How to Visit Delhi on a Budget Under ₹15,000

TL;DR Summary

• Explore Delhi under ₹15,000 with smart planning.
• Budget travel to Delhi via trains or buses.
• Affordable itinerary covers iconic sights and street food.
• Cheap stays in hostels starting at ₹500/night.
• Local hacks save on transport and meals.
• Fun, frugal trip with insider tips!

Introduction to Budget Travel in Delhi

I still remember my first backpacking trip to Delhi over a decade ago, with just ₹5,000 in my pocket and a tattered map. I wandered through the chaotic lanes of Chandni Chowk, savored ₹10 parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, and haggled for souvenirs at Janpath—all without breaking the bank. Delhi, often seen as a pricey capital, is actually a goldmine for budget travellers. Its mix of history, culture, and street life comes with dirt-cheap eats, affordable public transport, and free attractions. Plus, the city’s vibe rewards those who dig deeper with local hacks. In this guide, you’ll discover how to explore Delhi on a shoestring budget under ₹15,000 for a 5-day trip, including costs, itineraries, and tips from 20+ years of frugal travel across India.

Why Visit Delhi on a Budget?

• Public transport like the Delhi Metro starts at just ₹10 per ride, connecting major attractions.
• Street food is a steal—think ₹20 for a plate of chole bhature or ₹10 for kachoris.
• Many historical sites, like Humayun’s Tomb, have entry fees under ₹40 for Indians.
• Free attractions, such as India Gate and Connaught Place, offer iconic experiences at zero cost.
• Budget accommodations in areas like Paharganj start at ₹500 per night for decent hostels.
• Markets like Sarojini Nagar offer clothes and accessories for as low as ₹100 after bargaining.
• Local dhabas serve full meals for under ₹50, keeping food costs incredibly low.

Top Budget Things to Do & See

Red Fort

Step into Mughal history at this sprawling fortress, a symbol of India’s past.

Budget Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and get tickets for ₹35 (Indians) at the counter.

Qutub Minar

Marvel at the tallest brick minaret in the world, surrounded by ancient ruins.

Budget Tip: Entry is ₹40 for Indians; carry your own water to skip overpriced stalls nearby.

India Gate

This iconic war memorial at night, lit up and buzzing, feels like Delhi’s heartbeat.

Budget Tip: It’s free to visit; walk from the nearest metro to save on transport.

Chandni Chowk

Dive into a chaotic maze of narrow lanes filled with history, food, and bargains.

Budget Tip: Eat at local joints like Paranthe Wali Gali for meals under ₹30.

Humayun’s Tomb

A serene Mughal masterpiece, this tomb inspired the Taj Mahal’s design.

Budget Tip: Pay ₹40 entry for Indians and explore nearby free gardens for extra value.

Lotus Temple

Experience peace at this stunning Bahá’í temple shaped like a blooming lotus.

Budget Tip: Entry is free; visit early morning to avoid long queues and heat.

How to Reach Delhi on a Budget

Delhi is a major hub, easily accessible by air, train, or bus. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the primary gateway, with budget flights from cities like Mumbai or Bangalore starting at ₹3,000 if booked early on platforms like MakeMyTrip or Goibibo. For the cheapest option, take the Airport Express Metro from the airport to central Delhi for just ₹60 (30 minutes).

By train, Delhi Junction (DLI), New Delhi (NDLS), and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) are key stations. Sleeper class tickets from Mumbai cost ₹500–₹700 (16–20 hours), while from Kolkata, they’re ₹600–₹800 (20–24 hours). Book early on IRCTC for the lowest fares. Buses are another frugal choice—interstate buses to Kashmiri Gate ISBT from Jaipur (₹300, 5–6 hours) or Chandigarh (₹250, 4–5 hours) are reliable. Use RedBus or state transport websites for tickets. Once in Delhi, use the metro (₹10–₹60 per trip) or shared autos (₹10–₹20) to get around cheaply.

Best Time to Visit for Budget Travellers

For budget travellers, the best time to visit Delhi is during the shoulder seasons of February–March and October–November. During these months, the weather is pleasant (15–25°C), perfect for exploring on foot without sweating or shivering. Hotel rates are lower than peak winter (December–January), and you’ll avoid the tourist rush, meaning better deals on stays and less crowded attractions. Off-season (April–June) brings scorching heat (up to 45°C), but you can snag rock-bottom prices on accommodations—sometimes 30–40% cheaper. Monsoon (July–September) offers discounts too, though humidity and rain can dampen plans. Stick to shoulder seasons for the best balance of cost and comfort, and always carry a reusable water bottle to cut expenses in any weather.

Where to Stay – Cheap Homestays & Hostels

Delhi has plenty of budget-friendly stays under ₹1,500 per night, especially in central areas. Paharganj, near New Delhi Railway Station, is a backpacker hub with hostels like Zostel (₹500–₹700 per night for dorms) and guesthouses starting at ₹800. It’s chaotic but close to the metro and markets. Karol Bagh offers slightly quieter vibes with budget hotels like Hotel Southern (₹1,000–₹1,200 per night) and cheap homestays via Airbnb (₹800–₹1,000). For a modern hostel experience, check South Delhi areas like Hauz Khas or Saket, where places like The Hosteller charge ₹600–₹900 per night. Always book in advance for deals, and stick to areas near metro stations to save on transport. Browse budget-friendly stays on Unpaqd: Browse Unpaqd stays in Delhi

Trip Cost Breakdown (5-Day Trip for 1 Person Under ₹15,000)

Category	Cost (₹)	Notes
Transport (to Delhi)	3,000	Round-trip train/flight, booked early
Local Transport	1,000	Metro, autos, buses (₹200/day)
Stay (5 nights)	4,000	Hostel/guesthouse at ₹800/night
Food	2,500	Street food, dhabas (₹500/day)
Activities/Entry Fees	500	Budget attractions, some free
Miscellaneous	1,000	Souvenirs, emergencies
Total	12,000	Well under ₹15,000 budget!

*Prices are approximate and based on current rates as of 2023. Adjust based on your origin city for transport.

Suggested Budget Itineraries

3-Day Quick Trip

• Day 1 (History Dive): Morning at Red Fort (9 AM–12 PM, ₹35 entry), lunch at Chandni Chowk (₹50), afternoon at India Gate (2–4 PM, free). Use metro (₹30 total).
• Day 2 (Cultural Mix): Start at Qutub Minar (9 AM–12 PM, ₹40), head to Lotus Temple (1–3 PM, free), evening stroll at Connaught Place (free). Metro costs ₹40.
• Day 3 (Local Vibes): Morning shopping at Sarojini Nagar (10 AM–1 PM, spend ₹200–300), lunch at a nearby dhaba (₹50), relax at a local park (free). Metro ₹20.

5-Day Full Experience

• Day 1 (Iconic Start): Morning at India Gate (8–10 AM, free), then Red Fort (11 AM–2 PM, ₹35). Lunch at Chandni Chowk (₹50), evening at Connaught Place (free). Metro ₹30.
• Day 2 (Ancient Wonders): Qutub Minar (9 AM–12 PM, ₹40), followed by Humayun’s Tomb (1–3 PM, ₹40). Evening rest at hostel. Metro ₹40.
• Day 3 (Local Life): Explore Chandni Chowk deeper (9 AM–1 PM), eat parathas (₹30), bargain at nearby markets (spend ₹200). Metro ₹20.
• Day 4 (Peaceful Spots): Lotus Temple (9–11 AM, free), then a budget lunch nearby (₹50). Afternoon at Lodhi Gardens (free). Metro ₹30.
• Day 5 (Shopping & Relax): Sarojini Nagar for cheap buys (10 AM–1 PM, ₹300), lunch at a dhaba (₹50), evening at a free cultural event if available. Metro ₹20.

Ideal For

• Backpackers looking for affordable adventures.
• Solo travellers seeking cultural immersion.
• Budget couples wanting a mix of history and fun.
• Students exploring on limited funds.
• First-time travellers to India needing an easy start.

Safety, Permits & Local Etiquette on Budget

Delhi is generally safe for budget travellers, but stay alert in crowded areas like markets or metro stations—keep valuables close and avoid flashy displays. No special permits are needed for tourist spots, though some monuments require online tickets during peak times (book via ASI website to save ₹5–₹10 on fees). For mobile connectivity, grab a prepaid SIM from Airtel or Jio at the airport or local shops for ₹200–₹300 with data; it’s cheaper than roaming. Dress modestly at religious sites like Jama Masjid, and always ask before photographing people. Don’t fall for touts promising “cheap tours”—stick to public transport. Bargain politely at markets, and avoid late-night solo walks in isolated areas. Carry a small lock for hostel lockers to save on renting one.

Hidden Budget Tips from 20+ Years of Travel

• Use the Delhi Metro’s tourist card (₹150 for 1 day) for unlimited rides if exploring multiple spots.
• Eat at dhabas near bus stands or railway stations—full thalis for ₹40–₹50, no frills.
• Visit museums like the National Museum on specific days for free entry (check schedules online).
• Bargain hard at flea markets like Janpath—start at 50% of the quoted price.
• Carry a reusable water bottle—refill at metro stations or hostels to avoid ₹20 bottles.
• Download offline maps (like Maps.me) to save on data while navigating.
• Join free walking tours organized by local groups—search on social media for schedules.
• Buy snacks from local kirana stores instead of touristy cafes to cut costs by 70%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Delhi affordable for budget travellers?

Absolutely, Delhi is one of India’s most budget-friendly cities for travellers. With street food under ₹50, metro rides starting at ₹10, and hostel stays from ₹500 per night, you can explore comfortably on a tight budget. Many attractions like India Gate are free, and entry fees for others are minimal for Indians (₹35–₹40). Plan smart, and you’ll spend far less than in other metros like Mumbai.

Q: How much does a budget trip to Delhi cost?

A 5-day budget trip to Delhi can cost under ₹15,000 per person, including transport, stay, food, and activities. My breakdown shows ₹12,000 as a realistic estimate with ₹4,000 for stay, ₹2,500 for food, and ₹1,000 for local transport. Costs vary based on where you’re traveling from, but early bookings for trains or flights keep expenses low. Stick to street food and public transport for maximum savings.

Q: What's the best time for cheap travel to Delhi?

The shoulder seasons of February–March and October–November are ideal for cheap travel to Delhi. During these months, accommodation prices are lower than peak winter, and the weather (15–25°C) is perfect for exploring. You’ll also avoid heavy crowds, making bargaining easier at markets. Off-season (April–June) offers even cheaper stays, but the heat can be brutal.

Q: How to reach Delhi cheaply?

Delhi is accessible on a budget via trains, buses, or flights if booked early. Sleeper class train tickets from major cities like Mumbai or Kolkata cost ₹500–₹800, while interstate buses to Kashmiri Gate ISBT start at ₹250–₹300 from nearby cities. Flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport can be as low as ₹3,000 with advance booking. Once there, use the metro (₹10–₹60) for cheap local travel.

Q: Are there safe budget stays in Delhi?

Yes, Delhi has many safe budget stays, especially in areas like Paharganj and Karol Bagh, with hostels starting at ₹500 per night. Places like Zostel or The Hosteller are popular among backpackers and have good reviews for safety and cleanliness. Stick to well-reviewed options near metro stations, and always lock your belongings. Booking platforms like Unpaqd or Airbnb also offer secure homestays under ₹1,000.

Q: Which is better for budget — Delhi or Mumbai?

For budget travellers, Delhi wins over Mumbai hands-down due to lower costs across the board. Delhi’s food, transport (metro at ₹10 vs. Mumbai’s pricier locals), and accommodation (hostels from ₹500 vs. ₹800+) are cheaper. Many of Delhi’s iconic attractions are free or have low entry fees, unlike Mumbai where experiences often come with a premium. If you’re on a tight budget, Delhi offers more bang for your buck.