7 Best Budget-Friendly Destinations To Visit In India

We all have experienced the urge to skip work or school and go with pals to unknown locations when long weekends or vacations draw near.

When you navigate through social media and view your friends' and coworkers' vacation photos, do you feel envious? There are several destinations that are affordable where you may unwind with your family during the weekend. Plan for inexpensive vacations that are well-known and unusual that will provide you with a spellbinding experience.

There are many inexpensive tours you may choose from in India if you only have a few thousand rupees in your wallet. There are several locations from east to west and north to south that are just waiting to be discovered. These popular low-cost spots make the little getaways completely rewarding!

Here are a few of the top examples of inexpensive vacations in India in 2019. Although it is impossible to visit every location on the list below, the majority of them will be very convenient for most travelers.

1. Alleppey - The Venice of Eastern India

The lush landscape, lagoons, and waterways of Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, are well-known. It is the greatest spot to have one of India's cheapest single holidays while peacefully floating around on one of the many houseboats that are always available. One of India's most stunning places to travel on a tight budget is Alleppey.

IIdeal Stay Period: 2 Nights/3 Days

The Optimal Time To Visit: October To February

Average Cost

• Staying Cost: INR 350 – INR 800 per night

• Food Cost: INR 700 per meal.

• Houseboats Cost: Starting around INR 6000 per day for a one-bedroom apartment that includes three meals; try to divide this cost with close friends.

Destinations To Visit In Alleppey:

• Vembanad lake

• Pathiramanal island

• Alappuzha beach

 Activities To Do In Alleppey:

• Stay in a houseboat

• Go for a night walk

• Go boating

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Cochin International Airport (75 Km), Alappuzha Train Station

Local Cuisine: Puttu, Kadala, Beef Roast

ItemsTo Buy: Coir Items, Handicrafts

2. Pondicherry – The French Town

Why spend thousands of rupees when you can travel affordably in India and have a French experience? You may have the French flair right here in India with cheap excursions to Pondicherry. The day may be spent strolling the cobblestoned streets, and the nights can be spent relaxing at one of the many cafes on the beach. And yeah, be sure to taste the local French cuisine.

IIdeal Stay Period: 2 Nights/3 Days

The Optimal Time To Visit: October To March

Average Cost

• Bus travel from Chennai to Pondicherry plus return journey: INR 500

• Lodging cost: Comfortable cottage stay at INR 300 or you can also go for budget hotels at INR 500

• Fooding and other costs: You can try out some Indianized French cuisine which starts at a rate of INR 200-300 for two

Destinations To Visit:

• Paradise beach

• Aurobindo Ashram

• Auroville

Activities To Do:

• Fishing

• Cycling tour

• Shopping in Pondy Bazaar

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Chennai International Airport/ Puducherry Railway Station.

Local Cuisine: Crab Masala Fry, Mutton Rolls, Khowsuey, Parotas

ItemsTo Buy: Textiles, Pottery, Tibetan Handicrafts, Aromatherapy Product. 

3. Gokarna – The Less Crowded Goa

Looking for some calm and serenity at one of the inexpensive tourist destinations in India? The Om Beach in Gokarna, close to Mangalore, is one of the best destinations for a three-day journey. To tour the beaches in Gokarna, you may try renting some boats from the neighborhood fisherman. There are several water sports you may participate in if you start to feel bored. What is more, then? The Gokarna beaches are still considered inexpensive vacations in India!.

IIdeal Stay Period: 2 Nights/3 Days

The Optimal Time To Visit: June To August

Average Cost

• Bangalore to Gokarna and return journey both by bus: INR 800

• Goa to Gokarna and return journey both by train: INR 90

Destinations To Visit:

• Om beach

• Mahabaleshwara temple

• Gokarna beach

Activities To Do:

• Sunbathing on the beaches

• Trekking

• Camping near Gokarna Beach

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Dabolim Airport/Murdeshwar & Karwar Railway Station.

Local Cuisine: South Indian Cuisine, Prawn Pizza

ItemsTo Buy: Brass Lamps, Kallu Sarkkare, Handicrafts

4.  Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital

Searching for inexpensive solo travel to India? Rishikesh is the place to go. The adventurous side of you is beckoned by the thrilling white-water rafting, magnificent beach camping, and exhilarating excursions. The most exciting cheap vacation in India is a trip to Rishikesh. From here, you might also travel to the magnificent Valley of Flowers. It's a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free place, but it's still well worth it!

IIdeal Stay Period:1 Night/2 Days

The Optimal Time To Visit:  Late September To Mid-November

Average Cost

• Traveling from Delhi and back: INR 300

• Lodging Cost: INR 150 per night

• Food and Other Costs: INR 200/meal

• River rafting Charges: INR 400 to INR 1300 per person

• Beach camping Fees: INR 1600 per person (includes 1 Night stay, 3 meals and river rafting)

Destinations To Visit: 

• Lakshman Jhula

• Parmarth Niketan

• Triveni Ghat

Activities To Do:

• River rafting

• Bungee jumping

• Camping and bonfire

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Jolly Grant Airport/Dehradun Railway Station

Local Cuisine: Aloo Puri, Chole Bhature, Pani Puri

ItemsTo Buy: Glass Bangles, Carved Stone Idols, Pickles, Ayurveda Medicines

5. Darjeeling – The Land Of Thunderbolt

The journey from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri to Darjeeling is once in a lifetime. And what's even great is that it's still among the most reasonably priced vacations in India. Take in the fresh mountain air once you're in the hills, sip some Darjeeling tea, rise early to see the dawn at Tiger Hills, and prepare to be enchanted by the spectacular Kanchenjunga. The best aspect is that one may plan a fantastic start to the New Year because Darjeeling is a fantastic getaway for individuals who are considering inexpensive travels to India in January.

IIdeal Stay Period: 2 Nights/3 Days

The Optimal Time To Visit:  March To May and October-November

Average Cost

• Traveling from Kolkata to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri by bus including the return journey: INR 490

• Toy train to Darjeeling from NJP: INR 250

• Jeep ride from NJP to Darjeeling: INR 150/person

• Lodging Cost: INR 800/- per night [twin-sharing basis]

• Food and Other Costs: INR 300 for two

Destinations To Visit:

• Ghum Monastery

• Peace Pagoda

• Tea Estates

Activities To Do:

• Go river rafting in Teesta

• Trekking in Sandakphu

• Take a ride in a toy train

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Bagdogra Airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway Station

Local Cuisine:  Thukpa, The Naga Cuisine, Chaang, Momos

ItemsTo Buy: Hand Knitted Items, Tea, Handicrafts

6. Sikkim – The Organic State

One of India's most charming and affordable vacation spots is Sikkim. Sikkim is the ideal destination for families, friends, and couples looking for a low-cost getaway in India in February. Nothing compares to its fantastic climate, breathtaking Himalayan views, gorgeous hikes, vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture, and delectable regional cuisine. And everything fits nicely within your budget.

IIdeal Stay Period:2 Nights/3 Days

The Optimal Time To Visit: March and May, October and Mid-December

Average Cost 

• Kolkata to Siliguri (ByTrain): INR 185 for one side of the journey

• Siliguri to Gangtok (By Bus): INR 165 for one side of the journey

• Lodging Cost: Budget hotels start at INR 600, but there are dorms available too for INR 120 or single rooms for INR 250

• Food and Other  Cost: Momos is the specialty here: INR 100 per meal

Destinations To Visit: 

• Gangtok

• Pelling

• Lachung

Activities To Do:

• Go for a yak ride

• Trekking

• Paragliding in Gangtok

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Bagdogra Airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway Station

Local Cuisine:  Gundruk Soup, Sinki Soup, Thukpa, Yak Cheese

ItemsTo Buy: Woolen Carpets, Choosees, Tea, Prayer Flags

7. Kanyakumari – The Southernmost Tip

Being the tip of the Indian mainland itself makes Kanyakumari enticing. The confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean — behold it, to believe it! A must-see is the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views here. This destination is certainly proving to be one of the best budget trips in South India.

IIdeal Stay Period:2 Nights/3 Days

The Optimal Time To Visit: October To March

Average Cost

• Bus fare from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari and return fare included: INR 500

• Train one-way fare: INR 180

• Lodging Cost: INR 800 / night

• Food Cost: INR 200 per meal

Destinations To Visit: 

• Vivekananda rock memorial

• Thiruvalluvar statue

• Our Lado Ransom Church

Activities To Do: 

• Bathe at Triveni Sangam

• Watch the beautiful sunset

• Seek blessings from Goddess Kanyakumari

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Trivandrum International Airport/Kanyakumari Railway Junction

Local Cuisine:  Kothu, Banana Chips, Pazha Sarbath, Aval

ItemsTo Buy: Shells, Handloom Saris