Budget Travel Itinerary: Orchha, Khajuraho & Gwalior Under ₹10,000

If you think exploring India’s rich heritage requires deep pockets, let me prove you wrong. You can cover three of central India’s most historic cities: Orchha, Khajuraho, and Gwalior on a budget of under ₹10,000. These destinations are perfect for backpackers, students, and anyone looking for a low-cost yet rewarding cultural trip. With the right planning, you can walk through forts, palaces, and UNESCO sites while keeping your expenses in check.

Why Choose Orchha, Khajuraho and Gwalior for a Budget Trip

Madhya Pradesh is often called the heart of India, and these three cities form a fascinating travel triangle. Gwalior is famous for its grand fort, ancient temples, and rich musical heritage. Orchha, once the capital of Bundela kings, is a small town filled with palaces, cenotaphs, and temples that feel frozen in time. Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known worldwide for its temple sculptures and intricate architecture.

The best part is that these cities are well-connected by trains and buses, and the entry fees are pocket-friendly. That makes them perfect for budget travel in India in 2025.

How to Reach Orchha, Khajuraho and Gwalior on a Budget

The cheapest way to travel is by train. From Delhi, you can reach Gwalior by train for ₹145–₹220 in sleeper or chair car. From Gwalior, hop on a train to Jhansi for just ₹75, and then take a local bus or shared auto to Orchha for ₹20–₹30. Buses and shared autos run frequently, and the ride takes less than an hour.

From Orchha, you can continue to Khajuraho by bus for ₹399–₹550, or take a train from Jhansi for around ₹165. To return to Delhi, catch a train from Khajuraho to Jhansi and then onward to Delhi, keeping the fares under ₹400 in total.

Thanks to recent upgrades, some express trains now halt at Orchha, which makes this loop even smoother for budget travelers.

Budget Itinerary for 4 Days in Central India

Day 1: Explore Gwalior Fort on a Budget

Arrive in Gwalior and head straight to the iconic Gwalior Fort, often called the Gibraltar of India. The fort ticket for Indian visitors ranges from ₹20–₹75. Inside the complex, you can see Man Singh Palace, Sas Bahu Temple, and the 8th-century rock-cut Jain statues. In the evening, stroll around the old bazaars and enjoy local street food. Budget hotels and guesthouses in Gwalior start around ₹800–₹1000.

Day 2: Orchha Fort and Temples with Low-Cost Stays

Catch an early train to Jhansi and a shared auto to Orchha. This riverside town is compact, so you can explore on foot. The ASI ticket (₹35–₹50) covers Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raja Mahal, and Chaturbhuj Temple. Don’t miss the cenotaphs on the banks of the Betwa River, which glow beautifully at sunset. Budget rooms and homestays are available for ₹600–₹900.

Day 3: Khajuraho Temples and Heritage Walk Under ₹500

From Orchha, take a bus or train to Khajuraho. The Western Group of Temples ticket costs only ₹40 for Indian travelers. This cluster includes masterpieces like Kandariya Mahadev Temple, which rises like a mountain of carved stone. Walk slowly and take in the detailed sculptures that make Khajuraho so unique. In the evening, you can join a heritage walk through the local village for a small fee. Hostels and guesthouses start at ₹500–₹800, perfect for backpackers.

Day 4: Return Travel and Final Expenses

On your last day, you can explore the Eastern and Southern groups of temples in Khajuraho if time allows. Afterward, catch a train back to Jhansi and then onward to Delhi. If you plan smartly, your total journey will still be well within the ₹10,000 limit.

Entry Fees and Budget Tips for Heritage Sites

One reason this trip works so well for budget travelers is the low entry cost of monuments. Gwalior Fort is around ₹20–₹75, Orchha monuments are bundled under ₹50, and Khajuraho’s Western Group is only ₹40. Together, you can see all three major destinations for under ₹200 in entry fees.

Keep an eye out for ASI free-entry days, which usually fall on World Heritage Day (April 18), International Museum Day (May 18), and World Tourism Day (September 27). If your trip coincides with these dates, you can save even more.

Budget Accommodation in Orchha, Khajuraho and Gwalior

All three destinations have a range of budget hostels, guesthouses, and homestays. In Orchha, you can find beds for ₹459 onwards. In Khajuraho, dormitories often cost ₹500–₹700 per night. Gwalior has fewer hostels, but small hotels and guesthouses can be booked for ₹800–₹1200. To stay within budget, always check online deals and book in advance, especially during festival seasons.

Food and Local Transport Costs to Stay Under ₹10,000

Eating local is the best way to save money and taste authentic food. In Gwalior, don’t miss poha, kachoris, and laddus from street stalls. In Orchha, try simple thalis in dhabas for ₹150–₹200. In Khajuraho, local restaurants serve good meals for ₹200–₹300. On average, you can manage food costs within ₹300–₹400 per day.

For local transport, stick to shared autos and buses. They are cheap and frequent, especially between Jhansi and Orchha or Orchha and Khajuraho. Walking and cycling are also good options in Orchha and Khajuraho, since the towns are compact.

Final Budget Breakdown for Orchha, Khajuraho and Gwalior Trip

If you add it all up, your trip stays easily under ₹10,000. Transport costs for trains and buses will be around ₹1,200–₹1,600. Accommodation for three nights can be ₹2,000–₹3,000. Entry fees for monuments are less than ₹200. Food and local travel for four days will be around ₹1,500. Even with some extra spending, your total will not cross ₹10,000.

Practical Tips for Budget Travel in India 2025

Book your train tickets early on the IRCTC app to get cheaper fares. Use ASI’s online ticketing system to skip queues at heritage sites. Carry a reusable water bottle and some snacks for long bus journeys. Most importantly, travel light so that shared autos and buses are comfortable. Small savings like these add up and keep you well within your budget.

Traveling to Orchha, Khajuraho, and Gwalior proves that exploring India’s grand heritage does not have to be expensive. With smart planning, budget stays, and cheap transport, you can experience forts, palaces, and temples that are hundreds of years old without breaking the bank. So if you are looking for a budget travel itinerary in India under ₹10,000, pack your bags and let the history of Madhya Pradesh surprise you.