Looking to travel within your budget? Explore these top locations in India. What to include in your travel budget? Find out the ways to reach and the best time to visit. Discover the top spots to visit and affordable activities to enjoy during your travel!
India is renowned among international travellers for its affordable accommodations, transportation, wide travel options, and mouthwatering delicacies. A culturally diverse land with geographically wide-ranging landscapes, India is home to beaches, hills, valleys, rivers, and monuments that are worth every minute of your time.
An all-inclusive package, India never ceases to surprise its visitors! If you want a budget-friendly spiritual escapade, India is a land of temples and Gurudwaras, ideal for seeking solace in devotion. For the adventurers and explorers, India is a land of opportunities. With a multitude of options to choose from, you can select between scaling the cold peaks of the Himalayas or taking a surf lesson on the shores of Kovalam. In this quest, it is also important to consider the best locations to travel to, taking into account affordable travel, accommodation, and food options. If you are looking for the most affordable travel options or a guide to travel around India, look no further than these top budget-friendly destinations:
- Pushkar, Rajasthan
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Puducherry
- Hampi, Karnataka
Know Your Travel Budget—Don’t Break Your Bank!
Travelling can be exciting, but without planning your budget and itinerary, it can become a hassle. If you are a fan of scrolling through travel tips and blogs to organise the perfect tour, note the following points to remember:
- Travel: To-and-fro tickets, taxi fares, bus tickets, and any travel during the trip are a major part of any travel bill. Your tickets and local transport will likely take up a major chunk of your budget. Track ticket sales and discounts closely to avail them on your rail/bus/air tickets and be a smart traveller!
- Accommodation: From homestays to hostels, affordable options are available everywhere. It would be feasible to plan your stay according to your preference. Even luxury hotels can be booked with select discounts and privilege points!
- Food: Street food, packed meals, thalis, dhabas, and more! Affordable food is one of the advantages of travelling around India. Try local food spots and take home local delicacies for a wholesome travel experience.
- Activities & Entry Tickets: Depending on your zest to explore new activities and spots, entry/participation tickets may cost more than your average sightseeing plans.
- Shopping Expenses: Spending on souvenirs and local handicrafts, magnets, etc., marks the completion of any travel. Do not forget to include shopping expenses in your plan!
- Emergency & Miscellaneous Expenses: Always, always keep a small buffer amount for unexpected detours, be it a surprise plan, a missed bus, or a minor medical issue. It’s your safety net, and you’ll thank yourself later.
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Pushkar, Rajasthan
The ‘land of the kings,’ Rajasthan, is home to various tourist hotspots such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Mount Abu. While these are also affordable options, Pushkar tops the list due to the cultural experience, affordable stay options, and wallet-friendly activities.
The town is home to the famous Pushkar Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake and is also well-known for its grandeur, particularly the Pushkar Mela (Camel Fair). Look for hostels and dorm rooms to stay in for the most original and affordable Rajasthan experience!
| Average Budget | ₹1,000–₹2,000 per day |
| Activities & Top Spots to Visit | ● Jagatpita Brahma Mandir
● Pushkar Lake and evening aarti ● Hike up to Savitri Temple ● Shopping at Sadar Bazaar for ethnic clothes, silver jewellery, and handmade crafts ● Attend the Pushkar Camel Fair |
| How to Reach | Take a road trip on a bus/a cab, or a train from Jaipur city. |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March, especially during the Pushkar Camel Fair (usually in November). |
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Manali, Himachal Pradesh
A popular choice among students and travellers, Manali is home to snow-capped peaks, pristine rivers, a serene environment, and lush greenery. Manali is one of the top picks if you ever wish to spend your holidays at a hill station on a fixed budget! Enjoy a bowl of piping hot Maggi while you experience some calm time in the town. Do not miss activities such as skiing, paragliding, and trekking, especially if you are touring Manali as a group. While an affordable trip depends on the stay and food options, it is also important to consider the price of the tickets to the adventure activities, which may vary from spot to spot.
| Average Budget | ₹1,500–₹2,500 per day per person |
| Activities & Top Spots to Visit | ● Rohtang Pass (if open) and Solang Valley for adventure sports like skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding
● Hidimba Devi Temple and Manu Temple ● Mall Road for food and souvenirs ● Vashisht Hot Water Springs ● Jogini Falls trek ● Old Manali cafés and live music evenings |
| How to Reach | You can hop on a bus from Delhi and travel for at least 13 hours to reach Manali. |
| Best Time to Visit | ● October to February for snow and winter activities
● March to June for pleasant weather and adventure sports |
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Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Tired of the summer heat? Escape to Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh, a peaceful mountain region known for its snow-covered peaks, warm hospitality, and rich cultural blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. Once off-limits, Kinnaur now invites travellers to explore its scenic valleys, flowing rivers, and quiet villages.
One must-visit is Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border, offering stunning views and a sense of stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere. Life here is slow, soulful, and deeply connected to nature. Travelling on a budget? Kinnaur has plenty of affordable homestays, hostels, and local stays that let you experience its charm without overspending. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
| Average Budget | ₹1,200–₹2,500 per day per person |
| Activities & Top Spots to Visit | ● Visit Kalpa for stunning views of the Kinner Kailash range
● Explore Sangla Valley and Chitkul, India’s last inhabited village near the border ● Trek or relax by the Baspa River ● Visit the ancient Kamru Fort and Bering Nag Temple ● Try local Himachali food and apple-based products |
| How to Reach | Take a flight or train to Shimla or Chandigarh and then travel via road. |
| Best Time to Visit | ● April to June
● September to October (be mindful of roadblocks during monsoon and deep winter) |
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Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is the land of explorers, spiritualists, and anyone looking forward to borrowing some peace from the tranquil banks of the river Ganga. Also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh is home to ashrams and centres that delve into the world of meditative silence.
Rishikesh is one of the most affordable options on this list, considering you decide to munch on local food and rent a two-wheeler to go around and explore the ghats of the Ganges. You can explore both Haridwar and Rishikesh on the same tour while also spending time at Uttarakhand’s state capital, Dehradun.
| Average Budget | ₹1,000–₹2,000 per day per person |
| Activities & Top Spots to Visit | ● Try river rafting and bungee jumping
● Visit Triveni Ghat for an evening Ganga Aarti ● Explore the Beatles Ashram ● Walk along Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula ● Join a yoga retreat or drop-in meditation class ● Hike to Neer Garh Waterfall |
| How to Reach | ● Take a bus or a cab from Delhi for a 6-7 hour trip.
● You can also hop on a train to Haridwar and then travel 20 km to Rishikesh. |
| Best Time to Visit | September to April: ideal for both spiritual retreats and adventure sports (avoid monsoon season for river rafting) |
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Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
If you say ‘India,’ one of the first few images that pops up in anyone’s mind is a mass of pilgrims standing on the shores of the Ganga, with pure devotion and countless prayers on their minds. A sacred space, with an endless scope for exploration, Varanasi is a haven for those travelling on a strict budget.
You can stroll around the bazaars, buy silk sarees, or even rent a bike to drive through the alleys of Banaras. Call it Banaras, Varanasi, or Kashi; this is the perfect spot for travellers to be mindful of their budget while also making the most out of their time. Enjoy your time interacting with the local culture and watching the Ganga Aarti. Varanasi is also the perfect spot to grab your camera and go for a walk, leading you to picturesque images of boats racing through the currents of the Ganga or even a spontaneous street photography session.
| Average Budget | ₹1,000–₹2,000 per day per person |
| Activities & Top Spots to Visit | ● Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
● Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple ● Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges ● Explore Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon ● Stroll through Old City markets for Banarasi silk |
| How to Reach | ● You can travel to Varanasi by air and land at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
● A well-connected rail system from all major cities via Varanasi Junction is available. ● Hop on buses from Lucknow, Patna, and Allahabad. |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March, when the weather is pleasant and festivals like Dev Deepawali light up the city. |
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Puducherry
Well-known as the party town of Southern India, after Goa, Puducherry is the land of beaches and exquisite architecture. A trip to Puducherry can never go wrong if you plan your itinerary accordingly! Start your day with a sunrise view at the Rock Beach or Serenity Beach and grab a plate of delicious English breakfast and croissants on your way back. Whether you’re riding a cycle through the French Quarter or visiting the peaceful town of Auroville, Puducherry has something special for everyone. Puducherry is known for its resorts, homestays, and traveller hostels, which are very suitable for budget travellers.
| Average Budget | ₹1,000–₹2,000 per day per person |
| Activities & Top Spots to Visit | ● Walk through French Quarters and vibrant street art
● Relax at Promenade Beach and Paradise Beach ● Visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram ● Try French and Tamil fusion cuisine at local cafes ● Shop at Mission Street and local artisan stores |
| How to Reach | Once you land in the nearest airport, Chennai, take a bus or taxi to reach Puducherry in 3–4 hours. |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
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Hampi, Karnataka
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is a must-visit city, especially if you are a history buff who loves to explore a town with the ruins of a majestic kingdom. Once the glorious capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, its boulder-strewn landscape is filled with ancient temples, market streets, and majestic ruins that whisper the tales of a bygone era. Hampi is known for its spiritual connection, being home to the popular Vittala and Virupaksha temples. With this, it is also a pocket-friendly travel option, with guesthouses, homestays, cycle rentals, and local food!
| Average Budget | ₹800–₹2,000 per day per person |
| Activities & Top Spots to Visit | ● Explore Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, and the Stone Chariot
● Watch the sunset from Matanga Hill ● Take a coracle boat ride on the Tungabhadra River ● Discover the cafes and music scene ● Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore freely |
| How to Reach | ● You can take a bus or a taxi from Bangalore, reaching Hampi in 6–7 hours.
● The closest airport is Hubli or Goa, followed by a road trip. |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February |
