India on a Budget: How to Travel for $20-35/Day
India is among the world’s cheapest travel destinations if you’re willing to embrace local life. Here’s how to do it on $20-35/day.
Accommodation
Budget hotels (₹800-1,500 = $10-18) in most cities. Hostels (₹300-700 = $4-8). Heritage homestays (₹1,500-3,000 = $18-36). Avoid airport hotel chains; book via Booking.com or MakeMyTrip for local options.
Food
Thali meals at local restaurants ($2-4, unlimited refills). Dosa + idli breakfasts ($1-2). Street food ($0.50-2 — but choose busy carts where food is fresh). Restaurant non-veg dinners ($5-8). Avoid Western chains.
Transit
AC class trains (2A or 3A) ($10-25 for overnight Delhi-Mumbai). Local sleeper class ($5-12: adventurous, crowded). Domestic flights via IndiGo/SpiceJet ($30-80 advance booking). Auto-rickshaws ($1-3 for short trips. Agree price first). Hire driver + car ($30-50/day) for inter-city is safer + faster than self-driving.
Activities
Most temples free entry (donate respectfully). Major monuments: Taj Mahal ($14 foreigner), Red Fort ($7), Hawa Mahal ($3). Yoga classes ($3-10/class). Cooking classes ($15-25). Avoid ‘government emporium’ tours (commissions).
Budget tactics
Travel in October-March (peak season but worth it for weather). North vs South India are different worlds, pick one for under 14 days. Use IRCTC for trains, Ola/Uber for cities. Never accept first quote from any vendor — bargain to 30-50% in markets.