by India is an excellent travel destination for budget travelers. Few other places provide as many enjoyable adventures at such an economical cost – particularly if taking less expensive trains and buses with lower fare classes and staying at hotels offering discounts or hostels with cheaper accommodations.
When planning an inexpensive trip to India, take note that comfort and price are inextricably linked. Non-reserved train carriages could be very economical; however, the seats on unreserved carriages tend to be benches without air conditioning, becoming overcrowded quickly. Therefore it may be more beneficial for you to invest in sleeper carriages that provide greater comfort at lower costs than their alternatives elsewhere.
One of the greatest attractions of traveling through India is how easily you can control your spending budget. On tight budgets it may be possible to save money on accommodations by opting out of air conditioning and bathrooms with en suite facilities or open views; or take a trip outside city centers like Bangalore where costs tend to be cheaper – or make use of cheap prices in rural India instead! Some travelers even opt out of certain aspects of their journey so as to afford lavish expenses such as banquets in former maharaja’s palaces!
No matter which form of travel appeals most, we provide effective tips for taking full advantage of India without breaking the bank.
The cheapest travel period of the year
Planning an Indian excursion means keeping in mind which destinations you would like to see; your experience should match up when you arrive. Winter, between November and March is often considered the ideal season to travel as temperatures reach their lowest points during that period – the monsoon-like rainy season from June through September provides reduced crowds and cheaper prices overall but is particularly favorable in Ladakh where its peak tourist season occurs with when snowmelt occurs on mountainsides.
April is typically an affordable month to travel; however, temperatures in popular tourist spots like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa often surpass 32C (90F), making travel challenging and costly.
Beach resorts tend to close during wet conditions while mountain areas become inaccessible during winter due to snow blocking their roadways.
Make plans to plan around the festivals
Keep an eye on the Festival Calendar to avoid unnecessary expenses during major festivals like Durga Puja in Bengal which draws massive crowds and can raise your accommodation and transport costs significantly. India maintains an Official Holidays Calendar each year which covers official public holidays as well as regional religious celebrations that may draw large numbers. If traveling for such an event make sure accommodation and transport arrangements can be booked well in advance at reasonable costs.
Stay overnight for a cheaper hotel
One effective strategy to save money while sightseeing is taking an overnight sleeper train; you’ll save costs associated with hotels while still getting plenty of sightseeing done! While first class seating may be luxurious but expensive, second or three tier carriages with air conditioning – or fan cooled sleeping carriages for less money – might better suit you and if traveling solo as women there may even be carriages which cater specifically for you!
At premium trains such as Duronto, Shatabdi and Rajdhani services, breakfast and dinner are included with each ticket purchased; other trains allow passengers to purchase affordable snacks from vendors at each station or station platform.
Night buses may help reduce hotel costs. Some services even feature movies or loud music for added entertainment; drivers also often take advantage of quieter roads to speed their driving experience.
Make reservations for trains in advance at high-traffic times
Reservation of train seats early and in advance can lead to significant savings on train ticket. Indian Railways accept reservations up to 120 days prior to your travel date; most popular classes may become overbooked quickly forcing those booking late into higher priced (or reserved and uncomfortable) seats. Online booking sites like 12GoAsia provide convenient booking methods while those living within India may directly visit a railway station to book.
Carefully consider which train you’re riding; seats on Duronto and Vande Bharat trains typically cost more, since these efficient services have fewer stops at stations; express and mail trains often make longer and frequent stops but offer far cheaper fares; for a complete guide of Indian train types and classes visit The Man at Seat 61.
Get off the beaten path
If you’re planning a visit to Mumbai or Delhi, expect higher-than-usual accommodation and food costs as well as drinks prices. As an alternative, lesser known destinations offer similar experiences at less costly costs – Hyderabad provides some amazing biryani establishments, bazaars and restaurants along with museums that showcase Islamic architecture – yet its costs of living tend to be considerably less expensive (unless staying at one of India’s luxurious Falaknuma Palace Hotels!).
Instead of spending your time at Maharashtra’s overcrowded temples such as Ellora and Ajanta, consider visiting those of Karnataka such as Hampi, Badami and Aihole that attract less visitors on packages trips but provide nearby lodging at more cost effective accommodations. Instead of the hustle bustle at Goa’s beaches in search of peaceful spots; consider spending your time exploring Tamil Nadu Puducherry where its beaches, promenades and surfing yoga sessions provide more peace.
Make sure to check into the newest hostel in India
Locating accommodations within India that suit budget travelers’ requirements is relatively easy. From budget hotels and guesthouses available on websites like MakeMyTrip or Agoda to large city options with more expensive hotels available at less expensive price points – staying at one may mean forgoing comfort, cleanliness or security altogether.
Are you seeking the ideal balance of affordable prices and luxurious amenities? Look no further than India’s new generation of hostels; cheap beds come accompanied with extra opportunities to network among travelers and stay at affordable accommodations!
Zostel hostel chain provides comfortable mix dorms as well as female-only dorms with private bathrooms in rooms for mixed or female-only dorm guests, and private bath facilities for male-only rooms, plus rooms featuring private bathrooms in every location it operates from Jaipur and Delhi all the way across to Aurangabad as well as Alleppey (Alleppey). Hosteller also boasts expanding operations from Agra all the way up to Udaipur with hostels all throughout India.
Request a discount
Hotels throughout India often provide special seasonal rates as well as significant discounts during quieter months of the year, making winter travel worthwhile – don’t forget to visit your reception desk to inquire whether there’s anything special available such as lower pricing options or attractive discounts on luxurious accommodations!
Hotels with five stars typically offer dynamic room listings on their websites and offering substantial discounts can often be achieved if asking on event day at reception – also consider calling later that evening when they may offer lower room rates to fill up empty spots!
Haggle (but don’t overdo it)
Negotiation is key when exploring India’s captivating bazaars and markets, offering both locals and visitors alike the chance to strike deals for the lowest costs possible. Keep this process in mind; negotiations do not need to become an exchange of arms if offers prove too steep – instead offer something lower, observe their response, then see if both parties reach a compromise to create an amount both parties are happy with.
Bargaining should never be seen as an unpleasant process; you can politely decline an offer that’s too high, then consider seeking another seller instead. Bargaining is all about small amounts; even paying slightly over what would normally be expected can add up, particularly since vendors typically are underpaid; 20 percent extra could make an enormous difference for someone looking after themselves and their family.
Set a price prior to you leave
If you cannot locate an autorickshaw/taxi stand offering prepayment, the driver and you should discuss an amount. While many taxis use meters, not all drivers may want to comply; as a result, negotiate a price beforehand or inform him/her you will pay by “meter”.
Negotiation skills are absolutely key when renting cycle rickshaws. Keep in mind that their drivers receive pitiful wages for such physically taxing work; offering the driver even just an additional few rupees over his usual rate may make no difference to your spending plan, while providing him a little extra pocket change to take home with them.
Make sure you purify the water in your home
Though water bottles appear inexpensive, their costs quickly escalate if purchased repeatedly from stores (generating plastic waste along the way). Indian tap water isn’t suitable for drinking but many hotels provide purified sources without cost. You could make purifying water while travelling easier using portable filters or chlorination tablets; or purify as you go if trekking to ensure less waste made up of plastic debris in mountains and hillsides.
You can share a vehicle and driver to enjoy maximum freedom
Renting a vehicle (or 4WD) with driver for the entire day (or several) is an amazing opportunity to see India at your own pace, discovering lesser known gems along the way. Splitting costs among multiple travelers could make this more affordable than booking scheduled tours; connect with other tourists staying in budget accommodation, hostels or restaurants and cafes for suggestions as to who might join you on this excursion and plan out your itinerary together. Vehicles and drivers can usually be found at taxi or 4WD stations located across various towns – drivers’ associations might publish printed price lists that list trips within their jurisdictional areas.
Eat street food and feast on it
Experience Indian regional cuisine through street eating! A great way to do so, as well as cut costs. Look out for food stalls near markets, office areas or transport hubs where there will likely be reasonably-priced fresh stuffed panai puri (crisp dough balls filled with filling) as well as deep fried pakoras (vegetable fritters).
Of particular note when eating street food are vendors with long lines of enthusiastic customers. Vegetarian meals tend to present less risk for contracting disease; such as batter-fried potato balls served in buns (vada pav) or dosas(rice and lentil crepes), for instance. Make sure to ask locals for recommendations of safe street vendors; residents will usually gladly give guidance towards popular carts as well as unassuming vendors in town.
Save money when you are using local transportation
Similar advice applies for local transportation. Ridesharing applications like Uber, Ola, Lyft or Bla Bla Car provide cost-cutting travel in large cities by offering rideshare services at fair rates rather than overpricing themselves through “tourist rates.”
Prepaid taxi and autorickshaw stands are another effective way of cutting costs at airports and train and bus stations, and feature booths or desks where passengers can reserve taxis at set prices – the staff then provides you with an invoice detailing registration numbers of cars that is then passed along to drivers for pickup.
Spend less on calling and browse
Sometimes countries do not provide good roaming arrangements compatible with India and costs can quickly add up when using your phone to call, text and surf the web. Stay in contact at reduced costs by purchasing a pre-paid SIM card from one of Jio, Airtel or Vi. The majority of companies also provide data plans so you can browse online while making calls – check that your device doesn’t remain tied to home network and pick the cheapest phone available near your location.
If traveling to major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, SIM card purchases could be obtained both at the airport or a phone store in order to facilitate online booking of travel (train tickets etc) more easily. You would need two passport photos as well as proof of address within local area; phone offices might even provide verification contacts – either way this process takes time and could take up to 24 hours until your SIM becomes active; although once active it does make travel booking much simpler!
The cost of a day
- Hostel roomfrom 400 Rs
- A room in a affordable hotelRs500 to 1500 Rs
- A short autorickshaw ridefrom 100 rupees
- Bus ride for half-day:around Rs500
- The cost of vegetarian meal:from Rs100
- Dining in a posh restaurantfrom 1500 rupees
- Bottle of beers:around 150 rupees
- Daily cost of the average:Rs3000 to Rs30,000
