How to Travel Thailand Under 60K from India: Complete Off-Season Guide (2025)
Planning a Thailand trip under ₹60,000 from India? Travel during the off-season (May–June, September), stay in budget hostels or guesthouses (₹1,500/night or less), eat authentic street food, and use public transport. Focus on a 7–10 day itinerary with just one major intercity move—either Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Bangkok to Krabi. Book flights early (₹25–30K round trip), limit paid activities to 3–4 experiences (₹1,500 each), and you'll enjoy an incredible Thai adventure without breaking the bank.
- Can You Really Travel Thailand Under ₹60,000?
- Best Time to Visit Thailand Under ₹60K
- Planning Your Thailand Itinerary
- 7-Day vs 10-Day Itinerary Options
- Flights to Thailand Under ₹60K
- Where to Stay in Thailand Under ₹1,500/Night
- Food Budget: Eating Thai Food for ₹500–₹1,000 Daily
- Local Transport: Getting Around for ₹150–₹300 Daily
- Connectivity: SIM Cards & eSIM Options
- Scooter Rentals: Is It Worth It?
- Thailand Visa & Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens
Can You Really Travel Thailand Under ₹60,000? Here's How
Yes, absolutely! Thousands of Indian travelers are discovering that Thailand doesn't have to drain your savings. With smart planning and the right timing, a memorable 7–10 day Thai adventure is entirely possible within ₹60,000 per person.
The secret? Off-season travel, strategic routing, and prioritizing experiences over luxury. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to plan, what to book, and where to save—so your Thailand dream becomes reality.
When to Visit Thailand Under ₹60K: Best Months & Timing Strategy
If you're planning a Thailand trip under ₹60k, consider traveling in May, June, or September, it's the golden period to travel under your budget. Here's why you should travel thailand during this time:
- 40–50% lower airfares compared to peak season (December–January)
- Reduced accommodation rates with frequent off-season discounts
- Lighter tourist crowds at major attractions
- Better negotiation power for tours and activities
Avoid these expensive periods:
- December–January (peak season surge)
- Indian long weekends (Diwali, Dussehra, Holi)
- Thai New Year/Songkran (mid-April)
Festival Travel on a Shoestring Budget
Want to experience Thai festivals without overspending?
- Songkran (April): Stay in local neighborhoods like Bangkok's Ari or Victory Monument—30% cheaper than tourist zones
- Vegetarian Festival (September/October): Free street parades with incredible food
- Loy Krathong (November): Watch from public riverside spots; no entry fees required
Pro tip: Book accommodations 3–4 weeks ahead during festivals and choose Tuesday/Wednesday arrival dates for better rates.
Weekday vs Weekend: The Hidden Price Gap
Flying Tuesday–Thursday can save you ₹2,000–₹5,000 on round-trip tickets:
- Start your trip on Tuesday/Wednesday
- Return the following Thursday/Friday
- Stack maximum weekday nights for lower hotel rates
- Avoid surge pricing on rideshares and popular tours
How to Plan Your Thailand Itinerary Under ₹60,000
7-Day vs 10-Day: Which Works Best?
Your budget stretches further with fewer intercity moves. Stick to ONE major route change maximum.
7-Day Tight Itinerary (High Value)
- Bangkok (3–4 nights) + Chiang Mai (3 nights)
- Transport: Night train (₹1,200–₹2,000) or budget airline (₹1,200–₹3,000)
- Focus: Temples, markets, street food, cultural experiences
Route B: Budget Beach Escape
- Bangkok (2 nights) + Krabi Town (4–5 nights)
- Day trips to Railay Beach via long-tail boat (₹300–₹600 one way)
- Focus: Beach relaxation, limestone cliffs, island hopping
10-Day Balanced Itinerary (Recommended)
Route C: Culture Triangle
- Bangkok (3–4 nights) + Ayutthaya day trip + Chiang Mai (4–5 nights)
- Explore ancient ruins, night bazaars, temple circuits
Route D: Soft Islands Experience
- Bangkok (2–3 nights) + Krabi Town (5–6 nights) + Optional Koh Lanta (1–2 nights)
- Balance urban energy with tropical island vibes
Why this works: Fewer moves = lower transport costs, less time wasted, more authentic exploration.
Flight Hacks: Getting ₹25–30K Round-Trip Tickets to Thailand
1. Best Indian Gateways & Thai Destinations
From India: Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Bangalore (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD)To Thailand:
- Bangkok (BKK/DMK) – Widest choice, cheapest fares
- Krabi (KBV) – Direct beach access (compare with BKK + domestic combo)
- Koh Samui (USM) – Premium pricing; use BKK → Surat Thani + ferry instead
2. Five Proven Fare-Drop Tactics
- Set fare alerts 6–8 weeks before travel on Google Flights, Skyscanner
- Test Tuesday–Thursday date grids for 5–15% savings
- Check nearby airports (Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai) if repositioning is cheap
- Accept red-eyes and long layovers (often ₹2–5K cheaper)
- Compare airline websites directly vs OTA prices
3. Stack Discounts Like a Pro
- OTA coupon code (₹500–₹1,000 off)
- Credit card travel offer (5–10% discount)
- UPI/wallet cashback (₹200–₹500)
Combined savings: ₹1,500–₹3,000 per booking
Avoid: No-cost EMI schemes with hidden markup, unnecessary seat selection, bundled meals
4. Baggage Strategy: Travel Light, Save Big
- Cabin only: Pack 7–10 kg for short trips
- Checked bag needed? Pre-buy 15–20 kg online (airport rates are 2–3x higher)
- Carry foldable daypack for markets and boat trips (skip paid lockers: ₹50–₹150)
5. Layover Strategy: Save Money + Bonus City
- 6–10 hour same-PNR layover: Safe money-saver with zero visa hassles
- Self-transfer layover: Keep 4+ hours buffer; check visa requirements
- Left luggage: ₹300–₹600 for quick city exploration during long layovers
Where to Stay in Thailand Under ₹1,500/Night (Best Neighborhoods)
Bangkok: Old Town Heritage vs Modern Local Life
- Walk to Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun
- River ferries (₹30–₹90) connect major sites
- Best street food concentration
- Authentic local cafés and markets
- 20–30% cheaper than tourist zones
Chiang Mai: Temple Walks vs Café Culture
- Walkable square (1.5 km each side)
- 30+ temples within walking distance
- Traditional guesthouses ₹1,000–₹1,500
- Hip cafés, coworking spaces
Krabi: Smart Island Base Strategy
Krabi Town (Recommended):
- 40–50% cheaper than Ao Nang
- Authentic local restaurants
- Easy long-tail boat access to Railay (₹300–₹600 one way)
- Morning boats to 4 Islands tours
Ao Nang (Budget Stretch):
- Higher accommodation and meal costs
Accommodation Types Under ₹1,500: What to Expect
- Dorm bed: ₹400–₹900/night
- Private room: ₹1,200–₹1,500/night
- Social atmosphere, travel tips from staff
- Basic AC room: ₹1,000–₹1,500/night
- Family-run, local insights
- Often include basic breakfast
- Designed spaces: ₹1,200–₹1,500/night
- Better amenities (hot water, Wi-Fi)
Essential things to Check before booking booking
Free cancellation (off-season flexibility)Air conditioning (Thailand essential)30+ Mbps Wi-Fi (for maps and bookings)Windows/ventilation (health and comfort)On-site or nearby laundry (₹150–₹300/kg)
Insider hack: Ask for 10–20% weekly discount when booking 6+ nights directly during off-season.
Food Budget: How to Eat Amazing Thai Food for ₹500–₹1,000 Daily
Street Food Economics (₹120–₹300 per meal)
Must-try dishes with prices:
- Khao Man Gai (chicken rice): ₹100–₹150
- Basil chicken with rice: ₹120–₹180
- Khao Soi (curry noodles): ₹150–₹250
- Fresh fruit shakes: ₹60–₹120
- Mango sticky rice: ₹120–₹200
- Breakfast: Street stall (₹120–₹200)
- Lunch: Market food court (₹150–₹250)
- Dinner: Sit-down restaurant (₹400–₹700)
- Look for "Jay" (เจ) symbol
- Request "Mai sai nam pla" (no fish sauce)
- Buddhist vegetarian restaurants offer great value
- Muslim-friendly areas (Bangkok's Ramkhamhaeng, Krabi town)
- Look for Halal certification signs
- Southern Thai cuisine has many Halal options
Local Transport: Moving Around for ₹150–₹300 Daily
Bangkok Transport Breakdown
- Single journey: ₹60–₹180 (distance-based)
- Express boat: ₹30–₹90/ride
- Tourist boat day pass: ₹400 (unlimited)
- Connects major temples and markets
- Late night safety (₹150–₹400 typical rides)
- Airport transfers with luggage
Chiang Mai & Krabi Transport
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks):
- Ask other passengers for fair price
- Last resort or late night
Intercity Transport Options
Night Train (Bangkok ↔ Chiang Mai):
- 2nd class sleeper: ₹1,200–₹2,000
- Saves one night accommodation
- Departs ~6 PM, arrives ~6 AM
- Domestic one-way: ₹1,200–₹3,000
- Book sales 2–3 weeks ahead
- Compare AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air
Connectivity: SIM Cards & eSIM Options (₹500–₹1,200)
Tourist SIM/eSIM Packages
7-day plans (10–15 GB): ₹500–₹80015-day plans (20–30 GB): ₹900–₹1,200
- Airport arrival hall (24/7 counters)
- 7-Eleven stores (everywhere)
- Pre-order eSIM online before departure
- Hotspot sharing if traveling in a group
- Pre-download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
- Download Grab app, Google Translate
- Save rain radar app (crucial for boat days)
Top Budget Activities: Experiences Under ₹1,500 Each
- Temple circuit walk: Free–₹100 (Wat Pho ₹200, Wat Arun ₹100)
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: Free entry
- Lumphini Park: Free, join outdoor aerobics
- Chinatown evening walk: Free
- Old City temple hopping: Most free
- Sunday Walking Street Market: Free
- Monk Chat sessions: Free, cultural exchange
- Sticky Waterfall climb: ₹80 entry
- Krabi Town night market: Free, great food
- Tiger Cave Temple climb: ₹100 (1,260 steps, views!)
- Ao Nang beach sunset: Free
- Beach volleyball games: Free, join locals
Worth-Paying Experiences (₹1,000–₹1,500 each)
- Thai Cooking Class: ₹1,000–₹1,500 (market tour + 5–6 dishes)
- 4 Islands Tour (Krabi): ₹1,000–₹1,500 (snorkeling, lunch, transfers)
- Railay Beach Long-Tail: ₹300–₹600 one way (iconic limestone cliffs)
- Doi Suthep Temple + City Tour: ₹800–₹1,200 (Chiang Mai)
- Traditional Thai Massage: ₹400–₹900 (1–2 hours)
Budget rule: Choose 3–4 paid activities maximum across your entire trip.
Hidden Costs to Watch (Add ₹2,000–₹3,000 Buffer)
Sneaky Expenses That Add Up
- Grand Palace: ₹1,000 (most expensive)
- Average temple: ₹100–₹300
- National parks: ₹600–₹800
- Left luggage services: ₹300–₹600/day
- Thai bank fee: ₹550–₹650 per withdrawal
- Your bank's foreign transaction fee
- Solution: Withdraw larger amounts fewer times; use zero-forex cards
- ₹20–₹40 per bottle adds up fast
- Solution: Carry refillable bottle; hostels offer free refills
- Basic medicines: ₹200–₹500
- Phone charger/adapter: ₹300–₹500
Daily Spending Template: Stay Under ₹1,800/Day
Sample Budget Day in Thailand
Accommodation: ₹1,200 (staying at budget guesthouse)Breakfast: ₹150 (pad thai from street vendor)Lunch: ₹200 (food court khao man gai)Dinner: ₹500 (sit-down restaurant meal)Transport: ₹200 (BTS rides + one short Grab)Snacks/Drinks: ₹150 (fruit shake + coconut water)Activity: ₹400 (temple entry + boat ride)
Daily Total: ₹2,800 (with paid activity)Base Daily (no activity): ₹2,400
- 4 days with activities: 4 × ₹2,800 = ₹11,200
- 3 days exploring free: 3 × ₹2,400 = ₹7,200
- Week total: ₹18,400 (in-country costs only)
Is Scooter Rentals Worth It? (₹300–₹600/day)
When Scooter Rental Makes Sense
Chiang Mai countryside explorationKrabi to Ao Nang beach hoppingYou have valid international driving permitConfident riding in left-hand trafficClear weather forecast
- Helmet: Usually included (mandatory!)
- Insurance: ₹100–₹200/day extra
Required: International Driving Permit (IDP) + valid Indian licensePolice checks: Common; fines ₹1,600–₹4,000 without proper documentsNever ride during heavy rain: Dangerous on scootersHelmet always: ₹800 fine + safety riskCheck bike condition: Photos before accepting
Alternative: Grab motorbike taxi for short distances (₹40–₹120)
Thailand Visa & Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens
Current Thailand Visa Policy (2025)
- 30 days for Indian passport holders (as of recent updates)
- Extendable for 30 more days (₹5,000–₹6,000)
- 60-day tourist visa available
- Apply online 2–4 weeks before travel
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Hotel confirmation (first 2 nights minimum)
- Proof of funds (₹40,000+ in bank statement)
Budget allocation: Keep ₹0–₹2,000 aside for visa-related requirements.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary Under ₹60K (Bangkok + Chiang Mai)
- Land at BKK, buy SIM card (₹600)
- Airport Rail Link to city (₹120)
- Check into Old Town hostel (₹1,200)
- Evening: Khao San Road street food walk (₹300)
- Day cost: ₹2,220 + accommodation
Day 2: Bangkok Temples & River
- Breakfast: Street pad thai (₹150)
- Grand Palace visit (₹1,000)
- River ferry to Wat Arun (₹50 + ₹100 entry)
- Lunch: Riverside restaurant (₹400)
- Chinatown evening walk + dinner (₹350)
Day 3: Markets & Night Train
- Breakfast: Mango sticky rice (₹150)
- Chatuchak Market shopping (₹500 budget)
- Lunch: Market food (₹200)
- MBK Center exploration (free, AC break)
- Night train to Chiang Mai (₹1,800, 2nd class sleeper)
- Dinner: 7-Eleven train meal (₹200)
- Arrive morning, shower at hostel (₹1,300)
- Breakfast: Khao soi (₹180)
- Old City temple walk (free–₹200)
- Lunch: Local restaurant (₹250)
- Nimman area café hopping (₹300)
- Dinner: Night bazaar (₹400)
Day 5: Chiang Mai Cooking Class
- Breakfast included in cooking class
- Thai cooking class with market tour (₹1,400)
- Afternoon: Monk Chat at temple (free)
- Dinner: Cook your own from class ingredients! (₹200)
- Sunday Walking Street (if Sunday, free)
Day 6: Doi Suthep & Return to Bangkok
- Breakfast: Street vendor (₹150)
- Shared songthaew to Doi Suthep (₹150)
- Lunch: Mountain-view restaurant (₹500)
- Flight back to Bangkok (₹2,800, pre-booked)
- Dinner near airport hotel (₹400)
Day 7: Last Bangkok Day & Departure
- Late breakfast: Hotel/hostel included
- Last-minute shopping: MBK or Terminal 21 (₹1,000)
7-Day In-Country Total: ~₹18,700
- Flights (round-trip): ₹28,000
- Pre-booked accommodation: ₹8,400 (7 nights avg ₹1,200)
Grand Total: ₹58,100 (under ₹60K!)
Sample 10-Day Itinerary Under ₹60K (Bangkok + Krabi)
Days 1-3: Bangkok Exploration (₹7,500)
- Temple circuit, river ferries, markets
- Stay: Old Town (3 nights × ₹1,200)
- Food: Street meals + 1 sit-down daily
Days 4-5: Travel + Krabi Town (₹6,800)
- Domestic flight to Krabi (₹2,500)
- Stay: Krabi Town guesthouse (2 nights × ₹1,100)
- Explore night market, Tiger Cave Temple
Days 6-8: Railay & Islands (₹8,900)
- Day trip to Railay Beach (₹600 boat + ₹800 food/activities)
- 4 Islands snorkeling tour (₹1,400)
- Stay: Krabi Town (3 nights × ₹1,100)
Days 9-10: Return to Bangkok & Depart (₹5,300)
- Flight back to Bangkok (₹2,200)
- Last night near airport (₹1,200)
- Shopping, final meals, departure
10-Day In-Country Total: ~₹28,500
- International flights: ₹27,000
Grand Total: ₹58,500 (comfortably under ₹60K!)
Money-Saving Pro Tips: Extra ₹5,000–₹8,000 Savings
- Travel Tuesday–Thursday → Save ₹2,000–₹5,000 on flights
- Book night trains → Save one hotel night (₹1,200–₹1,500)
- Ask for weekly discount → 10–20% off stays ≥6 nights (₹1,200–₹2,000)
- Eat breakfast at 7-Eleven → ₹50–100 vs ₹200–300 at cafés
- Use BTS/MRT → Save ₹100–300/day vs Grab
- Carry water bottle → Save ₹100–200/day on bottled water
- Download offline maps → No need for expensive roaming
- Buy one-day activity passes → River boat day pass vs multiple tickets
- Share long-tail boats → Split ₹600 cost with other travelers
- Shop at Big C/Tesco Lotus → Snacks, water, basics 50% cheaper
- Pre-buy checked baggage → 50% cheaper than airport rates
- Use hostel laundry service → ₹150/kg vs ₹300–400 at shops
- Book activities day before → Better prices than advance online bookings
- Join free walking tours → Tip-based, great orientation
- Avoid tourist traps near landmarks → Walk 2–3 blocks for 30% cheaper meals
Mistakes to Avoid: Don't Blow Your Budget
- Booking too many intercity moves (Stick to ONE major route)
- Staying in touristy areas (Old Town/Ari vs Sukhumvit price difference)
- Taking Grab everywhere (Public transport is excellent)
- Buying water bottles constantly (Carry refillable; free refills common)
- Last-minute flight bookings (Book 6–8 weeks ahead)
- Over-planning activities (Limit to 3–4 paid experiences)
- Eating in hotel restaurants (Street food is cheaper AND better)
- Not checking weather before boat trips (Lost deposits on cancelled tours)
- Withdrawing small amounts repeatedly (ATM fees add up: ₹550/transaction)
- Booking non-refundable stays (Weather flexibility is crucial off-season)
Packing Essentials for Budget Thailand Travel
Clothing (7 kg cabin bag goal):
- 3–4 light t-shirts (quick-dry)
- 1 swimsuit, 1 sarong (temple cover-up)
- Flip-flops + walking sandals
- Passport (6+ months valid)
- E-tickets (flights, trains)
- Accommodation confirmations
- International driving permit (if renting scooter)
- Basic medicines (paracetamol, anti-diarrhea)
- Mosquito repellent (dengue risk)
- Mix of cash (THB + INR backup)
- 2 cards (zero-forex + backup)
- Small lock for hostel lockers
Ready to Book Your ₹60K Thailand Adventure?
Your dream Thailand trip is within reach! With this complete guide, you have everything needed to plan an incredible 7–10 day adventure without breaking the bank.
- Choose your travel dates (May, June, or September for best value)
- Set up flight price alerts on Skyscanner and Google Flights
- Decide your route (Bangkok + Chiang Mai OR Bangkok + Krabi)
- Book flights first (aim for ₹25–30K round-trip)
- Reserve first 2 nights accommodation with free cancellation
- Download essential apps (Grab, Google Translate, offline maps)
Still planning? Explore more budget travel guides on Travelxp for Southeast Asia destinations, packing tips, and insider travel hacks. A Thailand trip under ₹60,000 is completely doable when you travel off-season, keep stays at or below ₹1,500/night, rely on street food and public transport, and limit paid activities to a few great picks. Choose a 7–10 day framework with just one long intercity move, lock flights + first two nights early, and let weather guide your day-to-day. When you’re ready, compare fares, shortlist stays in the right neighborhoods, and book—your budget-smart Thailand adventure is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions: Thailand Travel Under ₹60K from India
1. What is the cheapest month to travel to Thailand from India?
May, June, and September are typically the cheapest months for India-Thailand travel. These off-season months offer 40–50% lower airfares compared to peak season, reduced accommodation rates, lighter tourist crowds, and better negotiation power for activities. Avoid December–January (peak season) and Indian long weekends when prices spike significantly.
2. What is the minimum budget for a Thailand trip from India?
A lean 7-day Thailand trip can start around ₹45,000–₹50,000 if you snag promotional flight fares (₹20–25K), keep accommodation under ₹1,300/night, focus on street food (₹500–800/day), use public transport, and prioritize free or low-cost activities. However, ₹60,000 provides comfortable breathing room.
3. How much money is required to travel to Thailand for 7–10 days?
Plan approximately ₹60,000 per person for 7–10 days: international flights (₹25–30K), accommodation (₹10–12K for 7–10 nights), food and local transport (₹9–12K), activities and attractions (₹6–8K), and emergency buffer (₹2–3K). This budget allows comfortable travel without luxury expenses.
4. Can I really do Thailand in 7–10 days under ₹60,000?
Yes! The key is picking one major intercity route (Bangkok ⇄ Chiang Mai OR Bangkok ⇄ Krabi—not both), keeping accommodation at or below ₹1,500/night, eating primarily street food, using public transport, and limiting paid activities to 3–4 experiences (≤₹1,500 each). Traveling off-season makes this highly achievable.
5. When is the best time to visit Thailand on a budget?
The best budget-friendly periods are off-season/shoulder months—especially May, June, and September. These months offer the lowest airfares and hotel rates while avoiding the December–January peak season rush and Indian long weekend price surges. Tuesday–Thursday departures save an additional 5–15% on flights.
6. How do I find round-trip flights to Thailand for ₹25–30,000?
Set fare alerts 6–8 weeks before travel, fly Tuesday–Thursday for lower fares, accept one layover or red-eye flights, compare nearby Indian airports (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad), and check on Travelxp.com for coupons with bank credit card offers and UPI/wallet cashback for combined savings of ₹2,500–₹5,000 on International flights. 7. Where should I stay in Thailand to keep costs low but maintain good access?
Bangkok: Old Town/Phra Nakhon (temples, river ferries, street food) or Ari/Victory Monument (local cafés, BTS/MRT links, 20–30% cheaper). Chiang Mai: Old City (walkable temples) or Nimman (café culture, coworking). Krabi: Krabi Town (40–50% cheaper than Ao Nang with easy long-tail boat access to Railay Beach).
8. How much should I budget per day for food and transport in Thailand?
Budget ₹1,200–₹1,800 per day for food and transport. This covers 2 street meals (₹120–₹300 each), 1 sit-down restaurant meal (₹400–₹700), snacks and drinks (₹150–₹200), and public transport like BTS/MRT, river boats, or songthaews (₹150–₹300/day). Grab/Bolt taxis only for late nights or heavy rain.
9. What are the best low-cost activities that still feel special in Thailand?
Temple circuits (free–₹200), river ferries (₹30–₹90), night markets (free entry), Railay Beach by long-tail boat (₹300–₹600 one way), 4-Islands snorkeling tour (₹1,000–₹1,500), Thai cooking class with market tour (₹1,000–₹1,500), traditional Thai massage (₹400–₹900), and Tiger Cave Temple climb in Krabi (₹100 entry).
10. Should I pre-book activities or decide on arrival?
Pre-book your international flights, first 2 nights of accommodation (with free cancellation), night train or key domestic flight, and one signature activity with limited seats (like cooking classes). Buy boats, island tours, massages, and local experiences 24–48 hours before to stay flexible with weather conditions and get better walk-in deals.
11. Is it safe and economical to rent a scooter in Thailand?
Only rent a scooter if you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) plus Indian license, are confident riding in left-hand traffic, and weather is clear. Costs: ₹300–₹600/day rental + ₹80–150 fuel. Always wear a helmet (mandatory; ₹800 fine). Police checks are common—fines are ₹1,600–₹4,000 without proper documents. Never ride during heavy rain.
12. Do Indian citizens need a visa for Thailand and how much does it cost?
As of 2025, Indian passport holders receive 30-day visa-exempt entry (free on arrival). A 60-day e-Visa tourist option is also available for ₹2,000–₹3,000 if applied online 2–4 weeks before travel. Carry your passport (valid 6+ months), return flight booking, hotel confirmation, and proof of funds (₹40,000+ bank statement). Keep ₹0–₹2,000 aside for visa-related costs as buffer.
