Want to travel to India but are on a budget? No worries! In this article, I’ll go over the top cheap travel destinations in India. From tranquil waterfalls to mountains and street food, there’s something for every travel style and personality. The destinations on this list are not only wallet-friendly, but they also top the list for safe places to travel in India. Rest assured, you’ll feel safe during your travels to any of these destinations.
Read on to learn about the top cheap travel destinations in India.
Why Travel on a Budget?
Why seek out budget trips in India – and why travel on a budget at all? Here are the top reasons why you should travel with a set number of funds set aside:
Reason #1: Use the Saved Money for Your Future
Again, saving money is nice and all. However, don’t just let that extra cash sit idle in your bank account! Put those dollars to work by either paying off debt, saving or investing. Before making any major financial decisions or changes, be sure to speak with a financial advisor first.
Reason #2: Get Creative with Travel Planning
When you travel with a finite amount of funds freed to travel, you’ll have to get creative. Guess what? Traveling on a budget is fun! When you have $4,000 to work with instead of whatever number you usually spend (if you even know at all!), you’ll need to find accomodation, food and excursion options that won’t break the bank. The good news is that there are tons of ways to travel on a budget. Anything from finding accomodation with a kitchen, doing free walking tours and focusing on street food can really help you out. If you want to really minimize your housing expenses, look into volunteering in exchange for room and board with Workaway or housesit by signing up on Trusted Housesitters.
Reason #3: Enjoy the Sense of Accomplishment When Traveling on a Budget
After coming home from a big trip and seeing that you have some cash leftover in your checking account, you’ll feel fanastic! Planning a trip on a budget is work. However, it’s well worth the effort. You can have it all – meaning, you can travel on a budget without sacrificing fun while saving and investing for your future!
How Much Money Should I Set Aside Per Day for India?
Travel expenses can vary from person to person depending on:
- Whether you’re staying in a hostel, guest house or hotel
- How many free vs. paid activities you do
- The amount of times you cook versus eat street food or dine at restaurants
Generally, you should budget around $40-60 USD per person per day when traveling on a budget to India.
Ultimate List of Cheap Travel Destinations in India
CheapTravel Destinations in India for First-Time Visitors
Jaipur
Also known as the ‘Pink City’ and capital of Rajasthan state, Jaipur is full of beautiful architecture and has tons of history. Jaipur is one of the top places to travel in August in India Take a tam-tam, tuk-tuk or taxi around to explore the city as most attractions are far away from each other. Check out the Jaipur City Palace for traditional puppet shows during peak tourist season. Don’t miss the palace of winds, the Nahargarh fort, the Hawa Mahal and the Hanuman temple (monkey temple).
Enjoy local foods like delicious foods such as ghewar, phini, mishri mawa, milk cake, doda barfi, and the local version of a thali plate.
Goa
While an increasingly popular place, a budget trip to Goa is still feasible as it’s still one of the top cheap travel destinations in India. Sports and outdoor activity lovers will enjoy swimming, biking. Goa has some great beaches and is also known for seafood. Don’t miss trying out on pork vindaloo, Goan fish curry and bread with chiorzo.
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the seven holy cities in India and is great for a spiritual retreat. Enjoy many tasty foods such as banarasi paan, tamatar chaat and chena dahi vada. Important places to visit in Varanasi you shouldn’t miss include Assi Ghat, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Cheap Travel Destinations in India for Culture Explorers
Amritsar
Located in Punjab, Amritsar is known for the Golden Temple, the world’s most important pilgrimmage site for Sikh. Be sure to bring along a headscarf. Alternatively, you can borrow one from the temple. If you can, visit the Golden Temple in the evening around 8pm. This is the best time to visit as you’ll be able to see the Palki Sahib ceremony. This is a ritual where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikh religion) gets put to bed as is customary.
Another important attraction in Amritsar you cannot miss is the Wagah Border show. In the winter at 4:15pm and in the summer at 5:15pm, India and Pakistan compete in a dance show. This is a fun way to see India’s sporting culture and enjoy joining in the cheering alongside screaming fans!
While in Amritsar, enjoy palak paneer at Kesar De Dhaba, the most famous Punjab restaurant in Amritsar. For dessert, indulge in jalebis.
Pondicherry
Located on the Southeast coast of India, Pondicherry has a mixture of French and Indian cuture. Architecture geeks will have their fill with the colonial architecture on display. Be sure to check out and is the ideal place to experience the influence of many different cultures. Must-see sites in Pondicherry include Paradise Beach, the Seaside Promenade, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Seaside Promenade and Paradise Beach.
While in Pondicherry, take advantage of the many French-inspired dishes such as Ratatouille and baguettes alongside crab masala and samosass.
McLeod Ganj
Located in the Dhauladhar mountains in the Himalayan foothills and home to the Dalai Lama, McLeod Ganj is a beautiful region with obvious Tibetan culture. You’ll be treated to seeing colorful flags and many bustling markets. McLeod Ganj is a nature lover’s paradise full of lush forests, gorgeous mountains and crisp air.
Cheap Travel Destinations in India for Outdoor Activity Fans
Udaipur
Known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ and the ‘Venice of the East,’ Udaipur is surrounded by lakes and the Aravalli hills. Udaipur is one of the best places to travel in India in July as there are limited rainfalls during this time. Don’t miss the City Palace which contains many courtyards and gardens. Take a scenic boat ride around Lake Pichola. In addition to relaxing nature, enjoy one of the many markets in Udaipur such as the Bada Bazaar and the Hathi Pol where you’ll find many arts, crafts and musical performances by traditional artists.
Enjoy local foods in Udaipur such as dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi and dal kachori. While you’re in the area and if you have time, check out Kumbhalgarh, Mount Abu and the Nathdwara temple. All three attractions are 80km away at the very most and are great day trips from Udaipur!
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Rishikesh
Rishikesh offers many outdoor acivities such as white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling and bungee jumping. If you’re into yoga instead of outdoor sports, you can’t miss Rishikesh as its the yoga capital of the world. In fact, Rishikesh hosts the International Yoga Festival in March each year.
Rishikesh has many vegetarian food choices including Garhwali and Punjabi options. Rishikesh is a strictly religious place – non-vegetarian food and alcohol is prohibited in this area.
Gokarna
Gokarna is a beach town that is the ideal place to get some sun and sand as well as take advantage of the spiritual vibe here. Visit the Mahabaleshwar temple and marvel at its Dravidian architecture. Relax on Gokarna’s beaches and get some exercise by hiking the trails or partaking in diving, parasailing or kayaking.
Munnar
Munnar is ideal for budget travelers who love nature due to bird watching, hiking and other nature-focused activities. Don’t miss Eravikulam National Park and the Lakkam Waterfalls.
Lonavala
Lonavala has many lakes, hills and waterfalls to take advantage of. While this region can be visited any time of year, due to its constant cloud cover and temperate climate, this region is one of the top places to travel in India in August. Budget traveling nature lovers will be in paradise! Be sure not to miss the Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and the Rajmachi Fort.
Khajuraho
Located in the center of India, Khajuraho is a small village that is famous for the Khajuraho Temples – a UNESCO world heritage site. The Temples are best known for their erotic sculptures but also many many others that show the everyday life of farmers and villagers. You’ll also see sculptures of numerous gods and goddesses.
In addition to the Khajuaho temples, visitors can also enjoy renting a bicycle and pedalling around the fields and villages. Be sure to visit the Tribal and Folk Art Museum as well. If time allows it, take a day trip to Panna National Park which contains the Pench Tiger Reserve, the location of the famous The Jungle Book.
Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is surrounded by mountains and is an ideal spot to see the sunrise and sunset. Don’t miss the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built on a rock island in the sea and where Swami Vivekananda mediated before he went off and spread Hinduism to the Western world. Other key places to visit you cannot miss are Kanyakumari Beach and the Padmanabhapuram Palace .
Nainital
Surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains, Nainital is another one of the top cheap travel destinations in India you cannot miss. and can be traveled on a tight budget. Nainital is built around Naini Lake and offers scenic boat rides. Don’t miss it!
Digha
If you’re looking for a beach getaway, Digha is an ideal spot. Digha is located on the Bay of Bengal and also offers other things to see such as the Marine Aqaurium and the Digha Science Center. Be sure not to miss out on outdoor activities such as swimming and cricket.
Itanagar
Itanagar has something for culture junkies, nature lovers and everyone in between. Enjoy the many festivals that come to this region such as the Losar Festival and the Reh Festival. Take advantage of rafting, boating, climbing mountains and fishing when visiting Itanagar.
Shimla
Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh and offers many different cafés to explore such as the Argyle House Café and Café Under Tree. Also be sure to check out the Viceregal Lodge, an elaborate building that was once occupied by Lord Dufferin in the late 1800’s.
Hampi
Hampi is the ideal places for architecture fans to visit. Stay at one of the many affordable homestays or cottages. Rent. abike and explore the region’s many temples.
Sikkim
Sikkim is India’s smallest state and is a fantastic place to check out and relax in nature. Relax amongst rivers, meadows plants and lakes. Enjoy seeing different animals and wildflowers.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, in the Northeast of India, is located at an altitude of just over 6,700 ft. While one of the top places to travel in India in June due to mild temperatures, it can also be visited in spring and autumn as well. The temperature stays relatively stable during all 3 seasons. Check out a tea garden, go on a Cable Car ride and go see the Heritage Toy Train. Be sure to be up for sunrise and out during sunset!
Pushkar
Located in the Rajasthani hills, Pushkar lake is another one of the top cheap travel destinations in India. Stroll around Pushkar Lake. Afterwards, view the world’s only Brahma temple, nearby the lake. Get up first thing in the morning and enjoy taking part in the Savitri sunrise temple trek. Located on top of a hill, the climb is tiring first thing in the morning, but well worth the effort!
Meghalaya
Meghalaya is known as the ‘abode of clouds’ in Sanskrit and is located in the eastern sub-Himalayas. Nature lovers will be in their element in Meghalaya as they’ll enjoy exploring the rivers, waterfalls and caves. Don’t miss exploring the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, climbing up Shillog Peak and viewing Cherrapunjee which is known as the wettest place on earth because of the region’s heavy rainfalls and numerous waterfalls.
Kasol
Kasol is a small village in North India that is quiet and still perfect for a tranquil getaway despite its increasing popularity. While it has seen an increase in tourism in the past few years, it is still a relatively quiet place to enjoy nature. Take advantage of the many hiking trails around Kasol.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal (‘the gift of the forests’) is located in Tamil Nadu. Approximately 7,200 ft above sea level, it offers some spectacular views for those who are up to climbing and exploring different trails. Visitors to Kodaikanal will be rewarded with sites such as beautiful waterfalls. Get around on foot or by biking here.
Alleppey
Alleppey is located in Kerala and is known as the ‘Venice of the East.’ This region has beautiful lagoons and lakes and was once the main port for transporting goods such as spirces, cashews, coffee and tea. Enjoy a scenic boat trip and view different mansions leftover from the period of colonial rule.
A Final Word on the Cheapest Places to Travel in India
There you have it the ultimate list of the cheapest places to travel in India. If you don’t know where to begin, start with a destination that has stuff you really want to do or see. For example, if you’re dying to see beautiful architecture, go to Jaipur, and if beaches are your thing, go to Digha or Gokarna. After you’ve had your fill of India, why not move on other cheap Asian travel destinations? Most of all, have fun planning out your travels and executing your plans!
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Janita is a frugal living expert and owner of Frugal Fun Finance. With over five years of personal experience finding and trying out the best ways to make and save more money, she's eager to share her knowledge. Janita's strategies have helped her save thousands of dollars for funding investments and traveling to over 20 countries.
Janita completed training in personal finance at The University of Western Ontario and McGill University, two prestigious Canadian universities. Her expertise has been shared on GoBankingRates, Yahoo Finance, and NASDAQ.com.
