India’s reputation runs deep – and sometimes rightly so. Yet, the reality is that it is one of the most affordable countries you will visit. Your cash grows much longer here than in places like London or Tokyo – lasting a few weeks rather than a few days.
It’s easy to feel a little intimidated when you’re starting to plan a trip to India. It’s a vast country with diverse vibes and options. But the good news is – you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have an amazing time here.
In fact, you will find that from cool seaside towns to spiritual hot-spots and vibrant cities, there are plenty of places in India that are extremely welcoming to newcomers and easy on the pocket too.
In this guide, we’ll break down our top picks for budget friendly destinations in India for beginners, along with practical tips to help you plan your first trip with confidence. Let’s get started.
For more detailed travel tips on making the most of your first trip to India, check out our first time travel guide to India, which provides all the essential information for your trip.
Why India Is Perfect for Budget Travel for Beginners
Let’s get one thing straight before we even start looking for specific destinations – India is a real gem for budget travelers.
Affordable Accommodations
It’s pretty mind-blowing: you can snag a clean spot to sleep in a hostel dorm for as little as $3-5 a night almost anywhere.
If the whole dorm thing doesn’t float your boat, budget guesthouses and even homestays can be had for between $10-20 a night for a room to yourself.
Even places like Goa or Jaipur – places that are popular with tourists – still offer loads of accommodation options that fit into most budgets.
Just a tip: try booking ahead a bit during the peak season, and you’ll be golden. But if you’re not arriving during a holiday period, you can usually just turn up and find a decent place to stay.
Inexpensive Food
If you eat where the locals eat, food in India is dirt cheap. A plate of dosa, thali, or biryani at a street stall or local eatery is usually no more than $1-2.
Even restaurants that are aimed squarely at tourists are a whole lot cheaper than what you’d expect to pay back in the West. And street food is not just budget-friendly; it’s often some of the best grub you’ll ever have – just follow the locals, and you’ll know what I mean.
And no, you don’t have to be worried about getting sick as soon as you set foot on Indian soil – if you just use a bit of common sense when trying new things.
Plus, a lot of other travelers eat street food and are perfectly fine, so don’t let it put you off.
Cheap Transportation
India is pretty well set up for budget travel when it comes to transportation. Trains are your best bet – a second class sleeper ticket on an overnight train will cost you around $5-10, and you get a place to crash for the night to boot.
Buses are even cheaper but – be warned – the standard of comfort can vary a bit wildly. For shorter trips, auto rickshaws are often the way to go.
Just make sure to agree on a price before you get in, or get the driver to put the meter on. And if you’re in a city with ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber – take advantage of those for a price you can trust.
Best Budget Friendly Destinations in India for Beginners
These budget-friendly destinations in India for beginners are easy to navigate, affordable, and ideal for first-time travelers.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
You can’t sugarcoat it – Varanasi is intense. This ancient, rambling city on the banks of the Ganges is a sensory overload. Crowded, chaotic, and spiritually overwhelming – it’s a wild ride.
Yet it’s also one of those places that’ll stay with you for a lifetime. And the best part? It won’t break the bank.
Most things to see here are essentially free – you can while away hours watching the ghats being used for all sorts of ceremonies, poking around the narrow alleyways of the old town, or just chilling by the river. Cheaper guesthouses can be found right near the ghats for $5-10 per night.
Budget Tips: If you want a bit more peace and quiet, try to find a place to stay in the Assi Ghat area – it’s a bit quieter. Temple visits are free – just go!
Eat from the local food stalls; they serve amazing lassi & kachori for a few rupees. Boat rides at sunrise cost around $2-3 if you bargain.
Goa
Goa’s what comes to mind when you think of India’s beaches – and although it can get pricey in some areas, budget travellers still have heaps of options.
North Goa’s beaches – Anjuna, Vagator & Arambol – have been favourites among backpackers for years, with affordable hostels, seafood-serving beach shacks and a relaxed vibe to match.
Of course, South Goa’s a bit quieter & you might find the odd higher price tag, but you can still keep costs down if you steer clear of the fancy resorts.
Budget Tips: Try to stay in a hostel or guesthouse that’s not right on the beach. That way, you can rent a scooter for $3-5 a day and cruise from one beach to another.
Eat at the local shacks instead of the touristy places. And if you can, try and visit during the shoulder season (Oct-Nov or Mar-Apr) when prices tend to be lower.
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
Jaisalmer, the so-called ‘Golden City’, somehow magically rises out of the dunes of the Thar Desert like a dream from a fairy tale book. Dominating the skyline is the massive sandstone fort, and the surrounding desert landscape is pretty breathtaking.
Jaisalmer is one of those places that’s a little more pocket-friendly compared to Jaipur or Udaipur, which makes it a perfect fit for any traveller on a tight budget.
Most visitors head out for a desert safari, but you can get a great deal by booking directly with some local outfits rather than going through the hotels.
Budget Tips: You won’t go wrong staying in those super-cheap guesthouses inside the fort itself – the location is pretty cool. Or just knock on the door of one just outside the fort, and you’ll probably find something even cheaper.
Putting a saddle on a camel and heading off into the desert for an overnight camping adventure will only set you back around $15-$25 per person.
Check out the fort and some of the old houses; entrances are usually pretty low. Avoid December and January if you don’t want to get ripped off by the price-hikers.
Mumbai
Mumbai isn’t exactly the cheapest place to visit in India, but you can still get by on a budget if you know where to look. This is a city that buzzes!
It’s the country’s financial hub, Bollywood’s backyard, a crazy mix of colonial architecture, slums, and skyscrapers… It’s pretty mesmerizing. The good news is that many of Mumbai’s top attractions come in at under 5 bucks.
Take a stroll around South Mumbai, have a look at the Gateway of India, sit on the beach at Marine Drive and watch the world go by, or head down to Crawford Market – all of these are free or almost free.
Budget Tips: If you can stay in one of those budget hotels or hostels in Colaba or Churchgate, you’ll be basically right on top of all the main sights.
Make use of the local trains (they’re dirt cheap, if a little crowded). Street food is ridiculously cheap too – a vada pav will set you back less than 50 cents. Best of all, skip the overpriced bars and grab a cuppa at a roadside stall instead.
Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu)
Pondicherry – or Puducherry to the locals – is a place that has been shaped by its time as a French colony and still has a distinctly European feel to it.
The French Quarter is a real treat; it’s full of colourful colonial buildings and quaint little cafes, plus it has a super relaxed, laid-back vibe from its time by the sea.
It has become a bit of a hotspot for budget travellers looking to experience something a bit new and different to your average Indian city.
The beaches themselves are pretty ordinary for India, but the town itself is just so charming you’ll barely notice. It’s seriously easy to while away a few days there without breaking the bank.
Budget Tips: Low-cost guesthouses are ten a penny in the Tamil Quarter – get yourself a bike for a couple of bucks a day and you’re free to tool around the town and some of the nearby beaches.
Auroville – the experimental community place – is free to visit. For some super cheap and super filling grub, you can’t go wrong with some of the local South Indian restaurants.
Kochi (Kerala)
Kochi, Kerala, is one of the easiest cities in India to get your bearings in – especially for newcomers. It has an incredible mix going on – a dash of Portuguese, Dutch & British colonial history all jumbled up with the traditional culture of Kerala.
The historic Fort Kochi area is pretty small and super easy to get around on foot. Kerala is pretty famous for its backwaters – and while the luxury houseboat experience can be a bit pricey, you can still get a taste for it without breaking the bank.
Just hop on a local ferry for a few rupees, or find a budget pad that’s right on the canals. You’ll get a great feel for the place without the hefty price tag.
Budget Tips: Affordable homestays are a dime a dozen in Fort Kochi – great for getting a taste of local life. Get on a public ferry to take a leisurely trip through the backwaters for almost nothing.
Catch the sunset over the Chinese fishing nets – it’s a freebie. And if you’re feeling peckish – try out some of the local Kerala grub (fish curry & appam are a must-try) – it’s cheap and seriously delicious.
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Jaipur, the Pink City, is one of India’s most visited destinations and for good reason. The forts, palaces, and market stalls are all seriously impressive, and the city has a pretty friendly vibe for first-timers to try and make their way around.
Admittedly, some of the palace entry fees can start to add up, but you can still experience Jaipur on the cheap.
You can just admire that stunning Hawa Mahal from the outside without coughing up the entrance fee, and the bazaar is a real fun place to just wander around and take in the sights – all for free.
Budget Tips: For starters, look for budget guesthouses in the old town; it’ll add to the atmosphere and you’ll be close to all the action. If you want to save some cash on a visit to Amber Fort, don’t visit if you don’t have to – view it from a distance instead.
Try getting an early start and visiting early morning when it’s less crowded. Also, if you need to get some souvenirs, head to the local markets like Bapu Bazaar; they’re heaps better than a tourist shop.
Meals-wise, go local and try a Rajasthani thali; you won’t be leaving hungry, and it’s super cheap.
Leh-Ladakh
Leh Ladakh is the ultimate bucket list destination for many travellers. It’s far from a cheap destination, with flights from Delhi being pretty pricey.
But once you get there, things are a lot more affordable than you’d think. The place has an otherworldly desert landscape, which is just stunning – and the Buddhist monasteries that are scattered all over the place are some of the most peaceful and welcoming places you’ve ever seen.
If you’re the adventurous type, then Leh Ladakh is the place for you – but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart. Accommodation is pretty basic, but that’s all part of the charm.
Budget Tips: Stay in a simple guest house in Leh town; you can find some real gems there. Loads of the monasteries will let you in for free (or ask for a small donation) – worth a visit, if ever I saw one.
Trekking routes? Free as a bird, though you’ll need to budget for some basic supplies. Visit in June to September when the roads are open, and even consider taking the Manali-Leh Highway bus instead of flying to save yourself a pretty penny on transport.
Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Udaipur is often called the most romantic city in India. No wonder why – it’s got beautiful lakes, stunning palaces and what not, and loads of those Indian havelis to explore.
You can expect a lot of the more upmarket tourists to be heading there too, which means it’s not exactly the cheapest destination in Rajasthan – but don’t worry, you can still get in on a budget.
The City Palace is one of the attractions that’s well worth paying the entrance fee for – but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy Udaipur, just go for a wander around Lake Pichola and the old city streets and you’ll get a great feel for the place.
Budget Tips: If you book early you can still pick up a budget guesthouse with a cracking view of the lake. A lakeside stroll is free as a bird, and the views are just as stunning as the ones you get from the fancy hotels.
Try eating at a local restaurant, tucked away from all the tourist areas – the food is just as good, but at a fraction of the cost. Visit the Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens for a small entrance fee; it’s worth it.
And lastly, avoid staying right on the lake – the prices are so high it’s just not worth it.
Mysore (Karnataka)
Mysore is a city that tends to get overlooked in favour of the bigger lights, but to be fair, it punches way above its weight as a budget destination.
The Mysore Palace – that famous building you always see in the pictures – is the main drawcard, a jaw-dropping example of Indo-Saracenic architecture that’s amazingly good value for the price of admission.
Compared to a place like Bangalore, Mysore comes across as a breath of fresh air – clean, manageable, and far less frantic. Plus, it makes for a great base for any day trips you might want to take to the nearby Chamundi Hills and Srirangapatna.
Budget Tips: You can easily find budget-friendly hotels near the centre of town. There are plenty of temples and gardens scattered around that are either free to visit or a few rupees to get in.
The local buses are dirt cheap for getting around. Give Mysore’s famous masala dosa a go at a local cafe or eatery, and then take a stroll through Devaraja Market – it’s a riot of colours and you can pick up some very tasty, cheap snacks there.
Budget Travel Tips for Beginners in India
Figuring out where to go is a big part of the challenge of travelling in India, and here are some sensible tips to help you make the most of your cash when you’re on the road.
Accommodation
Booking a place to stay the night a day or two before you arrive can often get you a better deal than just turning up off the street, especially in popular tourist spots.
Try using websites to compare prices, but also go to the actual guesthouses and check their websites – you never know when direct bookings might be cheaper.
Hostels are great for solo travellers on a budget, and they’re a great place to meet other people who are on a similar journey and swap tips & advice.
If you’re the sort of person who likes your own space, then budget guesthouses & homestays are actually better value than hotels.
Food
The rule of thumb is that if you eat where the locals eat, then you’re going to get a good meal that won’t break the bank. If a place is full of families at lunch or dinner, then it’s probably worth eating there.
Avoid places that have picture menus or are obviously trying to rip off tourists in that way – they always seem to be overpriced and a letdown.
Thali meals are a lifesaver – for around $2-$3 you get a whole meal with rice, bread, curries, vegetables, & even dessert. Street food is even cheaper, & some of the best stuff you’ll have in India is the street food.
Transportation
Trains are the main way that budget travellers get around India. Book a sleeper ticket for overnight journeys, and you can save on accommodation costs at the same time.
The Indian Railways website & app can be a bit of a nightmare, but it’s worth sorting out so you don’t get ripped off by booking fees from third-party sites.
For shorter distances, government buses are reliable & cheap. Private buses can be a bit hit or miss – some are comfy, others are a bit dodgy.
Do your research before booking a long-distance private bus journey. In the cities, you can use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola when they’re available – they keep things simple & prevent all the haggling that comes with regular auto rickshaws.
That said, rickshaws are all part of the experience, so do try to use them & negotiate a fair price before you get in.
Free Attractions
Some of the best things to experience in India don’t cost anything. Take a walk around the markets, explore some of the temples, watch a sunset ceremony on the ghats, go for a walk in the countryside, or just sit & people watch – all for free.
Lots of cities offer free walking tours, so you’ll learn about the local culture & history from a knowledgeable guide – just tip them at the end if you like what you got. These tours are brilliant for getting oriented & finding your way around.
When to visit: Best season for a budget friendly trip in India
Knowing when to travel can make a huge difference to your wallet. But before you start packing, it would be wise to take a look at the Indian seasons given below:
Peak Season (October-March):
The cooler weather makes it a really comfortable time to travel in most parts of India – your days of sweating in the heat will be over (or just around the corner – it really depends on the temperature!).
But – and there is a but – it also means higher prices for accommodation, and you can expect to pay top dollar, especially around Diwali (which is October/November for most people) and Christmas.
And it’s not just your wallet that’s hit – more tourists and plenty of ‘please stay away from attractions’ moments are also part of peak season.
Best season (September to October and March to April):
If you are on a budget, then this is the best option to make the most of your money – prices are low and the crowd is less. And the weather?
Well, it’s still pretty cool in general, although April can be a bit scorching for some people and September can bring the remnants of monsoon rains – it all depends on where you are in India.
Monsoon Season (June-August):
If you are completely prepared to go on a trip in wet and misty times – which may be exactly what you want – definitely plan for it if you are visiting places like the backwaters in Kerala.
Roads may be a bit rough and some attractions may be closed due to weather and we mention it rains a lot?
Destination-Specific Timing:
- Leh-Ladakh: You can reach here only from June to September – traditionally because the passes through the high mountains remain open. We advise you to come only then.
- Goa: Go there from November to February and leave your shorts on for now – the monsoon is in full effect and a lot of places will be closed due to it.
- Rajasthan: October to March is definitely the time when you want to visit the desert without feeling like you are walking on the surface of the sun.
Ready to Explore India on a Budget
Budget travel in India doesn’t mean giving up on having a decent time or being left out of some amazing experiences.
In reality, you can often have more genuine interactions and enjoy some truly unforgettable adventures when traveling on the cheap, rather than blowing your cash on pretentious ‘luxury’ and eating at tourist traps.
The places we cover in this guide – from the utterly intense spiritual vibe of Varanasi to the breathtaking desert landscapes of Jaisalmer, from Goa’s beaches to the rugged mountains of Leh-Ladakh – really do offer something for anyone.
And the great thing is you don’t have to break the bank to experience them if you follow the advice in this guide. India can be a tough nut to crack, especially for first-timers.
But it’s also one of the most thrilling places to visit on the planet – and the key is starting out with some destinations where your cash really will go a long way, learning as you go, and of course being open to all the unexpected surprises along the way.
Now that you’re ready to start your budget-friendly adventure in India, pick a spot that really gets you excited, book that first room, and take the plunge.
Those incredible experiences, the fantastic people, and all those unforgettable moments are just waiting for you. Starting with these 10 budget friendly destinations in India for beginners allows you to experience the country without stress, overspending, or culture shock.
FAQ for Budget Friendly Destinations in India
Is India safe for budget travelers and first-time visitors?
Yes. India is generally safe for budget travelers and first-time visitors, especially in popular tourist areas. Basic precautions like avoiding isolated places at night and using trusted transport are usually enough.
How much does it cost to travel India on a budget per day?
Budget travel in India typically costs $20–30 per day, covering a hostel or guesthouse, local food, public transport, and basic sightseeing.
Is street food safe to eat in India for tourists?
Yes. Indian street food is safe if you choose busy stalls with freshly cooked food. Avoid raw items, drink bottled water, and start slowly to let your stomach adjust.
What are the best budget friendly destinations in India for beginners?
The best places for first-time budget travelers in India include Goa, Jaipur, Kochi, Pondicherry, Mysore, and Varanasi due to their affordability and easy navigation.
What is the cheapest way to travel around India?
Trains are the cheapest way to travel around India, especially sleeper-class tickets. Government buses and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are also affordable options.
When is the best time to visit India for budget travel?
The best time for budget travel in India is September–October and March–April, when prices are lower and crowds are smaller.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance when traveling India on a budget?
No. You don’t always need to book accommodation in advance, except during peak season or festivals. Budget guesthouses are widely available in most destinations.
Images: Unsplash
