Costs of Visiting India: Budget to Luxury

The costs of visiting India can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the season, duration of stay, travel style, accommodation type/level, transportation, and activities. That said, generally speaking, the costs of visiting India can be very affordable, even at the luxury level.

In this article I will share some examples of the costs of visiting India, from hotels, transportation, food, doctor visits and so much more. I spent a month traveling throughout India, so if you are planning a trip to this part of the world, I hope this article will help you with budgeting and your overall expectations on costs.

India is a land of vibrant colors, diverse cultures, and ancient history that attracts travelers from around the world. One of the most fascinating aspects of traveling to India is how affordable it can be, even for those who want to indulge in luxury experiences. From budget to mid-range to luxury travel, India offers options for every type of traveler.

Daily Range for Costs of Visiting India

Overall daily costs of visiting India for budget to luxury:

• Budget traveler being around $30-45 per day.
• Mid-range traveler could spend $65-100 per day.
• Luxury traveler could spend $200-400 or more per day.

Some of the main expenses that you can expect to encounter during your trip to India include:

• Flight tickets: The cost of a round-trip flight to India can range from $500 to $1,500 depending on your departure city and the time of year you’re traveling.
• Accommodation: The cost of accommodation can vary widely depending on your preferences and budget. Budget travelers can find guesthouses and hostels for as low as $5-10 per night, while mid-range hotels can range from $35-70 per night. Luxury hotels and resorts can cost $100-$150 or more per night.
• Food: Food in India is generally very affordable, with street food options available for as low as $1-2 per meal. If you’re eating at mid-range restaurants, expect to pay around $10-20 per meal, while luxury restaurants can cost $35 or more per meal.
• Transportation: While India’s public transportation system can be crowded and chaotic, it’s also very affordable if you choose to travel that way. Private transportation options like hiring a driver or taking a luxury train can be surprisingly affordable. For example, the Palace on Wheels luxury train tour of Rajasthan costs around $500 per person per night, including all meals and activities. Public transportation on local buses and trains cost only a few dollars. Taxis, Tuk Tuk or private drivers can be more expensive, with costs varying depending on the distance and duration of your journey. What ever you do, make sure you negotiate the price beforehand. Uber is really your best transportation option.
• Activities: The cost of activities in India can vary widely depending on what you want to do. Visiting temples and other cultural sites is usually very affordable, while adventure activities like trekking and wildlife safaris can be more expensive.
• India Tours: Tours offer a variety of experiences to suit different interests and budgets, from cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to wellness retreats and adventure treks. Popular options include the Golden Triangle tour (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) costing $400-$800 for 5-7 days, trekking in the Himalayas for $500-$1500, and wildlife safaris in national parks starting at $300 for a 3-day tour. Luxury India Tours like the Palace on Wheels start at $500 per night, while wellness retreats in Kerala range from $700 to $2000 for a week-long stay. India’s diverse tours provide rich and memorable experiences for every traveler.

Overall, you can plan your budget according to your preferences, travel style, and duration of stay. It is recommended to plan ahead and research well to get the best deals and make the most of your trip to India.

Here is a look at the paltry prices I paid in India

Most goods and services in India are far, far cheaper than other places in the world—some, will really surprise you. Leave a comment below and share which single items surprised you the most. At the time of writing this, there were 65 Indian Rupees (INR) per 1 $USD.

• UBER Rides – I never used a cab, but rather rode UBER everywhere I went. I was blown away at how cheap a ride was. My lunch would often cost more than a long duration ride. For example, a 17km ride from Mumbai (Bombay) airport to my hotel took nearly 1 hour and only cost 670INR ($10 USD). In contrast, an airport UBER ride in the States which was about 12 minutes long cost more than double that price for a 5th of the time and about the same distance in miles.
• HOTELS – Because hotels were so inexpensive, I often stayed at 5 Star properties. My best value was at the Crowne Plaza in Delhi in which I got upgraded to a suite. The cost for one night where I ordered room service and had to pay their extraordinarily high taxes came in around $140 (USD). Mind you, you could get a very nice hotel throughout India for less than $50/night.

• DOCTOR VISIT – I felt a cold or flu coming on before an important presentation, so I thought maybe I could thwart it off by having a doctor prescribe some antibiotics or something. The office visit by a highly trained doctor was 500INR for locals and 1000INR for foreigners, a whopping $15 to visit a doctor. Mind you, this was not in a tourist area where rates could be higher, but still very affordable.
• PRESCRIPTIONS – Everything the doctor prescribed could be purchased at a local chemist (pharmacist), there was antibiotics, stomach medicine and other items…everything came to about 700INR (less than $12).
• PRESCRIPTION GLASSES – I wear both contacts and prescription glasses. My RX number is pretty high and now find it difficult to read close up when I have my contacts or glasses on, so I thought I would try progressive lenses. With an exam, designer frames and RX lenses, they would probably cost $600-$800 in the U.S. In India, if you buy a pair of glasses, the exam is free, a $100 savings from the States. My total cost with a little negotiating and the taxes came to 8000INR ($123 USD).
• ORIGINAL ARTWORK – I don’t often buy souvenirs, but do like to find nice gifts for friends and family. I went to an extraordinary gallery where they hand paint the most intricate pieces. I purchased 6 of these paintings for about 16,000INR (Negotiated down from 25,000) which came to about $250USD.

• FLIGHTS – I took several flights within India; from Delhi to Ahmadabad, Ahmadabad to Mumbai, Mumbai to Delhi, Delhi to Rann of Kutch. Flights for those routes cost between $25 to $70. Super cheap. I would highly recommend Vistara, best airline I flew while in India (note: opted for the premium coach, not much more money, and, really worth it).

• SPA TREATMENT – I had several massages in India in various cities, they ranged from $8 to $35 for an hour. The higher price was at a luxury hotel.
• SHOE SHINE – There is a lot of dust in India, so getting your shoes shined every so often is a must. I got a pair shined at a train stop and the individual told me to pay him what I thought was fair. I had asked a local what a fair amount would be and they said 50 INR. I paid the guy 100, which was about $1.50. Unfortunately, they use very cheap shoe polish, so the shine was not that great.

I should mention that in India some negotiation is required to get the best deal, you would NEVER pay the asked or advertised price.

So why is the Cost of Visiting India so affordable?

There are several factors that contribute to India’s low cost of travel, including:

• Exchange Rate: The Indian rupee has a lower value compared to most major currencies, making everything from food and transportation to accommodation and shopping much cheaper for travelers.
• Competition: India’s tourism industry is highly competitive, with many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators vying for business. This competition helps keep prices low and quality high.
• Low Labor Costs: Labor costs in India are much lower than in many other countries, which means that luxury services like spa treatments, private tours, and personal assistants can be much more affordable.

If you have any questions about the costs of visiting India, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…