When you plan a trip to India trip expenses, the total cost of traveling across India, including visas, food, lodging, transport, and activities. Also known as India travel cost, it varies wildly depending on where you go, how you travel, and what you want to experience. This isn’t a country where one price fits all. You can eat a full meal for under $2 in a small town or spend $200 on a luxury train ride through Rajasthan. The key isn’t just how much you spend—it’s what you get for it.
One of the biggest surprises for first-timers is how cheap daily life can be. A simple meal at a local eatery? Around $1 to $3. A clean, basic hotel room in a tourist town? $10 to $20 a night. Public buses and trains? Often less than $5 for long distances. But then there are the things that cost more: the Indian visa cost, the official fee to enter India as a tourist, which for US citizens is $160 for a 10-year multiple-entry visa, or booking a stay at a heritage palace hotel in Udaipur. These aren’t hidden costs—they’re part of the plan. And if you’re chasing experiences like skydiving in Goa, a guided trek in the Himalayas, or a temple tour in Varanasi, those add up too.
What most travelers don’t realize is that India accommodation prices, the cost of staying overnight in hotels, guesthouses, or homestays across India, ranging from $5 hostels to $500+ luxury resorts can make or break your budget. A $50-a-night hotel in Delhi might feel pricey, but that same amount gets you a private villa with a pool in Kerala. And food? It’s one of the best deals. Street food, local dhabas, and home-cooked meals cost pennies compared to Western prices. But if you’re eating at fancy restaurants in Mumbai or Goa, you’ll pay closer to international rates.
Transportation is another area where India surprises you. A flight from Delhi to Goa might cost $100 if booked early. A train ride across the country? You can get a sleeper class ticket for $25. But if you want a private driver for a week, that’s $300–$500. And don’t forget the little things—entry fees to temples, national parks, or heritage sites. The Taj Mahal alone costs $20 for foreigners. These add up fast if you’re not tracking them.
There’s no single answer to "How much does an India trip cost?" because it depends on your style. Backpackers can make $20 a day stretch across weeks. Mid-range travelers spend $50–$100 daily. Luxury seekers? They’re looking at $200–$500+ per day. The real trick is knowing what’s worth paying for—and what you can skip. A $160 visa gets you 10 years. A $2 breakfast keeps you fed for days. A $10 train ride takes you farther than you think.
Below, you’ll find real cost breakdowns, hidden fees, and honest comparisons from travelers who’ve done it—whether they slept in hostels, rode local trains, or stayed in royal palaces. No fluff. Just what you need to plan your trip without surprises.
Traveling to India can be surprisingly affordable if you're savvy with your budget. From cost-effective accommodation to inexpensive local food, this article breaks down the expenses you can expect and provides tips on saving money while enjoying the rich culture and stunning landscapes of India.
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