India on a Shoestring

India is one of the world’s best value destinations. It isn’t expensive, and you can see some of the most incredible sights that the world has to offer. However, India is well-known as a country with a culture for bartering and bargaining, so there are ways that you can make it cheaper still. Take a look at our top tips for seeing India on a shoestring budget.

Planning

To make sure that you are getting the most out of your money, you need to plan your trip carefully. With your initial costs, there are a variety of different ways to get them down.

• Flights: Book as early as possible to make sure that you get the cheapest flights that you can, or swoop in to pick up a last-minute bargain if you’re daring.
• Accommodation: Dorm beds can cost between 100-200 rupees (which equals £1-2), and a double room in a budget hotel costs between 300-700 rupees (£3-7). Don’t make reservations, and negotiate if you think you’re being ripped off.
• Money: Shop around for a good exchange rate and no commission when you’re exchanging your money.

Where to Go

The cities in the North of India are more expensive than the rural south, but they’re still pretty cheap by Western standards. This is where you’ll find people trying to sell you things for the most that they can get out of you – but don’t let this put you off. A calm but firm attitude is recommended as the best way to deal with this.

India’s Golden Triangle is one of the best ways to be introduced to the wonders of India. A route between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, it is perfect for those who are DIYing their trip to India. Agra is the home of the Taj Mahal, so a must see for any traveller. There is a free bottle of water and shoe covers included in the ticket price for the

, so make sure that you get these, and you can get a small reduction off the ticket price for Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri or the Itimad-ud-Daulah if you visit on the same day.

If you don’t want to spend time organising your itinerary and trying to save money at the same time, you can just get someone else to do it for you and buy a tour instead. Tours don’t have to be expensive, and can actually help you be more economical with your time – find a reputable company offering a range of different tours of India that suit a shoestring budget and you’re sure to get an authentic India experience.