10 Smart Ways To Save Money While Traveling In India

India is one of the rarest countries in the world where you will find everything from golden deserts, tall mountains, and snow-clad peaks to tropical beaches and gorgeous valleys, all in one single country.

The best part is that traveling in India is not expensive, but only if you know how. Most people think India is expensive because they skip a few simple habits, like booking in advance on the right day or using flight coupons to save a considerable amount on their total expenses. 

Now, whether you are planning your first trip to India or you have traveled to India multiple times and ended up burning a hole in your pocket, this article is for you. Here we have listed 10 smart ways to save money while traveling to India and experience its beauty at affordable rates. 

1. Travel During Shoulder Season

Every important tourist spot has an expensive peak-season price. But you can visit the same place at a much lower cost by traveling during the shoulder season. For those who do not know, shoulder season refers to the months before or after the peak season. 

For example, you can go to:

●    Kerala in September 
●    Rajasthan in February, and 
●    Punjab in October 

When you shift your trip by even a month or two, you will see a decent discount on flight, train, and hotel bookings. So, if you can freely choose your travel days, choosing the shoulder season is a budget-friendly decision. 

2. Book Trains and Consider Overnight Journeys  

Trains are among the most popular ways to travel across states and cities in India on a budget. Mostly, a sleeper or 3AC seat train ticket costs less than flying, especially if you add the airport transfers or seat upgrades. 

Another overlooked benefit is that traveling on overnight trains can help you save on hotel costs. Instead of paying for your room, you can travel from one destination to another and explore a new place. 

In fact, if you are traveling on a popular route, it's best to book your ticket in advance to get the lowest prices and confirmed seats. Otherwise, late or last-minute bookings can be more expensive. 

3. Check for a Coupon Before Booking Online 

This is certainly the easiest yet lesser-known way to save money while traveling in India. You can check and select your preferred hotel, flight, and bus in advance for the trip. But before you click the final pay option, take a minute to confirm if there is any appropriate discount coupon. 

For example, DealsShutter lists verified flight deals and hotel coupons for popular travel-booking platforms such as MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, RedBus, and more. Initially, a MakeMyTrip coupon might not seem like a big deal, but saving even Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 on a Rs. 3,000 hotel or flight booking can be important when you travel for multiple days or with more people. 

So, always search for a coupon before you pay. 

4. Eat Where Locals Eat 

Food is another important tourist attraction in India. Interestingly, it does not have to be expensive. It is true that, as in any other country, restaurants around popular tourist spots are considerably more expensive in India.

However, if you want to save money, look for places that are popular with locals. For instance, you will find everything from a typical dhaba thali with sabzi, dal, roti, and rice to any full-course meal in India. These local places are more affordable to eat at.

In fact, they make a real food experience in India.

Eating at these small local eateries is often one of the most memorable dining experiences for tourists. You just need to walk a little away from the main tourist areas before you decide where to eat. 

5. Consider IRCTC Retiring Rooms 

Many travelers don’t consider the expense of staying at a hotel when they have a long stopover or a delayed train. But you can easily avoid the costs by staying in retiring rooms available at many major railway stations. 

They are specially made to provide basic accommodation for travelers who need a place to rest between journeys. They are considerably cheaper than a regular hotel room, ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 1200 for 12 hours, depending on the station and room type.

However, check their availability at your destination and their prices before relying on them completely, as prices vary by station.

6. Don’t Ignore State-Run Bus Service

Private Volvo buses can be luxurious to travel through roadways, but they are not always the most affordable option. 

When you compare prices, you will find that most state-run services operated by KSRTC, HRTC, and MSRTC can get you to the same destination for a considerably lower price. 

Taking these buses is more useful for short journeys and routes where buses are an easier option than trains or flights. And just like hotels and flights, check for a redBus coupon on DealsShutter before you pay for more discounts. 

7. Think twice before you take an Airport Taxi 

After a long flight, getting into an airport taxi seems like the most comfortable option. But sometimes these Airport transfers can significantly increase your budget. 

Meanwhile, a regular cab or metro service can make a difference of at least Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 at once. Most Indian cities, like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, have public transport right outside their airport, connecting them to different parts of the city. 

So, if you do not have luggage, public transport is sometimes the easiest option for travel. Therefore, don’t pay for a higher convenience charge until you have looked for cheaper alternatives. 

8. Book Flexible Accommodation When Possible 

Hotel prices change every few days, so do not assume the first price you saw was the lowest. In fact, if possible, book a Hotel room with free cancellation. 

In this way, whenever you see cheaper rates, you can book at a new price if the booking terms allow you to do so. Also, before you make any new booking, do check for available Discount coupons. 

Sometimes, these few minutes spent checking prices can help you save nearly Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 on a booking. 

9. Carry a Reusable Bottle and a Power Bank 

There is no replacement for when you feel thirsty or run out of your phone. Even if it is expensive, you will have to buy a bottle of water or travel more to find charging points. However, just carrying a reusable water bottle and a power bank can save you from this hassle.  

It will save you from paying extra and keep your phone running for maps, tickets, payments, and photos. These might seem like little things, but they will help you save some amount on your next trip. 

10. Look for City Passes and Attraction Deals

Do you plan to visit different tourist attractions in the same city, like Delhi or Mumbai?

If yes, then before you pay for tickets for every attraction, check if the places offer a tourist pass or bundle. For example, Delhi tourism offers many sightseeing tour pages.

The prices of these bundles are more affordable than paying for each one separately. You can always calculate the cost of individual tickets and compare it with the cost of the tours. 

Summing up, 

If you want to save money while traveling in India, you don’t have to book bad, cheap hotels, eat less, or skip expensive experiences. You just need to trade time for better options and make smarter decisions. 

Therefore, book trains early, travel outside peak season, eat where locals eat, compare transport options, and use public transport. Most importantly, before you make any online booking, check whether there are any available coupons. 

The last habit is easier to build. You just need to check DealsShutter to see if there are any available buses, hotels, flights, or other travel services. It will take less than a minute, but you will be surprised to learn how these small savings can add up to considerable savings.

Overall, the best budget trips are not the ones where you spend the least, but the ones where you spend money in the right places. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1.    Why is Gen Z obsessed with travel?
Gen-Z is obsessed with travel because it offers a sense of personal freedom, identity exploration, and mental health escape. It is important to them because, nowadays, traditional milestones like buying a home or having a stable career are not possible. 

2.    Which country is 2 hours away from India?
Bhutan and Nepal, situated in the north and north-eastern parts of India, are just 2 hours away from Delhi, India. 

3.    What is dark tourism in India?
Dark tourism in India means traveling to places that are connected to some death, suffering or painful incidents.