Budget for India

Hi there Angela

We went on this trip in October and found that our spending money went a long way.  The two of us actually had money left over.   There is not a lot to spend on additional activities other than the elephant ride at Amber Fort.  Main expenditure is lunch and dinner, plus drinks, which were very reasonable.  In Jaipur, dinner for 2 including beers came to 800 rupees and that was a typical price.  Lunch is much cheaper.  We wished on our return we had bought more of the handicrafts as presents for others.  I bought 3 silk scarves in Jaipur for 1500 rupees and a beautiful handwoven silk shawl in Varanasi for what turned out to be £28 on the credit card - nothing comes anywhere near it at home in terms of quality or price and it is a wonderful momento of a wonderful holiday.   Don't ignore some of the things hawkers sell.  We bought a pair of Rajasthani puppets for £3 and I saw the same thing at the V and A shop for £40 a week ago!  Watch changing money - past check in on the way back and you can't use rupees at Delhi airport.  The Thomas Cook money exchange on arrival gave a good rate.  You will have a wonderful time.  India has stolen our hearts and we have vowed to return.

Anne

Thanks for the information Anne. I find it really helpful. Good luck with your future travels.

Angela