India travel costs: What you really pay in 2025

When you think about India travel costs, the total money needed to explore India, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Also known as India tourist expenses, it’s not about luxury resorts or five-star hotels—it’s about what most travelers actually spend day to day. Many assume India is cheap because it’s often called a budget destination, but that’s not the whole story. In 2025, prices have shifted. A homestay in Kerala might cost ₹800 a night, while a private safari in Ranthambore jumps to ₹4,500 per person. Food on the street? ₹50 for a plate of dosa. A taxi from Goa airport to Calangute? ₹800–₹1,200. These aren’t estimates—they’re what people are paying right now.

Budget India trip, a travel plan built around low daily spending without sacrificing safety or experience. Also known as cheap travel India, it’s not about sleeping on train platforms—it’s about smart choices. Skip the overpriced tour packages. Eat where locals eat. Use buses instead of private cars. Stay in guesthouses near temples or markets, not tourist traps. You can easily spend ₹1,500–₹2,500 a day and still see the Taj Mahal, hike in the Western Ghats, and sip chai in Varanasi. But if you want a private guide, a luxury train ride, or a jungle lodge with AC, that’s a different ballgame—₹5,000–₹10,000 a day. The difference isn’t just money; it’s how you want to experience India. And it’s not just about where you go—it’s when. Monsoon season drops prices everywhere, but some places like Ladakh or Rajasthan are nearly empty in July. Peak season—October to March—means higher hotel rates, booked-out safaris, and crowded temples. If you’re flexible, you save 40% just by avoiding Diwali and Christmas.

Cost of traveling India, the sum of all expenses from flights to local transport, entrance fees, and unexpected costs. Also known as India travel budget, it’s not a fixed number. A flight from the US to Delhi? Around $700–$1,000. A 30-day trip with mid-range stays, local transport, and meals? $600–$1,000 total. Add a visa ($100), travel insurance ($50), and SIM card ($10), and you’re at $800–$1,200. That’s it. No hidden fees. No surprise charges. You control the spending. Want to splurge on a cooking class in Mumbai? Fine. Skip the camel ride in Jaisalmer? Even better. The truth is, India doesn’t charge you for being a tourist—it charges you for what you choose to do. Below, you’ll find real breakdowns from people who’ve done it: how much they spent in Delhi vs. Chennai, what a single day in Goa actually costs, why some travelers saved money by skipping the Golden Triangle, and how a ₹500 daily budget still lets you see the best of India.