Think you need deep pockets to travel India? Think again. With the right strategy, you can comfortably explore this incredible country for under ₹1,500 per day — that’s less than $18 USD.
Accommodation: ₹400-600/night
Hostels like Zostel, Backpacker Panda, and GoStops offer dorm beds for ₹400-600 in most cities. Private rooms start around ₹800-1,200. For the truly budget-conscious, dharamshalas (pilgrim guesthouses) near temples offer free or donation-based stays.
Food: ₹300-500/day
Eat where locals eat. A thali meal costs ₹80-150 and gives you a complete balanced meal. Street food snacks run ₹20-50 each. Chai is ₹10-15 everywhere. Cooking in hostel kitchens saves even more.
Transport: ₹200-400/day (averaged)
Sleeper class trains are the budget traveler’s best friend. A 12-hour journey costs ₹200-400. Shared autos and local buses within cities cost ₹10-30. Book trains on the IRCTC app well in advance for the best prices.
Money-Saving Hacks
- Travel during shoulder season (September-October, February-March)
- Use the Redbus app for cheap interstate buses
- Carry a reusable water bottle with a filter
- Visit free attractions: temples, ghats, parks, markets
- Haggle respectfully at markets — start at 40% of the asking price
Sample Daily Budget
Hostel dorm: ₹500 | Breakfast + chai: ₹100 | Lunch thali: ₹120 | Street food snacks: ₹100 | Dinner: ₹150 | Local transport: ₹150 | Entrance fees: ₹100 | Misc: ₹100. Total: ₹1,320.
“Not all those who wander are lost — some are just looking for the cheapest thali.”