Traveling India Broke
(barely any money)
At the time being I find myself in India broke, with faith that I will make it back to London with some cash left to start all over again!
I am blessed to be in India when my finances are in such a miserable state because of how cheaply I can travel and live here. It is possible to eat with less then 150 rupees a day and pay just 175 rupees daily for accommodation. Last but not least I find myself in a part of india where I don't need to pay for drinking water, there is a spring nearby where I can source water for free, which is better than any bottled water.
I will leave you some tips that are helping me to enjoy the bold Indian beauty with a miserably tight budget!
Traveling Off Season
It is the best time to travel when you don't have money. I got a great discount in accommodation. Even though I haven't spent any money with shopping, all the shop keepers try to sell you things at very very low cost because the business off season is not great time for them.
Plan Your Trips Well In Advance
Bear in mind festival dates, public transport such as trains and buses, which are the cheapest options, will all be fully booked weeks before the important dates. Also give yourself plenty of time for travelling, delays are very common, travelling in tight timetables is risky.
Data
Having access to internet is very convenient when traveling in a low budget from my experience, whether to use when walking around the city using GPS, or finding out info about whatever you have in mind for your trip, there are plenty of free convenient apps. So get yourself a deal with your phone server or at delhi airport you are able to get a sim card with data included. I paid 800 rupees for a 3 month valid sim card which has 1.4G of data a day.
Apps
There are a few useful apps to have; uber, makemytrip and indian railways are really useful. I saved a lot by using the uber app in Delhi, taxi and tuk tuk drivers will overcharge you. It's not that big of a deal but in a tight budget, every penny counts.
Money Exchanges
Before travelling, let the bank know that your are going to be in India and double check with them about charges and possible deals if you are traveling long term in india. It's not possible to get rupees outside of India so at delhi airport there is an ATM or research online western union and money exchange nearby you if you are carrying cash instead. Asking at the markets can bring you the best exchange rate, also hotels exchange money. Bear in mind daily rates.
Scams
Not everyone will experience them but newbies who look confused or overwhelmed at busy train stations might experience scammers, do not take into consideration anything from random people who approach you at the station, always make your way to the counter and get clear about timings and which track your train will be. (Saying this because I did experience it)
Bargain
Want to gain respect from locals and make sure you are not being overcharged? Learning how to bargain is a must. Indians are business oriented by nature, at small markets and shops nothing is priced. They love a healthy dispute of price and highly admire someone who bargains! Always ask prices before you buy anything.
Tourism is a highly profitable business, so when traveling there is a tendency to visit all the places that are highly advertised and popular! What about embracing the unpopular? Exploring the unseen… It's cheaper and from my experience, it is a richer experience. The traveler lifestyle instead of the tourist.
Out And About Without the Need for a Penny!
Beaches, nature, towns, walks..
Seeking for treasures and beauty of the Simplest Blessings we receive every moment!
Upvote, Resteem And Stay In Tune
I will be sharing my experiences of India with barely any money!
Love, light and blessings