Traveling to a culturally rich, diverse, and fascinating country like India doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, I did it for under $500, including flights, accommodation, food, and local transport. Yes—$500 for an entire trip!
In this post, I’ll share exactly how I did it, break down every cost, and give you my best travel hacks to make your budget-friendly Indian adventure a reality. Here’s “How I Traveled to India for Under $500 – Full Budget Breakdown.”
✈️ 1. Flights – $275 (Round Trip)
The biggest expense was the flight, but here’s how I scored it cheap:
- I booked 3 months in advance using Google Flights and set price alerts.
- I flew from New York to New Delhi with a long layover in Abu Dhabi, which made it cheaper.
- I used credit card travel points worth $80 to reduce the cost.
Total paid: $275
👉 Pro tip: Use tools like Skyscanner to compare flight deals from multiple airlines.
🏨 2. Accommodation – $60 (5 nights)
I stayed in a mix of budget hostels and homestays in Delhi and Agra.
- Zostel Delhi (2 nights): $18
- Agra homestay (1 night): $10
- Jaipur hostel (2 nights): $32
All had great reviews, Wi-Fi, lockers, and clean bathrooms.
Total paid: $60
👉 Many budget accommodations in India can be found for $10–$15/night, especially if you’re willing to share a dorm.
🍛 3. Food – $45 (6 days)
Indian street food is not only delicious but super affordable. Here’s how much I spent:
- Daily breakfast (chai, paratha, fruit): $1–2
- Lunch (veg thali or biryani): $2–3
- Dinner (street snacks + meal): $3–4
I drank only bottled water and ate at places with high local traffic (a good hygiene sign).
Total paid: $45
👉 Tip: Try small local restaurants known as dhaba for authentic and cheap meals.
🚆 4. Transportation – $40
- Metro and rickshaws in Delhi: $8
- Train from Delhi to Agra: $5 (2nd class A/C)
- Bus to Jaipur: $10
- Local tuk-tuks and Uber rides: $17
India has a wide, affordable public transport system. Pre-book trains online via IRCTC or use local travel apps.
Total paid: $40
🕌 5. Attractions & Entry Fees – $30
Many monuments and attractions charge foreigners more than locals, but still quite affordable.
- Taj Mahal: $13
- Amber Fort, Jaipur: $7
- India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb: $10
- Misc. tips to guides or donations: ~$5
Total paid: $30
🧾 Total Cost: $450
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $275 |
| Accommodation | $60 |
| Food | $45 |
| Transport | $40 |
| Attractions | $30 |
| Total | $450 |
That left me with $50 for extras or souvenirs!
🧠 Budget Travel Tips for India
- Use local SIM cards – A prepaid Indian SIM costs under $5 and includes data.
- Download offline maps – Saves roaming costs and helps with local navigation.
- Travel off-season – Visit in March or September for lower prices and smaller crowds.
- Book trains early – Trains sell out fast, and early bookings get better prices.
✅ Final Thoughts
Traveling to India on a budget is not only possible—it’s incredibly rewarding. For under $500, I explored historical wonders, enjoyed amazing food, and experienced one of the most vibrant cultures in the world.
If you’re curious about more budget travel guides, cultural experiences, or destination ideas, be sure to visit the Planet Earth Holidays blog for more inspiration.
India proves that travel doesn’t need to be expensive—it just needs to be well-planned.
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