India is a magical place that always leaves travelers speechless, no matter what time of year it is. There is always something amazing to find, from the high Himalayas to the sunny beaches in the south. A lot of people want to go on a fancy trip, but we usually have to travel on a tight budget. But does traveling on a budget have to mean being uncomfortable? No way!
It’s not about how much you spend on a trip, but how you spend it that matters. You can have a great and comfortable vacation in India without spending a lot of money if you make a few smart choices. The key is to travel smarter, not cheaper. There is no one “budget” that works for everyone, but these tips can help anyone save money and still have a great time.
“Here are 10 important tips to help you plan the perfect trip to India so you can enjoy your time there while staying within your budget.”
1. Stay in guesthouses and homestays
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Stay in an Airbnb, a homestay, or a guesthouse run by a local family instead of a pricey hotel. These places are much cheaper and more comfortable than hotels, and they give you a better taste of Indian culture.
How This Helps You Save Money:
- Most of the time, nightly rates are much lower than hotel rates.
- Many homestays let you use the kitchen, so you can make some of your own meals.
- Your local host will give you free, useful tips on where to eat and what to do.
Pro Tip: Before you book, make sure to read the reviews carefully. Check out places that talk about how clean they are and how nice the host is. A good host can make your trip a lot more fun.
2. Go on vacation when it’s not busy
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One of the best ways to save money is to not travel during busy times like major holidays (Christmas, Diwali) or school breaks (May to June). Everything, from flights to hotels, is a lot cheaper when you travel during the off-season.
How This Saves You Money:
- Flights and hotels can be 30 to 50 percent less expensive than at peak times.
- There will be fewer people at popular tourist spots.
- Because there is less demand, local shops and taxis may have better prices.
Pro Tip: The “shoulder seasons,” which are the months just before or after the peak season (like September or March), are usually the best times to go because the weather is nice and the prices are low.
3. Eat Smart Like a Local
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If you know where to look, food in India can be very cheap and tasty. It’s nice to go to a nice restaurant every once in a while, but eating out every meal can quickly add up. Eating like the locals is the most important thing.
How This Saves You Money:
- Street food and local restaurants (dhabas) serve full, tasty meals for a lot less than tourist-focused restaurants.
- If you have a kitchen, making your own breakfast or a simple dinner can save you a lot of money.
- Buying fresh fruit from local markets is a cheap and healthy way to snack.
Pro Tip: To find the best and safest street food, look for stalls that are busy with people from the area. The food is fresh because a lot of people come and go.
4. Get good at haggling
In many local markets in India, it’s normal to haggle over prices. The first price you are given for things like clothes, souvenirs, and handicrafts is usually higher than the real price. You shouldn’t be afraid to politely bargain.
How This Saves You Money:
- If you haggle, you can often get 20–30% off the original price.
- It stops tourists from being charged too much.
Pro Tip: When you go to a street market or get into an auto-rickshaw (if there’s no meter), you should be ready to haggle. But in restaurants, branded stores, and hotels where prices are set, you shouldn’t haggle. Always smile when you haggle!
5. Take public transportation
The public transportation system in India is very big and works well. It’s also the cheapest way to get from one city to another. Instead of paying for expensive flights or private taxis for every trip, use the local way to get around.
How This Saves You Money:
- Tickets for trains are a lot cheaper than tickets for planes, especially for long distances.
- The cheapest way to get around a city or to nearby towns is by taking the bus.
- The metro in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore is cheap, quick, and has air conditioning.
Pro Tip: Indian Railways is the best way to travel long distances. Use the official IRCTC website or apps like RailYatri to buy your tickets ahead of time.
6. Go on a trip overnight
This is a classic backpacking tip that will save you a lot of money. If you need to travel a long way, book a bus or train for the night. You’ll wake up in a different city, which will save you time and money.
How This Will Help You Save Money:
- You don’t have to pay for one night in a hotel or guesthouse.
- You don’t waste a whole day of your vacation just getting there.
Pro Tip: For a comfortable, safe, and air-conditioned overnight trip, book a sleeper class in AC 3-Tier (3A) or AC 2-Tier (2A) on trains.
7. Visit places that aren’t very popular
Jaipur and Goa, two popular tourist spots, can be expensive. If you want to save money and have a more unique experience, think about going to places that aren’t as well-known. These places are usually cheaper and give you a more real look at how people live there.
How This Will Save You Money:
- In places that aren’t touristy, food and lodging are much cheaper.
- There will be fewer people and a calmer atmosphere.
- People who live in places that don’t get a lot of tourists are often friendlier and more welcoming.
Pro Tip: Instead of Manali, you should go to Tirthan Valley. Check out the lovely town of Bundi instead of Udaipur. Do some research to find these hidden treasures.
8. Pack wisely to avoid paying extra
You can save a lot of money by packing smart. You won’t have to buy things you forgot at high tourist prices if you bring everything you need. It also keeps you from having to pay extra fees for extra bags at the airport.
How This Saves You Money:
- When you get there, you won’t have to buy things like sunscreen, basic medicines, or a raincoat.
- Keeping your bag light can help you avoid paying extra fees at the airport.
Pro Tip: Always have a water bottle that you can use again. A lot of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants give away or sell filtered water for free or very little money. This saves money and cuts down on plastic waste.
9. Get a scooter or bike to rent
If you need to get around a town or city, renting your own car can be a lot cheaper than taking a taxi every time. A scooter is a popular way to get around in places like Goa and Pondicherry, while a bike is great for getting around smaller towns.
How This Will Help You Save Money:
- Renting a scooter for a whole day is often cheaper than taking two or three short taxi rides.
- You can explore at your own pace without having to wait for a taxi.
Pro Tip: Before you rent a car, always check its condition, especially the brakes and tires. To avoid being blamed for scratches later, take a quick video or pictures of them.
10. Talk to travel experts online
It might seem like an extra cost, but using a good travel agency or online travel company can sometimes save you money. You might not be able to find deals on hotels and activities on your own, but they can.
How This Saves You Money:
- They can put together a package that includes flights, hotels, and tours for less than booking each one separately.
- They take care of all the planning, which saves you time and keeps you from making expensive mistakes.
Pro Tip: If you have a complicated itinerary or are traveling with a group, it’s best to use a travel company. You can book a simple trip yourself, but for a trip that goes to more than one city, their help can be very helpful.
FAQs
Q. How much money should I set aside each day to travel in India?
A. Plan to spend between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 per day for a comfortable trip on a budget. This could pay for your stay, food, getting around town, and some activities.
Q. Is it safe to eat food from the street in India?
A. Yes, it can be safe if you are careful. Pick vendors that locals like and that cook the food fresh and hot in front of you. Avoid eating things that aren’t cooked, like salads or juices, at first.
Q. How do I get a SIM card for my phone that works in my area?
A. You can buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport or at official stores for providers like Airtel, Jio, or Vi. You will need a copy of your visa, passport, and a photo that is the same size as your passport.
Q. What is the best Indian app for booking trains?
A. The best app for booking is the official IRCTC Rail Connect app. RailYatri and Ixigo are two other apps that are very helpful for finding out when trains leave and how many seats are available.
Q. Should you use cash or cards in India?
A. A mix is best. When you buy something small, eat street food, or live in a rural area, use cash. In cities, hotels, and bigger restaurants, use a card or UPI (digital payments like Google Pay).
Last Thoughts
It’s not how much money you spend on a trip to India that makes it great; it’s the memories you make. Making smart choices that let you have a comfortable and real experience is the key to traveling in India on a budget. It’s about eating food from the area, staying with local families, and seeing the country through their eyes.
If you follow these tips, you can enjoy not only the tourist attractions of a place, but also its heart and soul. So go ahead and make plans for that trip. It’s going to be amazing.
Stay tuned to The Tarzan Way (TTW) for more travel tips and to help you plan a smooth trip.
