Introduction
When I first heard about traveling India on $10 a day, I thought it was impossible. But after months of planning and experiencing it firsthand, I realized it’s not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. India is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world, offering everything from cheap accommodations to delicious street food—all while providing rich cultural experiences.
This guide will show you exactly how to stretch $10 (₹850) per day across accommodations, food, transport, attractions, and even a few luxuries. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple, or a family, these tips will help you explore India affordably without compromising on fun or comfort.
Why Is $10 Per Day Possible in India?
India’s affordability stems from its low cost of living and diverse range of options for travelers. Here’s why $10 per day is realistic:
- Cheap Accommodations : Hostels, guesthouses, and homestays are widely available for ₹300-₹800 per night.
- Affordable Food : Street food and local eateries offer meals for ₹50-₹200.
- Budget Transport : Public transport like trains and buses costs ₹100-₹300 per day.
- Free Attractions : Many temples, parks, and markets are free or inexpensive to visit.
Pro Tip : Always carry small change (₹10-₹50 notes) for tipping, bargaining, and small purchases.
Step 1: Accommodation Costs
Where you stay is one of the biggest expenses, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options:
Hostels
- Cost : ₹300-₹600 per night
- Best For : Solo travelers, backpackers
- Examples : Zostel, Madpackers
Personal Experience : During my trip to Rishikesh, I stayed at a riverside hostel for ₹400 per night. It had a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and stunning views of the Ganges.
Guesthouses & Homestays
- Cost : ₹500-₹1,000 per night
- Best For : Families, couples
- Platforms : Airbnb, StayUncle
Budget Hotels
- Cost : ₹800-₹1,200 per night
- Best For : Mid-range travelers
- Chains : OYO Rooms, Treebo
Key Fact : Staying in dormitories or shared rooms can significantly reduce costs.
Step 2: Food Costs
Food is one of the highlights of traveling in India—and it’s incredibly affordable. Here’s how to eat well on a budget:
Street Food
- Cost : ₹10-₹50 per item
- Examples : Pani puri, vada pav, samosas
Local Restaurants
- Cost : ₹50-₹150 per meal
- Examples : Thalis, dosas, biryanis
Budget Cafes
- Cost : ₹100-₹200 per meal
- Examples : Chains like Haldiram’s, Sagar Ratna
Hygiene Tips : Stick to busy stalls and restaurants with high turnover to ensure cleanliness.
Step 3: Transportation Costs
India’s extensive transportation network makes it easy to get around affordably.
Trains
- Sleeper Class : ₹200-₹600
- AC 3-Tier : ₹800-₹1,500
- Booking : Use the IRCTC app or website
Buses
- State-Run Buses : ₹100-₹300 for long distances
- Private Buses : ₹300-₹700
Local Transport
- Auto-Rickshaws : ₹50-₹200 per ride
- App-Based Cabs : ₹100-₹300 per ride (Uber/Ola)
Pro Tip : Negotiate auto-rickshaw fares or use fixed-price apps to avoid overcharging.
Step 4: Attractions & Activities
India offers a mix of free and paid attractions. Here’s how to enjoy them on a budget:
Free Attractions
- Temples (e.g., Akshardham Temple, Meenakshi Temple)
- Parks (e.g., Lodhi Garden, Marine Drive)
- Markets (e.g., Chandni Chowk, Colaba Causeway)
Paid Attractions
- Historical Monuments: ₹500-₹1,000 (e.g., Taj Mahal, Amber Fort)
- National Parks: ₹500-₹1,500 (e.g., Jim Corbett, Ranthambore)
- Adventure Activities: ₹1,000-₹3,000 (e.g., river rafting in Rishikesh)
Key Fact : Many museums and monuments offer discounted rates for students and foreign nationals.
Step 5: Miscellaneous Costs
Even with a tight budget, some miscellaneous expenses are unavoidable. Here’s how to manage them:
Travel Insurance
- Cost : ₹1,000-₹5,000 per trip
- Importance : Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations
Sim Card & Data
- Cost : ₹500-₹1,000 for unlimited data plans
Souvenirs & Shopping
- Cost : ₹500-₹2,000
- Examples : Handicrafts, textiles, spices
Pro Tip : Bargain at markets to save money on souvenirs and shopping.
Sample Budget Breakdown for $10 Per Day
Here’s an example of how you can allocate $10 (₹850) per day:
| Expense | Daily Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹400 |
| Food | ₹200 |
| Transport | ₹150 |
| Attractions | ₹50 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹50 |
| Total | ₹850 (~$10) |
Personal Experience : On my trip to Varanasi, I spent ₹350 on a guesthouse, ₹150 on food, ₹100 on boat rides, and ₹50 on souvenirs—all within ₹850 per day.
Tips for Stretching Your $10 Even Further
- Travel During Off-Peak Seasons : Avoid peak tourist seasons (October-March) to save on flights and accommodations.
- Use Public Transport : Trains and buses are cheaper than private taxis.
- Eat Like a Local : Street food and local eateries are not only affordable but also delicious.
- Stay in Dorms : Shared accommodations are significantly cheaper than private rooms.
- Bargain Smartly : Haggling is expected in markets—start by offering 50% of the quoted price.
Key Fact : Traveling during monsoon season (June-September) can save you money on accommodations and flights.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is $10 per day realistic for traveling in India?
A: Yes, for budget travelers, $10 per day is achievable with careful planning and smart choices.
Q2: What are the cheapest places to visit in India?
A: Affordable destinations include Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Hampi.
Q3: Can I eat well on $10 per day?
A: Absolutely! Street food and local eateries offer delicious meals for ₹50-₹200.
Q4: How much does it cost to visit the Taj Mahal?
A: Entry fees are ₹50 for Indians and ₹1,100 for foreigners.
References
To ensure credibility, the following authoritative sources were consulted:
- Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
- Website: tourism.gov.in
- Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
- Website: irctc.co.in
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Website: who.int
- Lonely Planet – India Travel Guide
- Website: lonelyplanet.com/india
- TripAdvisor – India Travel Forum
- Website: tripadvisor.com
- RedBus – Bus Travel in India
- Website: redbus.in
- Airbnb India
- Website: airbnb.co.in
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
- Website: fssai.gov.in
Conclusion
Traveling India on $10 per day is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. By choosing affordable accommodations, eating like a local, using public transport, and exploring free or low-cost attractions, you can experience the country’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes without overspending.
So, pack your bags, set your budget, and get ready to explore the vibrant, diverse, and enchanting land of India. Have any questions or additional tips? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!