Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IndiGo:
goindigo.in
Jagson Airlines:
jagsonairline.com
Jet Airways:
jetairways.com
Spicejet:
spicejet.com
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Like many developing countries, India has a two-tier fee system where foreigners pay significantly more
than locals. However, prices are never that expensive and rarely more than $10 USD, and that's usually just
for big attractions. The Taj Mahal costs around $13 USD, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi is $4 USD, the Red
Fort in Delhi costs about $12 USD, and Bundi Palace costs around $3 USD.
Prices vary wildly, depending on popularity but overall are incredibly affordable; as you can see even the
popular and beautiful Taj Mahal is a bargain! One thing to note is that there may also be additional charges
for photo and video cameras, and those fees can be pretty steep.
Derek says, “Before buying an entrance ticket to any attraction, be sure to ask what it includes. Often-
times your ticket will include the entrance fee to other nearby attractions as well and sometimes, you'll have
the option of purchasing a package that, for a little more money, allows you to visit several sites on that one
ticket as well.”
Unlike other destinations in the world, India does not have any discount cards or offers that travelers can
use.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED?
For those on a really tight budget, you could survive in India for around $15 USD a day. This would include
staying at cheap (and dirty) guesthouses, eating local food at cheap restaurants and street stalls, and travel-
ing in third-class trains or on local buses. You can further reduce your costs by Couchsurfing or sticking to
ultra-cheap street food and avoiding the major cities. But on that bare-bones budget, you wouldn't be able
to do a lot of activities, drink, or eat at a nice restaurant.
On a more comfortable and realistic budget of $25 USD per day, you'll be able to travel significantly
better—better food, better lodging, second-class sleeper, and more activities. There will be room for the oc-
casional beer and even first-class sleeper trains every now and then.
In the larger cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore as well as beach destinations like Goa, you
can expect to spend around $40 USD per day as costs are higher—more people, more tourists, and city life
is just generally more expensive. In the countryside, you'll pay about 50 percent less.
If you are a female traveling alone, says Mariellen, you may find that you have to pay more to ensure
your safety and comfort. “Go with your gut instinct. If a guesthouse looks sketchy, avoid it and spend more
to get a better place if you have to. If you feel uneasy in the 3rd class train, upgrade to 2nd class. It is always
worth the extra money.”
Overall, India is not expensive and anything above $35 USD per day would allow you
substantial
com-
fort and flexibility in traveling throughout the country.
