickets: The round-trip flight tickets can cost

• From Delhi: INR 20,000 onwards
• From Chennai: INR 8000 onwards

Stay: Colombo Sea View Hostel, Colombo City Hostel and so on are dormitory-style accommodations that start at INR 600/night. Similarly, in other places like Kandy, Bentota and so on, hotel rooms can range from INR 1000 per night Places To Eat: Ceylon Tea Moments in Colombo is one of the top choices which offers a huge menu within the range of INR 100-500; A classic Sri Lankan meal of fish curry in local markets can cost you less than INR 100 Places To Visit: The must-visit cities include Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Bentota. Also visit world heritage sites like Temple of tooth Relic , boating or fishing on Lake Gregory, tea factory visits, Seetha Eliya garden and temple from famous Ramayana, turtle hatchery etc. Visit Odel, Majestic City etc for shopping Suggested Duration: 5 Days and 4 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 35,000 Interesting Tips: “Aa-yu-bo-wan” is hello in the local language. Travelling on public transport such as buses and trains is usually the choice which is both crowded as well as cheap! Best time to visit:  December to March for the west coast, April-September for the east coast How to reach:  The best and easiest way to reach Sri Lanka is by taking a flight to Bandaranaike Internal Airport. This airport is located in Colombo and is well-connected with the major parts of the world Currency of Sri Lanka:  Sri Lankan Rupee Language of Sri Lanka:  Sinhala, Tamil

Suggested Read: 10 Reasons Why Sri Lanka Should be Your Next Holiday Destination

10. Cambodia: Trip Starting From INR 25,000

Cambodia is one of the most beautiful yet cheapest international destinations from India . The enchanting form of cultural heritage, the country of Cambodia will leave you wanting more with its panoramic and rustic beauty. It is one of the most cheap foreign trips from India.

Air Tickets: The country also known as “Kingdom of Wonder” can be experienced in a round trip of INR 25000 onwards Stay: Being a cheap travel destination, an ideal accommodation for backpackers could cost as little as INR 300 per day Places To Eat: When travelling on a budget go for Cambodian food which is far cheaper and always quite good Places To Visit in Cambodia: The must-visits include Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Otres Beach and Kampot. You can travel in Cambodia on a budget of INR 2000 per day Suggested Duration:  5 days and 4 nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 25,000 Suggested Cost: The recommended stay duration is a week with a budget of approximately INR 45,000 Interesting Tips: Make sure to take a trip to the most popular beach in Cambodia- Sihanoukville. Attend the festivals in Cambodia for a vibrant experience Best time to visit:  November-April How to reach:  Phnom Penh International Airport is the major airport of Cambodia. One can easily take a flight to Cambodia from Bangkok, which is the most common way of reaching this destination Currency of Cambodia:  Cambodia Riel Language of Cambodia:  Khmer

11. Vietnam: Trip Starting From INR 40,000

Vietnam is indeed one of the best places for budget international trips. Shaped like the letter “S”, lying on the eastern part of the Indo-Chinese peninsula is Vietnam. In the country, you will find timeless charm and a flavour of another Asian culture which is why it is one of the best places to visit in March outside India.

Air Tickets: The round trip flight tickets can cost INR 16,000 onwards when planned 4-6 months in advance Tip: Stay on the lookout for promotional offers from Air Asia Stay: Ho Chi Minh City is home to hostels like Suite Backpackers Inn, Eco Backpackers Hostel and so on which provide single beds in dormitory rooms starting from as low as INR 400 per night. A decent hotel for a single room ranges from INR 700 per night Places To Eat: Some of the must-eat traditional Vietnamese food include Nem Raan or Cha Gio (Fried Spring rolls) and Cha Ca (Grilled minced fish). Eat at street stalls. Take note of places like Cha Ca Street and Nguyen Truong to a street in Hanoi for popular yet budget meals Places to visit in Vietnam : The best way to save time and money is to take a short Yacht or boat cruise in Vietnam besides obvious indulgences like local market tours, island tours, and wildlife tours. Must Visit include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City Suggested Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 40,000 Interesting Tips: Learn a couple of words in Vietnamese like hello and thank you! Smile all the time here! Best time to visit:  March-May, September-November How to reach:  This destination is home to a total of three airports namely Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Danang International Airport in Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking a flight to any of these airports is the most convenient way to visit this destination Currency of Vietnam:  Vietnamese Dong Language of Vietnam: Vietnamese

Suggested Read: 7 Most Romantic Hotels In Vietnam

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12. Bhutan: Trip Starting From INR 35,000

The scenic country also called the ‘land of the Thunder Dragons’ or the ‘Druk Yul’, offers pristine untouched natural wonders. This year is full of long weekends and Bhutan is one of the best among the various cheap international destinations from India. Head to on a trip to the Shangri La of the Himalayas. It is one of the most cheap foreign trips from India.

Air Tickets: Finding a direct flight to Bhutan according to your convenience might be not a good option. Instead, catch a domestic flight to Bagdogra Airport which is the nearest airport to the Bhutan border. The round trip can cost INR 6000 onwards. Take a 5-hour bus journey ahead which could cost approx INR 1900 Stay: A Cozy and decent guest house room for two is easily available from INR 500 onwards Places To Eat: A meal at Sonam Trophel Restaurant in Paro serves a minimum of 7 dishes which can cost you approx. INR 480 is enough to satisfy two people or 2 meals together Places To Visit in Bhutan : Must visits in Bhutan include Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Haa Valley while the top things to do are – Monasteries, temples, farmhouses, visit the National Memorial Chorten, Takin Zoo, and Folk Heritage Museum Suggested Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 35,000 Interesting Tips: The only way to see the country is either by foot or by road so don’t forget to pack your walking shoes. Buses, minivans and SUVs can take you almost anywhere in the country! Best time to visit:  March-May How to reach:  One can either choose to take a flight directly to the airport located in Paro or take a plane till Bagdogra and then hire a cab to Phuentsholing from there Currency of Bhutan:  Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee Language of Bhutan:  Dzongkha

13. Nepal: Trip Starting From INR 25,000

An ideal holiday destination for all types of travellers, surrounded by lofty peaks and scenic landscapes lies Nepal. It is a beautiful country which is every traveller’s delight and makes way for globetrotters to embark on one of the best budget international trips under 30k .  It is the world’s cheapest country to travel from India.

Air Tickets: The round trip flight tickets from New Delhi could cost approx. INR 9000 onwards. or you could also take a bus ride from Kolkata. You can definitely find many cheap international holiday packages including flights for Nepal. For travellers interested in international trips under 30k from India, Nepal is the best destination for cheap foreign trips from India Stay: Hostels in places like Kathmandu start from as low as 300/per night per person while a budget hotel for two could cost INR 600/per night at an average Places To Eat: OR2K a popular Israeli-run restaurant can be a budget saver in Kathmandu while Krishna’s kitchen in Pokhara can be another ideal dining choice Places To Visit: Must-visit tourist places in Nepal include Nagarkot, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Pokhara while popular things to do: Devi Falls, gorge of Seti river, visit to Bindabasini Temple, Old bazaar of Pokhara Suggested Duration: 7 Days and 6 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 25,000 Nepal Travel Tips : Stroll across local markets in the region to shop for some of the exquisite Nepalese handicrafts and other trinkets Best time to visit: October, November How to reach: Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport that is situated in Nepal. This airport is situated in Kathmandu and is well-connected with the major cities of the country. One can book from various airlines available including Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, Indigo, and more Currency of Nepal:  Nepalese Rupee Language of Nepal:  Nepali

Suggested Read: 42 Most Popular Tourist Places In Nepal

14. Turkey: Trip Starting From INR 30,000

You think of Turkey and the instant obvious is Istanbul which also makes it the highest famed tourist spot in the world. It is the world’s cheapest foreign tour from India. If you are looking for the best budget international trips from India then you can surely plan a trip to Turkey!

Air Tickets: A round airfare trip to Turkey could cost you approximately INR 30000 – 35,000 Stay: But well then wait the accommodation compensates for that because a dormitory/hostel costs as low as INR 500/day Places To Eat: Local Turkish food is the key to saving money on food such as the delicious Durum Sandwich stalls Places To Visit in Turkey : With that being said if you decide to have a night on the town in Beyoglu and Bosphorous, you’ll need to be a little washed up Suggested Duration: 10 days and 9 nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 30,000 Suggested Cost: Suggested stay duration is around 4 nights with an approximate budget of INR 50,000 Interesting Tips: Break up your sightseeing between trips outside the city which fall within close proximity Best time to visit:  April-May, September-November How to reach:  Turkey is home to Atatürk Airport which is located in Istanbul. This airport is well-connected with all the major parts of the country. This is the best way to optimise time and travel more in Turkey Currency of Turkey:  Turkish Lira Language of Turkey:  Turkish

15. Kenya: Trip Starting From INR 30,000

Another destination that offers awesome low-budget international trip is Kenya. The first thing that pops up when you think about Kenya is the exorbitant African wildlife and safaris. Moreover, the destination is a perfect pick for wildlife photography.

Air Tickets: Located in eastern Africa, a round trip to Kenya costs approximately INR 26000 if booked 4-6 months in advance Stay: If you book a safari, food and accommodation are likely to be included. Accommodation could range from INR 900 onwards. While food expenses per day could cost approx. INR 300 Places To Eat: Must-try in food is the Chapati, Githeri and Kuku Paka Places To Visit in Kenya : The main wildlife reserve for safaris in Kenya is Masai Mara. You can arrange a tour including Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and a day to explore the capital city of Nairobi Suggested Duration:  4 days and 3 nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 30,000 Suggested Cost: Average cost per day per person is approx. INR 2700 allowing you to spend around 5 days in the country Interesting Tips: Do your safari research ahead of time and use only companies that are recommended. There are countless vendors and you would not want to be taken for a ride for a loss! Best time to visit:  July-September How to reach:  Reaching Kenya is never a hassle. There are a total of five airports located in Kenya namely Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, Moi International Airport, and Wilson Airport. All these airports are accessible from the country Currency of Kenya:  Kenyan Shilling Language of Kenya:  Swahili and English

Suggested Read: 20 Places To Visit In Kenya

16. Egypt: Trip Starting From INR 40,000

Egypt – the mum-mummy-in place could offer a vacation for a lifetime. If you still haven’t explored Egypt then grab this chance to plan the best budget international trips. Whether you are a history buff or an explorer, you will definitely enjoy a few days here.

Air Tickets: The costs associated with airfare start at approximately INR 24,000 and onwards Stay: You can get awesome dormitory hostels starting from as low as INR 400 Places To Eat: Restaurants such as the Al Tekkia are clean and reasonably priced Places to Visit in Egypt : Tourist attraction includes the Pyramids at Giza while other tourist cities include Alexandria, Aswan, the Red Sea and Sinai Suggested Duration: 6 days and 5 nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 40,000 Suggested Cost: The suggested trip duration is a week while the approximate budget is INR 40,000 Interesting Tips: The temperature is usually hot in June-August. Avoid the Western Desert and Mediterranean coast if planning a trip around this time Best time to visit:  October-April How to reach:  Cairo International Airport and Luxor International Airport are the main airports of Egypt. There are flights that connect Egypt to all the major parts of the world Currency of Egypt:  Egyptian Pound Language of Egypt:  Modern Standard Arabic

17. South Korea: Trip Starting From INR 40,000

South Korea is another place where you can take budget trips abroad from India. It will impress you with its lush green and hilly countryside, studded with cherry trees, along with the ancient Buddhist temples. The fusion of coastal fishing villages, sub-tropical islands and high-tech cities including the capital, Seoul, together contribute to an amazing low-budget international tour experience.

Air Tickets: The round trip flight tickets from New Delhi could cost approx. INR 25,000 onwards Stay: Hostels in places like Seol start from as low as 600/night per person while a budget hotel for two could cost INR 1700/night at an average Places To Eat: Cochon Tonkatsu is a restaurant that serves delicious food at reasonable prices. The golden fried items are a highlight of its menu Places To Visit in South Korea : Must Visits include Seol, Jeju Island, The Korean Demilitarized Zone, Busan, Gyeongju, Dadohaehaesang National Park, and Suwon Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 45,000 Suggested Duration: 7 Days and 6 Nights Interesting Tips: Don’t stick to one set-up, instead, make sure to enjoy and experience a bit of both Urban and Village setting Best time to visit:  March-May, September-November How to reach:  Airways is the best way to reach South Korea. Incheon International Airport is the closest to the capital city of Seoil and has connections with all the major cities of the country Currency of South Korea:  South Korean Won Language of South Korea:  Korean

Suggested Read: 30 Budget Trips In India

18. Myanmar: Trip Starting From INR 35,000

Also known as Burma, the country of Myanmar embraces multi-ethnicity and culture. Further, the scenic beauty of the country will leave you spellbound. So, make sure that you tick off this destination from your bucket list by planning budget-friendly international trips.

Air Tickets: The round trip to the country could cost you approximately INR 20,000 – 22,000 if booked 4-6 months in advance Stay: Hostels and dormitory set-up accommodation starts from INR 600 onwards per night Places To Eat: Eating out in Myanmar is generally not so expensive and could cost approx INR 60 -100 for a simple meal at a local restaurant or teahouse Things to Do: Experience the Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, take boat trips to Inle Lake and explore Bagan’s Thousands of temples. There are plenty of places to visit in Myanmar to keep you occupied during sightseeing Suggested Duration:  2 weeks Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 35,000 Suggested Cost: The suggested cost per person per day is approximately INR 2500 which allows you to do pretty much everything for approximately INR 35,000 for a 5-day trip Interesting Tips: Trying the Mohinga soups in Myanmar is an essential Best time to visit:  November-February How to reach:  There might not be direct flights from the country to Myanmar. However, one can still reach Mandalay or Yangon and then take a domestic flight to reach this destination Currency of Myanmar:  Myanmar Kyat Language of Myanmar:  Burmese

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19. China: Trip Starting From INR 40,000

A giant tourist-attracting magnet of the Asian continent is China! It boasts of being the 3rd highest visited country in the world. Plan a foreign tour on a low budget and explore China the way you want. Indulge in Chinese delicacies, visit world-class attractions, and enjoy a sneak peek into its culture while making the most of your vacation. If you are looking for the best international trip from India, this place is an ideal destination for you.

Air Tickets: Well, the tickets start from INR 17,000 onwards Stay: Backpacker hostels in Beijing could range from INR 500 onwards Places To Visit in China : The main attractions include Beijing’s Great Wall, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai’s Bund etc. The best way to hack most of China is to hit all the sites that matter as soon as possible. Save money by travelling inter counter in a train as they are 75% cheaper Places To Eat: Get to know the Chinese culture by indulging in the local delicacies Suggested Duration:  5 days and 4 nights Travel Calculation: Plan a trip for 5 days on a budget of approx. INR 40,000 Interesting Tips: Don’t Tip! There is no tipping culture in China so just take your change back everywhere you pay Best time to visit:  March-May, September-November How to reach:  There are numerous direct flights flying from the country to China. This Republic is connected to the major cities of the country including Delhi, Kolkata, Bombay, and many more Currency of China:  Chinese Yuan Language of China:  Mandarin

Suggested Read: 10 Tourist Places To Visit In China

20. Taiwan: Trip Starting From INR 40,000

Also known as “Formosa”, the stunning beauty of Taiwan will take you through varied landscapes of artistic buildings, shimmering skyscrapers, luxury resorts, high-rising mountains, and beautiful Chinese temples. Explore all these places by planning one of the best budget international trips this year. This place is one of the best places to visit outside India in low budget.

Air Tickets: Can be experienced with a round trip airfare of INR 25,000 – 27000 Stay: While an accommodation can be grabbed at a price starting from INR 900 Places To Eat: The night markets in all cities take care of the food budget. Kaohsiung and Tainan are blessed with night markets offering a selection of mouth-watering local eats Places to Visit In Taiwan : Include a trip to Taipei in the north to Tainan and Kaohsiung in the South. Use the High-Speed Rail for long-distance travel Suggested Duration: You can plan a trip for 5 day Travel Calculation: The trip could cost you approximately INR 40,000 Interesting Tips: Some of Taiwan’s most iconic sights such as the Taroko Gorge in Hualien County are free to enjoy! Don’t miss out on this Best time to visit:  April-June, September-November How to reach:  One can reach Taiwan by using airways. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the major one in this destination. There are direct flights flying from the country Currency of Taiwan:  New Taiwan Dollar Language of Taiwan:  Mandarin Chinese

21. Lebanon: Trip Starting From INR 45,000

With the title of being one of the most ancient countries in the world, Lebanon represents a rich history and diversity in its culture. It is one of the best cheap international trips from India. If you still haven’t explored Lebanon then this is your chance to plan a budget international trip with your friends or family.

Air Tickets: Plan a trip in time and grab yourself a round-trip airfare for as low as INR 23,000 Stay: The easiest way to save money in the country is by staying in a hostel. The hostel options are a handful so the lowest rates start from INR 1000/night Places To Eat: Make street food at Babar your meal hub. Indulge in parcels of kosher or manoush (mini pizza) Places to Visit: Visit important world heritage sites and cities like Tripoli, Batroun, Deir el Qamar and so on Suggested Duration: 8 days and 7 nights Travel Calculation: A budget of approx INR 45,000 Interesting Tips: Cheap food and lodging travel and entertainment could get infuriatingly hard at times in the capital city of Beirut and thus pre-planning is strictly recommended Best time to visit:  April-May, September-November How to reach:  All flights reaching Lebanon will have at least one stopover. There might not be any non-stop flights, but it’s still the best way to reach the destination. Lebanon is home to Beirut International Airport where various airlines provide services including Turkish Airlines, Air Serbia, and Czech Airlines Currency of Lebanon:  Luvre Libanaise Language of Lebanon:  Arabic, English

Suggested Read: Nightlife In Jordan

22. Sultanate Of Oman: Trip Starting From INR 30,000

The Sultanate of Oman is the cheapest foreign trip from India. Another jewel in the Persian Gulf is Oman with Muscat at its capital which is famed for being the second-best city in the world. It is one of the best budget international trips under 30K.

Air Tickets: While the airfare round trip could cost approx. INR 18,000 Stay: One can easily locate cheap staying options on the Muttrah Corniche starting from INR 2000. Share a taxi or rent a car to get around Muscat and other important cities of the country Places To Eat: For food, you can easily find plenty of options offering shawarma, rotisserie chicken, rice and kebabs within INR 100 Places to Visit: Visit Muscat, Muttrah, Western Hajar and Misfat Al Abreyeen Suggested Duration:  5 days and 4 nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 30,000 Interesting Tips: Save a few night’s hotel costs and camp out at well-known tourist spots. The Capital Yacht Club and Oman Dive Centre offer inexpensive day rates Best time to visit:  October-March How to reach:  Flights to Oman are pretty cheap and that is why Airways is the most feasible way to reach the destination. There are direct flights reaching the only international airport located in Muscat Currency of Oman: Omani Rial Language of Oman:  Arabic

23. Russia: Trip Starting From INR 45,000

Russia is among the most stunning as well as tourist-friendly destinations in the world. It definitely qualifies for budget-friendly international trips from India. What’s more, its diverse cultures, varied traditions, and mouth-watering cuisine make it an indispensable part of your travel wishlist! In fact, it’s one of the highest visited places in Europe owing to its boundless natural beauty. Make sure that you cover Russia this year as it is one of the best places to plan cheap international trips.

Air Tickets: The round trip flight tickets from New Delhi could cost approx. INR 30,000 onwards Stay: Primorye Hotel, Apart Hotel Volga, and Ibis Moscow are some great options for those looking for affordable accommodation in Russia Places To Eat: Mari Vanna, Cafe Pushkin, Palkin, Ugolek, and many more Places To Visit in Russia : Moscow, Kazan, Saint Petersburg, Mount Elbrus, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and more Suggested Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 45,000 Interesting Tips: Do not carry your passport with you. Leave your important travel documents at the hotel and only carry a copy of them with you while you head out to explore Best time to visit: is early June when it is springtime in Russia How to reach: By using the air mode of transport, one can easily cover the distance between Russia and the country in 7 hours, if travelling by direct flights. There is an international airport located in the Moscow region of Russia Currency of Russia:  Russian Ruble Language of Russia:  Russian

Suggested Read: 21 Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Russia

24. Jordan: Trip Starting From INR 30,000

Counted among the best international destinations from India, Jordan isn’t just about open-air museums, ancient ruins, and great skylines. Its nightlife and gorgeous beaches also attract travellers from far and wide and the fact that it is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India makes it even more lucrative. The delicious cuisine, warm and friendly people, and unique activities make Jordan an adventure-packed destination for wanderers steeped in history. The government is developing Jordan as an important centre for tourism competing with its neighbours, and it has started contributing tremendously to its economy. So, include Jordan in your list of Bugdet international trips and tick off this destination this year.

Air Tickets: The round trip flight tickets from New Delhi could cost approx. INR 25,000 onwards Stay: Petra Moon Hotel, Art Hotel Downtown, and Candles Hotel are some great options for those looking for affordable accommodation in Jordan Places To Eat: Al-Quds, Hashem, Shawerma Reem, Shahrazad Restaurant, and many more Places To Visit In Jordan : Petra, Red Sea, Amman, Wadi Rum, Al Khazneh, and more Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 30,000 Suggested Duration: 5 Days and 4 Nights Interesting Tips: Women need to wear loose-fitting clothes covering their legs, arms and chest while men are supposed to wear long loose-fitting trousers, T-shirts or high-collar shirts in the conservative areas of Jordan Best time to visit:  March-May How to reach:  There are no direct flights flying to Jordan from the country. However, one can still opt for flights with stopovers to Queen Alia International Airport. Saudi Arabian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, and many more are a few flights that operate regularly Currency of Jordan:  Jordanian Dinar Language of Jordan:  Arabic

25. Paraguay: Trip Starting From INR 45,000

Image Source A less-popular country in the South American continent, Paraguay is what every adventurer dreams of. It is an unconventional choice for budget international trips from India. To give you the exact vibes of an offbeat holiday, this place boasts a mix of conventional and modern living styles – a place where you’ll see carts and Mercedez standing together. That’s right! With a subtropical forest land like the Atlantic in one corner and dense vegetation in Chaco on the other corner, you simply cannot go wrong with this place! Plan a budget foreign trip to Paraguay and explore this place with your loved one, family or friends.

Air Tickets: Since a flight to South America will usually cost you more, a round trip to this place from Delhi or Mumbai will be approximately INR 78,000 Stay: Some of the best hotels in the region include Sajonia Naval Airstrip, Asuncion, Jum of Monday, Ciudad del Este and Estancia San Geronimo South, Carapeguá Places To Eat: Johnny B Good Aviadores, Bolsi and Tierra Colorada Gastro are some of the good places to eat in this country Places to visit: La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná, Monday’s Falls and Yacyretá Dam are some of the places you can visit here Travel Calculation: Approx. INR 45,000 Suggested Duration: 7 days and 6 nights Interesting Tips: Pistol duelling is still legal in this country so far as people on both ends are blood donors who are duly registered. So, make sure you don’t end up meddling in one if you get to see it! Best time to visit: September-December How to reach:  The main airport of Paraguay is the Asuncion Aeropuerto International Silvio Pettirossi. One can take a flight to California, Dallas, or Chile and then continue their journey to this destination from any of these spots by a connecting flight Currency of Paraguay:  Paraguayan Guarani Language of Paraguay:  Spanish

Suggested Read: 7 Places To Visit In Paraguay 

26. Laos: Trip Starting From INR 30,000

If your wanderlust is giving you an itch but your pocket cannot afford any, then there is still one place where you could take a trip without losing much. Plan a low-budget international trip to Laos and have an amazing backpacking experience in this Southeast Asian country. In case your geography is weak, then you should know that Laos shares its borders with Vietnam and Cambodia. It is one of the most stunning yet cheap countries to visit from India.

Air tickets: The round trip to Vientiane, Laos starts from INR 15,000. Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Air Asia have regular flights from New Delhi to Laos Stay: Settha Palace Hotel in Vientiane is an amazing place to stay. Ban Pako Eco Lodge is perfect for environment-conscious travellers. You can get a room in a hotel in Laos at as low as INR 700 per night Places to eat: KinSatCat Restaurant, Tamarind, The Apsara, Tangor, Utopia. You need INR 700 per day on the meals. The beer cost INR 70 Places to visit: Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Vientiane Suggested duration: 7 days 6 nights Travel Calculation: INR 30,000 Interesting Tips: November to January is the best time to visit. Indians get visa on arrival Best time to visit:  From October to April How to reach: Direct flights fly from the country’s major airports till the Vientiane or Luang Prabang Airport. Various airlines flying to and fro this destination are Singapore Airlines, Jet Airways, Shandong Airlines, Qatar Airways, and more Currency of Laos:  Laotian Kip Language of Laos:  Lao

27. Japan: Trip Starting From INR 65,000

If you are looking for international honeymoon destinations on a budget, you could fly to Japan. It is not only a beautiful but also culturally rich country where you would get to experience a variety of things. It is the best foreign trip in low budget if you can manage.

Air tickets: Tokyo and Osaka both have flights from India. The return flights will roughly cost INR 45,000 Stay: Tokyo, Shinjuku and Ginza are the best areas to stay in Japan. The accommodation prices range between INR 1200 to INR 32,000 depending upon the location and type Places to eat: A meal in Japan may cost you between INR 600 to INR 2000. However, it could go higher for high-end restaurants. Kuuraku is where you will get the best ramen Places to visit in Japan : Mount Fuji, Shibuya, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Naoshima, Yokohama, and Kobe are some of the best places to visit in Japan. Do attend the Cherry Blossom Festival if you are there in Spring Season Suggested duration: 4-5 days Travel Calculation: INR 65,000-70,000 Interesting Tips: Carry enough cash. Learn a few phrases in Japanese. Book in advance to enjoy the international trip in low budget Best time to visit:  March-May, September-November How to reach:  Narita Airport, Kansai Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Haneda Airport are the major airports of Japan. There are a number of flights landing and taking off from these airports as they are well-connected with all the major parts of the world Currency of Japan:  Japanese Yen Language of Japan: Japanese

Suggested Read: Kyoto In November

28. Greece: Trip Starting From INR 50,000

Take a low-budget foreign trip to the island of Greece and enjoy Mediterranean landscapes. Greece is one of the most romantic places with its enchanting scenery and whatnot which ranks among best places for budget international trips for couples. If you plan your holiday carefully, you can definitely manage a low-budget international trip to Greece.

Air tickets: The return airfare to Athens, Greece would cost you as low as INR 35,000. There are a number of flights from New Delhi to major cities in Greece like Athens, Corfu, Thessaloniki Stay: Crete, Santorini, Athens, and Mykonos are all great places to spend your time on Greece. While you will find all kinds of accommodation in Athens and Crete, Mykonos and Santorini have only mid-segment and luxury properties Places to eat: A casual meal at a restaurant will cost you INR 1500 excluding wine. However, cheap street food will cost you around INR 400. Funky Gourmet, Varoulko, and Marco Polo Cafe are some of the best places to eat in Greece Places to visit in Greece : Santorini, Mykonos, Delphi, Nafplio Suggested duration: 6 night 7 days Travel Calculation: INR 50,000 Interesting Tips: Plan way ahead for budget-friendly vacations abroad. Carry enough cash. Book your hotel and flights way in advance Best time to visit:  September-October, April-June How to reach:  The main airport catering in Greece is the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport which is located in Athens. There are regular flights that operate from Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to these destinations Currency of Greece:  Greek Drachma, Phoenix, Greek Lepton Language:  Greek

29. Philippines: Trip Starting From INR 50,000

The list of budget international trips couldn’t be complete without talking about the Philippines. With emerald rice fields, water buffaloes, beautiful beaches,  graffiti walls and a place where even the fuming volcanoes look pretty, the Philippines is made of dreams. You can indulge in canoeing, mountain biking and many other adventure activities here. The place can make you have the cheapest foreign trip from India.

Air tickets: The return airfare to the Philippines would cost you as low as INR 24,000. There are a number of flights from New Delhi to major cities in the Philippines Stay: Manila, Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol are all great places to spend your time in the Philippines. You can find whatever suits you as these places have both luxury resorts and something for budget travelers too Places to eat: A three-course dinner at a restaurant will cost you INR 1200 excluding alcohol. However, a hearty meal at a local restaurant will cost you around INR 250. Antonio’s, Abe, and People’s Palace are some of the best places to eat in the Philippines Places to visit in Philippines : Manila, Bohol, Cebu, Boracay Suggested duration: 6 night 7 days Travel Calculation: INR 50,000 Interesting Tips: Plan for your cheap international trips from India when you have sufficient time on your hands. Carry enough cash. Book your hotel and flights way in advance Best time to visit:  November – April How to reach:  There might not be a direct flight reaching the Philippines, however, one can still reach here by airways via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. There are regular flights that fly to this destination Currency of Philippines:  Philippine Peso Language of Philippines:  Filipino, English

Suggested Read: Philippines Honeymoon

30. Nicaragua: Trip Starting From INR 75,000

As weird as the name might sound, this is one of the best cheap international trips you can take. Imagine a place that is beautifully tucked between two gorgeous countries with a marvellous coastline, that’s Nicaragua. Nestled between Costa Rica and Honduras, Nicaragua is best described as an unending terrain of lakes beaches and volcanoes. The place is known for the cheapest foreign tour packages from India.

Air tickets: The return airfare to the Philippines would cost you as low as INR 40,000. There are a number of flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Nicaragua Stay: Leon, Emerald Coast, Corn Islands and Granada are all great places to spend your time in the Philippines. You can find whatever suits you as these places have both luxury resorts and something for budget travelers too Places to eat: A three-course dinner at a restaurant will cost you INR 7000 excluding alcohol. However, breakfast is cheaper than lunch and dinner and would cost somewhere around INR 2000. The Garden Cafe, Gallo Pinto, and Nacatamales are some of the best places to eat in the Philippines Places to visit: Admire Granada, Ometepe Island, León, Corn Islands Suggested duration: 5 nights, 6 days Travel Calculation: INR 75,000 Interesting Tips: Plan for your budget international trips when you have sufficient time on your hands. Carry enough cash. Book your hotel and flights way in advance Best time to visit:  December – April How to reach:  There are no non-stop flights from the country to Nicaragua. Sandino Onternational Airport operates in Managua, Nicaragua. One can travel to Mexico City, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Havana, and other cities and then continue their journey from there Currency of Nicaragua:  Nicaraguan Cordoba Language of Nicaragua:  Spanish

31. Bangladesh: Trip Starting From 30,000

Planning the cheapest international trip from India? Now we know Bangladesh is not the “go to” destination for everyone but nevertheless, it’s beautiful. If you are looking for places to visit outside India then Bangladesh is worth considering. It is a perfect combination of beautiful and cheap international holidays.

Air tickets: The return airfare to the Philippines would cost you as low as INR 7,000. There are a number of flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to the cities in Bangladesh. Stay: Dhaka,  Chittagong, Sylhet and Khulna are all great places to spend your time in Bangladesh. You can find whatever suits you as these places have both luxury resorts and something for budget travellers too. Places to eat: Food prices for a day in Bangladesh on average is INR 1000 for a day, excluding alcohol. However, breakfast is cheaper than lunch and dinner and would cost somewhere around INR 400. Mermaid Cafe, Ambrosia, and Cilantro are some of Bangladesh’s best places to eat. Places to visit: Jafflong, Dhaka, Chittagong, St. Martin Islands Suggested duration: 4 nights, 5 days Travel Calculation: INR 30,000 Interesting Tips: Plan for your budget international trips when you have sufficient time on your hands. Carry enough cash and medicines. Book your hotel and flights way in advance. Best time to visit: March – April; November – February How to reach:  The best way to reach Bangladesh is by taking a direct bus that runs from Kolkata to Dhaka in this destination Currency of Bangladesh:  Bangladeshi Taka Language of Bangladesh:  Bengali

Suggested Read: 10 Incredible Indian Destinations Under 20k 

32. Bolivia: Trip Starting From INR 75,000

Well, imagine a destination where natural wonders and which is also one of the cheapest countries to visit from India! Well, that’s Bolivia for you. One of the offbeat countries in South America. If you ask what is the most unique and special thing about this country then it is its versatility. We are still wondering how one small country can house mountains, desert rainforests and even a glass smooth lake.

Air tickets: The return airfare to the Philippines would cost you as low as INR 7,000. There are a number of flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to the cities in Bangladesh. Stay: Dhaka,  Chittagong, Sylhet and Khulna are all great places to spend your time in Bangladesh. You can find whatever suits you as these places have both luxury resorts and something for budget travellers too. Places to eat: The food price for a day in Bolivia on average is INR 200 for a day, excluding alcohol. Gustu, El Fogón del Gringo, and Minuteman Revolutionary Pizza are some of the best places to eat in Bangladesh. Places to visit:  Isla del Sol, Laguna Colorada, North Yungas Road Suggested duration: 6 nights, 7 days Travel Calculation: INR 75,000 Interesting Tips: Pick your international holiday destinations when you have sufficient time on your hands and plan efficiently. Carry enough cash and medicines. Book your hotel and flights way in advance. Best time to visit: May – October How to reach:  To reach here, one will have to make two stops. Airlines Jet Airways and Air India link with American Airlines and British Airways to make one reach Bolivia Currency:  Boliviano Language:  Spanish

Important Tips For Budget Foreign Trips

• Check out the weather forecast and other essential updates of the country you’re planning to visit.
• Plan your vacation well in advance to avoid high airfares and accommodation charges.
• Pack your suitcase according to the destination you’re planning to visit.
• If you are wondering how to plan an international trip on a budget, you must opt for a customisable package that is inclusive of all the essential elements such as sightseeing, transfers, accommodation, etc.

Further Read: 40 Most Romantic International Honeymoon Destinations On Your Budget

Impressed much? There is a lot to explore in the world and all these places will make you feel like you have been living under a rock till now. So, don’t wait up. Plan the best of budget international trips with TravelTriangle so that you can just live, love, travel, and repeat on a hassle-free vacation. Ask your friends or plan a surprise budget international trip for your fam and get ready to step into a new country. 

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Budget International Trips

Is Portugal cheap or expensive?

Now, this totally depends on the seasonality as well. While the summer season happens to be the peak season, holidaying in Portugal turns out to be more expensive for travellers as the cost of flights, and hotels increase accordingly. However, when planned well, Portugal can actually turn out to be cheaper than Spain and Greece and a great choice for one of your best budget international trips.

What is the cheapest country to fly to in Europe?

Irrespective of the seasonality, it is pretty cheap and convenient to fly into Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Greece from the neighbouring countries in Europe. Apart from these, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Portugal, and Czech Republic are some of the other options that the travellers can look into.

Which is the cheapest country to visit from India?

Based on the rate, where the Indian Rupee has a higher exchange rate than compared to the local currency, the cheapest country to visit from India would be of Nepal. In addition to that, one can also visit Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Laos, and many more where the Indian currency rate is comparatively higher.

Is a passport required for going on a trip to Thailand from India?

The answer would be yes. A passport is one of the legal documents that is a must for all those travelling to Thailand from India. In addition to that, if you are travelling from India and hold an Indian passport, you can avail a visa on arrival from the Phuket International Airport in case your stay is not for more than 15 days. Otherwise, make sure you apply for a visa well before you plan your trip.

Which are the cheapest international flight destinations?

Places like Dubai in the UAE, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Kathmandu in Nepal, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur are currently the cheapest international flight destinations that one can visit.

What are some tips for traveling internationally on a budget?

A few pointers that one can keep in mind when planning a trip abroad includes buying air tickets well in advance, avoid eating out and opt for hotel buffets, researching for all the free things you can do in a destination, walk wherever possible, and such.

How many days are enough for Cambodia?

When travelling to Cambodia, one can easily witness all the major attractions and engage in experiences in a total of 5 days.

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IRCTC introduces ‘Economy Meals’ at just INR 20 at 100 railway stations!

Read more: Best Indian Destinations For A Family Holiday This Summer

This initiative comes as a welcome move, particularly for those travelling in unreserved compartments and often face challenges in accessing budget-friendly and hygienic food options during their journeys.

Introduced as a part of IRCTC's ongoing efforts to elevate onboard services, the 'Economy Meals' program aims to provide passengers with economical dining choices, accommodating the varied tastes of travellers from various backgrounds. Timed to coincide with the surge in train travel during the summer season, this initiative comes at a favourable time to deliver a convenient answer to the increasing need for high-quality meals at affordable rates.

The decision to introduce 'Economy Meals' reflects Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and satisfaction, particularly for those travelling on a budget. By setting up meal counters at 100 stations and nearly 150 counters in total, IRCTC has made these affordable meals readily accessible to passengers across its vast railway network, with plans for further expansion in the pipeline.

Passengers can now choose from two meal options available at these counters: the 'Economy Meals' priced at INR 20 and the 'Snack Meals' priced at INR 50, providing lighter alternatives for those looking for a quick bite. The availability of these affordable meal options near general second-class (GS) coaches on platforms ensures easy access for passengers travelling in unreserved compartments, enhancing their overall travel experience.

Speaking about the initiative, an IRCTC official emphasised the importance of providing passengers with convenient and budget-friendly meal choices, particularly during peak travel seasons like summer. With the expectation of increased passenger traffic during this period, IRCTC's 'Economy Meals' initiative is poised to make a significant difference, ensuring that passengers can enjoy hygienic and nutritious meals without burning a hole in their pockets.

Where will it be available?

Overall, the introduction of 'Economy Meals' by IRCTC represents a commendable effort to enhance the travel experience for passengers, making quality food more accessible and affordable for all.

India’s Hotel Boom: Latest Investments from Marriott, Hilton and Other Chains

Sean O'Neill , Skift

April 27th, 2024 at 6:00 PM EDT

Move over, China. The world's hotel giants have a new favorite: India.

Sean O'Neill

Early Check-In

Editor’s Note: Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill brings readers exclusive reporting and insights into hotel deals and development, and how those trends are making an impact across the travel industry.

The world’s biggest hotel chains are doubling down on India, betting that the country’s rising affluence will fuel a surge in travel demand for years to come.

In the past six weeks, all the global hotel groups — including Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide — have unveiled ambitious expansion plans in India. They see a golden opportunity to establish a bigger foothold on the subcontinent in what may become the world’s third-largest economy as soon as 2027.

“I have such incredible respect for entrepreneurs who have elected to get into the development and ownership here in India,” said Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian at the HICSA hotel investment conference in India this month. “It’s not easy.”

“If you’re willing to put up with that difficulty — the barrier to entry is very high — your returns can be very high,” Hoplamazian said. “Thankfully, given the operating performance that we’ve seen over the last couple of years, that’s coming true.”

The numbers back up the heightened interest: Hotel daily rates in India’s major markets in February were 30% higher than the February 2019 numbers, on average, according to HVS , a hotel valuation firm.

On the supply side, ratings agency ICRA forecasted that the premium supply pipeline may rise nearly 30% through 2025.

Here’s an update on the latest announcements from a half-dozen major hotel groups about their development plans in India.

Marriott International

Marriott generated about $1 billion in top-line revenue in India last year.

Marriott launched  Moxy in India in early January  with the Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud , as Skift reported .

This year, the world’s largest hotelier plans to open a dozen hotels in India , said Rajeev Menon, Marriott’s president, Asia Pacific excluding China.

It hopes to have 250 hotels in India by 2025 .

Menon elaborated on Marriott’s strategy on-stage at the Skift India Summit in Delhi-NCR, shown in this video .

Hilton Worldwide

Hilton added a new face to its marketing ads through a deal with Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone that it revealed in February .

“Our partnership with Deepika is probably unique and only parallel in some way to Paris Hilton,” said Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, in an ET interview . “It’s a global partnership.”

“Hilton is gearing up for what it believes will be its best year yet in India,” Skift reported earlier this month. “Currently operating 26 hotels in India, it’s set to double its footprint in the country in the next 3 to 4 years.”

The Paris-based hotel giant also has India in its sights.

“India has been taking the lead in terms of economy and is the fastest-growing country in the world right now,” said Group CEO Sébastian Bazin when speaking at  HICSA 2024 conference in Bengaluru this month.

Bazin’s company signed 11 hotel development deals in India last year and opened six properties, it said this month. Before 2030, Accor intends to add 30 operating hotels worth about 5,500 guest rooms in the country, as Skift noted this month.

Hyatt said it would open seven hotels, or about 1,115 guest rooms, in India this year. It currently runs 48 properties in India and plans to double that number within five years , as Skift noted .

India has become Hyatt’s fourth largest revenue-generating market, after the U.S., China, and Japan. It has several brands in the market and plans to bring its Miraval Resorts and Spas brand , too.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

IHG said this week that it operates 46 hotels in India and plans to open 49 more over the next few years.

“There’s no reason why India can’t be on the same trajectory [as China],” CEO Elie Maalouf told the Times of India on Thursday. “It will be one of our major markets around the world.”

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham will add 7 hotels to India this year across its Ramada and Days Inn brands.

Wyndham’s hotels in India saw a 15% growth in revenue per available room last year, and saw the number of Indian members of its loyalty program rise by 10%, according to an interview with The Hindu by Dimitris Manikis, president for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in EMEA.

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Accommodations Sector Stock Index Performance Year-to-Date

What am I looking at?  The performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the  ST200 . The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets, including international and regional hotel brands, hotel REITs, hotel management companies, alternative accommodations, and timeshares.

The Skift Travel 200 (ST200)  combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more hotels and short-term rental financial sector performance.

Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

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Tags: accor , Early Check-In , future of lodging , hilton , hotel development , hyatt , ihg , india , india travel , marriott , Skift Pro Columns , wyndham

Photo credit: View of the bedroom in the Rani Rajkumari Suite at Six Senses Fort Barwara, a hotel in India. Source: IHG.