Vacation Costs in India: How Much Does It Really Cost to Travel There?

When people ask about vacation costs in India, the total price of traveling through the country, including food, transport, lodging, and activities. Also known as India travel budget, it’s not about luxury resorts or five-star hotels—it’s about what you can actually do with ₹500 or $10 a day. Most travelers assume India is cheap, but they don’t realize how wildly prices swing depending on where you go, how you move, and what you eat.

Take transportation, how you get from one place to another across India. Also known as India travel transportation, it’s one of the biggest budget drivers. A second-class train ticket from Delhi to Agra costs under ₹500, while a private driver for a full day in Rajasthan might run ₹2,500. A local bus ride in Kerala? ₹20. A flight from Goa to Delhi? ₹4,000 if you book early. Your vacation costs in India can drop by half just by choosing trains over taxis.

Then there’s food, what you eat daily while traveling, from street stalls to simple guesthouse meals. Also known as India cost of living, it’s where most travelers get surprised. A plate of dal, rice, and roti at a local dhaba? ₹80. A decent meal at a mid-range restaurant? ₹300. A fancy dinner in Goa? ₹1,200. And yes—you can eat well for under $5 a day if you stick to busy street vendors. Avoid tourist traps near temples and beaches. The best food is always where the locals line up.

And don’t forget accommodation, where you sleep at night, from dorm beds to private rooms in guesthouses. Also known as budget travel tips, this can make or break your trip. A clean private room in Varanasi or Udaipur? ₹800–₹1,500 a night. A basic hostel bed? ₹300. Luxury resorts? ₹10,000+. But you don’t need luxury to enjoy India. Most travelers sleep well in simple, clean places with fans, hot water, and a decent bed—no AC needed.

What about activities? Entry to the Taj Mahal? ₹1,300 for foreigners. A day of rafting in Rishikesh? ₹1,800. A guided temple tour in Madurai? ₹500. A trek to Kuari Pass? Free if you go solo, or ₹3,000 with a guide. Most of India’s best experiences—watching sunrise over the Ganges, wandering through spice markets, sitting by a backwater houseboat—are free. You pay for convenience, not wonder.

Season matters too. Traveling in peak months like December or February? Prices jump 30–50%. Hotels fill up. Trains sell out. But if you go in May or July, you’ll find lower prices, empty streets, and locals who actually smile because you’re not part of the crowd. The best vacation costs in India happen when you avoid the rush.

Here’s the truth: you can travel India for ₹2,000 a day and have an amazing time. Or you can spend ₹15,000 and still feel like you missed the point. It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how you spend it. The posts below show you exactly what things cost in real life—meals, trains, treks, temples, and more—so you know what to expect before you book your ticket.