Finding Affordable Travel Deals for India
Planning a trip to India in 2025 doesn’t have to drain your wallet. I remember booking a last-minute flight to Goa last year for just $50 round-trip by using a flight comparison site, and I stayed in a beachside hostel for $5 a night through a budget booking platform. India’s affordability—combined with the right tools—makes it a dream destination for budget travelers. Whether you’re looking for cheap flights to Delhi, a budget hotel in Rishikesh, or an all-inclusive package to the Andamans, the right websites can save you hundreds of dollars.
This guide highlights the best websites to book cheap travel deals for India in 2025, focusing on flights, hotels, and travel packages. These platforms are user-friendly, offer great discounts, and cater specifically to travelers heading to India. Let’s explore how you can travel to India on a budget with these top websites!
Top Websites for Cheap Travel Deals to India
These websites are selected for their ability to offer competitive prices, user-friendly interfaces, and India-specific deals. They cover flights, hotels, and packages, ensuring you can plan your entire trip affordably.
1. MakeMyTrip
- Why It’s Great for India: MakeMyTrip is a leading travel platform in India, offering domestic and international flights, hotels, holiday packages, and even train bookings. It’s perfect for finding cheap flights within India, like a $20 one-way ticket from Delhi to Jaipur, and budget hotels starting at $5 per night.
- Best Features:
- Price Comparison: Compare flights from airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet to find the lowest fares.
- Deals and Discounts: Frequent offers, like up to ₹7000 off on holiday packages, make it budget-friendly.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation for booking flights, hotels, and cabs in one place.
- India-Specific Perk: Offers deals on Indian Railways bookings, ideal for budget travelers exploring India by train, as highlighted in “Indian Railways Budget Travel Guide: How to Get the Lowest Fares”.
- How to Save More: Use coupon codes like SPLPACK for extra discounts on packages.
Pro Tip: Check the “Price Calendar” feature to find the cheapest travel dates for domestic flights.
2. Skyscanner
- Why It’s Great for India: Skyscanner is a global flight search engine that excels at finding the cheapest flights to and within India. It searches over 1,200 sources to ensure you get the best deal, like a $305 round-trip flight from the US to India.
- Best Features:
- Price Alerts: Set alerts to catch price drops for flights to cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru.
- Flexible Search: Use the “Everywhere” search to find the cheapest destinations in India from your departure city.
- Explore Tool: See a map with flight prices to various Indian cities, perfect for budget planning.
- India-Specific Perk: Great for finding deals on regional flights, such as a $15 flight from Chennai to Madurai.
- How to Save More: Book 3-5 months in advance for international flights to India, as this is often the sweet spot for the lowest fares.
Pro Tip: Use Skyscanner’s “Cheapest Month” feature to identify the most affordable time to travel to India.
3. Booking.com
- Why It’s Great for India: Booking.com is a powerhouse for finding budget hotels and guesthouses across India, with over 5,000 properties in destinations like Goa, Rishikesh, and McLeod Ganj.
- Best Features:
- Wide Selection: From $3 hostels in Pushkar to $15 guesthouses in Varanasi, there’s something for every budget.
- Free Cancellation: Many properties offer free cancellation, giving you flexibility.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, and GST rates (12% for hotels under ₹7,500/night, 18% above) are clearly shown.
- India-Specific Perk: Offers budget stays near spiritual sites, like ashrams in Rishikesh, as seen in “Top Budget Hotels in Rishikesh Under ₹1000 – Stay Near the Ganges”.
- How to Save More: Book during off-season (e.g., summer in North India) for lower rates.
Pro Tip: Filter for properties with free breakfast to save on food costs while traveling.
4. Cleartrip
- Why It’s Great for India: Cleartrip is a trusted Indian platform for booking flights and hotels, known for its transparent pricing and flexible cancellation policies.
- Best Features:
- Special Fares: Discounts for students, senior citizens, and armed forces personnel on domestic flights.
- ClearChoice Plus: Free date or airline changes up to 12 hours before departure on select flights.
- Hotel Deals: Budget hotels starting at $5/night in cities like Jaipur and Varanasi.
- India-Specific Perk: Offers easy booking for domestic flights with airlines like IndiGo and Vistara, plus cheap fares during seasonal sales.
- How to Save More: Use Cleartrip’s “Cheap Fare Calendar” to find the lowest prices for your travel dates.
Pro Tip: Book hotels with the “Easy Cancellation” option to avoid fees if plans change.
5. EaseMyTrip
- Why It’s Great for India: EaseMyTrip is a popular Indian travel portal that focuses on low-cost flights and hotels, often highlighted on platforms like X for its customer-centric approach.
- Best Features:
- No Convenience Fees: Unlike many OTAs, EaseMyTrip doesn’t charge extra booking fees.
- Seasonal Offers: First-time users can get discounts on flights using EaseMyTrip coupon codes.
- Luxury on a Budget: Access to 5-star hotels at discounted rates, especially during off-season.
- India-Specific Perk: Great for booking hotels in tourist spots like Goa, with deals starting at $10/night, as noted in “Goa Beaches on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips for Travelers”.
- How to Save More: Invite friends to book via EaseMyTrip and earn up to ₹2000 in your EMT Wallet.
Pro Tip: Book hotels during weekdays in business hubs like Bengaluru for cheaper rates.
6. Kayak
- Why It’s Great for India: Kayak is a travel search engine that compares prices across multiple platforms, making it easy to find cheap flights and hotels for India.
- Best Features:
- Price Forecast Tool: Predicts if flight prices to India will rise or fall, helping you decide when to book.
- Pricebreakers: Offers discounted hotel deals where you pick from three options without knowing the exact hotel until after booking.
- Bundle and Save: Save up to $100 by booking flights and hotels together, like a 7-night stay in Delhi plus a flight.
- India-Specific Perk: Great for finding deals on flights to India from the US, with round-trips as low as $305.
- How to Save More: Use the “Flexible Dates” feature to see cheaper options up to 3 days before or after your preferred dates.
Pro Tip: Use Kayak’s PriceCheck by uploading a screenshot of an itinerary to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
7. TravelTriangle
- Why It’s Great for India: TravelTriangle specializes in customizable tour packages for India, connecting you with top-rated travel agents for budget-friendly itineraries.
- Best Features:
- Customizable Packages: Tailor-made itineraries for destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, and the Andamans.
- Verified Agents: Works with the top 10% of reviewed agents for quality service.
- Budget Options: Packages for budget destinations like Kasol and Pondicherry, starting at $50 for a 3-day trip.
- India-Specific Perk: Offers adventure-focused packages, like white-water rafting in Rishikesh or hot air ballooning in Rajasthan, as mentioned in “Andaman Travel Guide for Backpackers: Budget-Friendly Tips and Itinerary” for similar budget ideas.
- How to Save More: Compare quotes from multiple agents to get the best deal.
Pro Tip: Book packages during off-peak seasons for discounts up to 17%.
8. Thomas Cook
- Why It’s Great for India: Thomas Cook offers meticulously designed holiday packages for India, covering popular and offbeat destinations like Sikkim, Coorg, and Pondicherry.
- Best Features:
- Flexible Packages: Choose fixed departure plans or fully customizable itineraries.
- Wide Range: Packages for every budget, from $30 for a 2-day Coorg trip to $150 for a 5-day Kashmir tour.
- Cultural Experiences: Includes visits to festivals like Diwali or Holi for an authentic experience.
- India-Specific Perk: Specializes in offbeat destinations, perfect for exploring hidden gems like Tawang or Mahabaleshwar.
- How to Save More: Look for seasonal discounts, like 9% off on select packages.
Pro Tip: Book a package that includes meals to save on food costs during your trip.
Why These Websites Are Best for India Travel Deals
- India-Specific Focus: Platforms like MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, and EaseMyTrip are tailored for the Indian market, offering deals on domestic flights, trains, and local experiences.
- Affordable Options: From $3 hostels to $15 flights, these websites cater to budget travelers while ensuring quality.
- Cultural Relevance: Packages include unique experiences like attending the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi or trekking in Ladakh, as highlighted in “Ladakh on a Shoestring Budget in 2025: Tips for Backpackers”.
- Transparency: No hidden fees, with clear pricing on GST for hotels and flight fares.
Tips to Maximize Savings on India Travel Deals
- Book Early: Flights to India are cheapest 3-5 months in advance, especially for international routes.
- Travel Off-Season: Visit North India in summer or hill stations during the monsoon for lower rates on hotels and flights.
- Use Price Alerts: Set alerts on Skyscanner or Kayak to catch price drops for your desired routes.
- Bundle Deals: Save more by booking flights and hotels together on Kayak or MakeMyTrip.
- Look for Local Transport: Use websites like MakeMyTrip to book Indian Railways tickets for long-distance travel, which can cost as little as $3-$7.
Pro Tip: Always compare at least two websites for the same booking—prices can vary slightly due to different partnerships with airlines and hotels.
FAQ: Booking Cheap Travel Deals for India
What’s the Best Website for Cheap Flights to India?
Skyscanner and Kayak are top choices for international flights, with round-trips as low as $305. For domestic flights, MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip offer fares starting at $15.
How Can I Find Budget Hotels in India?
Booking.com and EaseMyTrip are great for finding budget hotels, with options starting at $3/night in destinations like Rishikesh and Pushkar.
Are These Websites Safe to Book From?
Yes, all listed websites are reputable and widely used. They offer secure payment options and reliable customer support.
When Is the Best Time to Book Travel Deals for India?
Book 3-5 months in advance for flights, and travel during off-season (summer for North India, monsoon for hill stations) for the best hotel and package deals.
Book Your India Adventure on a Budget in 2025
Traveling to India in 2025 can be incredibly affordable with the right websites. Whether you’re using Skyscanner to snag a $305 flight, Booking.com to find a $5 hostel in Goa, or TravelTriangle for a $50 Rajasthan package, these platforms make budget travel a reality. My trip to Goa last year showed me how far a small budget can go in India—I danced on the beach, ate fresh seafood for $2, and made memories that lasted a lifetime, all without breaking the bank. Now it’s your turn to explore India’s magic on a budget!
Need more budget travel ideas? Check out these guides:
- “Best Budget Food in Varanasi: Cheap Eats for Tourists”
- “Top Budget Hotels in McLeod Ganj Under ₹1000 – Affordable Monastery Stays”
Which website are you most excited to try for your India trip? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!