💰 How to Save Money While Travelling in India – Top 15 Smart Tips (2025)
Looking to explore India on a budget? Here are 15 smart ways to save money while travelling in India—from local transport hacks to food tips and affordable bookings. By TheIndiaTourism.in.
🧭 Introduction: Travel More, Spend Less
India is one of the most affordable countries to travel—but only if you know where to cut costs and where not to compromise. Whether you’re a student, solo backpacker, or a large family, here are 15 proven ways to save money while travelling in India, curated by TheIndiaTourism.in.
🪙 Top 15 Tips to Save Money While Travelling in India
💼 1. Book Your Travel Early
Last-minute train or flight bookings = higher prices.
✅ Book trains via IRCTC 60–90 days in advance.
✅ Use apps like ConfirmTkt or ixigo for waitlist alerts.
🚐 2. Travel in Groups or Shared Vehicles
Split costs with friends or co-travelers.
✅ Shared cabs, autos, and tempo travellers lower per-person expenses.
✅ Check group packages via DreamSafar.com
🏨 3. Choose Budget Hotels or Dharamshalas
Instead of 3-star hotels, try:
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Government lodges
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ISKCON guesthouses
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Clean family-run homestays
✅ See: Budget Stay Options in Mandarmani
🍛 4. Eat Where Locals Eat
Skip overpriced restaurants near tourist sites.
✅ Try local canteens, thali joints, and railway station stalls.
Pro Tip: Langar at temples (e.g., ISKCON, Golden Temple) is free and filling.
🚋 5. Use Local Trains and Buses
Local trains and state-run buses are way cheaper than private taxis or flights.
✅ Especially useful for intercity travel in West Bengal, Kerala, and Rajasthan.
🛕 6. Travel Off-Season
Avoid peak dates like:
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Diwali, Durga Puja, New Year
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Major festivals in temple towns (e.g., Gangasagar Mela)
✅ You’ll get cheaper rates and smaller crowds.
🏷️ 7. Choose All-Inclusive Packages
Bundled tours often cost less than booking everything separately.
✅ Includes transport, meals, stays, guides—no hidden costs.
📖 Read: All-Inclusive Travel Packages – What to Expect
📶 8. Use Travel Apps for Deals
Apps like:
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MakeMyTrip (first-user discounts)
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Redbus (promo codes)
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IRCTC Air for flights
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Google Pay offers on bookings
🧳 9. Pack Smart to Avoid Buying on the Go
Don’t forget:
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Power bank
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Travel-size toiletries
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Medicines
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Reusable water bottle
✅ Saves ₹500–₹1,000 easily
📷 10. Skip Paid Photo Points
Some attractions charge just for photos.
✅ Use natural spots, riversides, or ghats for stunning free shots.
💸 11. Negotiate Local Transport Fares
In non-metered areas (e.g., hill stations), negotiate before boarding.
✅ Or ask locals for fare estimates to avoid tourist pricing.
🎟️ 12. Go for Combined Entry Passes
Several cities offer combo passes:
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Jaipur monuments
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ASI temple circuits
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Kolkata Museum + Planetarium
✅ Saves up to 40% on tickets
🛍️ 13. Avoid Tourist Trap Shops
Buy from:
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Govt emporiums
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Local markets (with fixed rates)
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State-run souvenir stores
🧍 14. Join Walking or Free Guided Tours
Many cities like Varanasi, Kolkata, and Jaipur offer free walking tours (tip-based).
✅ Great for solo travelers or students.
🛏️ 15. Sleep in Transit to Save on Stay
Take overnight buses or trains to save both time and hotel cost.
✅ Popular on long routes like Kolkata–Varanasi, Delhi–Pushkar, Kochi–Goa
🔗 Suggestions
❓FAQs: Saving Money While Travelling in India
Is India still a budget-friendly country in 2025?
Yes! If you travel smart, you can do full-day trips for under ₹1,000–₹1,500.
Are cheap hotels safe?
Choose reputed guesthouses, dharamshalas, or pre-booked packages with reviews.
How much should I budget per day as a low-cost traveler?
₹800–₹1,200/day (with local travel, food, and basic stay).
🌼 Conclusion: Spend Wisely, Travel More
You don’t need a huge budget to see India. All you need is smart planning, local hacks, and the right travel partner. Let TheIndiaTourism.in, with trusted partners like DreamSafar.com, help you plan unforgettable and budget-friendly journeys across India.
Budget travel India, Money-saving travel tips, Cheap travel hacks, Backpacking India, TheIndiaTourism.in
