Per Day Travel Cost in India – What to Expect in 2025

Planning a trip across India but not sure how much cash you’ll need each day? You’re not alone. Travelers often wonder if a day will cost $20, $40, or $100. The answer depends on where you go, how you move, and the comfort level you want. Below you’ll get a clear picture of daily expenses in different regions and practical ways to stretch every rupee.

Breakdown of Core Expenses

Think of your daily budget as four blocks: accommodation, food, transport, and activities. In most Indian cities, a budget traveler can keep each block low, while a mid‑range traveler will spend a little more for comfort.

Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses in smaller towns run around ₹500–₹800 per night. In metros like Delhi or Mumbai, budget hotels start at ₹1,200, while mid‑range stays sit at ₹2,500–₹4,000. If you’re okay with a night in a dhaba or a homestay, the cost drops dramatically.

Food: Street food is both tasty and cheap – ₹100–₹200 gets you a filling meal. A sit‑down restaurant will cost ₹300–₹600 per plate. For a mixed diet, budgeting ₹400–₹800 per day covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner without skimping on flavor.

Transport: Local buses and shared auto‑rickshaws are the cheapest options, usually under ₹50 per ride. For longer hops, trains are unbeatable – a second‑class sleeper ticket between Delhi and Jaipur costs about ₹500. If you prefer private cabs, set aside ₹800–₹1,200 for a day’s travel in a city.

Activities: Entry fees to monuments, museums, or parks range from free to ₹250. Guided tours or adventure sports will push the cost up to ₹1,500–₹3,000. Decide what experiences matter most and allocate accordingly.

Regional Cost Snapshots

North India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur): Expect ₹2,000‑₹3,000 per day for a comfortable experience. Budget travelers can manage with ₹1,200‑₹1,500 if they stick to hostels, street food, and public transport.

South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka): Daily costs hover around ₹1,800‑₹2,500. Backwaters and beaches often have affordable homestays at ₹600‑₹1,000, making it easy to stay low‑budget.

East India (Bengaluru, Kolkata, Odisha): A day’s spend of ₹1,500‑₹2,200 covers decent lodging and meals. Kolkata’s tram system can shave off transport costs nicely.

West India (Mumbai, Goa, Gujarat): Mumbai is pricier – budgeting ₹2,500‑₹3,500 per day is realistic. Goa offers a wide range: backpacker hostels for ₹800 and beachside resorts at ₹3,000.

Himalayan Regions (Leh, Manali, Darjeeling): Prices rise due to fuel and logistics. Plan for ₹3,000‑₹4,500 per day if you want a mix of comfort and adventure.

These numbers are averages. Your exact spend will shift based on season, travel style, and any deals you snag. Book trains early, use local food apps for discounts, and consider staying in guesthouses that offer kitchen access – cooking a simple meal can cut food costs by half.

Bottom line: you can travel across India on as little as ₹1,200 a day if you’re frugal, or enjoy a more relaxed trip at ₹4,000‑₹5,000 daily. Knowing the cost buckets helps you plan, save, and still have a blast discovering the country’s wonders.