Is your vision for vacationing in a deeply cultural, beautiful, spiritually rewarding and affordable place across the globe? Although most Americans and Canadians dream of Europe, take a look at Incredible India for a better value.
The country stretches from the high Himalayas in the north to palm-lined beaches in Goa, royal palaces in Rajasthan to spiritual ghats in Varanasi, highlighting India’s many contrasts, colors and rich culture. It is not just about the beauty: India often has the edge over Europe, costing less for similar experiences.
This article will explain why the East is a better place for your foreign vacation and how travelling in India is less expensive than travelling in Europe.
India Travel vs. Europe Travel: A Quick Cost Comparison
| Factor | Europe | India |
| Average daily cost (mid-range traveler) | $150–$250 | $40–$80 |
| Luxury hotel (5-star/night) | $300–$600 | $70–$200 |
| Local meal | $15–$25 | $2–$5 |
| Private day tour | $100–$300 | $25–$80 |
| Intercity travel (train or flight) | $60–$200 | $8–$50 |
Spending in India is easy, as it only costs 50–70% of what you would spend elsewhere and you can still enjoy luxury and excitement.
Luxury Hotels in India for Less
The hotels and guest houses on your trip to India will impress you with how much value you get for your money.
- The cities of Jaipur, Delhi and Udaipur have royal palaces and top resorts available for as little as $80 to $150 per night.
- This is very different from places like Paris or Rome, where just getting into a 4-star hotel can cost over $300 per night.
Examples:
- The Oberoi, New Delhi – price starting from $140/night
- At Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, you can stay in a real grand palace for an average nightly fee of $200.
Food: Culinary Delights Without the Price Tag
- Europe: Choosing between having a meal in Paris or Rome while visiting Europe? A good meal for one person will likely cost you $20–$40.
- India: In India, a tasty thali, some street food or a fancy restaurant meal can all cost between $2 and $10.
Must-try meals under $5:
- Butter chicken and naan are the main dishes in Indian cuisine.
- Dosa filled with spiced potato and served with chutney
- Biryani
- Chai and samosa are popular in India.
Bonus point: Get special experiences like cooking classes, guided food tours and home dinners all for under $20.
Tours & Experiences: See More, Spend Less
- Europe: Guided tours or private city trips in Europe usually cost each person between $100 and $300.
- India: In India, you have the option of full-day guided tours for a cost of $25–$80 which includes transport, a guide and a meal.
Popular experiences in India under $50:
- Going on a boat ride over the river at sunrise in Varanasi
- Trip to the Taj Mahal with a guide
- A desert safari is popular in Jaisalmer.
- Taking a tour of spice plantations in Kerala
- Taking part in yoga and meditation classes in Rishikesh
Transportation: Travel Big Distances on a Small Budget
- Europe: Traveling between cities by train with Eurail or by plane in Europe can run between $80 and $150 per leg.
- India: The cost of domestic flights in India can be as little as $20 and as much as $60, while trains cost around $5–$30.
Example Routes:
- The cost of traveling by train from Delhi to Jaipur is around ~$10.
- Flying from Mumbai to Goa costs around $40.
- Traveling from Varanasi to Agra by overnight sleeper train is about $15.
Taxi rides and Ubers are much more affordable in India compared to European cities.
Wellness, Nature & Spiritual Experiences
You won’t find the depth of cultural and spiritual experiences you get in India anywhere in Europe.
- Rishikesh: A yoga retreat in Rishikesh for 7 days costs approximately $200 when food and accommodation are included.
- Kerala: Staying in a backwater houseboat in Kerala can cost around $80–$120 each night.
- Himalayas: When trekking in the Himalayas, the cost is about $30 a day for a guide, meals and homestay.
European retreats or spa holidays are often more expensive, starting at around $1000 for a short stay.
Flight Costs: A One-Time Splurge That Pays Off
Yes, flying to India costs a lot more in the beginning, compared to flying to Europe.
- Flying from New York/Toronto to Paris round-trip costs between $600 and $900.
- A round-trip ticket to Delhi or Mumbai could cost you $900–$1200 on average.
On the other hand, you start enjoying savings from the moment you arrive in India. The extra money spent on flights will be compensated for by the cost savings on hotels, meals and activities.
Sample 10-Day Budget: India vs. Europe (Mid-Range Traveler)
| Expense | Europe | India |
| Flights | $800 | $1100 |
| Hotels | $2000 | $700 |
| Food | $500 | $100 |
| Tours & Entry Fees | $500 | $200 |
| Local Travel | $300 | $80 |
| Total | $4100 | $2180 ✅ |
About half of your bills will be saved. In fact, the cultural richness, diversity and spiritual connection available in India are not found elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
If you want a vacation that’s exciting, memorable and thrifty, India is where you should go. No two days are the same in India, with its grand palaces, beautiful mountains, busy markets and holy rivers.
Avoid the popular destinations in Europe. Find out why traveling to India is special—your expenses are less and your memories more.