India is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world. With smart planning, you can have an amazing experience while spending just $30 (₹2500) per day.

**Budget Breakdown**

**Accommodation: $8-12 (₹650-1000)**
- Hostels: ₹300-500 per night (dorm bed)
- Budget hotels: ₹600-1000 per night (private room)
- Guesthouses: ₹400-800 per night
- Apps to use: Hostelworld, Booking.com, OYO

**Food: $5-8 (₹400-650)**
- Breakfast: ₹50-100 (chai, paratha, or dosa)
- Lunch: ₹100-150 (thali or street food)
- Dinner: ₹150-250 (local restaurant)
- Snacks/chai: ₹50-100

**Transportation: $3-5 (₹250-400)**
- Local buses: ₹10-50 per ride
- Metro: ₹10-60 per ride
- Auto-rickshaw: ₹20-100 per ride
- Overnight buses/trains: ₹300-800 (saves a night's accommodation)

**Activities: $3-5 (₹250-400)**
- Many temples and markets: Free
- Museums: ₹10-500
- Monument entry: ₹50-600
- Walking tours: ₹0-300

**Money-Saving Tips**

**1. Travel by Train**
Indian Railways offers the cheapest long-distance travel. Sleeper class is comfortable and affordable. Book in advance on the IRCTC website.

**2. Eat Like a Local**
Skip tourist restaurants and eat at local dhabas and street stalls. Thalis offer unlimited refills and great value.

**3. Stay in Hostels**
Not only cheaper, but great for meeting fellow travelers and getting local tips.

**4. Visit Free Attractions**
Ghats in Varanasi, beaches in Goa, markets in Delhi—many of India's best experiences are free.

**5. Negotiate**
Haggle at markets, with auto-rickshaw drivers, and even at some hotels. It's expected and part of the culture.

**6. Take Overnight Journeys**
Save on one night's accommodation by taking overnight buses or trains.

**7. Carry a Water Bottle**
Refillable bottles with filters save money and reduce plastic waste.

**8. Book in Advance**
Trains, flights, and popular hotels fill up quickly and prices increase.

**Regional Price Variations**
- Cheapest: Rajasthan, Varanasi, North India
- Moderate: Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra
- Expensive: Goa (during peak season), Ladakh, Mumbai

**Sample 3-Day Budget**

**Day 1: Jaipur**
- Hostel: ₹400
- Food: ₹500
- City Palace + Amber Fort: ₹500
- Local transport: ₹300
- **Total: ₹1,700 ($20)**

**Day 2: Jaipur to Agra**
- Overnight bus: ₹800
- Food: ₹500
- **Total: ₹1,300 ($15)**

**Day 3: Agra**
- Budget hotel: ₹800
- Taj Mahal entry: ₹50 (Indian price, ₹1100 for foreigners)
- Food: ₹600
- Local transport: ₹200
- **Total: ₹1,650 ($20)**

**When Budget Travel Gets Tricky**
- Ladakh: Higher costs due to remoteness
- Peak season in Goa: Accommodation triples
- Last-minute train/flight bookings
- Tourist trap restaurants

**My Top Budget Destinations**
1. **Pushkar**: Spiritual town with cheap accommodation
2. **Rishikesh**: Yoga, rafting, and budget stays
3. **Hampi**: Ancient ruins with rock-bottom prices
4. **Varanasi**: Incredible culture, minimal cost
5. **McLeod Ganj**: Tibetan culture and budget-friendly

Budget travel in India doesn't mean compromising on experiences—it means traveling smarter and connecting more authentically with local culture. Some of my best memories came from staying in family-run guesthouses and eating at local dhabas, not expensive hotels and restaurants.

Remember: India rewards the adventurous and budget-conscious traveler!

Budget Travel in India: How to Travel for $30 a Day

David Thompson