How To Embrace India In All Its Glory On A Budget

by Anum Yoon

India has long been considered a budget destination, but prices can vary wildly depending on where you are and what you’re looking for. My first trip to India had nothing to do with traveling: I was sent there for a high school education. So while I wasn’t there for vacation, I like to think of it as a 4-year long staycation. Throughout the defining, adolescent years of my life, I lived in a boarding school in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The concept of money management was never introduced to me before this stage of my life, so let’s just say that I got slapped across the face by reality. Our school had a strict policy about monthly allowances and I was confronted with the task of making 1,000 rupees, or around $15, last an entire month.

Fortunately, things have changed in India over the past few years. Since 2010, the Indian Rupee has dropped 30 percent in value to the U.S. dollar. Financially, India right now happens to offer one of the best deals around, but be wary: costs can still add up over time if you’re not being responsible.

While the beautiful Himalayas were eye-candy that was somehow both healing to the mind and soul, I still wanted to explore the other incredible parts of India. As a student on a budget, I decided to travel for around the country for a summer — and pulled it off. Aside from making unforgettable memories, I was able to document how much it cost for me to travel across India.

How Much to Budget?

This really depends on what your standard of living is and how much you plan to see. I learned that it’s possible to get by as a traveler on $15 a day, or 933 Indian Rupees. Adding in an expensive coffee habit, high-end hotel rooms and first-class train rides could bump your budget up to more than $100, or 6,200 Indian Rupees, a day. Here’s what to expect in India.

Food

When I was a student, there was a Domino’s Pizza not far from our school. Eating there, however, would have taken up 75 percent of my monthly allowance. The rule of thumb is that if you’re going to eat some Western food in India, expect to pay for it. It’s not only the familiar food you’re paying for, but the comfort of dining in air conditioned environment. If you’re eating like a local outside, then you might be amazed at what a bargain it is.

Street food typically costs around 25 cents a dish, with a full meal closer to 75 cents. A must-have mango lassi runs less than 40 cents. If you’re scared to try street food, better known as dhabas, there are plenty of local restaurants that are still around $1 per dish.

If you have a taste for home, then the price is going to be much higher. At Domino’s, a large pizza starts at $5 and that’s on the low end of Western dining. A Starbucks coffee starts at about $1.50. But who needs Starbucks when you’re in the midst of India’s love affair with tea. You’ll never crave a chai latte again once you’ve tried a chai at a dhaba. Hot chai is perfect for India’s hot weather because the beautiful blend of spices will trigger your body’s natural cooling mechanisms.

Public Transportation

Mumbai is one of the most expensive places in India, but it’s also one of the more likely stops to take if you’re flying into the country. Depending on your destination, taxi fares will run about $7 to get into the city from Mumbai’s airport. Alternatively, a crowded train will cost between 15 cents and $1.25 depending on the class. You don’t have to take the lowest class available, but first class is never worth it. I took 2nd and 3rd class trains even on school trips and didn’t find them to be that bad. Just pack your own snacks and always keep an eye on all your belongings.

There are also big differences in train prices on longer trips, with an eight-hour journey costing between $6 and $35. The sleeper class is by far the cheapest, but it’s also the most crowded. If you don’t mind the crowds, I found it to be an inexpensive way to see the country and meet new people.

For more on train travel, check Seat61 for detailed prices and schedules.

Sleeping

No trip to India would be complete without visiting the Golden Triangle. The three most visited cities of the Country’s north-west, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, are all connected to each other by excellent roads and railways, making it easy to do a 3-city tour. You’re going to love the cultural and historic splendor that the Golden Triangle has to offer and embrace even the dirt, traffic, and crowds.

In popular tourist destinations like these, a five-star hotel can be had for as little as $100 a night. That was of course, well out of my range. However, I had no problem finding a modest air-conditioned room for less than $10 throughout the country, although these can be hit and miss in quality. There were a few nights when I slept in overnight trains too, which were always cheap in my experience.

What I Learned

India is an amazing country and it’s even better with the right attitude. Trains will run late, hotels will sometimes be dirty and you will face miscommunications, although hand-gestures can work as a legitimate language. Don’t let any of that get to you. You’ll find that it’s not too difficult to stick to a budget as long as you provide some leeway in case of unexpected happenings.

This story is part of our Travel Month series.

Anum Yoon is a personal finance blogger and freelance writer who strangely enough, found her passion for money management through her extensive travels around the world. You can read her updates on her blog, Current On Currency, or check out her latest ramblings on Twitter at @anumyoon.

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