The short answer
- Biggest price factor
- Hotel standard
- Private vs group
- Private costs more, but not much for two
- Usually extra
- Flights, visa, tips, some meals
- Cheapest months
- April to September
Tour prices in India vary more than almost anywhere, because the same route can be done in simple guesthouses or in former maharajas' palaces. Hotel standard, group size and the time of year matter far more than the number of days.
Live prices for top rated tours are shown below and update automatically, so you can see current costs rather than rough estimates.
Live prices: short tours of 4 to 8 days
Most short tours are the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, sometimes with Ranthambore or Varanasi. The snapshot below is worked out from the tours listed on our site right now, so it reflects real prices rather than estimates.
Live prices: longer tours of 9 to 16 days
Longer tours add Rajasthan, Varanasi, Kerala or wildlife. The price per day often drops on longer trips, because arrival and departure costs are spread over more days.
What changes the price
- Hotels: Three star, four star, five star or heritage palace hotels. Luxury palace stays in Udaipur and Jaipur can double the cost of a tour. See luxury India tours.
- Private or group: A private tour with your own car, driver and guides costs more per person for solo travellers, but for two or more people the difference is often small. See private India tours.
- Season: Christmas, New Year and Diwali are the most expensive weeks. April to September is the cheapest.
- Inclusions: Check whether entrance fees, meals, safari permits, train tickets and domestic flights are included.
- Single travellers: Most tours charge a single supplement for a room of your own.
What is usually included
| Usually included | Often extra |
|---|---|
| Hotels and breakfast | International flights |
| Private car and driver, or group transport | e-Visa (from US$10 to US$80) |
| English speaking local guides | Tips for guides and drivers |
| Airport transfers | Lunches and dinners, unless stated |
| Some or all entrance fees | Camera fees, drinks, shopping |
Everyday prices in India
Even on a tour you will pay for some meals, drinks, tips and small extras. These typical prices give a feel for daily spending. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR) and vary by city and hotel.
| Item | Typical price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Bottle of water (1 litre) | 20 to 40 |
| Masala chai from a stall | 10 to 30 |
| Street food snack | 50 to 150 |
| Thali or curry in a local restaurant | 200 to 500 |
| Dinner in a good city or hotel restaurant | 1,000 to 2,500 per person |
| Bottle of beer in a restaurant | 300 to 600 |
| Short auto rickshaw ride | 100 to 300 |
| Local SIM card or eSIM with data | 300 to 800 |
Rough guide prices, rounded. Hotel and tourist area prices are higher.
Spending money on top of a tour
- Tips: As a guide only, consider around INR 500 to 1,000 a day for a guide and INR 300 to 500 a day for a driver on a private tour.
- Entrance fees: Foreign visitors pay higher fees than Indian citizens at major monuments. If fees are not included, the Taj Mahal is the most expensive single ticket on most routes.
- Safaris: If not included, tiger safari permits and jeeps are a significant extra. Each drive is booked separately.
- Shopping: Textiles, carpets and jewellery. Shops you are taken to may pay commission to guides, so feel free to say no.
Tip: Compare tours by price per day and check the inclusions side by side. A cheaper tour that leaves out entrance fees, safaris and lunches can end up costing more.
Ways to save
- Travel in October, November, February or March: good weather, but lower prices than late December.
- Travel as two or more on a private tour to share the cost of the car and guide.
- Choose comfortable four star hotels and save the palace splurge for one or two nights.
- Book early for Christmas, New Year and Diwali, when prices rise and the best tours sell out.
- Look for tours with free cancellation, so you can lock in a price without the risk.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a 7 day India tour cost?
It depends mostly on hotel standard and whether the tour is private. See the live price check on this page for current prices of short tours listed on our site.
Is a private tour of India expensive?
Less than many people expect. For two or more people, a private car, driver and guide often costs only a little more per person than a group tour.
Is India expensive to visit?
No. India is one of the best value destinations in the world for guided tours, especially if you are happy with comfortable four star hotels rather than palace hotels.
Are tips included in India tours?
Usually not. Tips for guides and drivers are customary and paid in cash at the end of their service.
When are India tours cheapest?
From April to September. Prices are lowest in the heat and monsoon, which suit the hills, Ladakh and Kerala better than Rajasthan.
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