Tamil Nadu 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 Tamil Nadu?
A typical traveler spends $350 (₨30,874) per day on a trip to Tamil Nadu. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Tamil Nadu based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $84 (₨7,435) on meals
- $38 (₨3,379) on local transportation
- $472 (₨41,569) on hotels
A one-week trip to Tamil Nadu for two people costs, on average, $4,906 (₨432,236). 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
$2,453
₨216,118
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$4,906
₨432,236
-
One Month
Per person
$10,514
₨926,220
-
One Week
For a couple
$4,906
₨432,236
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$9,813
₨864,472
-
One Month
For a couple
$21,027
₨1,852,440
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Tamil Nadu cost?
A one week trip to Tamil Nadu usually costs around $2,453 (₨216,118) for one person and $4,906 (₨432,236) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Tamil Nadu on average costs around $4,906 (₨432,236) for one person and $9,813 (₨864,472) 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 Tamil Nadu will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Tamil Nadu on average costs around $10,514 (₨926,220) for one person and $21,027 (₨1,852,440) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Tamil Nadu expensive to visit?
In Tamil Nadu, budget travelers spend $96 (₨8,485) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $350 (₨30,874) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $1,499 (₨132,182) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary 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.
Although Tamil Nadu can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Tamil Nadu 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 Tamil Nadu.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tamil Nadu Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tamil Nadu?
The average Tamil Nadu trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tamil Nadu travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tamil Nadu cost?
Tamil Nadu on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$70
(₨6,165)
|
$236
(₨20,784)
|
$935
(₨82,382)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$8
(₨737)
|
$38
(₨3,379)
|
$196
(₨17,264)
|
|
Food2
|
$20
(₨1,718)
|
$84
(₨7,435)
|
$415
(₨36,563)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$4
(₨358)
|
$22
(₨1,901)
|
$120
(₨10,542)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-7
(₨192-577)
|
$9-28
(₨829-2,487)
|
$46-138
(₨4,065-12,195)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Tamil Nadu 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.
What Does It Mean to Be 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 $96 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.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Tamil Nadu will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $350 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $1,499. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget.
Accommodation Budget in Tamil Nadu
Hotel rates in Tamil Nadu vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $ to $. Expect prices to range from $ for budget hotels to $ for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Tamil Nadu for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $472 (₨41,569). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $236 (₨20,784) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Tamil Nadu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Tamil Nadu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $38 (₨3,379) per person, per day, on local transportation in Tamil Nadu. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Tamil Nadu is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$38
₨3,379
By plane, Tamil Nadu is best connected via Chennai International Airport. It is one of the busiest airports in India (after Mumbai and Delhi) with over one hundred direct flights each week serviced by airlines which include Air Costa, Air Carnival, Blue Dart Aviation, Jet Airways, SpiceJet, Air India, GoAir, and IndiGo. There are three other international airports within the state - Coimbatore International Airport, Madurai International Airport, and Tiruchirapalli International Airport. There are also a few domestic airports (Salem and Tuticorin) which provide connections to the rest of the state and country.
The state is also well-connected by rail. Southern Railway operates trains from Chennai to almost every major city in India. Generally, Chennai serves as a gateway for transportation throughout the state.
How much does it cost to go to Tamil Nadu? 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 Tamil Nadu 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 Tamil Nadu
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Tamil Nadu can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tamil Nadu is $84 (₨7,435) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$84
₨7,435
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tamil Nadu is around $84 (₨7435) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $415. 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 Tamil Nadu are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $25
- Lunch: $13 to $34
- Dinner: $25 to $59
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
South Indian cuisine, also referred to as Dravidian, usually consists of (mainly vegetarian) dishes eaten with steamed rice. The traditional way of eating a meal involves being seated on the floor with the food served on a banana leaf, using the fingers of the right hand to eat, no utensils. Cooking of the Tamil Nadu area is famous for using a variety of spices to add flavor to main ingredients like rice, lentils, and legumes. One common dish, Biryani, is a type of fried rice with masala cooked with vegetables or meat. Special varieties include Ambur biryani, served with dhalcha (a sour brinjal curry), and Dindigul biryani which uses a little curd and lemon juice to get a tangy taste. Coffee and tea are the staple beverages. Major cities, like Chennai, will have dining options to satisfy all tastes and budgets, from street food to quality restaurants.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tamil Nadu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tamil Nadu typically cost an average of $22 (₨1,901) 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.
$22
₨1,901
The Sri Meenakshi Temple, located at the heart of the historic city of Madurai is one such place that draws visitors. The premises of the complex have a number of impressive sculptures and towers, while the temple itself is adorned with intricate ancient paintings. Another magnificent example of South Indian temple architecture is the Brihadeeshwara Temple (a.k.a. Rajarajeswaram or Big Temple) in Thanjavur. Established in 1011 AD in celebration of the success of Chola kingdom, the temple today stands as a world heritage site.
Other impressive sights include the Dravidian (or South Indian) carvings at Mahabalipuram, and many more temples in the cities of Tiruchirappalli, Kumbakonam, Chennai, and Tirunelveli. The cities are also great locations to explore the modern culture of South India with many examples of art, handicrafts, music, and local flavors available in any of the popular markets.
With so much history and culture to learn as visitors admire Tamil Nadu's famous landmarks, it is common for visitors to book tours for a more guided experience. These can be anything from walking history tours to culinary excursions to getaways in the more natural areas of the state. Sightseeing the most popular locations can take up much of a visit, however, there is also much to say for indulging in the culture as well. There are a number of festivals held throughout the year - one of the most important is perhaps Pongal, which celebrates the harvest over four days in mid-January. Other celebrations include the Tamil New Year (14th or 15th of April), Krishna jayanti or Gokulashtami (a celebration of Lord Krishna), and Deepavali (or Diwali - a festival of lights, which honors the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna).
Nightlife Budget in Tamil Nadu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $19 (₨1,658) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Tamil Nadu per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$19
₨1,658
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 6, 2025
Budgeting and Travel Tips for Tamil Nadu
- Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.
Budgeting Challenges
- There aren't many public transportation options in Tamil Nadu. Organizing another form of transport, like a tour or private driver, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
- There aren't a lot of hostel options in Tamil Nadu, so if you're thinking of saving money in a dorm, you might need to adjust your travel plans. A cheap hotel or apartment rental may be a better choice.
Traveling in Tamil Nadu
Located in southern India, Tamil Nadu is a state best known for the capital city of Chennai which has beautiful beaches and historic colonial landmarks, as well as a significant number of Hindu temples which are prevalent throughout the region.
Regions
Tamil Nadu is generally divided into seven regions - Northern Tamil Nadu which is best known for the Sripuram Golden Temple surrounded by a star-shaped path, Tamil Nadu North Coast which is home to the capital city of Chennai, Western Tamil Nadu which is home to the textile capital of Coimbatore, Central Tamil Nadu which is known for cities like Salem and Tiruchirappalli, Southwestern Tamil Nadu home to Madurai the oldest city having historical and cultural importance, Tamil Nadu South Coast which features hundreds of temples in the city of Kumbakonam, and Far Southern Tamil Nadu which encompasses the southernmost point of the Indian mainland (at Kanniyakumari). Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
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.