From Backpack to Boutique: Comparing Budget vs Luxury Travel in India

India is a land of contrasts — ancient temples and sleek rooftop bars, bustling bazaars and serene spa retreats. And just like the country itself, your travel experience here can range from rugged backpacking to opulent boutique luxury.

In this blog, we explore two distinct ways to explore India: budget backpacking vs luxury boutique travel. We’ll break down the costs, experiences, pros, and cons of each travel style — all while covering the same destinations.

🧳 Planning your dream trip to India? Don’t miss our curated travel guides on the Planet Earth Holidays blog.

🇮🇳 Destination Focus: Rajasthan, India

We’ll compare budget vs luxury travel in Rajasthan, one of India’s most colorful and culturally rich states. Think royal palaces, desert safaris, street food, and forts straight out of a movie.

🧍‍♂️ Option 1: Backpacking Through Rajasthan

🛏️ Accommodation

• Hostels / Budget Guesthouses: ₹400–₹900 per night ($5–$12)
• Popular picks: Zostel Jaipur, Moustache Hostel Udaipur

🍛 Food

• Street food & local dhabas: ₹50–₹200 per meal ($0.60–$2.50)
• Must-try: Kachori in Jodhpur, Laal Maas in Jaipur

🚆 Transportation

• Local trains, buses, tuk-tuks: ₹100–₹300 per ride ($1–$4)
• Sleeper class trains between cities are affordable and social

🎟️ Experiences

• Low-cost attractions & free walking tours
• Entry to forts & palaces: ₹50–₹250 ($0.60–$3) for Indian citizens, ₹200–₹700 for foreigners
• Desert safari in Jaisalmer: Starting ₹1,000 ($12)

💸 Average Daily Spend: ₹1,200–₹2,000 ($15–$25)

✅ Pros:

• Authentic experiences
• Deeper interaction with locals
• Perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads

❌ Cons:

• Can be physically demanding
• Lower hygiene standards
• Limited privacy

👑 Option 2: Boutique Luxury in Rajasthan

🏨 Accommodation

• Luxury heritage hotels / boutique stays: ₹8,000–₹30,000 per night ($100–$350)
• Examples: Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur), Samode Haveli (Jaipur), RAAS Jodhpur

🍽️ Dining

• Fine-dining & curated food experiences: ₹1,000–₹4,000 per meal ($12–$50)
• Rooftop restaurants, wine pairings, Rajasthani thalis

🚗 Transportation

• Private drivers, domestic flights, luxury trains
• Golden Chariot or Palace on Wheels: Starts from $600/day (all-inclusive)

🌟 Experiences

• Private guided tours, wellness retreats, art classes
• Exclusive camel safaris with glamping in the Thar Desert
• Yoga and spa sessions at luxury resorts

💸 Average Daily Spend: ₹15,000–₹50,000 ($180–$600)

✅ Pros:

• High comfort and service quality
• Unique, curated experiences
• Safer and more convenient for first-timers

❌ Cons:

• Expensive
• More insulated from local life
• Can feel curated or disconnected from “real” India

💡 Looking for the most iconic boutique experiences? Check out Conde Nast Traveller’s list of best boutique stays in India.

🎒 Backpack vs 💼 Boutique: The Verdict

Both experiences offer something uniquely Indian. It all depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for.

🧭 Mixing the Two? Yes, You Can!

You don’t have to stick strictly to one style. Many travelers mix and match:

• Stay in hostels but splurge on a few luxury nights
• Eat at local food stalls but book a sunset dinner at a palace
• Use trains but hire a driver for comfort on longer routes

Travel in India is incredibly versatile, which makes it a perfect destination for both budget-conscious backpackers and luxury seekers.

✈️ Final Thoughts: Choose Your India

Backpack or boutique — both show you different sides of India. Whether you’re counting rupees or splurging on royal comfort, India promises a soul-stirring, mind-expanding journey.

What matters most is that you experience it your way.

👉 Ready to plan your next adventure? Dive into our other destination guides and tips on the Planet Earth Holidays blog.

🌐 Bonus: Need help building your perfect itinerary? Use this free India travel planner tool from TripSavvy.