Traveling and taking road trips with your friends sounds amazing, doesn’t it? But sometimes lack of planning, budget constraints, or indecisiveness can cause unnecessary trouble. Planning trips isn’t easy, as they can be out of our budget. Social media is filled with aesthetic photos of influencers, celebrities, and even our fellow acquaintances going on trips and vacations.
Looking through these photos of your friends and family enjoying themselves at a beach or hill station gives you major FOMO. We feel stuck and hesitant to travel somewhere, as we might have some issues with the cost of it.
Here are 20 inexpensive travel spots in India that you may visit even on a tight budget.
Explore India on a Budget: The 10 Most Economical Travel Spots
Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills
Darjeeling is a splendid hill station located in West Bengal, and those of you looking for budget-friendly travel should check it out. Although its scenery might make it look expensive, it’s very pocket-friendly.
This beautiful hill station is situated in the north of Bengal, where you can get delicious food and fresh air. You can try out many adventure activities and even plan your honeymoon here.
Food, travel, and other expenses depend on how many are in a group or if you’re going solo. It is cheap enough that you don’t have to worry about spending too much, but always watch what you’re eating or buying.
Places to Visit:
- Darjeeling Himalayan Train
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop
- Mahakal Temple
- Padmaja Naidu, Himalayan Zoological Park
Sikkim: The heart of the seven sisters
Sikkim is one of the seven northeastern states of India and, as its name goes, is located in the country’s northern region. The state offers its visitors enchanting views, numerous trails for hiking and trekking, beautiful flora and fauna, and so much more. The state of Sikkim is a budget-friendly place to visit with your friends and family.
The best places to visit:
- Gangtok
- Pelling
- Lachung
- Yumthang
- Khangchendzonga
- Yukso
The cost of traveling here is Rs 1200 to one side, and food expenses can vary depending on whether you eat at your hotel or street food. Cheap and expensive accommodations are available, so pick whatever suits your taste.
Kurseong: A serene place for hikers
Another place from West Bengal is Kurseong; just like Darjeeling, it’s a hill station that is affordable. Visitors can enjoy the enchanting views of the valleys and mountains in a peaceful and less commercialized setting. This destination will give you so much peace and joy, plus you can get active and go on treks and hikes on the many trails available.
The best places to visit:
- Tea Garden
- Eagle’s Craig
- Forest Museum
- Deer Park
- Churches
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum
The estimated expenses for food, travel, and transportation will fall somewhere between 1000 and 2000 rupees. Lodges and hotels are available both cheaply and expensively and cost about 600 to 1500 rupees.
Jaipur, the Pink City
Even though Delhi seems to be a spot for tourists, Delhi can get expensive, and travel shouldn’t be so money-draining. Jaipur is a destination that isn’t too expensive but gives you the complete feeling of traveling to a new place. Jaipur is known for being pocket-friendly in terms of food and travel. The city of Jaipur is known for its magnificent forts and colorful streets. The city offers so much without being expensive, and you get to enjoy your trip without it being expensive.
Places to visit:
- Nahargarh Fort
- Hawa Mahal
- City Palace
- Amber Fort
- Jal Mahal
- Jaigarh Fort
- Jantar Mantar
To reach Jaipur, it is recommended to take road transportation, as it will be easier and your food budget will come to around 500 to 1000 rupees.
Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital of the World
Also known as the yoga capital of our world, Rishikesh is a pocket-friendly destination as it will offer peace and rejuvenation to its travelers. Rishikesh is full of adventure, and you get to enjoy the pristine landscapes of Uttarakhand. It’s a great place for solo trips, but it’s also family-friendly.
Places to visit:
- Lakshman Jhula
- Ram Jhula
- Triveni Ghat
- Parmarth Niketan
- Rajaji Tiger Reserve
- Bharat Mandir
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Kunjapuri Temple
Your travel, transportation, food, and accommodations expenditures can easily be covered under your budget. Restaurants, hotels, and shopping are all under 1000 rupees. You can easily spend according to your heart’s desire.
Kodaikanal: The gift of the forest
This hill station is located in Tamil Nadu and is known for its unique name. It is also one of the best in South India. Solo travelers, family trips, and even honeymoons are seen here. When you visit this hill station, your surroundings will be cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, and stunning lakes, which won’t leave a single moment dull. The Kodaikanal hill station is incredibly affordable.
Places to visit:
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Bryant Park
- Guna Cave
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Pillar Rock
- Silver Cascade Falls
- Bear Shola Falls
Everything, from food to transport to your stay, will be within your budget. To satisfy your hunger, street vendors are a great option. You can also eat at your hotel or lodge if you want to eat complete meals. Even if you splurge a bit, you can still expect to pay less than 1000 rupees.
Gokarna: The beach destination of Karnataka
A great beach destination located in Bangalore that is budget-friendly and isn’t as crowded as Goa. The Gokarna beach offers visitors its serene waters and breathtaking city views. This beach city has similar vibes to Goa and is much cheaper. After a hectic work week, you can relax at this beach. You can even try the variety of watersports available and indulge yourself in the mesmerizing water world.
Places to visit:
- Om beach
- Gokarna Beach
- Mahabaleshwara Temple
Your meals, transportation, and accommodation will be easy to handle, and you won’t have to worry. You’ll be spending around 400 rupees max, so you’ll have a lot of fun.
Hampi, the ancient city of India
If you want to witness the grandeur of ancient India, Hampi is the place to be. This incredible destination will transport you back to a time of kings and majestic monuments of the past. The destination has stunning sights of monuments, landscapes, and much more. Hampi is located in Bangalore and is a super budget-friendly place to visit. If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll be in your prime as you soak in the history of India. The ruin carvings will leave you in awe.
Places to visit:
- Sree Virupaksha Temple
- Coracle Ride
- Hampi Bazaar
- Vijaya Vittala Temple
- Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple
- Queen’s Bath
- Matanga Hill
Lodges, hotels, food, and transportation are all very cheap, and you can easily spend money on everything you want. You’ll be spending around 400–600 rupees daily.
Kanyakumari: The land of three seas
The wonderful destination of Kanyakumari is located in the southernmost part of India. It’s a small destination where the land of India ends and then meets the Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari city offers serenity, picturesque views, and a pleasant climate throughout the year. You can visit the city whenever you want, as the climate is bearable and you won’t be worried. Exploring this city will be a completely new experience, as there are so many tourist spots.
Places to visit:
- Sthanumalayan Kovil
- Thirparappu Falls
- Bhagavathy Amman Temple
- Wax Museum
- Kanyakumari Beach
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
Great street food, affordable stays, and road transportation all fall under your budget. You won’t have to worry about overspending, and you can easily shop and eat wherever you want. Your daily expenses will be around 100–500 rupees. It can change if you visit other areas as well.
Kolli Hills: The beautiful hill station of the South
People prefer to travel to hustling and bustling places, but this peaceful hill area will change your mind. Kolli Hills is a getaway from your mundane life and a way a way to get rid of boredom. It’s close to Chennai and is a low-budget city where you can do many things. The destination of Kolli Hills is full of beautiful landscapes and a peaceful aura where your mind and soul feel free. When visiting the Kolli Hills, you can indulge in the natural environment and take a deep breath of fresh air.
Places to visit:
- Agaya Gangai Waterfalls
- Arapaleeswarar Temple
- Masila Falls
- Kolli Hills Boat House
Your budget here won’t be disturbed, and you can spend however you want to. As Kolli Hills is located in nature, you will have to stay in the city, so it will cost more than usual. Food and transportation will vary. The daily expenditure will be around 500 rupees.
