If you want to explore India on a budget, here is a budget travel guide to India for foreigners. This blog tells you the best ways to explore India while you are on a shoestring budget. Read on for more!
Is India a budget friendly destination for travelers?
Yes, India is one of the most budget friendly countries in the world for travelers, depending on how you travel. If you are on a tight budget, you can get by on INR 1200 to 2500 per day. India is also amazing for luxury travelers, so if you do not have a budget limit, you could be spending INR 1,00,000 to 3,00,000 per day as well! There are options in India for every budget.
What is the best time to visit for budget travellers?
India has a diverse climate varying across regions. However, the best time to visit India is from October to March. The climate is pleasant in most of the country and this is India’s peak tourist season. Naturally, the rates on flights and accommodations are high all around, which means it is not the best time for budget travelers to visit India.
The off season for tourism in India is the monsoon season from June to September, and the summer season from March to June. However, summers can be extremely hot in most parts of India, although the Himalayas in the north are perfect during this time. The monsoons vary from one region to another, but there are often risks of flooding and road blockages.
If you want to visit during a comfortable time, October and March are the best months to visit. The tourist rush is comparatively low, there are many local festivals, the climate is pleasant, and the prices are also reasonable.
Read more: The best budget travel routes in India
What are the different transportation options for budget travellers?
Trains
The lifeline of Indian travel, trains are a convenient and economical option for long distance travel. There are different train classes that you can choose according to your preferences and budget. Here is a guide to help you select the right train class for you. IRCTC is the official website for booking a train in India. You can also ask your hotel or hostel to help you. If you are traveling with India Someday, we will take care of all the bookings for you!
Buses
India has a very good bus network connecting cities and states. Buses will take you to remote or hilly areas and are a good last-minute option. There are state bus stands conveniently located all over the country. RedBus is a great app to book a comfortable bus as well.
Auto rickshaws and taxis
Auto rickshaws and taxis are a good transportation option within the city. Most tuk-tuks or auto rickshaws will use meters. If not, you should confirm a price before the ride to avoid any issues later. It is a good idea to ask around for the average prices to get an idea.
Another good option is to use apps like Ola, Uber, or Rapido. These apps offer reasonable fares beforehand so you can choose accordingly.
Train travel in India can be a lot of fun!
What are some good accommodation options for budget travellers?
Hostels
Hostels in India are quite cheap, and can range anywhere from INR 300 to 1000 per person per night. You will find hostels in most tourist places. You can choose from male dorms, female dorms, mixed dorms, and sometimes even private rooms.
Budget hotels
There are many budget hotels in India. These can cost you INR 700 to 2000 per person per night. These hotel rooms are clean but extremely basic, offering AC and non-AC options and few amenities.
Homestays or guesthouses
Homestays in India offer the best experience for budget travelers. Ranging from INR 800 to 2500, homestays are the most authentic glimpse into the local culture of the region. Stay with a local family and experience their daily lives.
Boutique stays
There are quite a few boutique stays that are not too heavy on the pockets. Examples of boutique stays include heritage havelis, eco-stays, and unique cottages.
Bright and colourful hostel in Jaipur (The Hosteller)
Which are the best places to visit for budget travellers in India?
Hampi
Hampi in Karnataka is a paradise for historians and backpackers. Explore ancient temples and ruins, visit Hippie Island, see a sunrise from Matanga Hill, or go bouldering if you want an adrenaline rush. There are many places to visit and cafes to explore in Hampi. Budget accommodation will cost you INR 700 to INR 2000, while the food is also not very expensive. You can rent a scooter here for as low as INR 500 per day and explore the city by yourself.
Varanasi
One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is a spiritual destination worth visiting in India. It is also one of the more budget-friendly places in India. Stay near some of the lesser crowded ghats. Accommodation will cost you around INR 300 to 3000, while there are a lot of vegetarian food options for less than INR 200. Varanasi also offers many activities you can do for low rates, such as taking a boat ride during sunrise or sunset, witnessing a Ganga aarti ceremony, or strolling around the ghats.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a blend of French and Indian influences that show in the architecture, streets, and food of the city. Pondicherry, or Puducherry, has a serene vibe perfect for spending a few days if you are on a budget. Explore the French Quarter, visit the beautiful cafes, and walk along the beach promenade. Auroville offers eco-living, yoga sessions, and volunteering. You can stay in Pondicherry for around INR 500 to 2200, while meals are as cheap as INR 100.
Udaipur
The city of lakes, Udaipur in Rajasthan is as royal as it gets, and at a great price. The white city is full of heritage structures, beautiful cafes, vibrant markets, and picturesque sunsets. You will get a hostel dorm from INR 500 to 1000, or a good hotel room up to INR 3000 with majestic views of Lake Pichola or the city. There is a lot to do here under a budget, making it a good place to visit.
Varkala
Varkala in Kerala offers beautiful beaches, mighty cliffs, and a serene atmosphere perfect for a wellness retreat. Stay at hostels or beach huts for anywhere between INR 500 to 2500. Walk along the cliffs that open up to stunning beach views, or indulge in a spa or yoga class for as low as INR 500. You will even get delicious, fresh seafood at very reasonable prices, making Varkala a perfect place for a low budget staycation.
Rishikesh
The yoga capital of India, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is a favorite among backpackers. Laid-back and spiritual, the city offers beautiful views, vibrant cafes, and yoga classes that are easy on the pockets. You can get a hostel dorm or private room in a hotel for around INR 400 to 2000. The city has many beautiful cafes where you can have a good meal and even meet new people.
Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
Safety tips for travellers
- Check reviews and street views before booking accommodation
Many hotels and hostels may offer extremely good deals but could be located in isolated or shady areas. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check the accommodation on Google, see the street views, and check reviews before booking anything.
- Do not stay in isolated places
Follow the crowds in India. It is not a good idea to spend a lot of time in isolated places, especially at night. There is always a risk of robberies or other crimes.
- Use a ride app at night
At night, it is a good idea to use a reliable ride app like Ola, Uber, or Rapido instead of walking alone. Ride apps have many safety features and you can send your location to your close ones.
- Avoid being over-friendly
India is a very warm and hospitable country. Try to make friends, but do not share details such as where you are staying, your travel plans, or whether you are traveling alone. You never know who might try to take advantage of you.
- Be aware of scams
Read up on various scams before arriving in India. Most scams are very subtle and it is easy to mistake it for the real deal.
- Use sun protection
India has intense sunlight during the day for most of the year, so it is a good idea to apply plenty of sunscreen and carry a cap and sunglasses. Also keep drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Explore Hampi
Practical tips for travellers
- Plan in advance but stay flexible
Train or flight bookings, when done in advance, can often save you some money. The same goes for many accommodations. However, be flexible with your travel plans, since as a budget traveler, you might end up with some last minute plans and have to adapt.
- Avoid peak season
Travel off season to save money on accommodation and flights. Plus, you get fewer crowds and shorter queues at tourist attractions.
- Eat where the locals eat
It is a good idea to eat where there are crowds. These places are usually well liked by Indians and offer clean, fresh, and budget-friendly food.
- Take trains instead of flights
Trains are more convenient and economical than flights for most regions. Overnight trains will often save you hotel money as well.
- Stay longer in one place
If you are planning on exploring one region for a long time, it makes sense to stay at the same accommodation for the entire time. Many homestays and hotels offer discounts if you are staying for more than one night.
- Buy a local SIM card
A local SIM card will offer you cheaper internet and a good network throughout the country.
- Get travel insurance
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is heavily recommended. Travel insurance can help you deal with medical emergencies, loss of luggage, or delays and cancellations in flights.
- Learn some local phrases
Local phrases can help you go a long way. The fact that you tried to learn the local language is often impressive to locals and they are a lot more likely to warm up to you.
- Do not drink tap water
Drinking tap water is a strict no-no in India. If you want to save money on water, instead of buying packaged bottled water, you can watch out for RO filters available at most hotels and public places and fill your reusable bottles with that.
- Wear relaxed clothes
India has a tropical climate, so wear relaxed but covered clothes. It is a good idea to cover your shoulders, chest, and thighs, especially while visiting places of religious importance and rural areas. It will also help you protect yourself against the sun.
Rishikesh is known as the birthplace of yoga
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are many things you can do differently to travel in India on a budget, such as traveling during off season, booking ahead, going to the less-frequented destinations, staying in hostels and homestays instead of hotels, planning around festivals, and so on.
Usually, off season and shoulder seasons have lower air fares to India. April, May, September, and October most often see comparatively lower prices for flights.
Tourist attractions in India are generally not very expensive. You can check local websites for discounts, visit the local tourist information office, or research about the places on online forums.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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