Budgeting for a Trip to India: A Comprehensive Guide
Budgeting for a Trip to India: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning a trip to India can be an exciting yet daunting endeavor, especially when considering the various factors that can affect your budget. From the number of days you plan to stay to the cities you intend to visit, several variables come into play. This guide aims to help you create a realistic travel budget for your Indian adventure.
Factors Affecting Your Budget
Your budget for a trip to India depends on several factors, including:
Number of Days: The longer you stay, the more you'll typically need to budget for. Accommodation: The type of accommodation you choose (hotel, airbnb, hostel) will impact your daily expenses. Transportation: Depending on the mode you use (public transport, taxis, flights), your costs will vary. Food: Your dietary preferences and spending habits will also influence your budget. Extras: These can include entrance fees to tourist attractions, souvenirs, and discretionary spending. Number of Travelers: The more people in your group, the shares the costs.Estimating Your Daily Expenses
Based on the average expenses of other travelers, around $260.83 per day is considered a reasonable estimate for a trip to India. This includes:
On average, $5.59 per person per day.These estimates can help you calculate the total cost for different durations of your trip. For instance, a trip for two people for one week would cost around $3,651.09.
Example Budget for a Solo Traveler
For a one-week trip for one person, a budget of around $1,825.54 is adequate. For two people traveling together, the cost would be approximately $3,651.09 for one week.
My Own Backpacking Experience
I, a certified backpacker, traveled to Singapore, Malaysia, and India for three weeks, carrying a minimalistic bag and making meticulous budget plans:
Preparation and Planning
I planned my trip a year in advance and took advantage of airline seat sales in the Philippines, where I live. My flight from Manila to Malaysia cost me less than $20, and the return flight from Malaysia to Manila cost me $35. I stayed in Malaysia and Singapore for a week before heading to India, spending a total of $250 on accommodation, food, transportation, entrance fees, and souvenirs. I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Jaipur for $150, obtained an Indian tourist evisa for $80 (valid for up to 90 days per stay, with a maximum stay of a year).Traveling in India
Diving into the Indian adventure, I visited several tourist destinations including Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Ajmer. I stayed in decent budget hotels, generally costing $15 per night for two people. I used a mix of transportation methods such as buses, motorbikes, rickshaws, cabs, and trains, with five out of eight train rides being non-AC trains.
As a backpacker, I generally avoided luxury, and most of our daily expenses were on basic needs. Occasionally, we indulged in fancy but affordable options, such as dining at rooftop restaurants. My boyfriend and I spent roughly 20,000 rupees or around $300 for both of us for the week-long tour.
For a more planned trip, the budget from Manila to India for a week would be around $400 to $500 per person. Adding Singapore and Malaysia to the itinerary, the cost might be around $700 per person.
Conclusion
Budgeting for a trip to India requires careful planning and contingency. By understanding the various factors that affect your budget, you can make informed decisions to ensure a memorable and financially manageable experience. Remember, it's not just about the expenses but also the incredible sights, culture, and people you'll encounter along the way.