visit price in india

Cost of a Trip to India & the Cheapest Time to Visit India

The average price of a 7-day trip to India is $1,294 for a solo traveler, $2,281 for a couple, and $1,117 for a family of 4 . India hotels range from $29 to $138 per night with an average of $51, while most vacation rentals will cost $60 to $370 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to India (from all airports) are between $1,025 and $1,731 per person for economy flights and $3,219 to $5,435 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $24 to $49 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit India

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to India and stay in a India hotel:

• January 8th to April 1st
• May 7th to May 20th
• August 20th to November 18th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in India is usually mid to late September .

Average India Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit India for a week is $911-$2,202 ($130-$315 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $24 to $49 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $521 to $1,499 for economy

Lodging : $37 to $51 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $49 to $60 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit India for a week is $1,600-$4,036 ($229-$577 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $48 to $97 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,042 to $2,997 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit India for a week is $3,193-$7,965 ($456-$1,138 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $95 to $194 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,084 to $5,995 for economy

Lodging : $74 to $102 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $74 to $90 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to India

How cheap can you make a vacation to India? The cheapest trip to India is about $107 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 23% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $16 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $24.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit India for a week is $749-$2,159 ($107-$308 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $12 to $24 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $24 to $29 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $53 to $82 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit India for a week is $1,354-$3,818 ($193-$545 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $24 to $47 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit India for a week is $2,701-$7,398 ($386-$1,057 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $47 to $95 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $48 to $57 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $79 to $123 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very easy to travel to India cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury India Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in India.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit India for a week is $2,083-$8,264 ($298-$1,181 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $47 to $97 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,298 to $3,745 for first class

Lodging : $76 to $138 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $320 to $640 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit India for a week is $3,717-$12,688 ($531-$1,813 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $95 to $194 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,596 to $7,490 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit India for a week is $7,434-$23,470 ($1,062-$3,353 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $190 to $389 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $5,192 to $14,981 for first class

Lodging : $152 to $276 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $480 to $961 per night for a preferred vacation rental

India Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in India is much lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in India due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

India Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on India hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in India.

Flight Costs to India

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,731 average in mid December to a low of $1,025 in mid to late September. Median flight price is $987. These prices are based on millions of flights. For India our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In India, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $706, so you can easily save about 69% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around India can easily cost $178 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $12 per person. Private tours can cost $355 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other India Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Akola, India
• The Plains, India
• Wardha, India
• Burhanpur, India
• Adilabad, India
• Nanded, India
• Nagpur, India
• Parbhani, India
• Khandwa, India
• Bhusawal, India

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• How Much Does a Trip to India Cost?

Travel prices in India vary widely. For example, India has world-class high-end hotels and luxury resorts that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars a night, but it also offers very cheap options. Of course, in between, you can also find good value for money on comfortable trips.

• Costs for 1 to 2 Weeks
• International Flights Cost
• Accommodation Cost
• Transportation Cost
• Eating and Drinking Cost
• Attractions and Activities Cost

Tips for Saving Money

India trip costs for 1 to 2 weeks.

India is a country where is it very easy to save on travel.

If you seek to save money, you can spend about 30–50 USD for a day in India with street food, crowded buses, and a so-so hostel.

But for most people who travel to India for a high-quality holiday, a medium or higher budget should be plenty. (As the standard of three-star hotels in India is much lower than in the West, we do not recommend them.)

• For a medium budget, touring India typically costs around 150–200 USD per day per person (including air fares within India, 4-star hotels, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a higher budget of US$200–250 per day per person, more comfort can be enjoyed (including air fares within India, 5-star hotels, attractions, guides, and transfers).

For one week in India, on a first visit you would probably see the classic three cities — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. If you have 2 weeks, you could extend your travels to the west to see Rajasthan, to the north for Varanasi, etc.

For a couple's trip, you may want to add some special or romantic experiences to the trip, like a dinner by a lake or in a castle and an Indian dating evening. A couple's trip for 2 weeks in India may cost about 6,000 USD. See our 14-Day Romantic Honeymoon Trip in India for reference.

For a family trip, a big cost change is accommodation. If your kids are younger, maybe you can share a standard room. But if the children are older, you may have to pay a little more for an extra bed or a family suite. See our sample 12-Day Family Holiday in India for reference.

This is only a rough guide. We can give you specific prices based on an itinerary made for you. Contact us for your no-obligations quote. With us , you would enjoy our no-risk-booking , 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure ( detail⇒ ).

The Cost of International Flights to India

Europe has direct flights to Delhi — from London, Paris, Zurich, Munich... A one-way air ticket is around 600 to 700 GBP flying economy.

The U.S. also has direct flights to Delhi — from New York, Chicago, San Francisco... For a one-way economy trip, the ticket is around 700 to 1,000 USD.

Flying to India from Australia directly is also available. Tickets go from around 1,500–1,800 AUD for a one-way economy trip.

July, August, and September are India's low season because of the rainy season. Air ticket prices drop by around 40% during this period.

The Cost of Accommodation in India

For a 3-star hotel in India, you may need about 20–40 USD for a night. But most 3-star hotels don't match their star rating. If you expect it to match Western standards, you may be disappointed.

A better choice is 4- or 5-star hotels with well-maintained interiors, good service, and nice facilities. A 4-star hotel may cost about 80–100 USD/night and a 5-star hotel 100–150 USD. Some super-luxury hotels may cost 200 or over 300 USD a night.

During the rainy season, prices can drop by 20 to 30 percent.

When traveling in India, heritage hotels are a must-try. Some of them are ultra-luxurious real Indian palaces. They can cost 700–1,000 USD a night, while some of them are more affordable at about the same as a 4- or 5-star hotel. Staying in a Haveli (a traditional Indian mansion that often includes beautiful gardens and courtyards) is often more affordable than some of the ultra-luxurious palace hotels, but all are worth the experience.

The Cost of Transportation in India

Flying is the fastest way to travel between cities. Most flights between cities cost within 100 USD. Traveling between cities also can be done for 10 to 60 USD on trains.

For two cities that are close to each other and not reachable by plane, you should consider private transfer, which is flexible and sometimes faster than train as India's trains are often late and station transfers are time-consuming.

If you want to experience India's train travel, you can check out our 8-Day Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tour .

India's public transportation within cities is very affordable. Taking Delhi as an example, for 0.10–0.50 USD you can take the MRT/BTS. A taxi costs about 7–12 USD for a 30-minute ride. But make sure they use their meters to avoid price disagreements.

The Cost of Eating and Drinking in India

India is not an expensive country when it comes to food. A decent restaurant costs about 10–15 USD per person. And fine dining may cost as little as 20–30 USD per person. Luxury restaurants cost 50–60 USD per person and upwards.

There are also many food stalls by the roadside for 1–2 USD, selling sandwiches, curry rice, and roti (wraps). However, if you have a weak stomach, it's best not to try street food.

You can buy a soda or juice for 30 INR (0.4 USD), so soft drinks are very affordable too. It could be a little difficult to buy wine in India though. Some restaurants or supermarkets in India do not sell alcohol. There are 'wine shops' in India that specialize in selling alcohol. Alcohol is expensive in India because of higher taxes. A beer sells for about 2–6 USD. Stronger drinks (whiskey, gin, vodka, etc.) usually cost from 2–13 USD per measure.

The Cost of Attractions and Activities in India

Sightseeing in India is very affordable. Tickets for most tourist attractions in India range from 1 to 9 USD. There are also many temples and museums that are free of charge, like Agra Fort.

Some entertainments like a night show, watching a movie, etc. cost about 5–10 USD.

India's rainy season sees some big discounts. July, August, and September offer 30–40% off many travel expenses.

You can also choose budget airlines when traveling around India, like IndiGo and SpiceJet Airlines. See The 8 Best Domestic Airlines in India .

Some travel agencies offer good value in money too. In India, the cost of a private tour is much more affordable than in Western countries. In peak season, travel agencies can even help you get a better price, as they work in cooperation with some hotels. They are also more aware of the promotional activities of tourist attractions.

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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

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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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10 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.

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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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The Cost of Travel in India: How Much Does it Cost in 2024?

India is known to be one of the cheapest countries in Asia , and it’s true that this is a very affordable destination. However, the cost of travel in India largely depends on your travel style and the places you visit.

I travelled through India for a little over 10 months from 2022 to 2024 and am heading back regularly, so I have a pretty good understanding of the cost of travelling here.

In this post, I’ve broken down the average daily cost as well as the separate costs (accommodation, food, transport, etc.) for the following travel budgets:

Backpacking budget

• Mid-range budget
• Luxury budget

I hope this will give you a better understanding of how much it costs to travel in India.

So, let’s dive right into it!

The Cost of Travel in India: Average Daily Travel Budget

You will find the average daily budget according to your travel style and budget below. This includes accommodation, transportation and food.

Keep in mind that besides this, you will also need to spend money on a flight to India, your visa, travel insurance and personal expenses like Indian souvenirs , for example.

You will find the price of accommodation, food, transportation, entry tickets, activities, tours and souvenirs later in this post.

India is the perfect destination for backpackers, and it’s possible to travel here with a budget of 20 USD to 40 USD per day .

To make this work, you will have to stay in dorms in hostels or in private rooms in budget hotels and get around using public transportation (mainly buses and trains). When it comes to food, local restaurants and street food are inexpensive in India, so this is the place to go.

Mid-range travel budget

If you would like more comfort but are still on a budget, then you can travel around India spending 40 USD to 80 USD per day .

This will allow you to stay in nice hotels or homestays and eat in cosy restaurants. With this budget, you can even book a domestic flight if you have to cover a long distance and hire a private car every once in a while. When it comes to trains and buses, you can opt for more comfortable seats too.

Luxury travel budget

If you would like to splurge a little and are up for a luxury trip in India, the budget starts at 80 USD per day . You can go as high as 500 USD per day or more, though.

With this budget, you can hire a private driver and eat in fancy restaurants. The best part, however, is the accommodation. India is home to many luxury hotels and resorts, and you will find plenty of palaces that have been transformed into hotels too. Have a look at this beautiful palace hotel in Jaipur , for example.

>> Read: 17 Things You Should NOT Do in India

Cost of Accommodation in India

When it comes to accommodation in India, the price depends on the place and season. For example, big cities like Bombay and Delhi tend to be more expensive. Accommodation will also cost a bit more if you travel during the high season (from late November to March).

Backpacking budget: Hostels & budget hotels

You can find very cheap accommodation in India, with prices starting as low as 2 USD per night . However, many of these budget stays are also extremely dirty . In fact, according to Business Insider, 4 of the 10 dirtiest hotels in Asia are in India, and it doesn’t surprise me.

So, keep reading if you want to know how much clean budget accommodation costs.

You will find clean dorms starting at 7 USD per night or a little more, it all depends on the destination. If you want an affordable private room with a bathroom, you can expect to pay anything between 11 USD and 20 USD per night .

I mostly stayed in private rooms of 11 USD to 16 USD per night. Some of them were dirty, unfortunately, while others were great. My favourite hotels for this price range are the following:

• Jaipur: Anuraag Villa
• Jodhpur: Kesar Heritage Boutique Homestay
• Jaisalmer: Hotel Murad Haveli
• Thanjavur: Hotel Victoriyah
• Udaipur: Little Peepal Guesthouse

Tip: If you’re booking online, make sure to check the worse reviews . There are many budget hotels with fake reviews in India, which makes it seem like it’s a nice place to stay while in reality, it’s horrible. I’ve written about my personal experiences with hotels like these in my posts about safety in Delhi and scams in Delhi .

Mid-range hotels

If you can spend a bit more, you will easily find beautiful and clean hotel rooms in India. The price for mid-range hotels varies from 20 USD to 40 USD per night . For this price, you can even find hotels with a nice garden or pool where you can relax.

You can find some of the best-rated mid-range hotels below. This will give you an idea of what you can expect for this price:

• Amritsar: Hotel Exotic
• Fort Kochi: Roses Inn
• Jaipur: Pearl Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel
• Udaipur: Mahendra Prakash

Luxury hotels

The most luxurious (and expensive) hotels in India are owned by Taj Hotels and Oberoi Hotels . Look at this hotel with a view of the Taj Mahal , for example, or the picture above, which is a hotel inside a palace.

You don’t need to spend this amount of money for a luxurious stay in India, though. Here are some examples of luxury hotels that are more affordable:

• Alleppey: Sunsets and Palm Trees
• Goa: Coconut Creek Resort
• Kolkata: Calcutta Bungalow
• Mumbai: President Mumbai

Cost of Food and Restaurants in India

Indian cuisine is one of the things India is most famous for and it’s easy to understand why – it’s delicious and immensely varied!

And the best thing is that Indian food is also very affordable, which reduces the cost of travel in India.

Local restaurants and street food

The cheapest food in India can be found in local restaurants or in street stalls. Here, you can expect to pay between 1 USD and 2,50 USD for a meal. You will find plenty of delicious snacks and dishes like samosa, paneer tikka, shahi paneer and biryani in these places.

Avoid restaurants in touristy areas if you’re on a budget, as they will be more expensive.

When you’re travelling in India and you’re not used to the food here, it’s important to keep an eye on a restaurant’s hygiene because Delhi belly is real . Don’t let this keep you from trying street food or eating in local restaurants, though, as there are a few things you can do to avoid getting sick in India .

Tip: There is a place where everyone can eat for free in India – this is in the world’s largest community kitchen in the Golden Temple in Amritsar .

Mid-range restaurants

For a meal in a nice restaurant, you will pay 3 USD to 6 USD , depending on the dish. There are plenty of restaurants like these in more touristy areas. This doesn’t include drinks. Soda and lassi are pretty affordable, but mocktails and alcoholic beverages are more expensive .

Fancy restaurants

India is home to plenty of chic restaurants too. You will find most of these in five-star hotels, in cities like Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay) and Bangalore or in certain areas of a city, like the French Quarter of Pondicherry , for example.

A meal will cost anything between 7 USD and 30 USD in restaurants like these, it all depends on the location and how luxurious the place is.

Cost of Transportation in India

India is a huge country, and you will spend some time on the road too while you’re travelling here. Luckily, there’s a way of transportation for every budget in India, from local trains and buses to the insanely luxurious Maharaja Express train .

Long distances

The cheapest way to get around in India is by taking public transportation. Buses and trains are your best friends if you’re on a tight budget.

The cost depends on where you’re going and the class you choose (AC/non-AC), but you can expect to pay between 4 USD and 20 USD for a train ticket from Delhi to Jaipur , for example.

Besides trains and buses, another way to travel long distances is by taking domestic flights . These are more expensive than trains, but they will save you plenty of time too because India is a BIG country. The main domestic airlines in India are IndiGo , SpiceJet and AirIndia .

Note that you better book trains in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly, especially in the north. I recommend using 12GoAsia to do so, this is the only website I could find that accepts non-Indian credit cards.

Short distances

To get around cities, I would recommend using the Ola app to order an auto-rickshaw , bike or private car . This way, you will get a fair price immediately and won’t need to haggle, as many drivers try to charge foreigners 10 times the local price (I am not exaggerating). Bikes and auto-rickshaw rides are inexpensive (if you use Ola or are good at haggling), but a private car will cost more.

You can also rent a scooter or a motorbike . The price depends on the place and type of scooter/bike, but you can expect to pay between 5 USD and 9 USD to rent a scooter for a day.

• Train from Delhi to Jaipur: 4 USD – 20 USD
• Bus from Chennai to Madurai: 3,50 USD – 15 USD
• Overnight bus from Delhi to Varanasi : 11 USD – 40 USD
• Flight from Delhi to Kolkata : 70 USD
• Renting a scooter in Jaisalmer: 6 USD per day
• Renting a motorbike in Spiti Valley: 15 USD per day

Entry Fees and Cost of Activities in India

In India, entry fees are 10 to 20 times more expensive for foreigners. Indians and SAARC countries will pay less. Temples, however, are free to visit for everyone.

How much you will spend on entry fees and activities largely depends on what you want to see and do. You will spend more on entry fees in cities like Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai, as there are more tourist attractions here. If you’re visiting Pushkar , on the other hand, many of the highlights are temples, so you won’t need to pay anything.

All in all, entry fees and activities definitely increase the cost of travel in India, but these are not as high as in Western countries.

If you decide to take a guided tour with a travel agency, you will spend more than you would if you were travelling on a backpacker’s budget. On the other hand, it will save you time, as they will arrange everything for you.

• Temples: Free
• Taj Mahal : 13,40 USD for foreigners, 0,60 USD for Indians and 6,60 USD for SAARC countries
• Red Fort, Delhi: 6 USD for foreigners and 0,40 USD for Indians
• Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur : 7,30 USD for foreigners and 2,40 USD for Indians
• Hampi: 6 USD for foreigners and 0,40 USD for Indians and SAARC countries
• Overnight desert safari in Jaisalmer : 36 USD to 75 USD
• Private, 5-day Golden Triangle tour with GetYourGuide : 227 USD

Funny thing that happened: When I was visiting the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, two Indian girls tried to smuggle me inside for the local price. When I handed over my ticket to the guards, however, they looked at me suspiciously and asked: “You Indian?”. So, I got sent back to the ticket office.

Cost of Souvenirs in India

This is a difficult one, as the cost of Indian souvenirs will depend on your bargaining skills .

Although there are shops with fixed prices, many shopkeepers will expect you to haggle. I’ve asked a couple of Indian friends how much you should haggle the price down, and they told me to bargain it down to at least half of the price the shopkeeper says first. To succeed, you will have to start by quoting around 25% of what they ask.

I hate haggling but believe me, you can find plenty of beautiful souvenirs in India, from clothes and jewellery to oil lamps and brass idols.

Tips to Save Money in India

If you’re on a tight budget, there are some ways to reduce the cost of travel in India. You will find these below.

• Download the Ola app: I’ve written this earlier in this post, but Ola will definitely save you time and money, as you will get a fair price for an auto-rickshaw or taxi without haggling.
• Travel by road or book flights in advance: The cheapest way to travel long distances is by road. However, if you want to fly, make sure to book your tickets in advance, as the price will rise the closer you get to the departure date.
• Haggle: In many places in India, prices are flexible and vendors will expect you to haggle. This can also be done in many hotels if you don’t book online.
• Travel during the low season: Prices will be cheaper during the low season, however, you will want to check the weather in advance. I was in the South of India in the middle of the Summer and decided to escape to the mountains because I seriously underestimated the heat (and humidity).

The Cost of Travel in India: Final Thoughts

The cost of travel in India largely depends on your travel style. All in all, you can get by with as little as 20 USD per day if you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort. So, it’s entirely possible to travel to India on a shoestring budget.

On the other hand, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars a day too if you would like to spoil yourself.

I hope that this post answers all of your questions concerning the budget you will need to travel in India. Let me know in the comments if there’s something I have forgotten or if you have any questions.

I would love to hear about your personal experience too, how much did you spend on your trip to India?

Are you travelling to India? Check out my Indian itineraries next:

Read more about India:

• Landmarks to See on Your Trip to India
• Reasons Why You Should Visit India
• 17 Things NOT to Do in India
• How to AVOID Getting Sick in India: 10 Tips You Need
• The Ultimate India Travel Bucket List: 35 Ideas
• South India VS North India: 9 Differences
• Solo Travel in India: A Complete Guide (Best Places, Tips & Safety)

India Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to India on  Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Hostelworld . 🛺 Download the  Ola app  to order a rickshaw or a taxi. 🚃 Use  12GoAsia  to book trains and buses in India. 🚗 Rent a car with  Discover Cars  to get the best rates. 💰 Get travel insurance via  VisitorsCoverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 👘 Check out my  complete India packing list for females . 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa   to visit India.

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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• 24 Cheapest Places In India Even A Broke Student Can Visit In 2024

23 Mar 2023

What is that one reason you put forth when you ditch a trip you really wanted to go on? That’s right. It’s money! No matter how great a trip we plan and how much we’re jumping about with joy on the prospect of going there, the entire plan goes down the drain when you realize the expenses will exceed your budget. But not anymore. There are plenty of absolutely gorgeous cheapest places in India that you can go to with almost nothing in your wallet and still have the time of your life. After all, the best things in life come without a price tag!

Top 24 Cheapest Places In India

Check out the list of the best cheapest places in India  that you can visit in India on a budget. All of these places have something for everyone. From architectural marvels to natural wonders, India has varied shades to leave one in awe. Keep scrolling down and read along!

• Pondicherry: The Incalculable Worth Of Serenity & Hospitality
• Kodaikanal: Hills & Street Food In A Matter Of A Few Bucks
• Darjeeling: Home Stays At A Next To Nothing Cost
• Mcleodganj: The Priceless Beauty Of Hills & Monasteries
• Varanasi: The Immeasurable Essence Of Spirituality
• Amritsar: Because Patriotism Ain’t Got A Price
• Gokarna: The Best Of Nature At The Least Of Cost
• Hampi: The Beauty Of Priceless Treasures Of The Old
• Murthal: Paranthas And Road Trips That Don’t Dime A Dozen
• Goa: The Hippie Life At Rock Bottom Rates
• Kasol: Himachal’s Hamlet At Affordable Prices
• Jaipur: The Pink City On A Budget
• Alleppey: Backwaters Could Be Your Next Shoe-String Escape
• Itanagar: Natural Beauty Does Not Get Heavy On Pockets
• Pushkar: Modest Trip To The City Of Camels
• Udaipur: Inestimable Beauty Of Land Of Royals
• Rishikesh: A Quick Budget Adventure
• Nainital: The Most ‘Grammable Bargain
• Lonavala: Take A Misty Getaway Pricelessly
• Shimla: A Popular Spot For Budget Crunches
• Munnar: Thousand Shades Of Green On A Penny
• Kanyakumari: Gonna Take Lesser Than A ‘Tip’
• Digha : The Quaint Town On A Budget
• Meghalaya : The Abode Of Clouds

1. Pondicherry: The Incalculable Worth Of Serenity & Hospitality

The perfect place for an all girls trip, or even a lone female traveller , does not ask for much in terms of expenses. This French Riviera of the East has all the ingredients you need for a great vacation- stunning views, amicable people, undisturbed beaches, tranquility, awesome food & wine, and the pretty French infrastructure . All the places to visit in Pondhicherry have a charm of its own. The best way to experience the true essence of this Union Territory is to stay at one of its wonderful Ashrams. Stay at its highly hospitable Auroville Ashram if you want to cut down your accommodation expenses really low, this city can prove to be one of the cheapest cities in India . 

Places To Visit: Paradise Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville Places To Stay: Shenbaga Hotel & Convention Centre, The Residency Towers Puducherry, Hotel Annamalai International How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Must Read: 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry: India’s French Colony!

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2. Kodaikanal: Hills & Street Food In A Matter Of A Few Bucks

With incredible scenic beauty and an expanse of pristine hills, and some of the best street food in the country , a stay at this ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ goes unbelievably easy on your pocket. Kodaikanal gives you homely places to stay at as low as INR 200 , and delicious street food like fried chicken at just INR 20 ! It is definitely among the top five in the list of best budget trips in India . Hard to believe, right?

Places To Visit:  Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park Places To Stay: Silver Mist Holiday Home, Kodai Resort Hotel, Hotel Kodai International How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: Top 7 Adventure Camps In India To Take Your Thrilling Ventures In The Country Up A Notch!

3. Darjeeling: Home Stays At A Next To Nothing Cost

With an assortment of low-priced options for staying like those pretty little hotels, home stays, lodges, & cosy cottages , Darjeeling makes for an excellent getaway if you’re not willing to spend more than a few bucks on your trip. Enjoy this scenic wonder with its snow laden mountain peaks and the pristine views of the sunrise and sunset, gorge on some mouth-watering North Eastern delicacies and relish the exquisite taste of the famous Darjeeling Tea, places that are surrounded by some of the best resorts in Darjeeling to book your travel. 

Places To Visit:  Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Sandakphu Trek Places To Stay: Chamong Chiabari Mountain Retreat & SPA, Udaan Dekeling Resort, Sanderling Resort & spa How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 20 Things To Do In Darjeeling That You Won’t Find In Any Travel Guide!

4. Mcleodganj: The Priceless Beauty Of Hills & Monasteries

A heaven for all nature lovers and photographers, Mcleodganj is another one of the cheapest places in India where you can completely submerge yourself into the natural splendour, the rich culture, and the religious divinity of the place without a single shred of worry over monetary expenses. The train to Mcleodganj, the places to stay, the eating joints & cafes, the treks, the temples and monasteries , everything about this quaint little hill station is cheap.

Places To Visit:  Bhagsu Falls, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Shiva Cafe Places To Stay: Hotel Triund Heights, Hotel Ekant Lodge, Backpackers Hostel How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 11 Most Convincing Reasons To Visit Mcleodganj This Summer

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

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Bengaluru - Delhi - Leh - Ladakh - Leh - Delhi - Amristsar - Chandigarh - Bengaluru

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A backpacker's guide to the predominant Honeymoon destination!

Shivani Talks Of Her Trip To Mcleodganj & Dalhousie With Her Husband And Friends

Sunset views. Monasteries. Bhagsunath falls. And amazing street food.

Kanika Proves That Traveling With An Infant To Kerala Is Totally Safe & Wonderful

Beaches, Backwaters, Spas, & More. Take me there now, please!

Here's Why Aakanksha's Trip To Manali Changed Her Idea About Group Tours

Ideal long weekend getaway from Delhi! Isn't it?

Isha Elaborates On How She Went Solo To Kasol & Returned With Lots Of Friends

And tales of her exciting Kheerganga & Chalal trek...

Prasham's Account Of A Goa Tour Proves That Goa Is More Than A Party Destination

Adventure, sightseeing, laid-back beach tours, and it doesn't stop there!

Bhavya Gives An Extensive Account Of His Jaisalmer Trip With Friends

Desert safari, haunted Kuldhara village, & Gadisar Lake. There's more...

Ashish Tells Why Kashmir Turned Out To Be A Winter Wonderland For His Family

For Gondolas, Shikaras, and plenty of snow!

Arunav Can't Stop Praising His Adventurous Trip To Sikkim & Darjeeling With Friends

For adventure in Air, on Land, and in Water!

Avneet Describes Her Trip To Spiti With A Group Of Strangers That Became Friends

Sightseeing. Monasteries. Trekking. And beauty all along

5. Varanasi: The Immeasurable Essence Of Spirituality

From affordable guest houses to cheap boat rides, this spiritual sanctum of India gives a lot away and demands little in return. Varanasi offers various options for sightseeing and a variety of food at incredibly low prices. The ghats, the temples, the colours of the city, & a dip in the holy water to cleanse your soul …..you can experience all of these with almost empty pockets. To add, Varanasi is also home to many of the mysterious temples of India with some peculiar tales. How cool is that? 

Places To Visit: Ganges River, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat  Places To Stay: Hotel Ashoka Grand, Sandhya Guest House, Mastana Palace How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 16 Most Beautiful Villages In India That You Must Visit

6. Amritsar: Because Patriotism Ain’t Got A Price

The city is an amazing retreat for those looking for a de-stressing weekend. And the best way to achieve that in Amritsar is to stay at the Harmandir Sahib gurdwara (Golden Temple), where you have to pay a very small amount for staying if you’re a guy, and nothing at all if you’re a girl, while enjoying the free and utterly delicious ‘ langar ’ during your stay, but, with dignity! Cool, isn’t it? Immerse yourself in this city with dripping patriotism & experience its rich history by paying a visit to places like the Jalianwallah Bagh and the Wagah Border .

Places To Visit:  Golden Temple, Akal Takht, Wagah Border Places To Stay: Comfort Inn Alstonia, HK Clarks Inn, Hyatt Regency Amritsar How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 19 Exhilarating Amusement Parks In India That Will Leave You Mind-Boggled

7. Gokarna: The Best Of Nature At The Least Of Cost

If you want to live in hotels, guest houses, and beach resorts that provide world-class modern facilities at the lowest price possible , Gokarna is the place for you. It is perfect for those seeking peace, spirituality, & solitude, all among the goodness of Nature. One can spend days on end at this peaceful retreat, in its pristine, untouched beaches, and visiting  its many beautiful temples . If you seek a hint of advenutre, do give river rafting in Gokarna a try!

Places To Visit:  Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach Places To Stay:  Kudle Beach View Resorts and Spa, Shanthi Krishna Residency, Viraz Valley How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: Street Food In India: 17 Scrumptious Treats For Your Food Spree

8. Hampi: The Beauty Of Priceless Treasures Of The Old

If you’re into ancient monuments, ruins, and old architecture, you must definitely visit Hampi. A UNESCO World Heritage site , Hampi is known for its ruins of many old palaces, royal structures, & temples, like the Lotus Mahal, Lakshmi Narasimha temple , & the Hazara Rama temple . But that’s not all, this place has some of the cheapest cottages, lodges and hotels in the country offering luxurious stays. One can rent a motorbike or bicycle at an affordable rent to go around the town, and eat at its many eating joints offering the most delicious of food at the lowest cost.

Places To Visit:  Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal Places To Stay: Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari, Kishkinda Heritage Resort, and Heritage Resort Hampi How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: Luxury India Tours: 16 Royal Experiences In India To Make You Feel Like Maharajas

9. Murthal: Paranthas And Road Trips That Don’t Dime A Dozen

A favorite spot for all living in and around the National Capital Region, Murthal provides a quick and awesome getaway for those looking for a nice, short 2 hour trip that ends on some of the most delicious food available in the country. Take a road trip to this amazing retreat in Sonepat, Haryana and gorge on some lip-smacking paranthas loaded with dollops of white butter at unbelievably inexpensive rates.  It is one of the popular  cheapest places in India  to relish a delicious early-morning meal! 

Places To Visit:  Tomb of Khwaja Khizr, Mosque of Abdullah Nasir, Dargah Mamu Bhanja Places To Stay: Arnav Resort Jurasik Park, Hotel Signature Villa, Hotel Primrose Regency How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 10 Beautiful Highways In India Studded With Splendid Views To See

10. Goa: The Hippie Life At Rock Bottom Rates

The heartbeat of every Indian, Goa is the one place people like to visit again and again to marvel in its hippie culture, the gorgeous beaches, an amazing nightlife,and the delicious sea food . There’s no end to the fun one can have in Goa. But few know that Goa can be enjoyed in a budget and you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy at one of India’s most cheapest cities in India . You can stay at the ridiculously low priced yet comfortable beach shacks, hire a bike and move about the entire town, sit at the beach and dance around a bonfire with your friends, & eat at the many inexpensive food joints and still enjoy the most scrumptious variety of seafood.

Places To Visit:  Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Grand Island Places To Stay:  Emperor Resort & Spa, Varanda Do Mar, The Park Baga River Goa How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 15 Budget Hotels In Goa Perfect For All Kinds Of Travelers

11. Kasol: Himachal’s Hamlet At Affordable Prices!

Wondering which are the cheapest places in India to travel? Whether you are a student or a working professional, Kasol is a destination that will be easy on your pockets. Go relish delicious food and explore the picturesque hamlet in Himachal Pradesh. The ferocious River Parvati is a cherry on top to the panoramic landscape that makes it look right out of a storybook. It has emerged as one of the popular places to visit for the younger crowds. 

Places To Visit:  Manikaran Sahib, Moon Dance Cafe, Malana Village Places To Stay:  Nomads Hostel, Kabila Camp, Blue Moon Homestay How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 8 Homestays In Kasol That Will Take You A Step Closer To Nature

12. Jaipur: The Pink City On A Budget!

Another one on the list of cheapest places in India is the pink city in the land of kings. Jaipur situated in Rajasthan is almost on every traveler’s list and if you are one of those, then you will be glad to know that you can explore the city on a budget. There are many budget-friendly options for staying in the city. No wonder Rajasthan is one of the cheapest states in India . 

Places To Visit:  Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort Places To Stay: Trident Jaipur, Radisson Jaipur City Center,  Jaipur Marriott Hotel How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: Attention Travellers: These 5 Destinations Just Got A Hell Lot Cheaper For Indians!!

13. Alleppey: Backwaters Could Be Your Next Shoe-String Escape

Image Credits: munnarholiday for Pixabay

A hidden jewel of South India, Alleppey is perhaps among the stunning cheapest places in India. Also named as Alappuzha, the nodding palm trees, clear water canals, beautiful canopies, and the luxurious Ayurvedic Resorts of this town is what makes it a popular choice for travelers. Those who are traveling to Kerala or are from the nearby cities should definitely visit this destination and try out the Houseboats. The houseboats turn out to be pretty feasible as they not only include the bedroom but also a few meals are included. These boats are also surrounded by some of the best beaches in Alleppey . A great deal to think about, eh?

Places To Visit:  Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Mannarasala Temple Places To Stay: Kuttichira Heritage Home, The Rain by Vista Rooms, Pearl Beach Bungalow Heritage Home How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 15 Best Places Of Indian Cultural Heritage You Must-Visit

14. Itanagar: Natural Beauty Does Not Get Heavy On Pockets

Image Credits: deba_dmj for Pixabay

The North Eastern region of the country is known for its stash of natural bounty, which is in abundance, by the way. One such city sitting on the floors of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar. This spot is one of the best cheapest places in India. With the perfect backdrop being formed by the snow-capped Himalayas and the major highlight of the landscape being the fertile plains of River Brahmaputra, Itanagar looks straight out of a kid’s storybook. From a legendary old-world Ita Fort to the pristine Ganga Lake, there is plenty to see in this city. So when in Kolkata, Assam, Manipur, or Meghalaya, do consider paying a budget trip to Itanagar as well as this destination is bound to make you fall in love with our prestigious mother earth.

Places To Visit:  Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Gompa Buddhist Temple Places To Stay:  Hotel Blue Pine, Hotel Kameng, Hotel Rising Sun How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 11 Best Bachelor Party Destinations In India To Kiss Singlehood Goodbye

15. Pushkar: Modest Trip To The City Of Camels

Image Credits: RichardMc for Pixabay

Famed for being home to the only temple of Lord Brahma, Pushkar is a city in Rajasthan that is as authentic as it can get in terms of traditions and heritage. This quaint temple town hosts an annual Pushkar Fair which is visited by hippies from all over the world. There are several thousands of Hindu pilgrims that pay a visit to Pushka, the temple town, as it is tagged. One can hear the chants and aartis around every corner of the street. Sit by the lake, sipping on chai, and witnessing the people of Puskar just living their lives in a hustle. To add, if you love those accessories with your outfits, do keep a lookout for oxidised jewelry that doesn’t cost a dime either!

Places To Visit:  Brahma’s Temple, Varah Temple, Savitri Temple Places To Stay:  Dera Masuda Luxury Resort, Nature Village Resort, Ananta Spa & Resort How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 22 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In India You Need To Explore In Summer

16. Udaipur: Inestimable Beauty Of Land Of Royals

Image Credits: Tina_OO for Pixabay

Often tagged as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is probably the most serene place one can ever visit in Rajasthan. With the houses showcasing that hint of havelis, the roads sharing its floor with lakes that are spread as far as the eye can see, the restaurants clustered in a single area, and the feeling of belongingness, Udaipur steals the heart of many. If you are planning to take a budget trip to Udaipur, book yourself a double decker bus and take a relaxing overnight journey. The best thing about Udaipur is that there is plenty to witness there from City Palace to Taj Palace, the magnificence of attractions simply leave one in awe.

Places To Visit:  The Lake Palace, City Palace, Jagdish Temple Places To Stay: Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa, Bamboo Saa Resort & Spa, Araliayas Resort How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: Dussehra In India: 10 Places To Welcome The Best Celebrations

17. Rishikesh: A Quick Budget Adventure

Image Credits: AYMYogaSchool for Pixabay

Also known as the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, Rishikesh is a town in Uttarakhand that has seen a sudden rise in popularity in the recent years. Giving one a chance to not only get closer to mother nature but also embrace the essence of spirituality, challenge their inner daredevils, and relish some lip-smacking delicacies served by innumerable cafes residing on its floors. This town transports one to a different world altogether. This destination exudes an unmatchable charm that does not fail to impress any traveler. Do not forget to try out river rafting when in Rishikesh!

Places To Visit:  Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula Places To Stay: Aloha On The Ganges by Leisure Hotels, and Shaantam Resorts, Spa Rishikesh How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 23 Interesting Places To Visit In Udupi On Your South India Tour

18. Nainital: The Most ‘Grammable Bargain

Image Credits: Akumarphotos for Pixabay

Nainital is another one of the popular destinations that is visited by families and their little ones. This is among the cheapest places in India that happens to be a great escape during the summer vacation of the kids. Nainital is a gem of a destination that sits proudly on the foothills of Kumaon region in Himalayas. This town is filled to the brim with buildings exhibiting the finest colonial architecture from the British Era. This town is easily accessible via roads and rails, and hence, is not too heavy on the pockets. The best thing is that the accommodation here begins at only INR 800 per night.

Places To Visit:  Naina Peak, The Mall Road, Tiffin Top Places To Stay:  Trishita Residency, Paradise Homestay, Hotel Mount How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: Statue Of Unity – An Exclusive Guide To This Sculpture Of ‘The Iron Man Of India’

19. Lonavala: Take A Misty Getaway Pricelessly

Image Credits: Ankita Gkd for Pixabay

Lonavala is a perfect cheapest places in India for those who want to explore Maharashtra. If you wish to witness both the concrete jungles and the natural jungles of this state, be sure to take a trip to Lonavala after covering Pune or Mumbai. From lush green trees and magical waterfalls to pristine lakes and majestic hills, this hill station in Maharashtra is a perfect place to rejuvenate and gather the energy that is needed to fight what life throws at you. A part of the Sahyadri Hills, Lonavala is definitely awaiting with arms open to offer a soulful vacation to you all.

Places To Visit:  Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, Lonavala Lake Places To Stay: Lonavala Holiday Homes, Hotel Dreamland, Hotel Mulberry Konnect How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 5 Super Amazing Snake Parks In India For Your Next Vacay!

20. Shimla: A Popular Spot For Budget Crunches

Image Credits: simranjeetrocksingh for Pixabay

Shimla has been a popular escape for years now. The majestic views of the mountains, the colonial era architecture, the serenity in the atmosphere, the mystical woods, the world-class cafes, and the old-world charm blend to form what we all know as Shimla. This is among the cheapest places in India that has something for everyone. From honeymooners to families, from friends trips to solo excursions, one can see each and every kind of traveler strolling around the mall road, hogging on bakery products, shopping for souvenirs, or just soaking in the beauty of the valley deep down.

Places To Visit:  The Ridge of Shimla, Kufri, Green Valley, Jakhoo Hill Places To Stay: The Oberoi Cecil, Wildflower Hall, Clarkes hotel How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: Bullet Train In India: Here’s How It’s Going To Change Our Train Travel!

21. Munnar: Thousand Shades Of Green On A Penny

Image Credits: saxanrappai for Pixabay

The aroma of tea and coffee plantations that is spread all across the town is what acts as a magnet for many. Munnar is as beautiful as any town can get. The rolling grasslands, pleasant winds, fragrant breeze, tranquility in the atmosphere, and the calmness makes it a perfect spot to escape the blaring horns and the unnecessary shrieks of people back in the city. This hill station of Kerala is a major part of the Western Ghats and is often named as the ‘Kashmir of South India’. One can observe several hundred shades of green in Munnar by virtue of this town being the commercial centre of the world’s largest tea estates. So, when in Kerala, Karnataka, or Tamil Nadu, plan a budget excursion to Munnar!

Places To Visit:  Attukal Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, TATA Tea Museum Places To Stay: Misty Mountain Resort, KTDC Tea County, Tea Valley Resort How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Suggested Read: 21 Enthralling Trails For Backpacking In India That Will Instantly Get You Going

22. Kanyakumari: Gonna Take Lesser Than A ‘Tip’!

Image Credits: iarunk for Pixabay

The tip of India, Kanyakumari is the land where one can see the alchemy of three seas. This town is a treasure that this country certainly boasts about and is one of the  cheapest places in India that you must visit. This coastal town has mountain peaks on one side and vast seas on the other, with massive stretches of white sands dividing the two. The views that Kanyakumari has to offer are, hands down, the best that one has ever witnessed. Be it witnessing the stunning sunrise, strolling around the glittering beaches, seeking blessings at the various temples, or getting refreshed by the falls, Kanyakumari is idealistic and perfect to visit for those spending their vacation in the southern part of the country.

Places To Visit:  Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach Places To Stay:  The Hotel Raja Palace, Rehoboth Home Stay, Phoenix Holiday Home How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

23. Digha: The Quaint Town On A Budget

Image Credit: Swarnasubarna for Wikimedia Commons

With scenic beaches, Digha is a beautiful town in West Bengal that is one of the best cheap places to visit in India . If a serene escape is on your mind, then this town is perfect for you. From gorgeous beaches where you can relax and soak in the sun to ancient temples, there is a lot of places that you can explore in Digha. The best part about this town is that travelers can select an affordable stay option and roam around the town without spending a lot of money, proving West Bengal is the cheapest state in India. 

Places To Visit:  Digha Beach, Amarabati Park, Shankarpur Beach Places To Stay:  Hotel Seagull, Hotel Dolphin, Hotel Sea Sand How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

24. Meghalaya: The Abode Of Clouds

Image Credit: Windrider for Wikimedia Commons

Famed as the abode of clouds, Meghalaya is one of the best cheap places to visit in summer in India . This state offers all travelers a chance to spend less and explore more. A lot of tourists visit this state and are charmed by its beauty. The stunning capital city, Shillong is home to a plethora of tourist attractions that you can explore on your trip. Do try the local food to enhance your overall experience.

Places To Visit:  Nohakalikai Falls, Umiam Lake, Mawlynnong Village Places To Stay:  Hotel Barbareek, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong, Hotel Woodland Hill Stay How To Reach:  Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Further Read: Raneh Falls: A Detailed Guide On Exploring The Grand Canyon Of India

Already enticed by the list of cheapest places in India? Get packed, pick this guide, book your trip to India with TravelTriangle, and leave right away! All of these places have plenty of experiences hidden at a budget that will not burn a hole in your pockets! 

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheapest Places In India

Which is the cheapest city in india.

5 cities in India that are quite affordable live in are - Bangalore, Indore, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. When looking for the cheapest places in India, you can consider visiting these cities.

Is Maldives cheaper than India?

Known for its luxury resorts and hotels, the Maldives is assumed to be an expensive country in the continent of Asia. However, it is one of the cheapest countries you can travel to from India, especially if you have carefully planned your trip. The cost for staying in the Maldives begins from INR 1500.

Which state in India has the lowest cost of living?

Kolkata will cost you considerably less when it comes to living in this metropolitan city. When compared to other metro cities of India, it has the lowest cost of living.

Which is the cheapest state of India?

Some parts of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi make these states of India the cheapest in the country.

How can I travel cheap in India?

There are some of the travel destinations in India that do not require you to spend a fortune when you visit them. These places are - Pondicherry, Kasol, Goa, Jaipur, Kodaikanal, and more. These places have some of the best yet cheapest staying options and hence are considered to be the cheapest.

Which is the costliest city in India?

Mumbai is considered to be the costliest city in the country. It has been proved via a survey conducted by a global consulting firm.

Is Kolkata the cheapest city in India?

The city of Kolkata is counted amongst the most affordable cities to live in. It ranks 182 out of 209 in the list of most expensive cities. In that list, Mumbai is considered to be the most expensive in India and cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru follow it.

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Budget travel , India

India travel budget: complete cost of backpacking india.

Table of Contents

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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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Taj Mahal Tickets Price & Timings – All you Need to Know

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The magnificent Taj Mahal has become India’s most recognizable landmark. Built as a symbol of everlasting love, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and India’s most visited tourist attraction.

As a stunning example of 17th-century architecture and a place where harmony and beauty meet, the Taj Mahal is a must-visit if you’re in India.

If you’re looking for information on Taj Mahal tickets price and Taj Mahal timings to plan your trip, we have all the information you need. Keep reading to find out key details on visiting the Taj Mahal, including:

How much do Taj Mahal tickets cost?

Where can i buy taj mahal tickets, does the taj mahal offer free entry, are there any taj mahal guided tours are they worth it.

• What are the Taj Mahal’s timings?

Can I visit the Taj Mahal at night?

Can you cancel your taj mahal tickets, on which days is the taj mahal closed, what is the best time to visit the taj mahal, how long will it take to visit the taj mahal, what will i see.

• Useful tips

Taj Mahal tickets price varies depending on a few factors, including which option you choose. Guided tours will, of course, cost slightly more, but they will also give you a chance to learn more about the history and importance of the Taj Mahal. Don’t worry, though, a visit to the Taj Mahal is very affordable regardless of what option you go with.

Standard Ticket

The standard entrance ticket to the Taj Mahal costs less than $1 for Indian citizens and around $14 for foreigners. Children under 15 can enter the Taj Mahal for free. You will need to buy an additional ticket (about $2.50 extra) if you want to enter the Taj Mahal mausoleum itself.

All tickets include a pair of shoe covers (needed to enter the mausoleum) and a bottle of water. You can buy a ticket at the ticket windows outside the Taj Mahal as well as online through their official website .

You can also buy special skip-the-line tickets in advance through tour providers. Although you might end up paying slightly more, there are added benefits to this. For example, for about 10 US Dollars more, you can get a ticket entrance to the Taj Mahal, Mausoleum admission, and an English/Hindi speaking tour guide. Bought separately, this might end up costing you more – plus you would have to stand in line and wait until a guide is available. You can compare prices through TourScanner.

Guided Tours

A great hassle-free way to explore the Taj Mahal is with a guide. Not only will you avoid having to wait in line for your ticket, but you’ll have somebody with you to share interesting details that will help the Taj Mahal come to life.

There are many tour options available, some of which include stops at other famous landmarks like the majestic Agra Fort , the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri , or the Mehtab Bagh from where you can take stunning Taj Mahal sunset photos. Both group and private tours are available and many can be customized to include additional destinations, lunch or even round-trip transportation from New Delhi.

• Taj Mahal tours

During COVID times, it was only possible to buy tickets online. The ticket windows have now reopened and Taj Mahal tickets can be bought at two different entry gates: the Western Gate and the Eastern Gate. There’s a third gate in the south of the complex, but it is currently closed and can only be used to exit (but not enter) the Taj Mahal.

There are separate ticket lines for foreign tourists, so make sure you go to the right window. The Western Gate is the main entrance so it’s always busier, while the Eastern Gate is less busy but also offers four ticket lines: two for women (foreign and local) and two for men, so waiting times to get a ticket are shorter.

To save time, it’s always better to get your Taj Mahal tickets online in advance. As India’s most popular tourist attraction, it’s no surprise the lines to get into the Taj Mahal are always long, no matter when you visit.

You can book tickets online through the official Taj Mahal website or a tour operator. You can use Tourscanner to compare prices for basic standard tickets or special tours, depending on what type of experience you’re looking for. Guided tours usually include the entrance ticket, so it often saves money to book things this way.

While the price of tickets at the gate is the same year-round, you might find special deals when booking online, so always spend some time checking before making a final choice.

If you plan your trip well, you might be able to see the Taj Mahal for free – just be aware that free days attract even bigger crowds than usual, so your chances for people-free photos get smaller on these days. To make the most of free days, arrive very early, soon after sunrise if possible.

Free entrance to the Taj Mahal is available on the following days:

• February 27th, February 28th, and March 1st in celebration of the death anniversary of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
• World Tourism Day (September 27th)
• The First day of World Heritage Week (this happens in November, but dates vary, so check in advance)
• On EID Day (the end of Ramadan), entry is free until 11 am unless this day falls on a Friday (in that case, the Taj Mahal will be closed).

You can also get great photos of the Taj Mahal for free from the banks of the holy Yamuna River. If you visit the Mehtab Bagh gardens across the river, you’ll get direct views of the Taj Mahal.

The gardens themselves are slightly run down and walking around during the rainy season is, to say the least, a bit tricky. But the views are worthy and because of the angle and elevation, you won’t have people in the frame ruining your shot.

Entrance to the gardens isn’t free (it costs about 2.5 US Dollars) but worth it if you’re after great photos.

There are plenty of guided tours of the Taj Mahal if you want to do more than just take a few pictures when visiting.

A guided tour offers many benefits – from the convenience of roundtrip transfers to skip-the-line tickets and having an experienced guide to help you learn more about the places you’re visiting. If you add up all costs, guided tours are often big money-savers (and usually time-savers as well) and a great way to just focus on enjoying your holiday.

Many of these tours depart from the nearby city of Agra, from where you’ll be taken in an air-conditioned van to the magnificent Taj Mahal and several other spots (usually the Agra Fort and the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri), depending on the tour you choose.

Hot tip: Check out the best places to visit in Agra .

As you walk through the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll learn about the love story behind the creation of the Taj Mahal, how the design came to be, and why its magical allure remains very much alive today.

You can choose from sunrise or sunset tours (the two most popular options) or choose a regular daytime tour. Many tours will also take you to interesting places within the city of Agra to shop for local handicrafts made of marble, similar to what was used to build the Taj Mahal. Entrance fees and hotel transfers are usually included, and full-day tours usually include lunch.

Are you based in Dehli or Jaipur ? There are tours departing from both cities as well. Tours from Delhi are often by car or a combination of car and air-conditioned express train – a great 90-minute journey through the wonderful countryside where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch (depending on the tour you choose) as you catch the views out the window.

Multi-day tours covering the Golden Triangle (Jaipur-Agra-Delhi) are also available. These 4-6 guided tours usually include accommodation at each stop, or you can choose to organize that yourself and just have the driver pick you up at the hotel of your choice.

What are the Taj Mahal’s timings?

The Taj Mahal is open every day of the year except Fridays. You can buy Taj Mahal tickets at the Western and Eastern entry gates starting one hour before sunrise.

Technically speaking, the doors of the Taj Mahal open at sunrise and close at sunset. However, this will mean different times depending on when you’re visiting. Sunrise can be as early as 5:30 am in June and as late as 7:15 am in January.

The same is true for sunset – it gets dark before 6 pm in winter but in summer, you’ll have until close to 7:30 pm to explore the mausoleum grounds.

The ticket windows close 30 minutes before sunset, so don’t arrive at the last minute hoping for a quick photo.

It’s hard to imagine a more magical view of the Taj Mahal than at night, as the light of the Moon bounces off the pure white marble. While nighttime views of the Taj Mahal are possible, they need to be planned and timed properly, as these visits are only possible five nights a month.

Night visits are available the night of the full moon, plus the two days before and after that day. On those days, the Taj Mahal will open from 8:30 pm to 12:30 am.

Keep in mind that if any of those days falls on a Friday, the mausoleum complex will not open. The five days also do not apply during the month of Ramadan – always consult a calendar to confirm dates, as Ramadan dates will vary from year to year.

The ticket windows are not open for night tickets. Taj Mahal tickets for night visits must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance and are available only online. Only 400 visitors total are allowed into the Taj Mahal on each of these nights, and tickets sell out quickly.

There will be a specific time slot printed on the night ticket and you must show up for that specific slot – people are allowed in groups of 50 every 30 minutes. This is done to ensure everybody has a chance to explore and see everything within their 30-minute slot inside the Taj Mahal.

If you miss your time slot, you’ll be out of luck. You will also be urged to leave after your 30 minutes are up, so don’t stay in the same spot for too long and make sure you explore and take plenty of photos.

Tickets are around 10 US Dollars for adults for the night ticket. Although children can enter the Taj Mahal for free during the day, they must pay to visit at night. The cost is 6.50 US Dollars for children 3-15 years old.

Day tickets cannot be canceled and need to be used at the time pre-stamped on the ticket. If you arrive late, you will be denied entry and will need to stand in line to buy a new ticket.

Nighttime tickets can be canceled on the scheduled day as long as you do it before 1 pm. A cancellation fee of 25% of the ticket cost will apply.

If you booked a guided tour, contact the company to see if you’re eligible for a refund or to switch your trip to another date or time. This might not always be possible depending on the terms of your contract.

The Taj Mahal is open every day of the year, including holidays, except for Fridays. This is because the building next to the Taj Mahal is a functioning mosque, and Fridays are prayer days. On Fridays, only Muslims can enter the Taj Mahal (and only between noon and 2 pm) to pray.

The Taj Mahal might be closed for special VIP visits from foreign dignitaries from time to time, but this is rare and usually only lasts a few hours. Still, it’s worth checking in advance before traveling there, especially if you’re planning on buying a ticket at the gate.

This will depend on whether you’re looking for the best weather, the best photo opportunities or the smallest crowds.

If you want to beat the crowds, a guided tour is your best bet, as they come with skip-the-line tickets, and your guide will already have a route mapped to make the most of your visit.

If you’re visiting the Taj Mahal on your own, very early mornings are probably the best time to visit. That means arriving before the doors open or right after sunrise. By mid-morning, the lines are already long – in fact, mornings are usually very busy times unless you arrive before 8 am. Sunset is the busiest time and, for obvious reasons, the complex is also busier on weekends, so choose a weekday if possible.

Weather and seasons are also important factors in choosing the best time to visit. This can be tricky, depending on what you’re looking to get out of the trip. July to September is Monsoon season, which means lots of rain (if you don’t mind the rain, this usually means fewer people and some wonderful unique photos), while November to February brings nicer weather (cooler, more comfortable for walking around) but also a higher risk of fog blocking the views and bigger crowds.

Although it’s tricky to find the best time to visit, March to June might your best option. The weather is very hot by June already, but you’ll get plenty of blue skies and the best photo opportunities (but be ready for higher hotel and flight prices!).

Days offering free entry and public holidays (such as the Holi festival in February/March) are also best avoided as they draw big crowds.

Since 2019, visitors only have three hours to explore the Taj Mahal when they buy a ticket. If you want to stay longer, you will need to buy a second ticket – and if you’re caught inside after the three-hour limit, you will be given a fine (which is essentially just paying for a second ticket as you exit through the gate).

Tickets have an entry time stamped on them and you are required to enter at that designated time (or risk losing your ticket) and then exit before three hours pass.

The good news is that three hours is more than enough to see the Taj Mahal. If you’re visiting with a guide, they’ll make sure you stop at each important corner of the complex, but if you’re on your own, you might want to walk around the complex slowly so you have time to appreciate the architecture. If you’re hoping for some great photos, plan for some additional time – you might need to wait around for a while to get a nice shot without people in it.

Guided tours usually take longer than exploring on your own, as you’ll have a chance to hear interesting stories along the way. If you’re walking on your own and just appreciating the architecture, chances are you’ll be done in 2 hours or less.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re using the East Gate, the ticket window will be about 1km away from the actual gate. So you’ll have to buy the ticket, then walk to the gate to get in. This sounds like a hassle, but it’s still faster than waiting in the much longer lines by the west gate (where all the tourist buses stop). Either way, make sure you account for the time waiting to buy the ticket and get in when planning your trip to the Taj Mahal – otherwise, you’ll end up with less time to spend inside.

Standard Taj Mahal tickets allow access to the entire grounds of the 42-acre complex, except the inside of the mausoleum itself (which requires an additional ticket). These include the formal gardens and all the other buildings, which date back to the 17th century.

Red sandstone walls surround the Taj Mahal complex on three sides (the side overlooking the Yamuna River is open). Everything inside the walls is included in your ticket price. Additional small buildings located outside the walls (mainly also mausoleums) are also accessible to visitors.

Some of the most important sights you’ll have a chance to explore when visiting the Taj Mahal:

Main Gateway

Made up of massive clay brick archways decorated with inlaid floral designs, the darwaza (great gate) guards the entrance to the Taj Mahal complex. The rectangular building almost looks like a fortress, complete with turrets and lots of Koran inscriptions adorning the frames of the doors.

The gateway is meant to be only the entrance to the complex but it’s actually a great place to take pictures, using the massive archway gates as a frame.

The famous white marble building that people associate with the Taj Mahal is an actual tomb, the final resting place of 17th-century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The stunning multi-chambered structure is built in Indo-Islamic style and features four minarets framing the building, intrinsically decorated walls using Arabic calligraphy and stone inlays, and the famous onion dome or amrud that is over 35 meters high.

If you bought the additional ticket needed to enter this building, you will find stunning inlay work created using gemstones, lapidary inlay, flowers carved on the beautiful marble, and bas-reliefs inside. The actual crypt holding the bodies of Shah Jahan and his wife is underground.

The Taj Mahal gardens occupy about 300 square meters of meticulously designed stone pathways, raised flowerbeds, and beautiful reflecting pools of water. There are also fountains, avenues of trees lining up paths, and a smaller garden-within-a-garden area designed to resemble a symmetrical Persian garden.

Aside from the mausoleum, the most imposing building here is a mosque, which sits on the west side of the mausoleum. Built of red sandstone with intricate geometric designs and black marble on the floor, the mosque also features a beautiful vaulting dome and stunning archways.

A “twin” building sits on the east side and currently doesn’t serve any purpose. Theories said it could have been built as a guesthouse or a potential “balancing” building so the mausoleum in the center would be flanked by two equal pieces of architecture. The main difference between the twin buildings is the mosque floor, which has been built with pieces of black marble to symbolize the outline of prayer rugs.

Travel tips

• One of the most iconic photos you can take at the Taj Mahal is on a white bench with a stunning white building in the background. This bench is right after you enter through the west gate. If you arrive by sunrise, go straight for the bench and take that photo before you do anything else. It will be too crowded later in the day.
• Do not hire anybody offering guide services outside the gates. These are either overpriced or scams.
• Bring only a small bag with you. Leave food, batteries, cigarettes, and even gum at the hotel – you won’t be able to get into the Taj Mahal with anything besides your phone or a camera.
• There are lockers outside the gate if you want to leave your things there.
• There’s no food or drinks sold inside the Taj Mahal. Either eat before or plan for a nice lunch after.
• There’s no artificial lighting/electricity inside the Taj Mahal, only natural light. If you do the evening tour, you’ll only have the moonlight to guide you around so make sure your camera is good enough for nighttime pictures or you’ll end up with only blurry images.
• Wear bright colors, even if it’s just a bright blue or green shawl you can easily remove later. It makes you stand out against the stark white of the building when you take photos.
• if you’re visiting in the morning, walk the east side of the buildings first. The early morning light bouncing on the marble gives it a sort of glow that looks beautiful in pictures.
• Don’t forget to tour the other buildings in the complex. While the main mausoleum is the star here, the red sandstone structures next to it are equally beautiful and provide unique angles to photograph the mausoleum.
• December to February are very foggy, especially in the mornings. If you visit during these months, go to the tan mahal in the afternoon or evening for better views (and photos).
• There’s no audio guide rental available at the ticket window. If you want to explore the Taj Mahal on your own, download AudioCompass in advance. It provides the only officially approved Taj Mahal audio guide right on your phone.
• If you’re visiting in February, try to time your visit with the Taj Mahotsav festival, which runs annually from February 18th to the 27th. Set just steps away from the Taj Mahal, the festival features artisans, crafters, and live events.

We hope this guide about Taj Mahal tickets where helpful. Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any questions.

Where travel next? Check out selection of fun things to do in Jaipur and Delhi.

As always, happy travels!

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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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Lok Sabha elections 2024 pre-poll survey: From unemployment to inflation, here are key issues in the upcoming polls

Lok Sabha polls 2024: A CSDS-Lokniti pre-poll survey revealed that nearly half of the electorate have concerns pertaining to price rise and the jobs scenario in the country.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Price rise and jobs are of utmost concern to voters in India, the world's largest democracy, which is gearing up for the general election in the next few days, a pre-poll survey revealed. The seven-phase Lok Sabha election will kick off on April 19 and will continue till June 1. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is campaigning vehemently to retain power for the third term on the trot, the Opposition INDIA bloc is making  an all-out effort to defeat the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led ruling dispensation.

Has the growth of India’s economy translated into domestic jobs?

Notably, the key issues  resonating in India's General Election 2024 are mainly unemployment and inflation. The CSDS-Lokniti pre-poll survey revealed that more than half of the respondents expressed concerns pertaining to price rise and less number of jobs in the country.

As many as 62% of the respondents asserted that getting jobs has become more difficult. Only 12%  said that getting a job has become easier.

Jobless young India, too educated to be employed?

As per the survey,  67% of Muslims said getting a job has become difficult while 63% of Hindus from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and 59% of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) also expressed the same sentiment. Fifty seven percent of the upper caste respondents also said jobs were difficult to get, while 17% of them responded finding a job was easier.

An overwhelming  majority of voters also said price rise has affected their pockets severely, with 71% saying prices of the commodities have increased. While 76% of poor said inflation was hitting them, a similar percentage of Muslims too had the same opinion.

Unemployment crisis: 83% of jobless Indians are youth, says ILO report

On the quality of life, about 48% indicated it has become better, while 35% said it has worsened in the past five years. Only 22% of people said they were able to save money from their household income while 36% said they could fulfill their needs, but were not able to save money.

Fifty five per cent of the respondents said corruption has increased in the country in the past five years. While 25% blamed the Centre for corruption, 16% blamed the states, the survey pointed out.

The Lokniti-CSDS Pre-Poll survey 2024 collated responses from 10,019 people across 19 states.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Delhi Visit Delhi on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Delhi Costs

• Delhi Hotel Prices
• Best Hotels for One Night in Delhi
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Delhi
• Best Hotels for One Week in Delhi
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Delhi
• Best Luxury Hotels in Delhi
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Delhi
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Delhi
• Best Business Hotels in Delhi
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Delhi
• Best Cheap Hotels in Delhi
• Is Delhi Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Delhi cost?
• A Guide to Dilli Haat in Delhi, India
• India Costs
• Pondicherry
• Kolkata (Calcutta)
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Odisha (Orissa)
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• How much does it cost to travel to Delhi? (Average Daily Cost)
• Delhi trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Delhi expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Delhi?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Delhi?

You should plan to spend around $45 (₨3,724) per day on your vacation in Delhi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $12 (₨987) on meals
• $5.28 (₨441) on local transportation
• $46 (₨3,864) on hotels

A one week trip to Delhi for two people costs, on average, $624 (₨52,141) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 45 ₨ 3,724
• One Week Per person $ 312 ₨ 26,071
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 624 ₨ 52,141
• One Month Per person $ 1,336 ₨ 111,732
• One Week For a couple $ 624 ₨ 52,141
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 1,247 ₨ 104,283
• One Month For a couple $ 2,673 ₨ 223,463

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Delhi cost?

A one week trip to Delhi usually costs around $312 (₨26,071) for one person and $624 (₨52,141) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Delhi on average costs around $624 (₨52,141) for one person and $1,247 (₨104,283) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Delhi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Delhi on average costs around $1,336 (₨111,732) for one person and $2,673 (₨223,463) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Delhi has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Delhi is a reasonably affordable place to visit. Located in India, which is a very affordable country, visitors will appreciate the relatively low cost of this destination. It falls in the average range in the country for its prices. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Asia, Delhi is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Taipei.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Delhi Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Delhi?

The average Delhi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Delhi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Delhi

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Delhi is $23 (₨1,932). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Delhi is $46 (₨3,864). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 23 ₨ 1,932
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 46 ₨ 3,864

Hotel Prices in Delhi

Looking for a hotel in Delhi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Delhi based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $27. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Jashn's Inn Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 57
• The Oberoi New Delhi Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 114

Transportation Budget in Delhi

The cost of a taxi ride in Delhi is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $5.28 (₨441) per person, per day, on local transportation in Delhi.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 5.28 ₨ 441

Recommended Services

• Private Half-Day Guided Shopping Tour with Transfer in Delhi Viator $ 30
• Taj Mahal Sunrise All Inclusive Tour with Transfers Viator $ 7.00

Flights to Delhi

Rental cars in delhi, what did other people spend on transportation in delhi.

Typical prices for Transportation in Delhi are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Delhi, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Tuk Tuk Ride ₨ 10
• Taxi to Airport ₨ 160
• Subway ₨ 32
• Uber Cab ₨ 80
• Delhi Metro Smart Card ₨ 150
• Auto-rickshaw ₨ 100

Food Budget in Delhi

While meal prices in Delhi can vary, the average cost of food in Delhi is $12 (₨987) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Delhi should cost around $4.72 (₨395) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Delhi is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 12 ₨ 987

Recommended

• Evening Food Tour Viator $ 40
• Cooking Demo + Lunch/Dinner and interaction with an Indian family @ Chez… Viator $ 35

What did other people spend on Food in Delhi?

Typical prices for Food in Delhi are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Delhi, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• McDonalds ₨ 293

Entertainment Budget in Delhi

Entertainment and activities in Delhi typically cost an average of $13 (₨1,084) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 13 ₨ 1,084

Recommended Activities

• Taj Mahal & Agra luxury tour with guide(Skip the line Entry) Viator $ 57
• 4-Days Private Golden Triangle Tour India - Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour Viator $ 188

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Delhi?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Delhi are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Delhi, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Red Fort ₨ 870

Tips and Handouts Budget in Delhi

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Delhi is $3.65 (₨305) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Delhi is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 3.65 ₨ 305

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Delhi

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Delhi is $1.50 (₨125), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 1.50 ₨ 125

Alcohol Budget in Delhi

The average person spends about $8.67 (₨725) on alcoholic beverages in Delhi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 8.67 ₨ 725

Water Budget in Delhi

On average, people spend $0.42 (₨35) on bottled water in Delhi per day. The public water in Delhi is not usually considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 0.42 ₨ 35

Related Articles

Delhi on a budget.

Neighborhoods

Food and dining, transportation, more related articles.

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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Elon Musk to visit India for meeting with PM Modi

E lon Musk has announced on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that he will visit India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi without giving a date.

The Tesla boss is expected to announce major investment plans in the country soon.

Last month, India cut import taxes on electric vehicles (EV) for global carmakers which commit to investing $500m (£399m) and starting local production within three years.

In 2021, the Tesla boss said that India's high import duties had prevented the firm from launching its cars in the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Mr Musk wrote in a post on Wednesday : "Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India!"

A senior Indian government official told the BBC that the meeting is scheduled for the last week of April and will take place at Mr Modi’s official residence in New Delhi.

The BBC understands that Tesla’s plans for starting manufacturing in India will feature in the talks.

Mr Musk's visit comes just as the country begins voting in marathon, six-week-long elections on 19 April.

Mr Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is widely expected to win a third term in power.

A Tesla investment announcement during the election would bolster the business-friendly credentials of Mr Modi, who has courted foreign companies to set up manufacturing operations in India and create jobs.

The two men met last June in New York when the technology multi-billionaire said Mr Modi had been "pushing us to make significant investments in India, which is something that we intend to do".

Tesla's plans to move into India comes at a time when the company is battling weakening sales in the US and China.

Deliveries slid sharply in the first three months of this year as Tesla grappled with a fire at its European factory, global shipping disruption and growing competition.

Tesla has cut prices repeatedly in response to increased competition from rivals such as BYD but demand in key markets like China has fallen.

Tesla's shares have lost almost a third of their value since the start of this year.

India overtook the UK in 2022 to become the world's fifth-largest economy, and grew by 8.4% in the December quarter , helped by a surging manufacturing sector.

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Infinix launches Note 40 Pro 5G, Note 40 Pro+ 5G in India: Check price, specifications, availability

Infinix note 40 pro and note 40 pro+ are among the cheapest phones in india to support wireless charging. the new phones feature infinix’s ‘all-round fastcharge 2.0’ technology powered by the in-house self-developed cheetah x1 chip..

Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G, Note 40 Pro+ 5G India price and availability

The Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G series is offered in three colour options: Obsidian Black, Titan Gold, and Vintage Green. The Infinix Note 40 Pro is available with 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage and is priced at Rs 21,999 while the Note 40 Pro+ comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for Rs 24,999.  

The Early bird sale for the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G series starts today in the country via Flipkart from 12 PM. The company is yet to announce the regular sale date on the smartphones. 

Interested buyers can avail up to Rs 2,000 off via HDFC and SBI credit card transactions during the early bird sale on Flipkart. In addition to this, they can also get extra up to Rs 2,000 off on exchange. 

The early bird buyers will also get a MagKit (MagCase + MagPower charger) worth Rs 4,999 for free.

Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G, Note 40 Pro+ 5G specifications 

The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G and Note 40 Pro 5G smartphones are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 6nm processor paired with IMG BXM-8-256 GPU. They run on Android 14-based XOS 14. 

They feature a 6.78-inch FHD+ curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 1300 nits peak brightness, 2160Hz PWM Dimming, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. 

On the camera front, these smartphones get a 108MP primary camera with OIS, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth camera. They have a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls. 

While the Infinix Note 40 Pro+ packs a 4,600mAh battery with 100W charging support the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G has a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support. There is a 20W Wireless MagCharge support on both models. They also feature an in-display fingerprint sensor, IR sensor, stereo speakers with sound by JBL, IP53 rating, and dual microphones.

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Elon Musk's India visit: Here is what to expect besides Tesla talks

Elon musk is set to arrive in india on april 21 and 22, accompanied by his tesla team, with major announcements anticipated during his visit..

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• Elon Musk to visit India, may unveil plans for Starlink
• Musk to meet PM Modi, discuss investment plan of $2-3 billion
• He is also expected to reveal plans for Tesla in India

Elon Musk's upcoming visit to India later this month may not just be about Tesla , as the billionaire entrepreneur is expected to unveil plans to introduce Starlink, reported CNBC-TV18.

Elon Musk is expected to be in India on April 21 and 22, accompanied by his team from Tesla, with his duration of stay expected to last 48 hours. Their agenda includes meetings with government officials and industry representatives. Musk is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit.

"Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India," said Musk, expressing his anticipation, on April 10 via a post on X platform.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is an affordable satellite-based internet service provided by Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, in the US.

Regulatory approvals for Starlink's licence are in the final stages and is likely to receive it soon, the report stated. According to the latest data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Starlink has nearly 92 crore broadband subscribers.

The broadband market in India is currently dominated by Reliance Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel, followed by Vodafone Idea and BSNL.

Last December, the government passed The Telecommunications Bill 2023, which permits spectrum allocation for satellite-based services without the requirement for auction participation. This move is favourable for companies like OneWeb, Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper.

Starlink's subscription plans offer unlimited high-speed data on land with no long-term commitments. Users can experience download speeds of up to 220 Mbps, with many receiving speeds exceeding 100 Mbps.

While the pricing for Starlink services in India remains undisclosed, in the US, the basic Starlink Wi-Fi for rural homes costs $120 per month for unlimited internet without a contract. Other data plans are also available.

Tesla is looking for a site to build a factory in India for manufacturing EVs , with an investment worth approximately $2 billion.

In an attempt to woo Musk, Tamil Nadu is making efforts to position itself as a manufacturing hub for Tesla.

Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce TRB Rajaa told the publication that the state “will be pitching for all opportunities of electric vehicle manufacturing from all global car majors”.

He said the state has the country’s “best electric vehicle policies and ecosystem”.