Punjab is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Punjab?
You should plan to spend around $781 (₨66,772) per day on your vacation in Punjab. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $328 (₨28,047) on meals
- $53 (₨4,517) on local transportation
- $648 (₨55,376) on hotels
A one week trip to Punjab for two people costs, on average, $10,940 (₨934,808). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$5,470
₨467,404
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$10,940
₨934,808
-
One Month
Per person
$23,443
₨2,003,160
-
One Week
For a couple
$10,940
₨934,808
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$21,880
₨1,869,616
-
One Month
For a couple
$46,886
₨4,006,320
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Punjab cost?
A one week trip to Punjab usually costs around $5,470 (₨467,404) for one person and $10,940 (₨934,808) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Punjab on average costs around $10,940 (₨934,808) for one person and $21,880 (₨1,869,616) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Punjab will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Punjab on average costs around $23,443 (₨2,003,160) for one person and $46,886 (₨4,006,320) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Punjab expensive to visit?
Punjab is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
You may find Punjab to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $186 (₨15,926) per day, mid-range travelers spend $781 (₨66,772) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $3,759 (₨321,198) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Punjab.
Within Asia, Punjab is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Punjab.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Punjab Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Punjab?
The average Punjab trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Punjab travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Punjab cost?
Punjab on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$74
(₨6,354)
|
$324
(₨27,688)
|
$1,601
(₨136,830)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$12
(₨1,004)
|
$53
(₨4,517)
|
$267
(₨22,801)
|
|
Food2
|
$80
(₨6,873)
|
$328
(₨28,047)
|
$1,548
(₨132,244)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$30
(₨2,521)
|
$129
(₨11,056)
|
$642
(₨54,875)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$13-39
(₨1,100-3,300)
|
$58-175
(₨4,992-14,975)
|
$296-889
(₨25,331-75,993)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Punjab cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $186 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Punjab. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $781 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $3,759. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a premium budget.
Accommodation Budget in Punjab
Punjab offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $, but during peak season, they can average $. Prices range from $ to $, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Punjab for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $648 (₨55,376). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $324 (₨27,688) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Punjab? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan to avoid and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Punjab
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $53 (₨4,517) per person, per day, on local transportation in Punjab. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Punjab is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$53
₨4,517
By plane, the holy city of Amritsar has an International airport called Raja Sansi International Airport (a.k.a. Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport). It is located about 11 kilometers northwest of the city center, and operates 11 domestic and 7 international flights. The airport also serves neighboring areas of Punjab, Western districts of Himachal Pradesh, and Southern districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
By train, India has one of the longest rail networks in the world. Operations are run by Indian Railways with stations located at just about every major destination. There are more than 80 stations throughout the state of Punjab.
How much does it cost to go to Punjab? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Punjab will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Punjab
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Punjab can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Punjab is $328 (₨28,047) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$328
₨28,047
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Punjab is around $328 (₨28047) per person, with previous travelers spending from $80 to $1548. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Punjab are as follows:
- Breakfast: $33 to $98
- Lunch: $49 to $131
- Dinner: $98 to $230
- Coffee: $26
- Fast Food or Street Food: $49
Punjabi cuisine largely consists of both vegetarian and meat dishes full of rich, buttery flavors with a minimal use of spices. Due to Hindu religious beliefs, beef is a banned item which is neither consumed nor sold in Punjab, so most meat dishes consist of lamb or chicken. Many of these are served with rice, basmati rice being the indigenous variety of Punjab. Breads like naan, chapatti, and paratha are also commonly served with meals. As far as regional specialties go, some popular items include things like sarson da saag, tandoori chicken, shami kebab, and makki di roti. Sarson ka saag is a popular vegetable dish in the Punjab regions of India and made from mustard leaves (sarson) and spices. Tandoori chicken is usually prepared roasted with yogurt and spices, taking its name from the cylindrical clay over called a tandoor in which it is traditionally cooked. Shami kebab is composed of a small patty of minced or ground meat with ground chickpeas, egg, and spices, while makki di roti is a kind of unleavened corn bread. Freshwater fish is also an important part of Punjabi cuisine, as Punjab is known as the land of five rivers.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Punjab
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Punjab typically cost an average of $129 (₨11,056) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$129
₨11,056
The Golden Temple (also known as Harmandir Sahib) in the holy city of Amritsar is a must-see on any visit to Punjab. The complex is the main attraction of the city and the most important religious place to the Sikhs, always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India. Visitors are required to cover their head and remove their shoes as they explore the holy place. Just as beautiful at night, the temple is lit up after dark, reflected in the glimmering waters in the pool below.
In Chandigarh, the Rock Garden is perhaps one of the city's most unique attractions. It was created by Nek Chand who started his little garden in 1957 illegally until it was discovered in 1975 where it had already grown to about 12 acres of interconnected courtyards filled with hundreds of pottery-covered sculptures. From here, rather than being demolished the garden was turned into a public space and has today grown to encompass 25 acres. The Rock Garden is complete with 2000 statues, waterfalls, and amphitheaters. The sculptures are all made out of scraps and other repurposed materials with objects like bottles, glasses, bangles, tiles, ceramic pots, sinks, electrical waste, broken pipes, and more.
Other attractions worth visiting include the grand royal palaces of Patiala and Faridkot, ancient forts and temples in Pathankot and Bathinda, as well as other archaeological sites, temples, palaces, monuments, and museums to be found in most of the major cities.
Most people who visit Punjab are interested in its culture, ancient civilizations, spirituality, and history. Sikhism and Hinduism are among the two main religions, which have contributed much to the past of Punjab, evident in its architecture and way of life. Some visitors journey to the region on pilgrimage, while others stay to admire the beauty of the temples and palaces. In the cities, markets and bazaars are also great places to get lost in the bargaining culture of Punjab. While the cities offer a range of museums, monuments, and activities thriving with culture, the smaller villages are just as impressive with insight into traditional everyday life of local peoples.
Nightlife Budget in Punjab
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $117 (₨9,983) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Punjab per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$117
₨9,983
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 3, 2025
Traveling in Punjab
Punjab is a state of northwestern India, its name roughly translating to "the land of five rivers." Like much of India, Punjab is thriving with culture evident in its royal palaces, historic monuments, shrines, temples, and more.
Regions
Chandigarh is the capital city of Punjab. As India's first planned city, it is very distinct from the rest of the country with impressive modern architecture placed against a backdrop of the Shivalik Hills. Some of the best known attractions of Chandigarh include its rock and sculpture garden, rose garden, and Sukhna Lake. Amritsar is another bustling city, a holy city of the Sikh religion named "holy pool of nectar" for the pool around the base of the Golden Temple complex. The city is also a hub of transportation for those flying into Punjab. Other important destinations include Patiala known for its Royal Punjabi Palaces and monuments, Faridkot also known for its palaces, Pathankot for its forts and temples, and Bathinda which is well-connected by train to many other cities (including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad, amongst others).
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.