How Much Money to Travel India

How Much Money to Travel India

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Traveling in India can be a remarkably rewarding experience, with costs varying significantly based on your travel style, duration, and preferences. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to spend while traveling in India.

Overall Daily Costs

Budget Traveler

  • Daily Cost: INR 2,000 – 3,000 ($30 – $50)
  • Accommodation: Dormitory beds or budget hotels (INR 500 – 2,000 per night)
  • Food: Street food and local eateries (INR 20 – 100 per dish)
  • Transport: Primarily local buses and trains (INR 800 / $11 per day)

Mid-range Traveler

  • Daily Cost: INR 3,000 – 6,000 ($50 – $90)
  • Accommodation: Boutique hotels or homestays (INR 2,000 – 5,000 per night)
  • Food: Mix of local and sit-down restaurants (INR 100 – 500 per meal)
  • Transport: Comfortable trains and occasional domestic flights (INR 1,500 / $20 per day)

Luxury Traveler

  • Daily Cost: INR 6,000 – 12,000 ($90 – $180+)
  • Accommodation: High-end hotels and resorts (INR 5,000 – 20,000+ per night)
  • Food: Fine dining experiences (INR 500 – 2,000 per meal)
  • Transport: Private cars, chauffeur services, and flights (INR 3,000 / $40 per day)

Transportation Costs

Transportation is generally affordable in India, with various options available:

  • Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis (Uber, Ola) are popular, with costs ranging from INR 50 to 200 ($0.60 to $2.50) for short distances.
  • Long-Distance Travel: Sleeper class trains are economical, costing about INR 1,000 – 1,500 ($12 – $20) for longer journeys. Buses are another budget-friendly option, with fares starting around INR 500 ($6) for overnight trips.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation can range widely:

  • Budget Options: Hostels and guesthouses start at INR 500 ($6) per night.
  • Mid-range Hotels: Prices typically range from INR 2,000 to 5,000 ($25 – $60) per night for comfortable stays.
  • Luxury Hotels: High-end accommodations can start from INR 5,000 and go up significantly based on location and amenities.

Food Costs

India is known for its diverse and affordable cuisine:

  • Street Food: Meals can cost as little as INR 20 ($0.25), making it a great option for budget travelers.
  • Restaurants: Eating at local restaurants may cost between INR 100 and 500 ($1.25 – $6) per meal, while fine dining can be much higher.

Activities and Entrance Fees

Many cultural and historical sites charge entrance fees, typically ranging from INR 100 to 1,250 ($1.25 – $15) depending on the site. Activities such as guided tours or cooking classes can add to your budget, often costing between INR 1,500 and 4,500 ($20 – $60).

Total Estimated Costs for a Trip

For a comprehensive trip across India, you might expect to spend:

  • Budget Trip (2 weeks): INR 28,000 – 42,000 ($350 – $525)
  • Mid-range Trip (2 weeks): INR 42,000 – 84,000 ($525 – $1,050)
  • Luxury Trip (2 weeks): INR 84,000 – 168,000 ($1,050 – $2,100)

In conclusion, the cost of traveling in India can be tailored to fit various budgets, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re a backpacker or seeking luxury, planning ahead can help you manage your expenses effectively while enjoying the rich experiences India has to offer.

Sources
[1] Cost of Travelling in India | Budget, Mid-Range or Luxury Trip https://indiasomeday.com/en/article/cost-traveling-india/
[2] All India Trip Cost, Food, Travel, and Accommodation – Bajaj Finserv https://www.bajajfinserv.in/all-india-trip-cost
[3] Ultimate Budget Traveler’s Guide to Costs in India – World Nomads https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southern-asia/india/cost-guide-to-india
[4] The Cost of Travel in India: My Detailed Budget Breakdown (2022) https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/cost-of-travel-india-budget/
[5] Travel Cost of a trip in India – Bajaj Finserv https://www.bajajfinserv.in/cost-of-travel-trip-in-india
[6] The Cost Of Travel In India: A 3 Month Budget Breakdown – Ethically Kate https://ethicallykate.com/blog/the-cost-of-travel-in-india-budget-breakdown
[7] India Travel Cost – Average Price of a Vacation to India – Budget Your Trip https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/india
[8] Costs of Visiting India: Budget to Luxury – Mike’s Road Trip https://mikesroadtrip.com/costs-of-visiting-india/
[9] India Trip Cost: Cost of Travelling India – Asia Odyssey Travel https://www.asiaodysseytravel.com/india/travel-cost.html
[10] Discover the Ins and Outs of Trip to India Cost in 2024 https://www.trip.com/guide/info/trip-to-india-cost.html

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