The biggest savings can usually be made by choosing the time of travel carefully. In South India (including Goa) everything is more expensive during the main tourist season from December to February, and prices peak around Christmas and New Year. The high season for travel in Himachal Pradesh is April and May, which is also the peak tourist season for South India’s hill stations such as Ooty. Accommodation prices can easily double or triple during this time.
In Ladakh, the peak season starts from June, but since this part of India is only accessible by road from May to October, the only way to avoid the crowds is to go at the very beginning or at the very end of the season.
Cheap Accommodation In India
Those who don’t mind roughing it in India can find rooms with a shared toilet for around Rs100 (approximately 2 US dollars), although the cheapest rooms in the cheapest lodges leave a lot to desire for in terms of hygiene. In big cities even rock-bottom rooms cost more. A mention in an international guidebook will automatically increase prices.
Backpacker beaches in India, such as those in Gokarna, still have bamboo huts and simple rooms with shared toilets and showers for Rs100 or even less, and are big enough to fit two people who can then pay just Rs50/person/night.
Lone female travellers in India should consider safety aspects when trying to find cheap accommodation. The cheapest places often lack in privacy and/or are full of male truck drivers, and Western females travelling alone will feel uncomfortable, especially when having to share toilets and showers.
Substantial discounts can often be negotiated for long-term stay in many places.
How To Eat Cheaply In India
Local food in India is cheap. In South India, a thali (an all-you-can-eat meal) can cost as little as Rs25-30 (around 50 cents). A South Indian breakfast that consists of a cup of tea and some idli or vada can cost just Rs10-15. It is possible to exist on very little money in India, if one is really willing to eat thalis, dosas, idli and vada most of the time. Food in North India seems to be slightly more expensive but vegetarian dishes are generally cheaper than meat. Dhal (lentil stew) and rice is a filling, vaguely nutritious and cheap option.
Places frequented by locals are the best bet for a cheap and filling meal. Restaurants catering especially for backpackers and tourists are always more expensive. Local chai stalls serve tea and coffee for around Rs5 or less, whereas a cappuccino in an air-conditioned cafe such as Barista or Coffee Day will cost around Rs40-50.
How To Travel Around India Cheaply
Local buses in India are slow and uncomfortable, but very cheap. Train travel in India is very affordable in the cheaper classes. The 2nd class sleeper is a cheap but still acceptable option for overnight train travel. There is no air-conditioning, and it is generally too hot or too cold, incredibly noisy, full of people and chaotic, but a 2nd class sleeper ticket guarantees a bunk to sit and sleep on for the journey. Reservations must be made in advance. Then there is the 3rd class, meant for very cheap travel without a seat reservation, not recommended for long journeys.
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