Witnessing one of the many processions (this time for peace in the world…) in Jaipur, the Pink City, Rajasthan, India
With only 12 days at hand, temperatures around 40 degrees and India being a rather cheap country, we opted against travelling low budget. Instead we frequented “mid-range” hotels and restaurants. This trip could definitely be done a lot cheaper than spending 44 Euros per person per day. This amount does not include the international flight or the visa fees.
Hotels
Outside of Delhi, an average of 23 Euros per night was the rule. Comfortable guesthouses with air conditioning make all the difference in the pre-monsoon heat.
Food
We were not able to spend more than 10 Euros per person per day on food, even including a few drinks and choosing popular restaurants a few times.
Transport
We travelled the entire loop Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Ranthambhore – Delhi (approx. 1.000 kilometers) by train. For an incredible 63 Euros per person, we always travelled in the highest available class (once first and three times second with AC). These classes must be booked in advance, which can be done very conveniently through an Online Reservation System. Besides being a very cheap and comfortable way to discover India, it is also a very social one! We learned so much just by chatting with our Indian travel companions.
Within cities, Autorickshaws are the best option, especially once you have an idea of what the price is. Most are equipped with meters, but those are pure décor, at least for foreigners.
Activities and entrance fees
Do not underestimate these expenses! Entrance fees can add to the bill… There are always two kinds, one for locals, one for foreigners. It added 82 € per person to ours, for the entire trip though.
Splurge?
Oh yes, you can spend tons of money in India! Do not worry about that … Stay in one of the former palaces of a Maharaja, it can be done for a few hundred dollars a night! If you want to take home some beautiful handicrafts, carpets, jewelry, colorful Indian style clothes, scarves and what not, this might really increase the budget as well.
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