Traveling India on $20 a Day

To survive on $20 a day in India, you must stick to local transport like sleeper-class trains, eat exclusively at 'dhabas' or street stalls, and book hostels or guest houses that cost under $8 per night. Avoid alcohol and Western-style cafes, as these will destroy your budget within 24 hours.

1. Master the train booking system. Download the IXIGO or IRCTC app. Book 'Sleeper Class' (SL) tickets for long distances. A 12-hour journey can cost as little as $5. Avoid AC classes (2AC/3AC) if you want to keep costs under the $20 limit.
2. Eat like a local. Stick to thali meals at local dhabas, which usually cost between $1.50 and $2.50. Carry a reusable water bottle and use a LifeStraw or purification tablets to avoid buying bottled water, saving you $1.00–$2.00 per day.
3. Choose your accommodation wisely. Use Hostelworld or Booking.com to find dorm beds or budget private rooms in guesthouses. Target a maximum price of $7 per night. Always verify that the price includes taxes to avoid 'surprise' fees at checkout.
4. Navigate via public bus and metro. Skip Uber or Ola cabs. Use local city buses (often $0.15 per ride) or the metro systems in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. For inter-city travel, state-run RTC buses are cheaper than private operators.

Is $20 a day actually realistic?

Yes, if you don't mind basic conditions and are disciplined about not buying souvenirs or 'tourist' food.

How do I manage money?

Carry an ATM card that reimburses international fees. Withdraw cash in larger amounts to minimize flat-rate transaction fees.