Budget Itinerary India – Travel Smart, Spend Less

If you think seeing India means splurging, think again. With a bit of planning you can cover the Golden Triangle, the beaches of Kerala, or the hills of the North‑East without blowing your savings. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step guide on how to craft a cheap itinerary, plus three ready‑made routes that suit different interests.

How to Build a Budget Itinerary

Start with the basics: decide how many days you have and what you really want to see. A 3‑day trip, for example, usually costs far less than a week‑long adventure. Look at our "How Much Should a 3‑Day Trip Cost in 2025?" guide – it breaks down per‑day costs for transport, food and lodging, so you can plug in your own numbers.

Next, pick the cheapest month to travel. The post "Cheapest Time to Travel to India" shows that October and November offer lower flight prices and pleasant weather in most regions. Booking flights in these shoulder months can shave off 30‑40 % of the usual cost.

Accommodation is the next big expense. Hostels, guesthouses, and homestays often sit under INR 1,000 per night. In South India, especially Kerala, family‑run homestays give you a roof and a home‑cooked meal for almost nothing.

Transport inside India is surprisingly cheap if you use trains and state buses. Our "South India Trip Cost" article explains that a second‑class train ticket between major cities costs less than a typical city‑to‑city bus in Europe. For short hops, shared auto‑rickshaws or app‑based cabs split the fare with fellow travelers.

Food can be a budget‑killer if you chase tourist spots. Stick to street food stalls, local dhabas, or the tiny eateries your hosts recommend. "What to Eat in India" gives a quick list of safe, tasty dishes that won’t empty your wallet.

Sample Budget Itineraries Across India

1. Classic Golden Triangle – 5 days
Day 1‑2: Delhi – explore Old Delhi, eat parathas at a dhaba (≈ INR 200).
Day 3: Train to Agra (second class, INR 350). Visit Taj Mahal (entry INR 1,300) and try petha.
Day 4‑5: Bus to Jaipur (INR 400). Stay in a budget guesthouse (INR 800/night). See forts, shop in the bazaar, and enjoy dal‑baati.
Total cost: roughly INR 12,000 (≈ $150) including transport, food and 2‑star lodging.

2. Kerala Backwaters – 6 days
Day 1‑2: Fly to Kochi early‑morning (book a budget carrier, INR 3,500 round‑trip). Stay in a hostel (INR 900/night).
Day 3‑4: Book a shared houseboat for two nights (≈ INR 4,000 per person, meals included).
Day 5‑6: Take a state bus to Munnar (INR 250). Sleep in a homestay (INR 1,000/night) and hike cheap trails.
Total cost: about INR 14,000 (≈ $175).

3. North‑East Adventure – 7 days
Day 1: Fly to Guwahati (budget airline, INR 4,000 round‑trip).
Day 2‑3: Train to Shillong (INR 300). Stay in a backpacker dorm (INR 750/night).
Day 4‑5: Shared jeep to Cherrapunjee (INR 200). Explore waterfalls, use free trekking paths.
Day 6‑7: Bus to Kaziranga National Park (INR 150). Book a day‑pass for wildlife spotting (INR 2,000).
Total cost: roughly INR 13,000 (≈ $165).

All three routes keep daily expenses under INR 2,500, which is realistic for most solo travelers or couples sharing rooms. Adjust the numbers based on your own eating habits or if you prefer a private room – the core idea stays the same: use public transport, stay where locals stay, and eat where locals eat.

Finally, keep a small emergency fund (about 10 % of your budget) and track every rupee in a notebook or a simple app. That habit makes sure you never overshoot your plan and lets you enjoy each moment without money worries.

Now you have a clear map to plan a budget itinerary India style. Pick a route, set your dates, book cheap tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable trip that leaves both your heart and wallet full.