How to travel India on $30 a day
To stay under $30 a day in India, stick to non-AC trains, sleep in highly-rated hostels or guesthouses, and eat exclusively at local vegetarian thali spots. You must avoid tourist-trap cafes and private taxis to make this budget work.
- Master the train system. Book 'Sleeper Class' on Indian Railways via the IRCTC website or the 'ConfirmTkt' app. It costs roughly $5–$10 for long-haul overnight journeys and saves you the cost of a hotel night.
- Eat locally. Find restaurants where locals line up for a 'thali' (a platter with dal, vegetables, rice, and roti). This costs between $1.50 and $3.00 per meal. Avoid hotel breakfasts and western-style coffee shops.
- Choose your stay. Use Hostelworld to find dorm beds for $5–$8 per night. If you're a couple, look for budget guesthouses on Google Maps; avoid Agoda or Booking.com for the cheapest 'walk-in' rates, though they offer convenience.
- Use public transport. In cities, use the metro or government-run city buses. For longer distances within a state, take state-run RTC buses rather than private 'tourist' buses, which charge a premium.
- Is $30 a day realistic for the whole country?
- Yes, but cities like Mumbai and Delhi will be tighter than rural Rajasthan or Kerala. You will need to balance more expensive days with cheaper ones.
- Should I tip?
- Tipping isn't mandatory in India. In budget spots, round up to the nearest 10 rupees. Don't feel pressured by 'tourist tips'.