India travel budget: How much you really need to explore India

When people think of India travel budget, the total amount of money needed to travel through India, including food, transport, lodging, and activities. Also known as India trip cost, it’s often misunderstood as expensive—but the truth is, you can travel across India for less than most people expect. A India travel budget isn’t about luxury resorts or five-star hotels. It’s about chai on a train platform, sleeping in a guesthouse with a fan, and eating fresh roti from a roadside stall. It’s about realizing that $20 can cover three meals, a local bus ride, and a temple entry fee in most parts of the country.

What makes India’s budget travel so powerful is how the cost breaks down. Accommodation, where you sleep during your trip. Also known as lodging in India, it’s rarely a big chunk of your budget. You can find clean private rooms for under $10 a night in cities like Indore or Jaipur. Even in Goa, a basic beach shack won’t break $15. Food, what you eat daily while traveling. Also known as street food India, it’s one of the biggest bargains. A full meal at a local eatery costs $1–$3. A plate of dal-rice, samosa, or dosa is cheaper than a coffee in many Western cities. And transport, how you move between places in India. Also known as Indian train travel, it’s where the magic happens. A 12-hour overnight train ride across states costs less than $15. Buses are even cheaper. Even a short flight between major cities can be under $50 if booked early.

And it’s not just about saving money—it’s about what you get for it. Your budget doesn’t just cover basics; it buys access to ancient temples, jungle treks, beachside yoga, and festivals where a million people pull giant chariots. You don’t need to spend a lot to see the Taj Mahal, hike in the Himalayas, or dive in the Andamans. The real cost isn’t in the price tag—it’s in the time you take to explore slowly, eat local, and ride the trains like a local. The posts below break down exactly how much you’ll spend on different kinds of trips—from a week in Rajasthan to a month along the coast. You’ll see how $20 stretches, how visas add up, and where to avoid overspending. No guesswork. Just real numbers from real travelers.