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[the.seeker]

Assuming one has all the time in the world, what would be the cheapest way to get to India from the US? Would it be best to go straight in, and if so, which city? Or, would it be cheaper flying into another location like Bangkok, then bus, train, boat or plane into India? Thanks for any input on this.

[starlagurl]

Where are you leaving from the US? New York? Because sometimes the really expensive flights are the domestic ones that get you to the hub.

[the.seeker]

Where are you leaving from the US? New York? Because sometimes the really expensive flights are the domestic ones that get you to the hub.

I'd be leaving from San Francisco.

[bloomer]

I looked into taking a boat, cabins on freighters and such, but it is very expensive, much more than I thought. Still someday, I'd like to go that way.
Cheapest way by far is to fly direct, at least from the east coast. You cannot travel overland to India from Thailand, not at least without much difficulty--Myanmar has many restrictions, and the eastern provinces in India require a special travel permits to go to.
Coming in from the east overland is also similarly difficult--you have to go through a number of countries that are in turmoil.

It might be cheaper for you to fly from San Fran to the east coast on a cheap flight, then book your ticket from new york or boston, both of which are about the same in price. Direct flight can be had for about 1100 dollars american from either.
The cheapest ticket site I have found is Cfares.com. They're much cheaper if you're a member, which costs about 50 bucks, but is very well worth it.

Once in India, of course trains are the way to go, or if you're very adventurous, local buses. . .

[bloomer]

Also to fly from the east coast, Mumbai (Bombay) is slightly cheaper, but Delhi is a little less overwhelming and more centralized.

[starlagurl]

Thanks bloomer.

He's probably the best person to ask on India-type things like this.