✈️ How to Travel India on $30 a Day (Yes, It’s Still Possible in 2025)
By [Your Name] | July 3, 2025
India is one of the best destinations in the world for budget travelers. And I mean real budget travelers — the kind who would rather eat a $2 thali than spend $50 on dinner in Dubai.
But prices are rising. Backpacker neighborhoods are changing. Instagram and influencers have driven up demand in spots like Rishikesh and Jaipur.
So here’s the honest question: Can you still travel India on $30/day in 2025?
Short answer? Yes — but you need to be smart about it.
Here’s how.
🛏️ Accommodation: $8–12/night
India still offers some of the cheapest stays in the world — if you’re willing to go simple.
Best Budget Options:
- Hostel dorms: ₹500–₹900 ($6–$11)
- Basic private rooms: ₹1,000–₹1,500 ($12–$18)
- Zostel, Moustache, and goSTOPS hostels offer clean, reliable options with Wi-Fi and common kitchens.
Nomadic Matt Tip: Booking directly or showing up can often get you a better rate than booking platforms.
🥘 Food: $5–8/day
This is where India shines. You can eat like a king on a backpacker budget.
- Street food (pav bhaji, dosa, samosa): ₹30–₹100
- Thali meals (unlimited rice, curry, dal): ₹120–₹200
- Local restaurants: ₹150–₹250/meal
- Skip Western food — it’s overpriced and underwhelming
Pro tip: Drink filtered water or get a SteriPen. Avoid plastic bottles (and Delhi belly).
🚆 Transportation: $3–6/day
India’s rail system is incredible for budget travelers, and now easier than ever to book online via IRCTC or apps like ConfirmTkt.
- Local trains/buses: ₹20–₹50
- Sleeper trains (non-AC): ₹150–₹350
- AC 3-tier for longer routes: ₹600–₹900 (great value!)
Budget airlines like IndiGo and Akasa also offer cheap domestic flights — just book early.
Bonus: Uber and Ola are great for cities. Tuk-tuks are cheaper, but always negotiate first.
🏛️ Activities: $2–5/day
Most temples, markets, and forts are either free or cheap.
- Entry fees: ₹10–₹500 ($0.15–$6) depending on the monument
- Free walking tours in cities like Mumbai and Delhi
- Yoga classes in Rishikesh: ₹250–₹400
- Local SIM card: ₹299 for 28GB with Jio or Airtel
Want luxury? Try a $9 Ayurvedic massage or a $1 Bollywood movie in a local theater.
📊 Sample Daily Budget (in 2025 INR/USD):
| Expense | Cost (INR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm | ₹700 | $8.40 |
| Food (3 meals) | ₹500 | $6.00 |
| Transport | ₹250 | $3.00 |
| Activities | ₹300 | $3.60 |
| Total | ₹1,750 | $21.00 |
Leave some buffer for extras or a splurge here and there, and you’re still under $30/day.
🧠 Final Thoughts
India in 2025 still offers incredible value — from the chaos of Varanasi to the serenity of the Himalayas. You’ll meet travelers from around the world, eat mind-blowing food, and learn how to slow down in a culture that runs deep and fast.
