India: a destination many travelers long to visit in their lifetime. The flight ticket there can be costly, so is it possible to cut down on other travel expenses while still enjoying your time? Guess what? It is – simply by choosing budget travel destinations in this massive country with a population of nearly 1.5 billion people! In this article, I’ll go over the top cheapest places to travel in India. As an expert traveler who has saved over $5,000 with frugal traveling methods while visiting over 20 countries, I have lots of tips and tricks to provide you which will help you choose destinations that suit your travel style and budget.
Read on to learn about the cheapest places to travel in India.
Why Travel on a Budget?
If you’re reading this article, you’re likely seeking out budget trips in India. But why should you travel with a finite amount of funds to spare for your adventures? Aside from the obvious point of saving money, there are several other reasons why budget travel is the optimal way to go regardless as to whether you’re a budget backpacker, mid-range traveler or person for whom money is not an issue:
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. There are generally three main ways you can use the cash:
- Funding an emergency savings account
- Paying off debt
- Investing the cash in stocks, bonds, ETFs and other income-generating assets
Stocking an Emergency Savings Account
If you don’t have an emergency savings account or if the cash in that account will cover less than 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses, it’s a good idea to put the extra cash in this account. Having a cash reserve of several months of living expenses is very important. Life happens. Overnight, you could be out of work or your income stream could dry up quickly. While it’s not a fun thing to think about, the truth is that you need to prepare. If you’re in a single-income household, it’s generally a better idea to save closer to 6 months’ worth of living expenses.
Paying Off Debt
In addition to stocking an emergency savings account, take a hard look at any debt you owe, whether it’s student loan debt, a mortgage or credit card debt. Consider if you should increase payments. Oftentimes, if the interest rate on your loan payment is higher than the interest you’d get in a savings account, it’s a good idea to pay off the debt. This is especially true for ‘bad’ debt such as credit card interest. Before you make any changes to your financial situation, consult a financial advisor to create a financial plan that works for you.
Investing in Your Future
Once you’ve determined how much you need to put towards stocking an emergency account and/or debt repayments, you can look at investing. Take the extra cash you’ve saved from your frugal travel planning and invest it towards retirement, a continuing education fund or your child’s college fund. Again, consult a financial advisor to come up with a plan that works best for you. Everyone is different in terms of:
- Their current net worth
- How much they currently have invested
- Their time horizon
- How much risk they want to take on
Your saving, investing and debt repayment situation is unique, so it’s important to consult a financial professional to help you make a plan that will work for you!
Reason #2: Get Creative with Travel Planning
When you’re on a budget, you’ll need to work with a finite amount of funds. Working with $3,000 instead of an unlimited travel budget shouldn’t feel restricting – instead, it should be fun! Get creative with where you’ll stay so you can maximize your dollars. Instead of booking a generic chain hotel, look into the array of homestay options out there. If you’re open to working and traveling, consider Workaway. You can volunteer to help a company or family for a few hours a day in exchange for free accommodation. Alternatively, consider housesitting. Sign up to housesit on a website such as Trusted Housesitters.
Instead of eating at large international restaurants, take advantage of budget street foods. In general, living local is how you truly save. When I travel to Asia, I save nearly 50% on expenses simply by living local. This means choosing to stay in budget hostels or guesthouses, eating street food and taking public transport.
When choosing which activities to do and where to go, find free walking tours and explore local neighborhoods. Traveling off the beaten path has provided me with some incredible chances to try delicious food and coffee for less than half the price of what it costs in the city center.
Reason #3: Enjoy the Sense of Accomplishment When Traveling on a Budget
When you come home from an exciting trip and see that your travel savings account still has some funds in it, you’ll feel great! Let’s face it – travel planning on a budget takes work. However, it’s incredibly rewarding to know you made the most of your travels without cutting corners – and still have some leftover cash to put to use in other ways!
How Much Should I Budget Per Day for My Trip to India?
Budget travel means different things to different people. On average, you should budget around $40-60 USD per person per day in India. This amount will cover basic transportation costs, lodging and food. A low budget trip in India is possible. Stick to local transportation, eat street food and stay in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels.
Ultimate List of the Cheapest Places to Travel in India
Cheapest Places to Travel in India for First-Time Visitors
Now that I’ve covered the top reasons why you should travel on a budget, let’s get into the cheapest places to travel in India, starting with the top places. India is massive, and there’s no way you’ll be able to cover every single place – especially if you’re only going for 2 or 3 weeks. Read on to learn about the cheapest places to travel in India for first-time visitors.
Jaipur
No least of the cheapest places to travel in India is complete without Jaipur, famously known as the ‘Pink City’ and the capital of Rajasthan state. This city has tons of history and stunning architecture to explore. Take a tuk-tuk, tam-tam or taxi to explore the city as many of the main sites are quite spread out. Be sure to visit the Jaipur City Palace which has a cafe with traditional puppet shows during peak tourist season. Other key places to visit include the Hawa Mahal, the palace of winds, the Nahargarh Fort and the Hanuman Temple (monkey temple).
Just outside of Jaipur, visit the Amer Fort full of royal apartments. The fort is also a great place to see Nahargahr Fort and Jaipur – the views are fantastic. Enjoy delicious foods in Jaipur such as mishri mawa, milk cake, doda barfi, phini, ghewar and a classic thali.
Goa
A budget trip to Goa is very much possible. As Goa is a popular place, you may assume that this means higher prices, but guess what? It’s still one of the top cheap travel destinations in India! This state is an ideal place to rent a bike, enjoy beaches and go swimming. Take advantage of delicious food such as Goan fish curry, pork vindaloo and bread with chorizo. Key places to visit in Goa include Palolem Beach, Calangute Beach, Varanasi and the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
Varanasi
If you’re looking to visit a place where you can experience traditional spirituality, look no further than Varanasi, another one of the top cheap travel destinations in India. Varanasi is one of the seven holy cities of the Hindu religion. This region has many delicious and budget-friendly foods such as chena dahi vada, chooda matar, banarasi paan and tamatar chaat. Key places to visit in Varanasi include Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat and the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Cheapest Places to Travel in India for Culture Enthusiasts
Amritsar
Amritsar is located in the state of Punjab and has a few main tourist attractions to visit. Be sure to visit the Golden Temple, the world’s most important pilgrimage site for followers of the Sikh faith. Bring a headscarf or borrow one from the temple. Visit the Golden Temple in the evening around 8pm and see the Palki Sahib ceremony when the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikh religion) gets put to bed.
Another key highlight of Amritsar is visiting the Wagah Border show. Every day at 4:15pm in winter and 5:15pm in summer, India and Pakistan compete against each other in a competitive dance show. Expect lots of energy and enthusiastic crowds at the show!
While you’re in Amritsar, visit the Jalliawala Bagh Memorial Park which has a memorial for the hundreds of Indians murdered by the British and the Partition Museum which provides a history of the sobering time period in which the British ruled over India.
Enjoy jalebi, a delicious deep fried dough dessert in sticky syrup and a palak paneer at Kesar De Dhaba, the most famous Punjab restaurant in Amritsar.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is located on the Southeast coast of India and is the ideal place to experience the influence of many different cultures. Visitors to this region will enjoy seeing the French influences without breaking the bank. This region was once a French colonial settlement up until 1954 and has a lot of its European vibe preseved. Key sites in Pondicherry include Paradise Beach, the Seaside Promenade, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Foodies will enjoy everything from samosas and crab masala fry to Salade Nicoise, ratatouille and baguettes due to its strong French influence. Take part in yoga, watsu and tai-chi in Auroville, a town just north of Pondicherry. Be sure to visit La Villa, a 19th century mansion.
McLeod Ganj
This beautiful city is situated in the glorious Dhauladhar mountains in the Himalayan foothills. The region is home to the Dalai Lama as well! When visiting McLeod Ganj, travelers will see Tibetan culture on display. Colorful flags, markets and monks await visitors. Additionally, this region has tons of Himalayan beauty to see. Enjoy the mountains, fresh air and green forests.
Coffee and food lover? You’re in luck. There are many affordable options to satisfy your caffeine craving and foodie appetite. Enjoy thukpa and momas in McLeod Ganj. In summary, both nature and culture lovers will enjoy visiting Mcleod Ganj. It’s the perfect spiritual and nature escape.
Cheapest Places to Travel in India for Nature Lovers
Udaipur
Udaipur is known as the ‘City of Lakes’ due to its gorgeous lakes surrounding the city. This city is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and has many stunning palaces and delicious food.
Be sure to check out the City Palace which has many gardens and courtyards. For a romantic experience, take a boat ride through Lake Pichola. Udaipur has many markets to explore including the Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar. Here, you’ll find different crafts and can enjoy artist and musical performances.
Take advantage of delicious reigional food such as dal kachori, dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi. While you’re in the region, visit Nathdwara Temple and Mount Abu which are only between 60 – 80km from Udaipur and make a good day or overnight trip.
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Rishikesh
Rishikesh is an ideal place to find peace and relax during your vacation. Enjoy the many outdoor sports you can do there including kayaking and white water rafting. You can also enjoy bungee jumping, rock climbing and rappelling. Those who practice yoga shouldn’t miss Rishikesh – it’s the yoga capital of the world! Every March, Rishikesh hosts the International Yoga Festival. Rishikesh has many vegetarian food choices including Garhwali and Punjabi options.
Gokarna
Gokarna is a beach town that is a great place to relax and relax in a spiritual environment. Visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple, known for its Dravidian architecture. Enjoy Gokarna’s beaches, green hills and trails. Water sport enthusiasts will enjoy the various outdoor activities available such as parasailing, kayaking and diving. You can also go camping at the beach.
Stay in a guesthouse or a homestay for a very reasonable price. As Gokarna is a tropical town, it is warm all year, but it’s best to visit between October and March as the weather is dry then.
Munnar
Munnar is full of free and low-cost activities for travelers on a budget. Enjoy walking in nature, hiking and bird watching. There are tea gardens and waterfalls to enjoy in Munnar as well. While visiting Munnar, be sure to visit the Lakkam Waterfalls and Eravikulam National Park.
Lonavala
Lonavala has many waterfalls, hills and lakes to enjoy and is an ideal destination for budget backpackers and flashpackers alike. Visitors to Lonavala can also enjoy water sports at Lonavala Lake. Enjoy visiting the Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves and the Rajmachi Fort as well when visiting Lonavala.
Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a small village in the center of India that is well-known for its Khajuraho Temples which are a UNESCO world heritage site. Despite its popularity, Khajuraho is still one of the cheapest places to travel in India! Home to Hindu and Jain symbols, these temples are best known for their erotic scuptures. The temples also have many sculptures that depict everyday life such as villagers, farmers, elephants and different 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 a great place to see the sunrise and sunset. Be sure to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This memorial is built on a rock island in the sea and is where Swami Vivekananda mediated before he spread Hinduism to the West. Other key places to visit are the Padmanabhapuram Palace and Kanyakumari Beach.
Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful hill station in India surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains and can be traveled to on a tight budget. This place is built around Naini Lake and offers many cheap accommodation and food options. Enjoy walking around the town and taking in the scenery. Be sure to try out boating as well.
Digha
Digha is a beach town on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is a popular beach destination for those in the area. Enjoy sports such as cricket, beach volleyball and swimming. Visit the Digha Science Center, National Science Camp and Marine Aquarium.
Seafood enthusiasts will enjoy trying the fish fry snacks. If seafood isn’t your thing, you can enjoy pistachios, cashews and almonds for nominal prices.
Itanagar
Itanagar is a city that offers something for nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts and those in between. Take part in boating, fishing, rafting and climbing mountains. There are also many festivals held in Itanagar such as the Reh Festival and the Losar Festival.
Itanagar is also known for its crafts such as woodcarvings, shawls and Thangkas (Buddhist paintings with gold). Be sure to visit the Ita Fort, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gompa Buddhist Temple while in Itanagar.
Shimla
Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh and is another place with something for everyone. Enjoy visiting one of the many cafés in Shimla such as Café Under Tree and the Argyle House Café. Visit the Viceregal Lodge, a building occupied by Lord Dufferin in the late 1800s during his reign.
Hampi
If you love architecture, don’t miss Hampi. Rent a bike and enjoy seeing the many royal buildings on display. Don’t miss the Ruins of Hampi, the Hazara Rama temple and the Virupaksha Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sikkim
Sikkim is India’s smallest state and is a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy seeing lakes waterfalls, plants, rivers and many animal species. Sikkim is known for stunning meadows, glaciers, wildflowers and Buddhist monasteries.
Darjeeling
Another beautiful destination, Darjeeling has many attractions to enjoy at low prices. Darjeeling is located at an altitude of just over 6,700 ft in the Northeast of India and is an ideal place to visit during spring (March-May), summer (June to August) and autumn (September-November) as the cool temperatures are pleasant. Visit one of the many tea gardens, the Heritage Toy Train, the Ropeway and the Cable Car ride. You won’t be disappointed by the mountain views and beautiful sunrises and sunsets!
Pushkar
Pushkar, a city in the Rajasthani hills, cannot be missed. Walk around Pushkar Lake and see the only Brahma temple in the world which is close by the lake. Get up at the crack of dawn to take part in the Savitri sunrise temple trek. The temple is on top of a hill that overlooks the entire city and the view is worth getting up early for!
Meghalaya
Meghalaya (‘abode of clouds in Sanskrit’) is one of the most beautiful states in Northeast India and its located in the eastern sub-Himalayas. Travelers to Meghalaya will enjoy viewing gorgeous natural beauty such as caves, waterfalls and rivers. While visting Meghalaya, climb Shillong Peak, explore the Mawphlang Sacred Forest and see Cherrapunjee, known as the wettest place on earth due to many waterfalls and heavy rainfalls.
Kasol
Kasol is a small village in North India. While it has seen an increase in tourism in the past few years, it is still a relatively quiet place to enjoy nature. Explore the rural villages of Malana or Tosh for scenic views and a peek into everyday life. Take the time to go hiking and trekking around Kasol, which offers different trails and hiking options for every fitness level.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal (‘the gift of the forests’) is located in Tamil Nadu and is approximately 7,200 ft above sea level. The region is a famous honeymoon destination due to its picteresque lake and mountains. Explore seeing beautiful waterfalls and cliffs and biking and strolling through nature in Kodaikanal.
Alleppey
Located in the southern state of Kerala and often known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is known for is gorgeous lakes and lagoons. It was once the main port to transport various goods such as tea, coffee, cashew and spices. Take a boat trip and check out the various mansions leftover from the colonial era.
Important Steps to Complete Before You Go on Your Trip
Visa, Currency and Pricing Tips
1. Apply for Your Visa Ahead of Time
Before you book your travel, ensure you’re allowed to travel to your country of choice and find out if you need a visa. For India, all Americans require a 30-day tourist e-visa at a cost of $25 USD. Processing time can be up to 5 days, so be sure to apply well in advance. In my experience, applying about 2 weeks before my trip gives me peace of mind so I’m not rushing. There are so many other things you’ll have to sort such as packing and arranging transport to the airport. When you figure out your visa situation well in advance, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll get through customs smoothly!
2. Know the Best Time to Exchange Your Currency
Before you go to the airport, pick up some local currency at your local bank (if possible). Banks and exchange bureaus generally charge much lower fees than at the airport. They know that airport customers are in a pinch and will be willing to pay a higher price for convenience!
3. Understand the Currency’s Value
Another important part of traveling to a different country is understanding the value of the local currency relative to your local currency. While India is cheap, it’s important to know the exchange rate ($1 USD is approximately 83 Indian rupees as of January 2024) to avoid scams. Additionally, before you go on your big adventure, research the average prices of meals and taxis so you can avoid being scammed. If you’re like me and can’t do math in your head, use an app such as Xe to convert your dollars to rupees while on the go.
4. Be Careful with Prices that are Too Low
You truly do get what you pay for. While you’ll be able to score some sweet deals to the budget Indian travel destinations on this list, do you research on places you want to eat at and hotels you want to stay in. Check more than one site to get multiple reviews of the same property. It never hurts to be careful – after all, how often do you get to visit India?
Extra Budgeting Tips When Going To the Cheapest Places to Travel in India
Budget travel to India can be made even cheaper by following the below six steps. Read on to learn about the best ways to save hundreds of dollars on your upcoming adventure.
1. Compare Hotels and Flights Using an App
If you’re truly looking to travel on a budget, use Skyscanner to compare flight prices and Trivago for hotel prices. Try buying flights and hotels several months in advance to get the best price possible. While it is possible to score some last-minute deals, it usually isn’t worth the risk as you never know what price it’ll be one, two or three weeks before your departure. Here’s a tip that has helped me save money on hotels: book a property with free cancelation up to 24 hours in advance. If you see another cheaper deal on Hotels.com, Booking.com or whatever other site you’re using, cancel your original booking and snap up the deal at the other property.
2. Stock a Travelling Capsule Wardrobe
Another one of my favorite tips to save money on travel in the long run: stock a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe! A capsule wardrobe is a set of core clothing items and shoes that are high-quality, can be mixed and matched with other outfits, are neutral colors and can be used in a variety of seasons and for different occasions. Travel capsule wardrobes are just that: specific pieces that can be taken with you on your travels. Good items for a travel capsule wardrobe are:
- Compact and easy to pack in a small suitcase or backpack
- Suited to a variety of climates – warm, cold, humid, dry
- Resistant to heat and water
- Used for a variety of occasions – for example, choosing a neutral tank top and wearing it to both a walking tour and to dinner
3. Rent Accommodation with a Kitchen
Stay in an AirBnB or hostel with a kitchen that’s equipped with a fridge, freezer, stove or hot plate and is stocked with plates, cups and utensils. Opting to cook your own meals can save you $20-40 a day just on food expenses! Of course, when you’re traveling, be sure to still enjoy some local cuisine. You didn’t come all the way to India just to eat ramen in your hostel kitchen when there’s an array of dosas, samosas and medu vada to try!
One tip I suggest that’s saved me hundreds of dollars during my travels: choose one meal per day where you’ll go out and cook the other two meals at your accomodation. Personally, I like to go out for lunch as it’s generally cheaper than going out for dinner. The food is just as delicious as well!
Cut costs even further by stocking up on healthy, filling snacks to take with you when you’re out exploring for the day. While there’s a time and place to snack on jalepis and samosas, packing nuts and trail mix will keep you fuller faster and give you energy throughout you day!
4. Opt for Hostels Instead of Hotels
Hostels are the best way to save on accomodation during your travels. Alternatively, look into guest houses, another great way to travel on a budget in India. Ideally, you’ll want to find hostels with a shared room as they’re the cheapest. However, if you can’t fathom staying in a room with other people, pay a little more for a private room. You’ll still save more money than staying in a hotel. Additionally, you’ll wake up energized due to a night of quiet rest without being woken up by a traveler packing up to go to the airport at 3am (speaking from personal experience here!).
5. Undertake Short Term or Long Term Housesitting
Want a nice place and are willing to do a little work for it? Consider short term or long term house sitting. You’ll take care of someone’s property for an agreed-upon period of time and will be required to complete one or more tasks. These duties may include anything from walking pets and changing cat litter to watering plants and checking the mail. Even if homeowners and renters don’t have a pet or a garden to tend to, they enjoy having peace of mind that their property is secur from potential theft. Get started by signing up for an account on Trusted Housesitters. If you’re new to housesitting, watch a friend’s property and ask them to write a positive review for you.
6. Take Local Transportation – Make the Cheapest Places to Travel in India Even Cheaper
Keep travelling costs to India low by opting for local transport such as tuk-tuks and trains over planes and taxis. While it’s often necessary to take planes to travel long distances, India has a fantastic rail network. If you have the time to travel slow, cut costs down by 50% or more simply by opting for a train ticket!
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 attractions 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.
