How much does a trip to India cost?

Our tailor-made India holidays start from US$2,028 per person for the nine-night Golden Triangle & Ranthambore trip and from US$2,377.60 per person for ten nights in Kerala, per person, two sharing, land only. Add an e-Tourist visa for most nationalities, which costs from US$10 to US$25 for a 30-day visa depending on the month, plus monument fees such as Rs 1,100 for foreign visitors at the Taj Mahal.

Our India package prices

These are travoHolidays package prices, November 2026. They are starting prices per person based on two people sharing, for land arrangements only (international flights excluded), and they vary by travel date, hotel and availability.

The Golden Triangle route links Delhi's Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, the Taj Mahal and Jaipur's Amber Fort, with tiger safaris at Ranthambore. The Kerala trip pairs a houseboat on the backwaters of Alappuzha and Kumarakom with beach time and the tea hills.

Official fixed costs: the e-Visa

Many nationalities can apply online for an Indian e-Visa through the official Indian Visa Online portal. Fees are set per country. According to the government's e-Tourist visa fee schedule (dated 8 September 2026, in US dollars), as of November 2026 the standard rates for many countries are:

• 30-day e-Tourist visa: US$10 if travelling April to June, US$25 for July to March.
• 1-year e-Tourist visa (multiple entry): US$40 for many countries.
• 5-year e-Tourist visa (multiple entry): US$200 for many countries, but nationality-specific rates differ; for example, the schedule lists US$484 for UK citizens and US$160 for US citizens.
• A 3% bank charge is added to the fee, and the fee is non-refundable.
• Some nationalities pay no fee or a different rate: Japan and Sri Lanka, for instance, are listed at US$25 for the 1-year visa.

The portal says e-Tourist applications must be made at least four days before arrival. UK travel advice also mentions an online e-arrival card that can be completed up to 72 hours before landing; it is not a visa.

Monument entry fees

The Archaeological Survey of India sets ticket prices at protected monuments. The official Taj Mahal ticketing page lists these prices for foreign visitors, as of November 2026:

Children under 15 enter free, according to the same page. Other monuments, such as Jaipur's palaces and the national parks, charge their own fees, which we confirm when you book.

Cost components at a glance

What drives the price, and how to save

• Season: the cool months from October to March are the most expensive, peaking at Christmas and New Year. Our India seasonal guide highlights shoulder months.
• Heritage hotels: staying in palace or fort hotels in Rajasthan, such as in Udaipur, lifts the price significantly; mixing them with simpler stays keeps costs in check.
• Distance: India is vast. Combining the north with Kerala usually means a domestic flight; keeping to one region saves money and time.
• Visa length: for a single trip, the 30-day e-Tourist visa is usually the cheapest option, especially between April and June.
• Solo travel: our prices are based on two sharing; a single supplement applies.

Choosing between the north and the south

Our two India packages show how region shapes the budget. The Golden Triangle route spends most nights in cities with a wide choice of hotels, and the main extra costs are monument tickets and safari permits. The Kerala route is a night longer and includes a houseboat stay and beach hotels, which explains part of the higher starting price. If you want both, a 14-night combination with one domestic flight is usually better value than two separate trips.

Remember that a starting price reflects specific dates and the lowest available room category. Peak festival weeks, heritage hotels, larger rooms and extra private guiding all add to the final figure, while travelling in a shoulder month can bring it closer to the starting level.

Tipping and small extras

Tipping drivers, guides and hotel staff is customary in India. Amounts are personal and depend on service and trip length, so we suggest discussing a sensible range with your specialist before you travel rather than relying on fixed figures. Keep small notes for shoe attendants at temples, porters and restroom attendants at monuments.

Money on the ground

India's currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Cards work in larger hotels and shops, and digital payments are widespread, but carry rupees for markets, tips and small purchases. For more practical advice, read our India travel guide for first-timers.

Frequently asked questions

Get a costed itinerary

Every India trip we build is priced to your dates and hotel choices. Browse the India holidays page or send us a custom trip request for a detailed quote.

Sources

1. Government of India — e-Visa information (Indian Visa Online)
2. Government of India — Country-wise e-Tourist visa fee (PDF, 8 September 2026)
3. Taj Mahal official site — Ticketing and entry fee of monuments in Agra
4. GOV.UK — India travel advice: entry requirements