The prices of traveling in India will likely vary due to various factors. However, India offers incredible experiences for all types of travelers, which translates into the best part of traveling in India. 

India has a lot to offer as a travel destination. The country is also affordable due to its value-for-money accommodation options. Transportation, food, and service, as well as the weak monetary value of the Indian currency, also contribute to the country’s value as a travel destination. When considering budget travel in India, you don’t have to put up at hostels or simple B&Bs and live by eating cheap street food for your entire solo journey to India. You can access hotels ranging from mid to high-end, boutique resorts, luxurious train travel, and private cars. Additionally, you can access Gourmet and international restaurants, ensuring that a wide range of options is available in the country. 

Therefore, whether you are in India as a solo traveler or a backpacker on a luxury trip, this blog helps you determine the overall cost of traveling in India according to your specific needs. 

Recognizing the Costs Involved in Traveling to India: 

• Diverse financial options for travelers: India offers a range of budgets for every traveler, from backpackers to luxury travelers. Backpackers and solo travelers can expect to spend approximately 3,000 to 4,000 Indian rupees daily, while luxury travelers can expect to incur costs of 7,000 to 13,500 per day, including hotel accommodations, meals, transportation, and activities. 

• Accommodation costs: The cost of accommodation can vary significantly depending on your budget. Solo travelers seeking budget accommodations in India can find hotels for INR 750-1500 per night, while mid-range solo travelers can expect to pay INR 4,000-5,000 for basic hotels. Boutique hotels offering luxury options will likely charge between INR 9,500 and INR 18,500. 

• Transportation: Traveling by train helps budget travelers manage costs effectively, costing approximately INR 1200 daily. Those seeking comfortable journeys can expect to spend around INR 3,500, which includes domestic flights and car rentals. 

• Food: Indian food is generally inexpensive, with local meals costing INR 150-250. Fine dining experiences can range between INR 1200 and INR 3500. Prices vary by location, and larger cities tend to be more expensive than remote areas. 

• Activities and sightseeing: Solo travelers should expect to budget around INR 7,000 for entry fees and activities during their trip. The costs can range from INR 200 for local shows to INR 150 for unique experiences, such as adventure tourism or cooking classes. 

Overall Travel Costs in India: 

Your overall solo travel budget in India will cover accommodation, transportation, entry fees, meals, and visits to commonly visited sites. The costs do not include any purchases made for personal use. The costs for individual categories of travelers are mentioned below for your reference. 

1. Budget travel India: INR 3000-4000 per person (35-50 dollars/30-44 euros per day per person) 

If you’re a backpacker, India is a fantastic destination for your needs. The country allows you to experience it on a budget and supports your adventurous journey. The figure mentioned includes accommodation in backpackers’ hostels or private rooms at inexpensive budget hotels. You may need to travel on local buses and trains, and may only have access to one domestic flight for the longest distance local destination. You can visit the most popular sites and eat both street food and at local restaurants. 

2. Mid-range traveler: INR 4500-7000 (55-90 dollars/50-80 euros per person per day) 

If you want to travel economically without compromising on essential comforts, you are considered a mid-range traveler. You can make your solo travel trip significantly more comfortable by staying at charming boutique hotels or friendly homestays for as little as forty dollars or thirty euros. You can also travel faster by including a few domestic flights using budget airlines. 

3. High-end traveler: INR 7000-13,500 (90-160 USD or 80-150 euros per day per person) 

If your style of travel is luxury trips and the cost of travel doesn’t matter, the variety of options India offers will likely delight you, especially in terms of hotels and resorts. You can fly to most destinations and travel in comfortable, air-conditioned cars. All large cities and some smaller cities offer excellent gourmet dining options that should not be missed. You can also opt for private tours at many destinations. 

India is home to some of the most delightful boutique luxury hotels and palace-turned hotels that may surprise you. 

Accommodation Costs in India: 

Accommodation costs will generally depend on your budget. As you seek cost-effective solo travel tips in India, we recommend budgeting for accommodation costs between INR 750-1500 per night, which typically offers a clean and simple room or a dormitory bed with breakfast included. 

Over the last decade, India expanded from having its initial hostel to a total of over 200 hostels. The places are safe, clean, and fun, offering great activities and making them a wonderful place to meet other solo travelers. 

You can find cheaper places to stay in India costing as low as INR 300-500 per night. However, the safety and cleanliness of these places are questionable. Therefore, they are best booked after a thorough check. 

Transportation Costs 

Trains are the primary mode of transportation for budget travelers. Please note that India has a vast rail network, making trains a great and affordable method of travel in India. However, you may not have access to trains on certain routes, or the trains might be heavily overbooked. In such cases, you may have to opt for travel on buses, which are also available. Occasionally, local buses are the only option available at your travel destination, and booking ahead of time is not an option. 

You can use public transportation or auto-rickshaws to travel within cities. The cost of local transport can be expected to be INR 1200 per person for transport expenses. Backpacking tours of North India by train or bus, or South India, are inexpensive and fun. 

Meal Costs 

When it comes to food matters, India offers some of the most affordable food without compromising on quality. While larger cities and tourist destinations may have expensive food options, the prices of food in general in India are comparatively low. 

Eating at local restaurants can provide a hearty breakfast for around INR 100-200 per person. A warm and fulfilling lunch or dinner will cost a minimum of INR 80-150 per person per meal. 

Indian food satisfies the palettes of all nationalities and prices, regardless of whether you have budget constraints or intend to try gourmet food. 

Challenges Encountered With Local Restaurants 

You can learn how to budget for solo travel in India by opting for the low-cost meals available in Indian hotels. However, you must prepare yourself to confront some challenges that will accompany the compromises you make with the costs of meals. Some of them include: 

• Hygiene: Budget restaurants offer low-cost meals but also work on a budget themselves, making it essential for them to compromise on the quality of their food. It is a risk you must prepare yourself to take on when traveling to India. Often, food from good budget restaurants can make you sick. To minimize risks, it is best to avoid deserted restaurants and instead eat at places with a lot of people. 

• Locating local restaurants in larger cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur does not pose a challenge. However, you can confront challenges in smaller towns, as every restaurant is geared towards tourists and therefore tends to be expensive. Therefore, you must prepare to explore beyond the tourist spots of smaller towns. 

Food at nice restaurants can cost approximately INR 250-400 per meal per person. The price mentioned does not include alcohol. You can consider eating at fine dining restaurants or five-star establishments if you have a higher budget, but you can still expect to spend around INR 1,200-3,000 per person per meal. 

Alcohol Costs 

There are a few key points to consider regarding alcohol in India. 

Availability: Alcohol is readily available in India. However, most hotels and restaurants don’t serve alcohol, as it is not included on their menus. Restaurants need licenses to serve alcohol, but in many cases, they may arrange it for you if requested, despite not being allowed to serve it. 

Many hotels do not serve alcohol but permit you to carry your own after purchasing it from wine shops. Wine stops are places dedicated to selling alcohol. Wine shops are not easily accessible in smaller cities, so it’s essential to inquire with the hotel or driver about the nearest one. 

Prices: prices of alcohol are higher in places like Mumbai and Delhi, where they are taxed heavily. Expect to pay between INR 200 and INR 600 for a beer at a club or bar, depending on the place you are visiting. Stronger alcoholic beverages will likely cost between INR 200 and INR 1000 for a single drink. 

Monument Entry Fees: 

Indians and foreigners can expect to pay different fees for entry to monuments. Foreign nationals can expect to pay 15% higher fees than Indians. The charges might appear unfair, but they are mostly determined to allow every Indian an opportunity to visit any monument despite financial constraints. 

While children under twelve are charged entry fees in many monuments, those with student IDs receive highly subsidized entry fees. 

As a solo traveler, you should budget for INR 7000 per person for monument entry fees when visiting India. However, chances are you may spend more in some places, such as New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, which have more sightseeing monuments. In other places like Goa and Kerala, which have fewer monuments, you will likely spend more on activities rather than monument fees. 

It is helpful to note that the figures mentioned are approximate and may vary from real-time prices. As currency fluctuations affect the value of the Indian rupee, some adjustments to the costs mentioned in this article may be anticipated. 

Activities You Must Budget When Traveling To India 

Now that you have an idea of what to expect when budgeting for solo travel in India, there are some costs that may not be as glamorous but are essential when traveling to any part of the world. They are: 

Travel Insurance: Regardless of your country of origin and destination, it is essential to carry travel insurance without making compromises. A valid travel insurance plan helps you travel with confidence, providing coverage in the event of any mishaps. Travel insurance also covers the loss of baggage, essential documents, and health concerns or accidents that may occur during your trip. 

Emergency cash: Set aside some emergency cash for unexpected expenses. The emergency fund is over and above any travel budget you put together. Before visiting India, ensure you set aside some cash for unexpected international and domestic flight changes, natural disasters, acts of violence or war, loss of passport and identification documents, theft or assault, and unforeseen emergencies. You must assume that anything is possible when traveling the world. 

Foreign Currency Conversions: It is helpful to make a habit of staying up-to-date with the latest currency rates, not just before departure, but also during your stay in India. Always keep some hard currency in hand, both Indian and foreign, as it is incredibly useful in places that lack ATMs. 

When budgeting for solo travel in India, the overall budget depends on various factors, including trip duration, time of the year, travel style, and the places you plan to visit. These charges do not include airline tickets, visa costs, or any other additional expenses you may incur. The average budget you should set aside for solo travel in India is approximately INR 1000-6000 if you are on a tight budget. The figures mentioned include food, sightseeing, and transport. However, please note that fluctuations in local prices and currencies are expected, and you should prepare for minor adjustments to the figures mentioned in this blog.