India Trip Expenses: How Much Does It Really Cost to Travel India?

When you think about traveling to India trip expenses, the total cost of planning and experiencing a journey across India, including visas, transport, food, and accommodation. Also known as travel cost India, it’s not just about the price of a flight—it’s what you spend once you land. Many assume India is cheap, and yes, you can eat for a dollar or sleep in a hostel for under $10. But if you’re planning to trek the Himalayas, stay in heritage hotels, or take that luxury train ride, your budget can shift fast. The truth? India trip expenses vary wildly depending on where you go, how you move, and what you want to see.

Let’s break it down. First, the India visa fees, the mandatory cost for foreign visitors to enter India, which changes by nationality and visa type. Also known as Indian visa cost, it’s one of the first things you pay. For U.S. citizens in 2025, an e-Visa runs about $80—no hidden fees, no middlemen. Then there’s India vaccinations, the recommended and sometimes required immunizations before entering India to avoid illness. Also known as travel vaccinations India, they’re not optional if you want to avoid a ruined trip. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are the big ones. You can get them for under $100 total at a travel clinic. Skip these, and you risk a stomach bug that could cost you more in lost days than the shots ever did.

Transport is where things get tricky. Uber doesn’t run everywhere—Goa has it, but rural Rajasthan doesn’t. Local trains? A bargain. A sleeper ticket from Delhi to Jaipur? Under $10. Luxury trains like the Pride of Africa, a high-end, multi-day rail journey known for luxury and exclusivity, though not in India. Also known as luxury rail travel, it’s an example of what’s possible elsewhere. But in India, you won’t find anything close to that price. Still, private drivers for multi-day tours can run $50–$100 a day. Factor in entrance fees to places like the Taj Mahal, India’s most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site and top tourist attraction. Also known as top tourist attraction India, it’s a must-see with a $20 entry fee for foreigners. And don’t forget food. Street food is safe if you pick clean stalls—you can eat well for $5 a day. But if you’re dining at rooftop restaurants in Mumbai or Goa, that’s $30 a meal.

What you’ll find in these posts isn’t guesswork. It’s real numbers from real travelers. How much does a 10-day trip cost if you stick to budget stays and local transport? What’s the actual price of a visa for Americans? Which cities are safest and cheapest? You’ll see how much a trek in the Himalayas really adds up, why hiring a guide matters more than you think, and how to avoid spending $200 on a fake temple tour. No fluff. No marketing spin. Just what you need to plan without surprises.