Travel Budgeting in India: How to Save Money on Your Trip
When it comes to travel budgeting, planning how much money you’ll spend before you even leave home. Also known as trip costing, it’s not about being cheap—it’s about being smart. India rewards travelers who know how to navigate costs without missing out on the culture, food, or magic of the place. You don’t need to spend thousands to have an unforgettable trip. Many people assume India is cheap everywhere, but that’s not the whole story. A night in a luxury train like the Palace on Wheels, a royal-era train journey across Rajasthan with private suites and guided tours costs more than a flight to Europe. Meanwhile, a simple meal in a local dhaba can cost less than 100 rupees. The key is knowing where your money goes—and where it doesn’t have to.
Daily expenses in India, what you spend each day on food, transport, and accommodation vary wildly depending on where you are and how you travel. In Delhi or Mumbai, a mid-range hotel might run you 2,500 rupees a night. In Varanasi or Rishikesh, you can find clean guesthouses for under 800. Public transport? A bus ride across Rajasthan might cost 300 rupees. A rickshaw in Jaipur? 150 rupees max if you haggle. And food? A plate of dal-chawal in a small town? 60 rupees. A street-side chai? 15. These aren’t guesses—they’re real numbers from travelers who’ve done it. You can easily spend 1,500 rupees a day and still have a rich experience. Or you can stick to 800 and eat like a local, sleep in hostels, and ride trains like a pro. The difference isn’t luxury—it’s choice.
What most people miss is that budget travel in India, traveling with intention and awareness of local pricing isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about connecting deeper. Skip the tourist traps in Goa and stay in Agonda instead. Skip the overpriced temple entry fees and go early when locals are praying. Use apps to find the cheapest local buses, not the ones marketed to foreigners. The India travel budget isn’t a fixed number—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it gets better with practice. The posts below show you exactly how others have done it: from a 2-day trip to Agra for under 5,000 rupees, to surviving on 500 rupees a day in South India, to why the Palace on Wheels is worth every rupee if you save up. You’ll see real costs, real stories, and real ways to make your money last longer without missing out on the soul of the country.
