South India Travel Budget Calculator
Estimate your 14-day trip to South India based on your preferred travel style
Estimated Budget
Note This estimate excludes international flights (₹60,000-₹90,000), travel insurance (₹2,500-₹5,000), and visa fees (₹3,500).
Planning a two-week trip to South India? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of travelers from Australia, the US, and Europe pack their bags for Kerala’s backwaters, Tamil Nadu’s ancient temples, Karnataka’s hill towns, and Goa’s beaches. But the big question is: How much money do you need to travel to India for 2 weeks? The answer isn’t one number-it’s a range. And it all depends on how you want to travel.
Low-Budget Travel: Under $500 (₹40,000)
If you’re backpacking hard, you can do South India on under $500. That’s about $35 a day. You’ll sleep in dorm beds or basic guesthouses-think ₹300-₹600 a night. Meals? Street food and local eateries. A plate of dosa with sambar and coconut chutney costs ₹50-₹80. A vegetarian thali at a small restaurant? Around ₹120. You’ll skip taxis and ride local buses or trains. A 6-hour train ride from Mysore to Cochin? ₹300-₹500 in second class. Entry to temples? Usually ₹10-₹50 for foreigners. A few exceptions like the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai charge ₹150, but that’s rare.
You won’t have air conditioning, private bathrooms, or fancy tours. But you’ll eat like a local, ride with farmers heading home from market, and sleep under mosquito nets with the sound of rain on tin roofs. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable. One traveler from Melbourne told me he spent ₹38,000 over 14 days-just enough for transport, food, and a few temple visits. He didn’t book a single hotel in advance.
Mid-Range Travel: $800-$1,500 (₹65,000-₹1,20,000)
This is where most travelers land. You want comfort without luxury. You’ll stay in clean, private rooms at 3-star hotels or boutique guesthouses-₹1,200-₹2,500 a night. Breakfast is included. You’ll take private taxis or ride-hailing apps like Ola for short trips. A 30-minute ride from Cochin airport to Fort Kochi? Around ₹400. You’ll eat at decent restaurants-try the seafood in Kovalam or the biryani in Hyderabad. A meal for two? ₹800-₹1,500.
You’ll book one or two guided tours: a houseboat stay in Alleppey (₹3,500-₹5,000 for 6 hours), a temple walk in Mahabalipuram (₹1,000-₹1,500), or a spice plantation tour in Wayanad (₹1,200). You’ll fly internally if you’re short on time-Bangalore to Kochi is ₹4,000-₹7,000 one-way, depending on when you book. You’ll buy souvenirs: handloom saris, sandalwood carvings, or pepper from the market. You’ll still have money left for a massage at a beachside spa-₹1,500 for an hour.
Luxury Travel: $2,000+ (₹1,60,000+)
Want a 5-star experience? You’ll pay for it. Think heritage hotels like The Leela in Kovalam or The Gateway Hotel in Mysore-₹8,000-₹20,000 a night. Private drivers with English-speaking guides for the whole trip? ₹15,000-₹25,000 for 14 days. You’ll fly business class between cities-Bangalore to Goa can cost ₹20,000. You’ll eat at Michelin-starred spots like Masala Library in Bangalore or The Taj in Kochi. A single dinner for two? ₹8,000-₹15,000.
You’ll stay in luxury houseboats with butler service in Alleppey-₹25,000-₹40,000 for two nights. You’ll visit private palaces like the one in Udaipur (yes, it’s in the south too) and pay ₹5,000 just for entry. You’ll hire a personal photographer for a day in Hampi-₹10,000. You’ll skip buses, trains, and rickshaws entirely. Everything is booked in advance, everything is air-conditioned, and everything comes with a smile and a glass of lime soda.
What’s Not Included?
Most budgets don’t include international flights. A round-trip from Sydney to Bangalore or Kochi? Around ₹60,000-₹90,000. That’s the biggest cost. Travel insurance? ₹2,500-₹5,000. SIM cards with data? ₹500 for 14 days. Tips? Not mandatory, but ₹50-₹100 for a driver or guide who goes the extra mile. Visa fees? ₹3,500 for an e-Tourist Visa.
Don’t forget about unexpected costs. A sudden rainstorm cancels your boat ride? You’ll need to rebook. A stomach bug? Pharmacies are cheap, but a doctor visit might cost ₹1,500. A lost phone? Replacement SIM and a cheap Android? ₹8,000.
Where to Save Money
Traveling smart in South India means knowing where to cut and where to splurge.
- Book trains early-IRCTC lets you reserve 120 days ahead. Sleeper class is ₹800-₹1,500 for long trips.
- Use local buses for short hops. They’re slow, but you’ll see real life.
- Eat where locals eat. Look for places with 5+ tables, no English menu, and no tourists.
- Visit temples in the morning. Entry is cheaper, crowds are smaller, and the air is cool.
- Buy souvenirs from markets, not gift shops. In Mysore’s Devaraja Market, you’ll get silk for half the price.
- Use Google Maps offline. Data is cheap, but having it saved saves stress.
What Not to Skip
Don’t skip these-even if you’re on a budget.
- A houseboat in Alleppey. Even a 6-hour ride costs less than a fancy dinner back home.
- A morning at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. The gold-plated towers, the bells, the smell of incense-it’s unlike anywhere else.
- A sunset at Kovalam Beach. Bring a towel, a book, and ₹20 for a coconut.
- Spice tasting in Wayanad. You’ll learn how cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon grow. And you’ll take home a bag for ₹500.
- A night in a heritage homestay in Coorg. Sleep in a 200-year-old house, eat home-cooked food, and wake up to mist-covered hills.
Real Example: A 14-Day Itinerary
Here’s what a $1,200 budget looks like on the ground:
- Day 1-3: Bangalore - Stay in a guesthouse (₹1,800/night). Eat at Vidyarthi Bhavan for ₹100 meals. Take a day trip to Tipu Sultan’s Palace (₹100 entry).
- Day 4-6: Mysore - Train from Bangalore (₹700). Stay in a 3-star hotel (₹2,000/night). Visit Mysore Palace (₹700 entry). Buy silk sarees (₹3,000).
- Day 7-9: Coorg - Taxi to Coorg (₹3,500). Stay in a homestay (₹1,500/night). Coffee plantation tour (₹1,200). Eat local pork curry (₹250).
- Day 10-12: Alleppey - Train to Kochi (₹500), then taxi to Alleppey (₹800). Houseboat for 6 hours (₹4,000). Sleep in a hotel (₹2,200/night).
- Day 13-14: Kovalam - Flight from Kochi to Trivandrum (₹6,000). Taxi to Kovalam (₹400). Beach stay (₹2,000/night). Fly back to Bangalore (₹7,000).
Total: ₹98,000 (~$1,170). Flights not included.
Final Tip: Budget Like a Local
Indians don’t budget by day-they budget by experience. They ask: Is this worth it? A ₹200 temple visit? Yes. A ₹5,000 spa? Maybe. A ₹15,000 luxury train ride? Only if you’ve saved for it.
South India doesn’t need you to spend big to feel rich. It gives you color, flavor, and quiet moments you can’t buy. You’ll remember the smell of jasmine at dawn, the taste of fresh jackfruit, the way a stranger in a bus offered you a banana. Those don’t cost anything.
So how much money do you need? As little as $500-or as much as you’re willing to spend. The real question is: what kind of India do you want to find?
Is $1,000 enough for 2 weeks in South India?
Yes, $1,000 is enough for a comfortable mid-range trip if you skip luxury hotels and international flights. You’ll stay in clean guesthouses, eat at local restaurants, take trains and taxis, and enjoy guided tours. You won’t be sleeping in hostels, but you won’t be staying in 5-star resorts either. Just avoid expensive flights and you’ll be fine.
How much does food cost in South India?
Street food costs ₹50-₹100 per meal. A simple restaurant meal is ₹150-₹300. A nice dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is ₹800-₹1,500. Vegetarian food is cheaper-most meals are under ₹200. Seafood in coastal towns like Kovalam or Mangalore costs more-₹500-₹1,000 per person.
Are trains safe and affordable in South India?
Yes. South India has one of the best rail networks in the country. Second-class sleeper trains are clean, safe, and cheap-₹800-₹1,500 for a 6-8 hour ride. Book through IRCTC’s website or app. Avoid unreserved coaches if you’re carrying luggage. Trains are the most reliable way to travel between cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Kochi.
Should I book hotels in advance?
For popular spots like Alleppey, Mysore, or Kovalam during peak season (November-March), yes. For smaller towns like Coorg or Wayanad, you can usually find a room the same day. Use Booking.com or Airbnb for flexibility. Hostels and guesthouses often don’t need bookings-you can walk in.
What’s the best way to get money in India?
Use ATMs. They’re everywhere-even in small towns. Withdraw in ₹500 or ₹2,000 notes. Your Australian bank will charge a fee, but it’s cheaper than exchanging cash. Never carry large amounts of cash. Credit cards work in hotels and restaurants, but many small shops and street vendors only take cash. Always have ₹2,000-₹5,000 on hand.
Do I need a visa to travel to South India?
Yes. Australians need an e-Tourist Visa, which costs ₹3,500 and is valid for 60 days. Apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 72 hours before departure. You’ll need a passport photo, passport copy, and credit card. The visa allows multiple entries. Don’t wait until the last minute-processing can take longer than expected.
