Copy Link
Have itchy feet but wondering how to plan a low-budget trip in India? Fret not! Whether it is an escape to the mountains or a family reboot trip to the beach, there are plenty of cheap places to visit in India. Easy to plan and even easier to execute, budget travel in India is a convenient way to witness the country’s diverse beauty. Here are seven of the cheapest places to travel in India that offer a memorable experience without breaking the bank:
1. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
A low-budget tourist place in India, Pondicherry, also known as the French Riviera of the East, was a former French colony. Now a cosy township, Pondicherry offers vacationers a peek into its breathtaking colonial architecture, calming beaches, relaxing bohemian cafes, and rejuvenating meditation sessions at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. A great budget place to visit in India, Pondicherry has plenty of affordable resorts and cheap eateries for travellers with limited resources.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to Do
- Visit Paradise and Half Moon Beach
- Meditate at Auroville
- Stroll along cobbled streets laden with beautiful bougainvillaeas
- Devour delicious cuisine at local cafes
How to Reach
By Air: Chennai International Airport, 144 km from Pondicherry
By Train: Puducherry Railway Station is easily accessible from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other South Indian cities.
By Road: Pondicherry is well-connected to all major cities by road. The East Coast Road (ECR) connects Chennai to Pondicherry via a scenic three-hour drive.
Average Cost: INR 1,000 per day
2. Pushkar, Rajasthan
One of the best budget-friendly places to visit in India, Pushkar in Rajasthan is a famous pilgrimage city that is home to the world-renowned Jagatpita Brahma Mandir. A beautifully calm place to visit in India with family on a low budget, Pushkar is also known for its yearly Pushkar Mela or Camel fair taking place in November every year.
Best time to visit: September to March
Things to Do
- Take a dip at the Pushkar Lake
- Offer prayers at the Varaha and Brahma Temple
- Shop for traditional handicrafts at the local market
- Enjoy the locals favourite food, dal bati churma with lassi
- Hop on a hot air balloon to get a bird’s eye view of the city
How to reach
By Air: Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, 151 km from Pushkar
By Train: Ajmer Railway Station is the nearest stop, just 14 km from Pushkar. The station is well-connected to Pushkar via local buses and taxis.
By Road: Pushkar has access to most major cities by road.
Average cost: INR 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per day
3. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
A cheap holiday destination in India, Kodaikanal is a popular budget spot among honeymooners. This beautiful lakeside town, also known as the Princess of Hill Stations, is one of the cheapest and best places to visit in India. Blessed with mystical beauty, Kodaikanal is perched amidst the lush slopes of Palani Hills at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level. With plenty of affordable resorts and free activities to indulge in, Kodaikanal is an off-beat yet cheap travel destination in India.
Best time to visit: October to June
Things to Do
- Boating at the Kodai Lake
- Cycling through the towering pine forest
- A day trip to the Bear Shola Falls and Pillar Rocks
- Trek up to a nearby hill to witness the Milky Way Galaxy at night
How to reach
By Air: Airports of Madurai (120), Trichy (150 km), and Coimbatore (175 km) are easy options.
By Train: Kodaikanal Road Railway Station is situated 79 km from the resort town.
By Road: Government and private bus services link Kodaikanal to Chennai and other cities in Tamil Nadu.
Average cost: INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 per day
4. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Steeped in jaw-dropping beauty, Darjeeling is a cheap tourist place in India. One of the most sought-after hill stations in the country, Darjeeling is nestled at 2050 m above sea level and boasts of a romantic climate all year long. A holiday in the lap of nature, Darjeeling welcomes visitors with a cup of hot brewed tea freshly plucked from the hills, as you sit back and watch the sunrise from behind the mighty Tiger Hills.
Best time to visit: February to October
Things to do
- Enjoy a cup of fresh Darjeeling tea
- Hop on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to witness lush green estates on either side
- Catch a sunrise from atop Tiger Hill
- Get a bird's eye view of the hill station from the Darjeeling ropeway
How to reach
By Air: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri. You can take a taxi from Bagdogra to Darjeeling, which is at a distance of 70kms.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station to Darjeeling.
By Road: State bus services run regularly from Siliguri to Darjeeling.
Average cost: INR 1,000 to INR 1,500 per day
5. Gokarna, Karnataka
The land of palm trees and blue seas, Gokarna is one of the cheapest places in India for a quick getaway from the city. Offering solace amidst pristine beaches, planning budget-friendly trips in India is easy with places like Gokarna.
Best time to visit: September to March
Things to Do
- Spend a day snorkelling at Kudle Beach
- Offer prayers at the Mahabaleshwara Temple
- Soak your feet in the golden sand at Half Moon Beach
- Relish local seafood dishes
How to reach
By Air: Dabolim Airport in Goa is the closest airport to Gokarna, 140 km away. You can take a taxi from there.
By Train: Ankola Railway Station is the nearest railway station, just 20 km from Gokarna.
By Road: Gokarna is well-connected by road to all major cities in Karnataka. National Highway 17 connects Mumbai to Kochi.
Average cost: INR 800 to INR 1,300 per day
6. Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, the capital city of Itanagar is steeped in scenic beauty, humble Buddhist culture, and lip-smacking cuisine. One of the cheapest places to travel in India, Itanagar’s pleasant climate and verdant vistas make it a steal deal!
Best time to visit: October to April
Things to Do
- Check out Ita Fort
- Visit Gekker Sinying is also known as Ganga Lake, and Indira Gandhi Park
- Offer prayers at the Theravada Buddhist temple
How to reach
By Air: Lilabari Airport, North Lakhimpur
By Train: Harmuti Railway Station, 23 kms from the city
By Road: Travel by bus from Jorhat (319kms), Dibrugarh (197kms), or Lakhimpur(62kms)
Average cost: INR 2,000 to INR 2,500 per day
7. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
Fondly known as Little Lhasa, McLeodganj is a popular budget travel destination among adventure enthusiasts. A quaint hill station and home to a majority of Tibetians and Buddhists, the area gives off a peaceful spiritual vibe.
Best time to visit: October to February
Things to do
- Try the Triund Trek
- Head to Naddi View Point for a spectacular sight of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range
- Visit Buddhist temples and local bazaars
How to reach
By Air: Gaggal Airport
By Train: Kangra Mandir Railway Station
Average cost: INR 700 to INR 1,500 per day
Planning budget trips in India is easier than you think. A holiday at any of these seven cheapest places in India ensures you have a great time without straining your pocket. Plan your vacation to any of these cheap travel destinations and make memories for a lifetime.
Photo: Shutterstock