Harsh Sonawala, Author at India Someday Travels

Two week North India tours with Rajasthan and Varanasi

Posted on June 1, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

This is a two week North India tour starting with Delhi, followed by Varanasi, Agra and then a loop around Rajasthan. A little quick paced, but you would pack in some fantastic towns and sights. The tour is explained in detail, with an explanation of tour costs. Feel free to contact us for any questions.

For a lot of our travellers two weeks is all the time they have to travel around India. The Taj Mahal and Varanasi is often on their bucket list when they look at touring the Northern part of India. Rajasthan is a wonderful mix of architecture, small medieval towns, and lots of colour.

The following tour is ideally suited for those looking to visit India for two weeks while also looking forward to exploring Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and Varanasi.

The Majestic City Palace of Udaipur sits on the banks of Lake Pichola

Tour Overview

This is a relatively quick paced trip; covering a lot of distance (some of the travel is made easy with internal flights). But, you will visit some fantastic destinations.

The city of Varanasi is one of the most ancient and spiritual cities in the world to Jaisalmer. Here stands an old fort town by the edge of the endless Thar desert. There is also the city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra, respectively.

Hawa Mahal, one of the many beautiful monuments in Jaipur

Trip Pace and modes of travel

Being a fast paced trip – average stay at each destination would be two nights, you would make use of a combination of internal flights, train journeys (including an overnight train journey), a car and a driver.

Highlights of Varanasi, Agra and Rajasthan Tour

Plenty, to be honest.

Boat rides in the Ganges/Ganga Aarti at Varanasi (one of our guests account on Varanasi)
Taj Mahal at the break of dawn
Spending the night in the desert under stars
The romantic and adorable city of Udaipur
The mesmerizing Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur
For some, the overnight train journey

This tour is ideal for?

Backpackers, young travellers, those who do not mind fast-paced travel, solo travellers (the route is where you can meet other fellow travellers).

Varanasi Ghat

Cost of North India Tour with Varanasi and Agra

Depending on your style and preferences, the tour can range from USD 500/EUR 450 to USD 1000/EUR 900 per person.

Depending on:
– You are happy staying at budget places and hostels (lots of cool hostels in India now)
– Or if you’d like to stay at a few mid priced heritage hotels (in Udaipur, for example)
– Don’t mind substituting one of the flights with trains
– Willing to change one of the train rides with a private car and driver

The costs include:
– Overnight stay throughout your trip
– All train tickets
– Taxi and a driver between cities when train is not possible
– India Someday planning and bookings fees
– All taxes

Discover More: Investigate the Cost of Traveling in India

Trip Route and Trip Notes

The tour follows the following route: Delhi – Varanasi – Agra – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Delhi (Route on GoogleMaps)

While you cover a lot of distance on this tour, the first two long legs i.e. Delhi to Varanasi and Varanasi to Agra, are quite convenient with direct internal flights
A drive from Jaipur to Agra allows you to stop and visit two great sights, the Fortress city of Fatehpur and the less visited, but stunning Abhaneri Step Well
The travel around Rajasthan is a mix of trains and buses/cars. It’s countryside is really pretty with small rural towns, the countryside lifestyle, their occupation of rearing cattle, and in certain stretches the wilderness
For a number of our guests the overnight train from Jaipur to Jaisalmer is a memorable experience. The passengers you meet on Indian trains are always eager to strike a conversation with you
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur (Southern Rajasthan) are all spectacular little towns. It seems as though they are frozen in time; endless alleys and old houses
Jaisalmer offers one to spend a night in the desert, ride a camel and sleep under the stars (our guest Samantha, chronicles it beautifully here)
There cannot be a more perfect end to an Indian holiday than Udaipur. A charming town, by the banks of Lake Pichola. Beautiful lake views, sunsets and one can go trekking or cycling in the hills nearby.

Click here to read some of our reviews and get in touch with us to discuss your trip.

Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer

Where will we stay during our North India Tour

It really depends on your budget. We plan tours for backpackers where most of the accommodations are hostels/inexpensive hotels and home-stays. We’ve planned trips with mid-budget places to stay, small heritage hotels, comfortable BnB’s and a couple of splurge stays. You can also choose to stay at the nicest boutique/luxury places that each of the towns have to offer.

The following information should give you an idea on what kind of accommodations to expect at what trip cost.

Backpacking North India @ USD 500/EUR 450 per head

You would be staying at hostels and cheap guesthouses. North India has some fantastic hotels that are ideal for backpackers. Clean, safe, inexpensive, fun and you get to meet a lot of travellers.

Moustache in Delhi, Stops Hostels in Varanasi, Hosteller in Jaipur, Zostel in Udaipur, just to name a few.

Hostel Hopping North India – a blog entry on the hostel experience in North India by one of our friends.

Common area, Moustache Hotel Delhi

Mix of hostels, Home-stays and few heritage hotels @ USD 700/EUR 600 per head

When travelling as a couple you wouldn’t mind staying at a hostel, but you’d also like your own private room every now and then. Rajasthan offers some wonderful small heritage hotels and home-stays that do not cost a fortune.

These Heritage hotels and home-stays cost under USD 50/EUR 45 a night for a private room.

All Seasons Homestay in Jaipur, Devi Bhawan in Jodhpur or Hotel Mahendra Prakash in Udaipur.

Thus, a stay with a combination of both – home-stays and heritage hotels, would be a great mix to experience.

Always a private room and bathroom, heritage hotels, quality home-stays @ USD 1000/ EUR 900 per head

If you prefer having a private room at all times and look for accommodations that are always comfortable, then your budget would go for around USD 1000/EUR 900 for a North India tour.

Between USD 50 to USD 80 a night, you can always stay at a very charming and comfortable BnB/Guesthouse/home-stay or heritage hotel in North India.

Some of our favourite hotels in North India are Aashray Homestay in Varanasi, Meghniwas in Jaipur, Tree of Life in Delhi, and Pleasant Haveli in Jaisalmer.

Shahpura House in Jaipur (Photo Credit – Shahpura House)

Stay in Rajasthan’s Royal Palaces and luxurious campsites – USD 2000/Eur 1800 ++ per person

No state in India (perhaps the world) can boast of so many royal palaces. If you’d like to live like the Rajasthani Kings lived a few centuries ago, then you can stay at one of their Palace converted hotels.

There are many newer, chic boutique hotels too that offer uber luxury and some mesmerising campsites in Rajasthan.

Suryauday Haveli in Varanasi, Amarvilas in Agra, Samode Palace in Jaipur, Serai Campsites in Jaisalmer, RAAS in Jodhpur, Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur.

We plan trips across budgets. So, just get in touch with us if you are interested in a tour similar to the one described in this blog. We’d love to help you plan a memorable Indian Holiday!

Dive Deeper: Exploring the 20 Best Places to Visit in North India

Check Out: Rajasthan’s Best Places to Visit

Travel with India Someday on an exciting north India group tour!

Posted on May 19, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Always wanted to explore India? Not too keen on travelling alone? How about we take you for a trip?

We have put together a two week itinerary across North India, filled it up with a bunch of amazing activities and we will travel with you to ensure you have a smooth trip and fall in love with India.

This tour is organized by India Someday. Our reviews!

What makes this trip Awesome?

You will meet other like minded travellers
You’ll be in for a stress free trip, as we will ensure all travel arrangements are in place
Get more out of your time in India, we as locals know our country well (oh! and we are young and cool and fun!)
You’ll have more money for spending since it’s a very reasonably priced tour

Harsh (one of the India Someday founders) showing his friends around Jaipur!

Dates of the tour

We are currently running the same tour twice. The dates are as follows

Tour 1 – Saturday 22^nd Aug to Saturday 5^th Sept 2015 (14 nights/ 15 days) *
Tour 2 – Saturday 3^st Oct to Saturday 17^th Oct 2015 (14 nights/15 days)

*Tour 1 Price – 675 USD/ 600 Euros/ 450 GBP (including stay, breakfast, few dinners, travel between and within cities, and many activities) – scroll down for more details on price (Price of Tour 2 is 10% more as it is tourist season)

*Both the tours start in Mumbai and end in Delhi.

More about the tour

Route and places – We will visit eight places (cities and towns) across our tour. Bustling cities, colourful historical cities, a small spiritual town called Pushkar and obviously, theTaj Mahal.

Route :- Mumbai (3 nights) – Udaipur (3 nights) – Jodhpur (2 nights) – Pushkar (1 night) – Jaipur (2 nights) – Agra (1 night) – Delhi (2 nights)

Route on googlemaps

The Udaipur City Palace, just one of the many stunning monuments you will visit with us!

Travel Style – It is a backpacking tour, we will be staying at a mix of hostels and traditional guest houses. We’ll be using local transport and hired vehicles with a driver as our major modes of travel, along with one overnight bus journey and one short train journey. Eating at local restaurants, and dipping into the nightlife when a city offers (Mumbai and Delhi).

Travel Philosophy –One or more of us from India Someday will travel with you throughout your tour. While you can rely on us for any kind of support/questions we are there to ensure you make the most of your time in India, i.e. enjoy the food and understand what you are eating, engage in cool activities, understand Indian culture, explore parts of cities and towns you might not have on your own, but we do not intend on holding your hand all the way or making you stick to a strict daily sightseeing schedule. While we’re always available, you’re not bound to hang out with us!

There will always be time in each city when you can explore the place on your own.

Group Size – Max 10 participants, plus 1-2 tour leaders from India Someday

Eat like a local! We know the best places to go eat 🙂

Who is this tour for?

This trip is focused towards young travellers, (18-35 year olds) However, there are no age restrictions as long as you understand it is a backpacking tour and most of the travellers will be young.

You can sign up as a solo traveler, with friends or with your partner.

Price and inclusions

Tour 1 – Saturday 22^nd Aug to Saturday 5^th Sept 2015 (14 nights/ 15 days) – USD 675/ Euros 600 / GBP 450

Tour 2 – Saturday 3^st Oct to Saturday 17^th Oct 2015 (14 nights/15 days) – USD 750/ Euros 660/ GBP 500

What is included – quite a few things 😉

14 nights of accommodation with breakfast and 3 Dinners
All transportation between cities and local transport within cities when exploring as a group
Our assistance throughout!

And the following activities

Guided Slum Tour in Bombay (Mumbai)
Bollywood Dance workshop in Bombay (Mumbai)
A game of cricket in Mumbai (You know you’ll love it.)
A rural visit in Udaipur
An Indian cooking class in Jodhpur
A Bollywood film in Jaipur

What is not included in the price?

Flights to India
Arrival and Departure Airport transfers
Meals (apart from those included)
Monument fee
Guide Tipping and personal expenses

Want to know more about this tour? Download our PDF Tour Overview Brief and Trip Essential Information

Interested in the tour/ want to book the tour e-mail us at letstravel@stage2.indiasomeday.com or call us on +91 900 4000 812

Travel Tips During the Monsoons in Mumbai

Posted on May 14, 2015October 13, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

India is primarily a country of three major seasons. The summer (March – June), monsoons (June – September) and winter (October -February). Depending on what part of the country you are travelling to or are in, the weather will be one of these ranging from mild to extreme. Generally, the monsoons in Mumbai arrive by the second week of June, providing instant relief from the heat and humidity caused by the preceding summers in Mumbai.

Kids out on their bikes, enjoying the weather, on Marine Drive which overlooks the Arabian Sea

The monsoons in Mumbai

Beginning from the southern coast, the monsoons reach Mumbai in the first ten to fifteen days of June. Mumbai and monsoons are a winning combination. The city looks a lot more beautiful. You can see kids in the city switch from their beloved cricket to football or playing in the rain. Often you can see adults at Marine Drive or Juhu Beach enjoying the rain.

The monsoons also have a very tricky drawback here, because in Mumbai it doesn’t rain it pours. Moreover, the roads in the city are not all that great, so at times it can be dangerous. Caution is advised. Poor infrastructure and planning may lead to a lot of problems with travelling. Trains and buses run late. The famous Mumbai traffic is also at its best. Travelling is always met with a certain delay. Having said that, monsoons are also the time when you would want to be in the country. And if you already are, we suggest you visit Mumbai.

Mumbai is a city made up of seven small islands, surrounded by the sea which is one of the most vital parts of Mumbai’s identity. It’s the only constant in a city where everything keeps changing with time. The sea is a big part of what makes the city of dreams stand tall, and the rain adds so much to its beauty. Here are a few things you could do to enjoy the season to the max.

Aerial view of Mumbai

Things to do in Mumbai during the monsoons

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is a landmark of Mumbai. People from all walks of life, regardless of the distance make it a point to visit Marine Drive. It’s on top of our suggestions too. Take a stroll down the promenade when it’s drizzling, with the sea providing a cool breeze as raindrops patter at your feet. It’s a very refreshing experience and highly rated by the locals so as to get the best feel of the monsoon season in Mumbai.

Getting here: Take a train to Churchgate station, the southernmost stop on the Western Railway line. As soon as you walk out of the station, look for the sea and start walking towards it and if you don’t know just ask someone or use Google Maps, it’s hardly a 5-minute walk away.

Visit a Cafe or Restaurant that overlooks the sea

Like the sea but don’t like getting wet? Visit an eatery that overlooks the sea. There are lots of cafes and restaurants that even on the dry days have a brilliant view of the sea, the monsoons in Mumbai just magnify it.

The Bayview Cafe in Colaba is one such place, perfect for a beer at sunset. It has an unmatched view of the sea, a lot similar to the view from the Taj for a fraction of the price. Places like Pizza by the Bay near Marine Drive are also exemplary for lunch or dinner while enjoying the rain on the water and the playful winds.

AER Lounge in Worli is another spot you must visit. An upscale restaurant with a panoramic view that is just unbeatable, with the Arabian Sea on one side, and on the other you can view the cityscape in all its glory during the monsoons.

Must Read: Top Tips for UK Travelers Headed to India

Marine drive, all set to welcome the rains

Getaways around Mumbai

There are a few places, just a couple of hours away from Mumbai, which are a must-visit during the monsoons, away from the madness of the city. The Monsoons magnify the beauty of these places and the lush greenery is at its best.

Bhandardara

A holiday resort village on the western ghat, it is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Just 185 kms away from Mumbai, it’s a place you must visit in the monsoons. The highest peak in Maharashtra Mount Kalsubai is also located here and the village is the base to many high mountains. It also has a beautiful waterfall and a placid lake ringed by forests. Bhandardara has everything a nature lover needs, and it only gets better during the monsoons.

Getting here: A drive from Mumbai to Bhandardara is quite quick. The route is full of ghats and can be tricky to navigate during the monsoons. So, if you plan to drive to Bhandardara we advise doing so with caution. The closest railway station to Bhandardara is Igatpuri railway station, from there you can take either a state transport or a private bus up to Bhandardara which is approximately 45 kms away. Something to note is that on the way back to Mumbai, the trains from Igatpuri railway station are almost always late. So you might want to find some suitable alternative if need be.

If you think Bhandardara is beautiful, wait for the monsoons! It only gets better (Picture Credit: Tusk Travel)

Matheran

Matheran is the smallest hill station in Maharashtra and is located at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level. With a name that means ‘Forest on the Forehead of Mountains’, it is an eco-sensitive region, and also Asia’s only automobile-free region. What makes Matheran so popular is the close proximity to the big cities. It’s just 90 kms away from Mumbai, so getting there isn’t too time-consuming.

Matheran is full of viewpoints and parks, with a whopping number of 28 points to visit. It also has a couple of lakes and 2 parks. The Neral-Matheran toy train is a lovely journey up to Matheran. It’s a beautiful ride up the hills with only a few stops far and between. The Toy Train, as its name would hint, is small, and the compartments are a bit old, but it’s worthwhile. A few other places like Louisiana Point, Panoramic Point, Sunset Point, Porcupine Point, and Charlotte Lake are places we recommend you visit when in Matheran.

Getting here Matheran is easy to drive to from Mumbai city. Neral is the closest railway station. Trains from Pune and CST(Mumbai) ply daily to Neral and from there you can take a toy train to the Old Matheran station, soaking in the beauty of the journey towards Matheran. By road, you can take the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4) or the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located near Mumbai, in the Panvel taluka of Raigad district. A popular hangout for bird watchers and hikers as it is within the reach of Mumbai and based near the legendary Karnala Fort in Mumbai.

137 different species of birds reside in the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and as many as 37 different species of birds migrate here at different seasons. If you are a bird lover, a hike in the monsoons here is a must.

Getting here The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a 60 kms drive from Mumbai. You can take a train from CST station (southernmost from the Central line) to Panvel. It’s 12 kms from there with a lot of buses, taxis, and rickshaws to take you to Karnala. State transport buses run from Bombay Central to Karnala, but they aren’t recommended. A taxi from Mumbai to Karnala is also a good option.

Lonavala

The most popular monsoon getaway for the locals of Mumbai and Pune, the drive here on the Mumbai-Pune expressway is amazing. Lonavala has a beautiful landscape, a lot of waterfalls and bright colours all around. The Tiger Point in Lonavala is the Grand Canyon of Maharashtra, the view of the mountain range during the monsoons is unmatched. Try catching the sunset or the sunrise from here.

Getting here We suggest driving to Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. You can take the train from CST station to Khopoli (the last station on the central line) and it’s 15 kms from there (you can also take a bus or taxi from there).

The journey to these beautiful places from Mumbai are extremely scenic

Travelling to India during the monsoons

Monsoons can be a great time to visit India, as it’s usually off-season. Tourist attractions aren’t too crowded, the airfare is also cheaper and you can get a good discount on hotels as they aren’t as heavily occupied as they would be during the rest of the year. All things said, monsoons in Mumbai are worth witnessing.

You Wander We Pay – Travel internship India

Posted on May 13, 2015April 11, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

An all expenses paid six week trip to India!*conditions apply

Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost – Photo Credit Helena Cook.

What do I have to do?

Travel across India
Blog, take pictures and short videos about your experiences

That is more or less about it!

Tell me more!

Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is – Photo Credit Thom Holmes

Where would I travel?

North India, South India, the Himalayas, Bombay?

We are pretty open about destinations. We’d have a discussion before your trip on a general route, but a lot of it would be flexible.

What is not paid for?

International flights to India
Visa fees and vaccinations (if you decide to take them)

What is paid for?

Stay for your entire time in India
All internal travel (buses, trains and occasional flight)
A daily food/activities and monument fees allowance

Mesmerizing Taj Mahal -Photo Credit Julian-yu.

I should apply if?

You are free to travel in India for a minimum of six weeks, (between 1^st August to 15^th October)
You posses good (if not exceptional) writing skills in English/German or French (one, or multiple)
Not necessarily phenomenal, but can take good pictures
Backpacking excites you! And you have some backpacking experience
Bonus–If you can take videos and do a little video editing (not compulsory)

Explore the backpacking experience – Photo Credit Pexels.

To apply/know more

Share our post on facebook, tag us along with a minimum of 5 friends along with a fun travel idea you’ve been dying to carry out!
Tweet to us @indiasomeday on why you should be our wanderer along with a #indiasomeday and #thewanderingsoul

Share your coolest pic #indiasomeday on twitter and mention us on instagram

Tag us on social media – Photo Credit Gerd Altmann

I am applying for a travel internship to India, with www.stage2.indiasomeday.com, #Indiasomeday

Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala McLeodganj

Posted on May 6, 2015October 13, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala is one of the most frequently asked questions, as both are popular destinations. Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination with backpackers or travellers keen on experiencing Buddhism in India. However, it’s not exactly a hop, skip and jump distance from Delhi. Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala can be done via a variety of different modes of transports. Based on your preference, one can choose to either take a flight, train or a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala.

Note – People use McLeodganj and Dharamshala interchangeably. While Dharamshala is the town, McLoedganj is a suburb, at a higher elevation, closer to trekking trails and Buddhist monasteries.

Do have a look at our travel routes across mountains in India and our suggested two week North India travel routes which work well in in-conjunction with Dharamshala.

Dharamshala McLeodganj

Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala by flight

There are daily flights between Delhi and Dharamshala (SpiceJet and Air India). The flight duration is a little over an hour. Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between these two destinations. However, do keep a couple of things in mind with regards to the flights –

If not booked well in advance Delhi to Dharamshala flight prices can soar as the frequency of flights is low;
Be prepared – this flight gets cancelled often either due to fog in Delhi during late December or January or inclement weather in Dharmashala that makes landing difficult; and
The Kangra (Dharamshala Airport) is a good two and a half hours from Dharmshala town, you cannot escape the picturesque mountain drive.

You can always depend on a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala should the flight be cancelled. But, be careful and plan your onward connections well if booking a flight between Delhi and Dharamshala.

Planning to visit India and want to understand when is the best time? Click here.

War Memorial in Dharamshala

train from delhi to dharamshala

Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala by train is certainly recommended. There are daily overnight trains between Delhi and Dharamshala and vice versa. Some trains run daily, some run a few times a week. Almost all of the trains are overnight trains, travel time ranging between 9.5 to 13 hours, depending on the train. Always take the train with the shorter duration, or you’d just be better off taking an overnight bus.

Points to keep in mind when considering a train from Delhi to Dharamshala –

Indian Railway bookings open 120 days in advance, so book as early as possible;
If tickets are not available, always explore tickets under Tourist Quota;
The nearest rail head to Dharamshala is Pathankot. So you still have a 2.5 hours drive to follow after the train ride, or to reach the railway station for the way back; and
Pathankot has two railway stations i.e. Pathankot City and Pathankot Cantonement. Include both options when searching for a train.

Dal Lake, Dharamshala

bus from Delhi to Dharamshala

Getting from Dehli to Dharamshala by bus is one of the most dependable options. You will always get tickets, even if you book at the last minute. Also, while buses might get delayed, they are not often cancelled owing to inclement weather conditions.

You can take a state transport bus (Delhi or Himachal State Transport) or a private bus.

If you do not find overnight buses particularly uncomfortable, we’d recommend a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala. It is the better option as it drops you right up to Dharamshala, while you have a 2.5 hour drive if you take a train.

Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala by car

This is an expensive option and a long drive (over 10 hours), but you can rent a car and driver and drive between the two places. Expect to pay at least INR 10,000 for the drive, although it could be higher.

Picture Credit: Trip Planners India

Stops en route

A slight detour, but highly recommended, is to include Amritsar when planning a trip to Dharamshala. You can take a train to Amritsar (plenty of daily and convenient trains) and then a bus or a taxi to Dharamshala (6 hours drive). Alternatively, you can visit Amritsar on the way back. Amritsar has a busy airport with daily flights to and from Delhi.

If you’re planning to spend more time in Dharamshala, you can also take a train to Kalka or Chandigarh, then visit Shimla, followed by Dharamshala.

While getting from Delhi to Dharamshala can seem difficult, we know this region well and would be happy to help you plan your trip around Himachal Pradesh and North India. Feel free to contact us here.

Discover the Best: Top 20 Spots in North India

A sheer gem in the city of Amritsar that draws travellers from across the globe to marvel at this beauty

The Cost of a Trip To India

Posted on April 15, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

India is a vast and beautiful country. There are numerous reasons why you should choose India as your next travel destination. But, by far, one of the better reasons is how budget-friendly and cheap it is. A flight from Europe or the Americas can get quite expensive but, if booked in advance you can save a sufficient amount of money!

However, regardless of the flight, once in India, delicious food, places to stay, and domestic travel are quite cheap so it makes for a great destination. Here’s a quick look at the cost of a trip to India. Additionally, India is the perfect place to travel in whatever style you enjoy.

From an economic budget backpacker in their 20’s to an avid traveller looking for the most luxurious stays in the world, India has something for everyone. By using our services, we can tailor your trip by taking your preferences and giving you the best possible ideas for a trip to India.

Here is a brief overview of the information that you could expect from the cost of a trip to India. We’ve included accommodation, food, travel, and any monument or museum fees. If you’re looking for a more detailed overview of the costs involved for a trip to India, read this.

Costs of different hotels, boutique or heritage, will depend heavily on the season and the city

what is the cost of a trip to India for a Budget Traveller

INR 3,200-3,800 (45-50 USD / 40-45 EUR per day, per person)

Backpackers, young adventurers, and those ready for the Indian experience at its peak, this is the approximate cost of a trip to India. Stay in backpackers’ hotel dorms or private rooms in cheap budget hotels. Prepare to travel in local buses and trains and treat yourself for the longest distance with a quick flight. Street food, cheaper restaurants, and sightseeing galore!

Backpacker in India (Photo Credit – Ibrahim-rifath)

Mid-range cost of a trip to India

INR 6,000-6,800 (85-90 USD / 70-80 EUR per day, per person)

Want to enjoy your holidays in style and comfort but without spending too much money? Look no further. If you compare to the budget traveller, adding 30 to 40 USD or EUR can really make a significant difference.

Stay at boutique hotels and nice homestays with charm. Pair the best classes of trains available with a domestic flight and a couple of hired car rides. Indulge in some of the fancier restaurants and do some activities like zip-lining, cooking, and beautiful mountain treks.

Delve Deeper: Uncover the Perfect Time for Your India Adventure

Feel welcome at a homestay as though it was your own – with local families, local food and local experience (Photo Credit – Aashray Homestay, bookings.com)

A high-end trip to India cost

INR 10,500-11,000 (140-145 USD / 125-130 EUR per day, per person)

If you enjoy luxury travel, you’ll love the options India has in store for you, especially in terms of hotels and resorts. While also cheap, India is the place to visit if you’re ready to spend to enjoy some of the best-serviced luxuries. Hence, in terms of hotels and resorts, there are a variety of options. You can fly your way to most places and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV. There are great gourmet dining options in all big cities and some smaller cities, so you won’t miss a thing.

If you’re looking for a more detailed version of the different costs in regards to travelling in India, here is a more in-depth analysis of the costs. If you decide to do it, let us know your preferences and we’ll customize it to suit your travel needs!

A breathtaking accommodation facility. Sitting in the midst of nature, brimming with luxury – Machan Treehouse Resort, Lonavala

Impressions of Kochi

Posted on April 2, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Kochi (Cochin) resembles the city of Pondicherry in more ways than one; it’s a town by the sea which is historically very interesting and a place where you will feel emerged in India’s colonial past yet feels present in its contemporary casual culture.

More Posts from Fabia from their Kerala trip:

Kerala Anyday, First Stop North Kerala Wayanad
On the way to Munnar
Thekkady @ Indhirivam

These are a series of humorous blog posts by Fabia about her recent travels with her mum (Soraya) to Kerala. Fabia and Soraya also run the most wonderful AirBnb in Bombay.

Fishermen using the Chinese fishing nets in Kochi

Our trip

We hopped on a train to Kochi at mid-day, and by late evening we were already browsing the lanes of this small yet charming city. Tourists from everywhere in the world strolling around, wearing baggy Aladdin pants and kolhapuris, escaping the winters of their own countries. Solo travellers make conversation at Tibetan cafés whilst Malayali couples cuddle along the Mahatma Gandhi beach.

The Chinese fishing nets are incredible inventions; and are where the city gets its name, Kochi translates as like-China. Not only does the town have an East Asian influence, it is also an amalgamation of European art and architecture due to the struggle between the Dutch, Portuguese, and the British to have possession of the land. Arabian traders were also frequent visitors to the shores of Kochi, to trade Kerala’s well-known spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.

One can quickly notice the variety of religious communities which inhabited this region and still do, after visiting the elaborate churches, the old synagogue in the Jew town area, observing the auto rickshaws covered in stickers of Mecca and Medina, and the intricate carvings of the Jain temple.

Before the Kathakali show, you can watch how the makeup is done on the performers

Advice and tips for Kochi

If I was to share any advice for Kochi, it would be:

You will have to do a lot of mosquito murdering here. Please carry mosquito repellant unless you want to be eaten alive!
Ask at your hotel/homestay how much a tuk-tuk or rickshaw would cost to where you want to go before setting off so that you know how much you should be paying as they don’t run by meter
Don’t try to save money on food here, eat at well-known places because you get your money’s worth. Oceanos’ Syrian Christian fish curry is really authentic
The afternoons are very hot, it would be a good idea to do all your exploring in the mornings. In the evenings carry a sun umbrella
Get tickets to the Kathakali dance at the Kochi Kathakali centre one evening
This is the kind of town where you are likely to be so at ease that you will not be wary of your belongings. Don’t carry any extra bags if you are the forgetful kind, like me!

Discover More: Perfect Time to Visit Kerala

The Bishop’s house in Kochi

Kerala Anyday: First Stop North Kerala – Wayanad

Posted on April 1, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

These are a series of humorous blog posts by Fabia. Recently, she travelled with her mum (Soraya) on their North Kerala tour. Their first stop was to see the fabulous Wayanad tourist attractions and they have written about their experiences. Fabia and Soraya also run the most wonderful AirBnb in Bombay

There was one place in India I’d heard so much about,
Everyone kept telling me, you’ll love it no doubt,
“You’ve got to visit India down South!”
After lots of compliments and praise,
my mum and I finally decided the days.

We just didn’t know how to go about it all,
and then our friends told us about India Someday.
They told us “just give them a call,”
and in no time we were already on our way…

On our way to Calicut

The first stop on our North Kerala tour: Kozhikode – Wayanad

After a short flight over the Konkan coast, from the bustling Mumbai city, we were suddenly touching down in the land of coconuts. It felt like we had reached a tropical island somewhere in Brazil until we stepped out of the airport to see all the mallu men in their spotless white lungis with their pearly teeth gleaming at us.

There was our driver, George. He was looking at us curiously and wondering whether we were his awaited guests and there we were hoping to be approached. So Mum decided to call his number which was sent to her immediately on landing. ‘Jing, jing, jing’ went his cell phone and so it was confirmed, he would be spending the next few hours driving this mother-daughter duo through their North Kerala tour!

Mum, with Anand (right) and one of his workers, at the highest point of the property

Our First Impressions

We stopped to grab some lunch before setting off on the beautiful journey to the Dhanagiri Homestay. This is located in the Vythiri district of Wayanad.

We were recommended a restaurant on the way called the White House but we were too hungry so we tucked into some biryani at a local little joint not far from the airport. It wasn’t great though so I’d recommend waiting till you get to the White House if you’re not really starving.

You’ll pass a few villages where you can admire the fascinating twisty Malayalam letters on all the shops and signboards and the fruit and vegetable stores with the biggest green bananas on display. I was intrigued to watch the Muslim Malayali men wearing white prayer caps, shirts, and lungis, and women in saris and headscarves – something I’ve never seen before!

India is so diverse and that is truly what you will love. By the side of the road, wrinkle-faced monkeys kept us amused and endless hills in the background left us speechless.

You will also see along this road, massive palace-like houses with royal balconies and Chinese roofs. All are owned and built by half the Keralite population that has left the country to work in the Middle East and send the money home. If someone hasn’t already made a documentary on this, someone should. Each residence is competing with the other across the street, so well maintained and yet looking empty.

This one actually looks lived in, unlike many others…

Dhanagiri Homestay

If you want to have yummy tea or coffee on the way, make sure you ask your driver to stop at the Coffee Grove Café, it doesn’t have a view but it is a nice and a clean little place for a good cuppa chai! To get to Dhanagiri Homestay, you’ll have to go off the beaten track a bit and up to Mr Anand’s property where you’ll be greeted by this very hospitable host – “What a guy, dude!” as we say.

You’ll be guided to your cottage which is on a slight hillock, amidst the charming pepper groves and elegant betel nut trees. Waking up here is blissful, each cottage has a porch where you can sit in the clouds and I personally loved hearing the Muslim call to prayer far off in the distance between all the greenery.

Anand gives his guests a lot of his time; don’t hesitate to ask him to take you for a walk to the highest point of his plantations to gaze at the valleys below and even on his exclusive ‘hidden destinations’ tours.

Right in the lap of nature (Photo Credit – Dhanagiri Homestay)

Wayanad tourist attractions

We only had one full day there, and we planned to go to see well-known Wayanad tourist attractions. We chose to visit the Edakkal Caves and the Soochipara waterfalls. To be honest, the Edakkal Caves are typically visited mostly by local Indian tourists. So the walk up is flooded with school children who will ask you what your name is and then giggle a lot.

Shops sell random things like gollywog wigs, cock-eyed monkeys carved into coconuts, and believe it or not, something called chocolate tea! Few shops sell bamboo rice, which is worth trying; we bought some and Anand’s excellent chef cooked it for us at dinner.

Bamboo rice can be collected only once in 40 years. So it is definitely something special and interesting for people who like to try new foods. The caves have a few ancient drawings on the boulders, which you might like if you haven’t seen these already in other countries.

On the other hand, we loved the drive down to the Soochipara waterfall on our North Kerala tour. A beautiful village road leads you to the quiet cliffs where you can enjoy sitting by the water. It is so peaceful if you’ve just flown in from a busy city. We watched some local boys showing off their rock climbing skills, diving jumps, and thick black curly hair.

See Also: Timing Your Kerala Adventure

If the earth is this beautiful, it makes me wonder what paradise is like (Photo Credit – Dhanagiri Homestay)

More posts from Fabia from their Kerala trip –

Next Stop Fort Kochi
On the way to Munnar
Thekkady @ Indhrivanam

Backpacking tour in South India

Posted on March 31, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Here we have drafted a backpacking tour in South India. On this trip, you’ll start your adventure in Mumbai, and after a couple of days, take a train along the coast to Goa. After, you will travel onwards to the stunning and beautiful city of ruins ‘Hampi’ and finally make your way south to Mysore, before ending your holiday in relaxing Kerala.

Read our detailed blog to understand the cost of travel in India! If travelling solo in India, read through our tips for solo female travel in India

Goa, India

South India Tour Route

Mumbai – Goa – Hampi – Mysore – Kochi – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey (route on GoogleMaps)

Modes of transport for South India budget tour

You would be covering large distances during the first half of your tour which includes travelling from Mumbai to Goa, Goa to Hampi, Hampi to Mysore. The best and most economical option is travelling by overnight trains from place to place. Trains are fast, dependable and a great way to both experience India and interact with the locals.

From Mysore, you would be taking an overnight bus to Kochi, Kerala. Once in Kerala you can travel either by local buses (cheaper, but more time consuming) or hire a car and driver during your entire stay in Kerala.

Where will you stay?

Considering this is a budget tour you would be staying at inexpensive hotels and homestays during your trip that are both clean and comfortable. Some of the major backpacking highlights are the locations from your hotels. You could be right by the beach in Goa, have a view of boulders and rice fields in Hampi or even the beautiful tea plantations and backwater views in Kerala.

Cost of the South India Backpacking Tour

The cost of the tour would vary between USD 400 (EUR 310) to USD 550 (EUR 430) per person depending on the following:

What time of the year are you travelling
Your train travelling preference (i.e. A/C train, sleeper class, etc.)
If you like having a private room at all times
If you are travelling alone or as a couple/group

Explore More: Tips for UK tourists traveling to India

The cost includes:

Overnight stay throughout your trip
All train tickets
Taxi and driver between cities when train is not possible
India Someday planning and bookings fees
All taxes

Let us know how many travellers you would be and your preferences as it will help us plan your dream backpacking tour in South India.

Look at our other South India travel routes here.

Kerala Backwaters

Highlights of travelling in South India

On your backpacking tour in South India, you’ll experience stunning beaches, hills, ruins and fantastic food. It’s strikingly different than a tour of North India. Generally, people in South India are extremely relaxed and friendly.

1. The chaos and distinct vibe of Bombay (Mumbai)

We recommend starting your tour by spending a few days in Mumbai which is a bustling city with old colonial buildings, lovely sea fronts, bars, cafes and additionally interesting slum and cycling tours. In many ways Mumbai is an assault on your senses, yet it is incredibly rewarding as you will be thrown head first into the incredible and vast diversity of India.

Enjoying the sunset – Mumbai (Picture Credit: LBB)

2. Beaches of Goa and the ruins of Hampi

Your next two stops are extremely different from one another, which is a great thing for backpacking! Goa, your first stop will provide warm beaches, inexpensive food, a great party culture, rice fields, and beautiful Portuguese historical architecture. There’s plenty to do, from riding a scooter across the stunning beaches to a vibrant nightlife.

Hampi is a beautiful city, filled with stunning ruins, and you can explore the picturesque temples, enjoy the outstanding views, or get blessed in the elephant stable by walking or cycling around town. For adventure lovers, go cliff jumping, rent a moped and learn how to drive it in the spacious reservoir, or hire a Karnataka boat and go for a refreshing swim in the lake.

Baga Beach, Goa

3. Riding the Indian Trains

Trains in India are a fascinating experience as there’s a distinct buzz of energy at all stations and you get lovely chai while on board. Also, you get to see Indian families and often interact with them. Above all, you’ll see beautiful views of the countryside and little villages.

4. Mouth-watering South Indian food

For a foodie, India is an ultimate paradise, and the South Indian food is very different from North Indian food. Some examples include delicious dosas with different chutneys, Kerala parotas, and freshly boiled rice replacing the staple roti and mouth-watering spicy curries that are not for the faint-hearted!

(Picture Credit: Yenna Dosa)

5. Meet locals and fellow travellers

The hostels and hotels will allow you to meet a variety of interesting travellers along your backpacking tour. This is always a plus, as you’ll make new friends and even stay with local families and soak in their culture and traditions.

(Picture Credit: Euronews.com)

6. The striking diversity of Kerala

Kerala, your final stop, has everything from hiking with beautiful views of tea plantations, bathing elephants, trekking in forests, canoeing in the backwaters or sunbathing on the beach. Kerala is a fantastic place for a highly rewarding, relaxing end to your backpacking tour in South India.

Click here to read more about some amazing travel experiences in Kerala and for some inspiration on a backpacking tour of North India, click here.

Boating in Kerala

Contact us to help you plan your India trip

We customize trips, and this tour can be customized for you, too. Just let us know the number of days you have or the specific places that you’d like to see. In fact, we can help you plan trips anywhere in India, irrespective of your budget. For more ideas about travelling in South India, visit our blog! Alternatively, for more information about backpacking in South India, feel free to get in touch with us to plan your trip to India! Don’t forget, solo travellers get a 20% discount on our fees!

If you’d like slightly more detailed descriptions, here are some great blogs:

Impressions of Fort Kochi, Kerala – Fabia & Soraya

Kerala Any Day: First Stop North Kerala Wayanad

Using different modes of travels in India with children

Posted on March 2, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Gregory and Sarah from Canada are travelling with their children aged 12, 10 and 5 for a year across Europe and Asia. They used our help to plan parts of their India trip and are guests authors for a series of blogs on travelling in India with children.

Train travel in India with children

In India, there are many ways to get from point A to Z. We have been on two sleeper buses so far and one was newer and comfier (blankets and pillows) while one was well past its prime without these amenities. There was no toilet on either and so training kids on how to “nature pee” is not a bad idea. Our almost teenage daughter went from being mortified by peeing at the roadside, to just asking for the toilet paper and peeing near a garbage pile. I taught my son how to pee in a bottle, in cases, the driver seemed peeved at the suggestion of stopping YET again.

Carrying child-friendly snacks (chikki, sesame balls, bananas and oranges) is also helpful. As it’s a given that there is not always a great deal of choice at the pit stops. Earplugs are definitely a great idea. We also had a tablet with movies which were invaluable, because they won’t sleep the whole way. Why? The roads have many curves and speed bumps. Also, the drivers tend to be aggressive to get you to your destination. So, be prepared for some back and forth and side to side. Our 2 little ones, both clunked various parts of their anatomy on the shelves in the sleeper, when the driver slammed on the brake for a speed bump.

Paper and crayons, card games and the aforementioned tablet have saved our sanity on numerous occasions.

Trains

Resting in the AC lounge before the train

Our experiences travelling by train have been almost all positive. Our kids will forever remember buying numerous small cups of chai masala for 7 rupees each. There is room to sit comfortably and stow bags overhead and you can get up and walk around. Tickets are quite inexpensive and you can travel in an air-conditioned car if it is too hot otherwise.

A glimpse of an un-forgetful experience

We took a train from Mumbai to Aurangabad and I met a lovely engineer from Delhi taking his wife and two kids to see the caves. Their girls adopted our five-year-old and entertained her with their tablet. The food available was simple and reasonably priced and snacks and cold drinks came through the cabin with startling frequency. It is worth taking the kids into an “Indian toilet” to show them how to squat the first time they need to go as the “Western toilets” would require extensive sanitising before anybody would want to even contemplate sitting down.

The train delay!

We took one overnight train too and it was supposed to leave at 7:20 pm from Margao and arrive at 10:00 am in Ernakulam. Since it was coming from Delhi, it was delayed by 5 hours due to fog. There is a waiting room, but after our daughter injured herself sitting on a broken chair that fell and crushed her into the wall, we paid 25 rupees/person and moved into the AC waiting room, where the children were able to get comfortable and fall asleep. We had booked non-AC sleeper class to save $75 and this would have been fine, had we not had the delay. The fans kept us comfortable all through the night, but given that we were now arriving at 3 pm, we arrived boiled, baked and fried.

TUK-TUKS

Tuk Tuk in India

We also took a great number of tuk-tuks or rickshaws and they were really our preferred method of travel. They ranged from short 30 rupee rides to keep the kids cool around Kochi to an 800 rupee ride from Hampi to Hospet (all five of us with 5 big and 5 small backpacks). We were greeted with great enthusiasm and the breeze provided welcome relief from the heat.

In Aurangabad, we took a bigger jeep which was part of a tour company, to visit the Ajanta and Ellora caves. It was riveting to watch how the road, which never changed size, went from being two lanes to four. I really wouldn’t recommend renting a car on your own in most parts of India.

An Amusing fact!

It seems that people choose to honk as a substitute for following common sense or traffic rules: “Beep beep, I am passing on a corner up a hill – beep beep, – watch out, this could be dangerous for both of us – beep beep!” It really was interesting to watch traffic. Somehow the cars, bikes, scooters, buses and cows do seem to keep moving. But the more aggressive drivers are often rewarded by their disregard for other people waiting to get ahead.

Two-wheelers, always super exciting for children

Tuk Tuk in India

One vehicle which does allow you to travel independently was scooters. And we also did feel was safe. For 250-350 rupees plus gas, we could dart around places like Hampi, Patnem Beach (Goa) and Varkala (Kerala).

We did this numerous times and the kids loved it. I had my five-year-old in front of me or behind me and my ten-year-old behind me or sandwiching the little one. My wife had our twelve-year-old behind her. If you have never driven a scooter, it would be a good idea to get a little lesson.

Maybe practice before transporting your precious children around. But they really are easy to drive and a great way to sightsee and stop where you want on your schedule.

More Blogs from Gregor and Sarah on travelling India with children