When people ask about travel cost India, the total amount of money needed to explore the country, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Also known as India trip expenses, it’s not just about the price of a ticket — it’s about how you move, where you sleep, and what you choose to see. The truth? You can travel India for under $10 a day, or spend $300 a day and still feel like you’re missing out. It all depends on your pace, your comfort, and where you go.
There’s no single answer because South India travel cost, the expenses tied to visiting states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka is very different from North India tourism cost, the price of exploring Delhi, Rajasthan, and the Himalayas. In Kerala, a clean guesthouse with breakfast might cost $8. In Ladakh, the same room could be $25 because of remote logistics. Food in Mumbai street stalls runs 50 cents. A meal in a Udaipur heritage hotel? $40. And don’t forget transport — a 12-hour train ride across South India might cost $15. A private bike rental for a week in Goa? $100, with fuel included.
Many travelers think India is cheap because they’ve heard about backpacker hostels. But if you want to stay in a luxury train like the Maharajas’ Express, or book a private guide for the Taj Mahal at sunrise, your daily cost jumps fast. On the flip side, if you’re okay with local buses, vegetarian thalis, and homestays, you can stretch $500 for a whole month. The key is knowing what you’re paying for. Are you paying for comfort? Convenience? Or just the experience?
What you’ll find below are real breakdowns from people who’ve done it — not theories, not inflated resort prices, but actual receipts and itineraries. How much did someone spend on a two-week trip to South India? What did a solo traveler pay for a 10-day bike tour from Delhi to Jaipur? How did a couple keep their honeymoon under $1,000? These aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real stories with real numbers.
Discover detailed budgeting for a South India trip in 2025, with daily cost breakdowns, sample itineraries for budget, mid‑range and luxury travelers, and practical money‑saving tips.