10 Practical Tips to Achieve Budget Travel in India

Lets discuss some practical hacks which have proven to work over time on my many (mis)adventures in order to achieve travel within a limited budget in India.

India is one of the most budget friendly travel destinations in the world, and this I realized when I started hitting the road with a bunch who had wanderlust running in their veins (yeah you know who you guys are!). So having studied in a college in Delhi NCR, we had the mighty Himalayas and the culturally rich deserts a night’s journey away, the various options for destinations was never a problem and we would often go on weekend trips as well. Now as college students, our travel budget was always low and we’d be saving up from our pocket money each month up until the next holiday marked in the academic calendar so that we could run away on our little escapes, yep we really wanted to make most out of college life (or run away from it). And after a couple of similar trips, I realized, you don’t have to necessarily compromise a lot to enjoy the authentic beauty of these places. Sometimes you make some of the best memories in life when you come out of your coziness, challenge yourself and experience the world’s vibrance. Pure bliss I tell you. It’s all part of your personal growth, so do not shy away from cutting down on some luxuries to save up for better adventures.

The main expenses while travelling can be broadly classified into three: transportation, accommodation and food.

These are some of the several simple tips that I’ve undertaken during the whole journey to make budget travel in India seem a lot more doable, so here goes: -

1. Use public transport

It is possible to travel all throughout India via public transport.

State owned buses or local bus service for short distance traveling.

For example, HRTC, UPSRTC, KSRTC and so on.

The Indian Railways for long distance travel.

Except some of the mountainous regions, the Indian railways cover most of the Indian states and it’s a typical experience one must definitely give a try. The railways have various different classes classified according to level of comfort, facilities and fare, listed in ascending order of hierarchy: General class, Sleeper class, 3AC, 2AC and 1AC.

For post-pandemic travel, personal hygiene and government issued guidelines for social distancing have to be strictly followed for the safety of everyone traveling by public transport.

Renting bikes or a scooter is also a great way to save up and explore a place, it’s always cheaper than taxis; and such an exciting experience when you have the freedom to go wherever, whenever!!

2. Avoid peak tourist seasons

In known touristy destinations, prices of everything from food to accommodation shoot up during peak seasons. The locals tend to charge unreasonable rates during these times. So do your research and try to go to your destinations when its off the season, which will also be less crowded, it’s a win-win situation! This is not a worry factor with off-beat spots.

3. Stay at homestays or backpacker hostels

Homestays are a great way to really get a closer look at the culture of the people in the region that you’re exploring as it gives you a one-on-one interaction within the household or family that you choose to stay with. It gives you a more authentic feel. Homestays are comparatively cheaper too. Also, accommodation in the Himalayan regions are super affordable. At first it was quite surprising to me as well, you can get a room rented for Rs.500 or even lesser!

Bonus tip: Carrying a tent when you're in the mountains is a great way to save up on accommodation and experience nature at its very essence, provided the weather condition is pleasant. You can set it up almost anywhere. Who doesn't love camping under the stars, such an enjoyable feeling!

Whereas for bigger metropolitan cities, there are many backpacker hostel chains like Zostel, Stops hostel, Backpacker Panda and Youth Hostel Association of India etc., that offer clean and affordable rooms/dorms which is quite an economical option. It is also a safer option if you’re traveling alone, and this way you get to meet other like-minded people as well.

4. Bargain for better prices wherever possible

In India, bargaining goes without saying from accommodations to rickshaw rides to street shopping. If you have a knack for the local language and settle for a fair deal without annoying the retailer, then you’re good to go.

5. Travel in a group

Traveling with your friends or family is a huge money saver. Somehow a lot of my travel adventures have been in groups and I believe this really helped me save some bucks. You can finally split up costs of food, transportation and accommodation. But for travel after or during the pandemic, I wouldn’t suggest family or group trips to be honest.

6. Carry fruits as snacks and dine in where the locals eat

It adds as a healthy snack and helps in cutting costs. This you’ll be able to find everywhere you go, either fresh ones like from the apple orchards of Himachal or from street vendors. Preferably peelable fruits are a safer choice in order to avoid falling sick while travelling. You can also stock up on some goodies like bread, jam, biscuits, juice etc. and have a little picnic with a view.

Also, eating at places where the locals eat is a great way to blend into their culture and have a delicious meal without burning a hole in your pocket. If you’re doubtful about the hygiene, look for food stalls with more number of customers, cause then you know the food is not sitting for long.

7. Street shopping is fun and also cost effective

You can find almost anything at a local market at bargain able rates. Street markets/flea markets are very common all over India. The retailer often takes advantage and quotes higher prices at first if they know that you’re a tourist, so make sure you end up at a reasonable price.

8. Talk to the locals

Find out from the local sitting next to you in the bus or any stranger you find, about what they do for fun, how they pass time, where they hangout, what’s worth doing in their town, where they eat normally, their suggestions will definitely be a cheaper alternative than what you’d find out from google or what a tour guide might tell you.

9. Hitchhike wherever possible

Hitchhiking could be an enjoyable experience. However, it is less likely that a private vehicle would offer to help, but the truck drivers never hesitate to get you on board. While traveling solo, be a little more cautious and have an understanding with the driver. Sharing each other’s stories could be an engaging experience during the ride.

10. Prioritize the experiences you want to splurge on

If you’re in Rishikesh and want to try out a water sport so bad or if you want to try skiing in Auli, you wouldn’t want to miss out on that because you know you’ll regret it if you do, and that’s the worst feeling ever. You need to choose what you splurge on wisely and if it’s something you’d been wanting to do, then it’s definitely going to be worth it. Just plan your budget accordingly beforehand.

Having a tight budget shouldn’t stop you from taking that trip you’re dying to go on, it’s only a matter of persistence and getting creative with some of the above mentioned hacks or a combination of em’. Travel does not necessarily have to be expensive. I’ve undertaken most of my trips on a budget that cost me as less as 2.5k Rs to a maximum of 6k! If I can do it, so can you!!

When you look back, the experience is going to be rewarding as ever.