How to Work & Travel in India on a Budget: Ultimate Guide for 2025

Why You Should Work & Travel in India in 2025

India is a dream destination for travelers and digital nomads alike—vibrant, diverse, and incredibly affordable. I spent three months working and traveling in India in 2024, balancing freelance projects while exploring bustling cities like Delhi, serene beaches in Goa, and the misty hills of Himachal Pradesh—all without breaking the bank. The cost of living in India is significantly lower than in Western countries, with an average daily budget of $20-$30 for budget travelers, according to a 2023 Statista report [Ref 1].

In 2025, India continues to be a hotspot for remote workers and budget travelers, thanks to its growing coworking spaces, reliable internet in major cities, and a wide range of budget-friendly destinations. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a freelancer, or someone looking to volunteer while exploring, this guide will show you how to work and travel in India on a budget. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for 2025!

Step 1: Understand Visa Rules for Working and Traveling in India

Before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to understand India’s visa regulations, especially if you plan to work remotely while traveling. India offers several visa options for tourists and remote workers:

Tourist Visa: Valid for up to 6 months, this visa is ideal for travelers but does not allow you to work for an Indian company. However, you can work remotely for a foreign employer. As of 2025, a 30-day e-Tourist Visa costs $25 for most nationalities [Ref 2].
Business Visa: If you’re attending meetings or conferences while in India, a Business Visa might be more appropriate. It’s valid for up to 1 year and costs around $80-$150, depending on your nationality.
e-Visa for Digital Nomads: India introduced a digital nomad-friendly policy in 2024, allowing remote workers to apply for an e-Visa with a validity of up to 1 year.

Pro Tip: Always check the official Indian visa website for the latest requirements before applying [Ref 3].

Step 2: Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations in India

India is vast, with destinations that cater to every budget. Here are some of the best budget destinations for working and traveling in 2025:

1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh is perfect for digital nomads seeking peace and affordability. Hostels here cost as little as $5 per night, and you can find coworking spaces for $3-$5 per day. The Ganges River, ashrams, and nearby hiking trails make it a great spot to balance work and adventure. For affordable stays, check out “Top Budget Hotels in Rishikesh Under ₹1000 – Stay Near the Ganges”.

2. Goa

Goa is a haven for beach lovers and remote workers. Areas like Arambol and Palolem offer budget guesthouses for $10-$15 per night, and coworking spaces provide high-speed internet for $10 per day. Plus, the laid-back vibe is perfect for unwinding after work. Learn more in “Goa Beaches on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips for Travelers”.

3. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur, the Pink City, is a cultural gem with affordable stays starting at $8 per night. It’s also emerging as a digital nomad hub, with coworking spaces offering day passes for $4. Explore forts, palaces, and markets in your downtime. For budget accommodation options, see “Best Budget Hotels Near Jaipur’s Pink City Under ₹1000”.

4. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in the Himalayas, McLeod Ganj is the home of the Dalai Lama and a hotspot for budget travelers. Dorm beds cost $4-$6, and you can enjoy Tibetan food for under $2 per meal. The serene environment is ideal for focused work. For affordable stays, check out “Top Budget Hotels in McLeod Ganj Under ₹1000 – Affordable Monastery Stays”.

Step 3: Find Affordable Accommodation

Accommodation can be one of your biggest expenses, but India offers plenty of budget options:

Hostels and Guesthouses: Platforms like Hostelworld and Booking.com list hostels starting at $4-$10 per night in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Homestays: For a more local experience, opt for homestays through Airbnb or local platforms like StayVista. A room in a homestay can cost $10-$20 per night.
Coworking Spaces with Stays: Some coworking spaces, like Workafella in Bangalore, offer live-work packages that include accommodation and workspace for $15-$25 per day.

Step 4: Work Remotely in India’s Digital Nomad Hubs

India is becoming a top destination for digital nomads, with cities offering reliable internet, coworking spaces, and a low cost of living. According to Nomad List, India ranks among the top 10 most affordable countries for digital nomads in 2025 [Ref 4]. Here are some of the best cities to work remotely:

1. Bangalore

Known as India’s Silicon Valley, Bangalore has a thriving startup scene and numerous coworking spaces like WeWork and BHIVE, with day passes starting at $5. Internet speeds average 50 Mbps, making it ideal for remote work.

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur is often compared to Chiang Mai for its low cost of living and scenic beauty. You can rent a lakeside apartment for $200 per month and work from cafes with free Wi-Fi.

3. Kochi, Kerala

Kochi is a coastal city with a growing digital nomad community. Coworking spaces like KoHub offer monthly memberships for $100, and the city’s relaxed vibe is perfect for balancing work and travel.

Step 5: Travel Cheaply Across India

Transportation in India is affordable if you know how to navigate it:

Trains: Indian Railways is the cheapest way to travel long distances. A sleeper class ticket from Delhi to Mumbai (1,400 km) costs around $10. Book tickets through the IRCTC website [Ref 5]. For more tips, see “Indian Railways Budget Travel Guide: How to Get the Lowest Fares”.
Buses: State-run buses like those operated by MSRTC or KSRTC cost $5-$10 for overnight journeys. Apps like RedBus make booking easy.
Rickshaws and Autos: For short distances, use autorickshaws or app-based services like Ola and Uber, which cost $1-$3 per ride in cities.
Flights: Budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet offer domestic flights starting at $30 if booked in advance.

Step 6: Eat Cheap and Local

Food in India is a highlight—and it’s incredibly affordable if you eat like a local:

Street Food: Dishes like vada pav, chole bhature, and dosas cost $0.50-$2 per meal. My favorite was the $1 paneer tikka rolls in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. For more recommendations, check out “Best Budget Food in Delhi: Where to Eat Cheap & Tasty Meals”.
Dhabas: These roadside eateries serve hearty meals like dal-roti for $2-$3.
Local Restaurants: In tourist areas, opt for thalis (a platter of various dishes) for $3-$5.

Step 7: Budget Tips for Working and Traveling in India

Here are some practical tips to keep your expenses low:

Use Local SIM Cards: Get a SIM card from Airtel or Jio for $5-$10 per month, which includes 2GB of daily data.
Avoid Peak Seasons: Travel during the shoulder seasons (March-April or September-October) to save on accommodation and flights.
Bargain Wisely: Bargaining is common in markets—don’t hesitate to negotiate for souvenirs or autorickshaw fares.
Pack Light: Domestic airlines like IndiGo charge extra for checked baggage, so travel with just a carry-on to save $10-$20 per flight.

FAQ: Work & Travel in India on a Budget

Can I Work Remotely in India on a Tourist Visa?

Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign employer on a tourist visa, but you cannot take up local employment.

What Is the Average Daily Budget for Traveling in India?

A daily budget of $20-$30 covers accommodation, food, and local transport for budget travelers.

Which Cities in India Are Best for Digital Nomads?

Bangalore, Udaipur, and Kochi are top choices due to their coworking spaces, internet connectivity, and affordability.

How Can I Travel Cheaply in India?

Opt for trains, state-run buses, and budget airlines, and use apps like RedBus and IRCTC for bookings.

Experience the Best of Work & Travel in India

Working and traveling in India on a budget is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. From the vibrant streets of Jaipur to the tranquil beaches of Goa, India offers a perfect blend of work and adventure for digital nomads and budget travelers. I’ll never forget sipping chai in a Himalayan cafe while finishing a project with a view of snow-capped mountains—it’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone.

Ready to start your journey? Dive deeper with these guides:

Have you worked and traveled in India? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!

References

“Cost of Living in India,” Statista – Statistics on the average daily budget for travelers in India.
“e-Visa Fees,” Indian Visa Online – Official visa fee information for 2025.
“Visa Services,” Ministry of External Affairs, India – Official source for Indian visa regulations.
“India for Digital Nomads,” Nomad List – Ranking of India as a digital nomad destination.
“Book Tickets,” Indian Railways (IRCTC) – Official website for booking train tickets in India.