When people ask about India travel cost, the total amount of money needed to explore India, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities, they’re not just looking for a number—they want to know if it’s possible to see the Taj Mahal without draining their savings. The truth? You can travel India on $15 a day or spend $300 a day, and both are completely valid. It all depends on what you value: comfort, speed, or authenticity.
Most travelers assume India is cheap everywhere, but that’s not always true. In South India, the region including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, known for its temples, backwaters, and coastal towns, a basic guesthouse might cost $8 a night, but a private houseboat in Alleppey can run $100. In Ladakh, a high-altitude desert region in northern India, famous for its rugged mountains and Buddhist monasteries, transport is expensive because you need a permit, a rented bike, and fuel for long, remote rides. A single day’s fuel for a bike can cost more than a full day’s meals in Goa. And don’t forget the hidden costs—like bottled water, temple donations, or last-minute bus tickets during peak season.
Food is where India shines. A plate of dal-rice from a street vendor? Less than $1. A three-course meal at a rooftop restaurant in Jaipur? Around $10. Most travelers spend $5–$10 a day on food if they mix street eats with simple restaurants. But if you’re flying between cities, renting a bike for a week, or staying in boutique hotels, those costs add up fast. One traveler spent $400 on a 10-day bike trip through Kerala and Tamil Nadu—not because they splurged, but because they wanted to ride daily and sleep in clean, private rooms. That’s still half the price of a weekend in Bali.
There’s no single answer to India travel cost because India isn’t one place. It’s dozens of regions, each with its own rhythm, prices, and surprises. You’ll find cheap stays in Varanasi but pricey guides at the Taj Mahal. You can eat like a king in Chennai for $3, but a single train ticket from Delhi to Agra might cost $20 if you want a window seat. The key isn’t to find the cheapest option—it’s to match your spending to your experience.
What you’ll find below are real, detailed breakdowns from people who’ve done it—how much they spent on bikes, how much they saved by skipping flights, which towns were surprisingly expensive, and which ones let them stretch every rupee. No fluff. No guesses. Just what actually happened on the road.
Curious if India suits your travel budget? Explore real costs, tips, and facts to make the most out of your trip, whether you want luxury or go backpack-low.