Budget travel in India requires a specific mental model that differs from Southeast Asia, and getting the model right before you arrive makes everything easier.

The scale is different. India is subcontinental. A 'quick hop' between cities often means 8-15 hours on a train. Build more time into your itinerary than you think you need — the most common mistake is trying to see too much.

The cost structure is different. Accommodation varies more than almost anywhere: a good budget guesthouse in Jaipur costs $8-12/night; a basic room in the Himalayan foothills costs $4-6. Transport is extraordinarily cheap — the entire AC2 (2nd class air-conditioned) tier of the Indian rail network, which is comfortable and reliable, costs pennies per kilometer. Food from dhabas (roadside restaurants serving Indian truckers and locals) costs $1-2 for a full meal.

The administrative overhead is higher. Train bookings, visa, some state permits for restricted areas, and navigating IRCTC (the national rail booking system) all require advance planning. The foreign tourist quota on train tickets is a real thing — you can book through the Foreign Tourist Quota at major stations in person without battling the IRCTC website.

Budget for the North (Rajasthan, Delhi, Varanasi circuit): $20-28/day is comfortable. Budget for the South (Kerala, Tamil Nadu): $18-25/day. Budget for the Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand): $15-22/day.