Travel on a Budget

How much does a trip to India cost?

A structured breakdown of flights, lodging, transport and food for a 21-day trip to India at three budget levels.

6 min read · Updated 2026-08-01

India sits in the very affordable band on the ground. These are planning estimates, not quotes.

Daily spend per person

Budget — about $30 a day
Mid-range — about $80 a day
Comfortable — about $250 a day

A 21-day trip, excluding flights

Multiply the daily figures out and a 21-day trip lands near these totals per person.

Budget — around $630
Mid-range — around $1,680
Comfortable — around $5,250

Flights

Flights are not included in these estimates. Fares move far more than on-the-ground costs, so check live prices from your departure city before you commit.

Where the money actually goes

Transport between places is the line item most people underestimate. In India that usually means indian railways covers the country cheaply and comprehensively; book reserved classes well ahead

Easy savings

Travel in November, December rather than the busiest weeks, base yourself in fewer towns to cut transfer days, and book accommodation just outside the headline neighbourhoods.