Are your feet itching to get away from the mundane routine at home and trek to a beautiful valley in the heart of the Himalayas? Or, do you need some vitamin ‘sea’ to sail through the hectic work week ahead? You do not have to plan much in advance or spend a lot of money to gift yourself and your family a quick break to reboot. There are many easy-to-access, cheap places to visit in India that offer as memorable a trip as an exotic destination. Here’s our list of 25 budget-friendly destinations to take off to without worrying about your bank balance:
Cheap Places to Visit in India:
1. Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry)
#1 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
A slice of France in Indian heartland, Puducherry is all about pristine beaches, cobblestoned streets dotted with colonial buildings and relaxing cafes offering some of the best French food in India. Puducherry has a lot to offer to peace and tranquillity seekers as well. Long walks along the Bay of Bengal, yoga and meditation sessions at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, or a short visit to Auroville—the choice is yours.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Chennai International Airport (144 km) is closest.
- By Train: Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other important South Indian cities may easily access Puducherry Railway Station.
- By Road: Roads link Puducherry to all major cities. Chennai-Puducherry is a three-hour picturesque journey on East Coast Road (ECR).
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000/day approx.
2. Pushkar
#2 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Pushkar, a hippy haven in Rajasthan, is a sacred site. Pushkar Lake is a Hindu pilgrimage place with around 52 bathing ghats. Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is the town’s most famous temple. In November, Pushkar hosts the Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar ka Mela. If you’re not a religious traveler, visit the laid-back town to quiet down your frantic life for a few days. Pushkar’s tiny streets are lined with cheap, spiritually oriented cafés and eateries. Pushkar is one of the greatest rejuvenation spots. cheapest tourist places in India .
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Sanganer Airport in Jaipur (151 km) is closest.
- By Train: Ajmer Railway Station (14 km) is the closest. Ajmer-Pushkar buses and cabs are frequent.
- By Road: Roads link Pushkar to most important cities.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx.
3. Kodaikanal
#3 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Kodaikanal is recognized as the Princess of Hill Stations. This charming hill resort in Tamil Nadu is known for its lakes, hikes, rolling hills, pine trees, and great weather. Even during high season, Ooty is not overrun with tourists. Kodaikanal delivers the greatest lifelong experiences without breaking the bank. Boat on the lake, cycle around it, or go to the neighboring hilltop at night to see the Milky Way.
- Best time to visit – October to July
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Madurai (120), Trichy (150), or Coimbatore (175).
- By Train: Kodaikanal Road Railway Station (79 km) connects Dindigul and Madurai towns. Taxis are available.
- By Road: Chennai, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Madurai, and other Tamil Nadu cities have frequent bus services to Kodaikanal.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500-Rs 2000/day approx
4. Darjeeling
#4 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Darjeeling’s gorgeous tea plantations and mesmerizing settings in East India’s highlands are only a mention away. One of the cheapest places to visit in India Darjeeling gives you nature-filled recollections. Seeing the dawn over Tiger Hills while sipping Darjeeling tea in the fresh mountain air is unbeatable. Take the famed toy train from New Jalpaiguri railway station in West Bengal to Darjeeling via Siliguri, Kurseong, and Ghum. since 1881. The 80-km toy train excursion includes 500 bridges, undulating plains, and lovely green valleys.
- Best time to visit – April to June and October to January
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Bagdogra, 12 km from Siliguri, is Darjeeling’s closest airport (70 km). Not a significant airport, you may need to go to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport before flying to Bagdogra. Bagdogra-Darjeeling taxis are available.
- By Train: New Jalpaiguri links the city to all major Indian cities. Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and others have several trains to New Jalpaiguri.
- By Road: Siliguri-Darjeeling buses run often. Regular buses travel from Siliguri’s Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminus. Share a jeep. Faster than a bus, it costs twice as much.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
5. Gokarna
#5 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
If beach means bliss to you, then Gokarna is the place to be. A small beach town in Karnataka, Gokarna offers respite from the maddening rush of Goa while letting you unwind and relax by the beautiful blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Gokarna’s stunning beaches such as Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Nirvana Beach and Paradise Beach offer surreal to sacred experiences to the visitors. For water sports enthusiasts, Gokarna offers a wide range of interesting activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, banana boat rides and more. Known for its various temples and shrines, one of the cheap places to visit in India , Gokarna also attracts many spiritual and religious visitors throughout the year. While here, do visit one of the oldest Shiva temples in the country—Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple. Made of granite, the 4th-century temple is a classic example of Dravidian architecture, making the visit worth it even for a non-religious traveller.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Take a cab from Dabolim Airport in Goa (140 km) to Gokarna.
- By Train: Ankola Railway Station, 20 kilometers from Gokarna, connects to Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.
- By Road: Roads link Gokarna to most Karnataka cities. National Highway 17, which links Mumbai to Kochi, provides easy access.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1300/day approx
6. Udaipur
#6 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Nestled in the green hills of the Aravalli range, Udaipur is known for its sprawling lakes and fairy-tale palaces. The stunning Lake Pichola, in the heart of the city, is the crowning glory of Udaipur. Spread across four kilometres, Lake Pichola is an artificial lake built in the 14th century to offer some respite to the arid region. However, the clear azure blue water of the lake, with the enigmatic Aravali Hills in the backdrop makes a perfect picture for the visitors. For architecture and history buffs, a trip to Udaipur is incomplete without exploring many royal palaces in the city. The most famous of them all is the City Palace, a beauty made of marble and granite. Overlooking Lake Pichola, the palace boasts of a seamless fusion of European and Chinese architectural styles. Every element in the palace architecture—be it the main entrance called Hathi Pol (or the Elephant Gate) or the spectacular Moti Mahal situated inside the palace—has a story to tell. And guess what, you do not have to spend thousands to feel like a royal in this royal city.
- Best time to visit – September to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport is 20 miles distant.
- By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station connects most North Indian cities.
- By Road: Udaipur, a prominent city in Rajasthan, is well connected. RSRTC buses go through Udaipur regularly.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500-Rs 2000/day approx
7. Itanagar
#7 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Itanagar is famous for its scenic beauty, Buddhist culture, unique heritage and delicious Arunachalese cuisine. The unexplored terrains of North-east India offer a perfect getaway from all things familiar. As you soak in the charm of the dawn-lit mountains, do not forget to explore the local culture and cuisine—both of which are bound to leave you asking for more. Arunachal Pradesh’s wilderness is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including more than 500 varieties of orchid and the stunning great Indian Hornbill, which is also the state bird. If you plan to visit Itanagar between September and December, you may want to include the famous annual cultural extravaganza, Ziro Festival of Music, in your itinerary.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The closest airport is Lilabari Airport in North Lakhimpur, 57 kilometres distant.
- By Train: Harrmoty Railway Station (23 km) is nearest.
- By Road: Buses go from Lakhimpur (62km), Dibrugarh (197km), and Guwahati (324km).
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 2000-Rs 2500/day approx
8. Varanasi
#8 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Varanasi, Benaras or simply Kashi—there are many names to this ultimate destination for devout Hindus. Pilgrims throng Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, to wash away their sins in the sacred waters of the Ganges, pay respects to God at on one of the many ghats in the city, cremate their loved ones and immerse ashes in the Ganges, or just to die here, hoping to attain Nirvana—liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Set deep in spiritualism and mysticism, Varanasi embraces intimate rituals of life and death in its true form. One of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, Varanasi has remained a centre of religious, educational and artistic activities through centuries. Varanasi is not just one of the cheapest places to travel in India but also a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Varanasi shows you a time-frozen world, religious or not.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Varanasi Airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri, located 24 kilometers from the city center.
- By Train: Varanasi has two important railheads: Varanasi Railway Junction and Kashi Railway Station. Both railway stations are well-connected to other Indian cities.
- By Road: Varanasi has road links to Allahabad, Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 500-Rs 1000/day approx
9. McLeod Ganj
#9 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Also known as Little Lhasa, McLeod Ganj’s popularity among tourists is skyrocketing with every passing year. Located around five kilometres from the popular hill station of Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj reflects the life and culture of Tibetans who moved here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. The exiled government of Tibet and spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama are based in this quaint little town in the lap of the Himalayas. A trip to McLeod Ganj is unlike any other visit to an Indian hill station. This spiritual getaway and pilgrimage for the Buddhists, McLeod Ganj is known for its picturesque hills and valleys and serves as the base camp for one of the most beautiful and exciting treks in India—the Triund Trek that passes through stunning deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Heaven for trek lovers, McLeod Ganj offers exciting experiences to art, culture and food lovers. Be it hotels in McLeod Ganj or the food, nothing is too expensive here, especially when you know that the Tibetan experience here could be surpassed only by Tibet itself.
- Best time to visit – September to June
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Kangra Airport (18 km) is closest. This airport has few flights. The second-closest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (495 km).
- By Train: Pathankot Railway Station (90 km) is closest. Pathankot has train links to Delhi and Jammu.
- By Road: Regular buses link McLeod Ganj to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1500/day approx
10. Kasol
#10 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Kasol, a Himachal Pradesh village in the Parvati Valley, is about reconnecting with nature. Famous for thrilling hikes and delicious meals. Kasol provides treks to Kheer Ganga, Parvati Pass, Malana, Tosh, and more. Walking along the Parvati River offers a stunning view of Parvati Valley’s lush trees. Cannabis crops are at Tosh hamlet at the end of Parvati Valley. Thanks to Israeli tourists, the village’s modest cafés provide a variety of meals, including Israeli delicacies.
- Best time to visit – Throughout the year
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Bhuntar Airport (31 km) is the closest airport.
- By Train: Kasol has no train station. Joginder Nagar Railway Station (144km) is closest. Travel to Chandigarh Railway Station (296 miles) and take a bus or taxi to Manali or Kasol for improved rail connection.
- By Road: No buses go to Kasol. Reaching Bhuntar or Chandigarh and taking a taxi is recommended.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
11. Amritsar
#11 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Say Amritsar and all you can think of is the Golden Temple, their langar and karah prashad, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, kulchas, tall glasses of lassi and numerous dhabas that serve delish Amritsari food. As one of the cheapest tourist places in India, Amritsar is all about experiencing a regular day in the locals’ life. Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Amritsar is the centre of Sikhism in India. Saying that a visit to Amritsar is incomplete without a visit to the Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, is an understatement. A trip to the city is all about the famous temple. As you let the serenity of the temple relax your senses, do try their langar – the largest community kitchen in the world and have the ghee-laden karah prashad without a miss. Let patriotism swell in your heart at the Wagah Border. Every evening before sunset, the soldiers from India and Pakistan formally close the border for the night in a perfectly-synchronised and well-orchestrated flag-lowering ceremony. Open for all, there is no entry fee to attend the ceremony. While in Amritsar, do revisit the memory lanes of the Indian freedom struggle at Jallianwala Bagh, the site of one of the most tragic events in the history of India.
- Best time to visit – Throughout the year
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is 11 miles from downtown.
- By Train: Amritsar Railway Station connects most important Indian cities.
- By Road: Roads link Amritsar. Many Punjabi cities and towns have daily state and private bus connections to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500-Rs 2000/day approx
12. Rishikesh
#12 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Ganga Aarti, rafting, camping and yoga—these four things perfectly sum up an ideal trip to Rishikesh, the most tranquil place in northern Uttarakhand. Yoga capital of the world, a spiritual centre and preferred destination for water sports enthusiasts, Rishikesh shot to fame in the 1960s as the place where The Beatles stayed with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Surrounded by stunning hills, Rishikesh stands witness to the beauty of the Ganges as it emerges from the mountains and rushes down the valley before touching the Gangetic Plain at the pilgrimage town of Haridwar (20 km downstream). Rishikesh offers a perfect balance of spirituality and adventure to visitors. Here, you may spend your day challenging your own limits on the waters of the Ganges and feel spiritual as you behold the sight of the famous Ganga Aarti on the ghats at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in the evenings.
- Best time to visit – September to April
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (20 km) is closest.
- By Train: Rishikesh’s railway station has few trains. Haridwar (19 miles) is the closest operating railway station. Haridwar is linked to important North Indian cities.
- By Road: All major highways and routes go to Rishikesh.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1200/day approx
13. Nainital
#13 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
An ideal spot for leisure tourism, Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations in North India. Located around the beautiful lake Naini Tal, the quaint hill station is surrounded by seven hills—popularly known as Sapta-Shring—on three sides. This small hill station offers a relaxing stay with days spent undertaking treks in the vicinity, strolling through the pine, oak and deodar forests, exploring various colonial buildings and shopping on the Mall Road. Besides, Nanital is well-connected to many other lesser-known hill stations by road.
- Best time to visit – March to June and October to February
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Pantnagar’s 65-km domestic airport is nearest. Pantnagar airport has minimal commercial connection to other cities. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (290 km) is second closest.
- By Train: Kathgodham Railway Station (34 km) is closest. Kathgodham has several trains to New Delhi and other important cities.
- By Road: Most North Indian towns have good bus service to Nainital. New Delhi and Kathgodam buses travel to Nainital regularly.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
14. Kanyakumari
#14 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Though one of the cheap places to visit in India , Kanyakumari offers a rich experience like no other place in the country. The southernmost point of peninsular India, Kanyakumari is located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Also known as Cape Comorin, Kanyamukari offers the rare experience of watching the sunrise and sunset from the ocean. On full moon days, you can see the sunset and moonrise simultaneously. The multicoloured sand on the Kanyakumari beach makes the spectacle even more beautiful. Once you get over the thrill of being on the edge of a continent, explore other attractions such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial that offers the vantage view of the Land’s end. Located on one of the two rocks projecting out of the ocean, Vivekananda Rock Memorial is connected to the mainland by ferry services. The other rock serves as the base to the 133-feet-tall Thiruvalluvar Statue. The statue itself is 95-feet tall and is erected on a 38-foot pedestal. While here, do visit the famous Kanyakumari temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari, the protector of the land. The deity’s diamond nose pin is just as famous as the deity herself and is said to be visible from the sea.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (80 km) is closest.
- By Train: Kanyakumari Railway Station links Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, Mumbai, and other significant cities.
- By Road: Roads link Kanyakumari to Thiruvananthapuram (86 km), Madurai (242 km), and Rameshwaram (300 km). Kanyakumari has frequent bus connections to South Indian towns.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500-Rs 2000/day approx
15. Ooty
#15 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Also known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, Ooty lives up to its name in every way. Nestled amidst the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty boasts rolling hills, lush green valleys and stunning lakes that offer unmatched scenic beauty to its visitors. Ooty has been a popular hill station since the period of British rule. Its magnificent tea gardens and colonial bungalows continue to attract tourists from all parts of the country. Besides enjoying the beauty of nature, you must visit St. Stephen’s Church and the ancient Murugan Temple, go boating on one of the many lakes such as the Avalanche Lake, Upper Bhavani Lake and the Emerald Lake, and ride on the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005, the blue Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) toy train is a sight to behold and an experience of a lifetime.
- Best time to visit – April to June and September to November
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (87 km) is nearest.
- By Train: Mettupalyam is 40 miles away. Mettupalyam has frequent trains to Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Bengaluru, and other South Indian destinations.
- By Road: Many private and Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation buses link Ooty to major South Indian towns.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
16. Jaipur
#16 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur offers a glimpse of the Rajputana legacy and its rich heritage in all its glory. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur remains to be one of the most visited cities in the state. Globally renowned for its coloured gems, forts and palaces, Jaipur attracts visitors from all parts of the world throughout the year. Jaipur was founded by Raja Jai Singh II, in 1727, when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city. Some of the main attractions in Jaipur include the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort (on the outskirts of the city). When you are done fort and palace hopping across the city, head straight to its famous markets for some amazing Rajasthani goodies. Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar is known for shops selling precious stones, gems, semi-precious stones and hand-made jewellery. If you are eying some beautiful Jaipuri jootis then Nehru Bazaar is the place to be. For quick shoppers who choose to invest time in exploring the food and culture of the place, a visit to Bapu Bazaar would sum up all things Jaipuri.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Jaipur’s Sanganer International Airport links Pink City to Mumbai and Delhi.
- By Train: Direct trains link Jaipur Railway Station to numerous Indian cities.
- By Road: Roads link Jaipur to significant Indian cities. National Highways 8, 11, and 12 link Jaipur to other Indian cities.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500-Rs 2000/day approx
17. Hampi
#17 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Dynasty. The boulder-strewn Hampi ruins on the Tungabhadra River are a startling image of lost splendor. 1500 AD temple town ruins. Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Nandi Statue, Lotus Mahal, Sasivekalu Ganesha’s monolith, and Hampi Bazaar are Hampi’s main attractions. You may ride a bike around the temple village or walk among the ruins.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Ideal duration – 1-2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Jindal Vijaynagar Airport in Bellary (37 km) is nearest. Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (360 km) is closest.
- By Train: Hampi’s closest railway station is Hosapete (13 km).
- By Road: All major Karnataka cities and towns have bus routes to Hampi. Hampi rents two-wheelers.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1200/day approx
18. Jaisalmer
#18 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer sets the perfect stage for an Indian version of the Arabian Nights tale. Vast stretches of golden dunes and the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sonar Qila (Golden Fort), offer an experience like no other. Built with unique yellow sandstone, the Sonar Qila lights up like a great flame in the desert expanse when the glowing Thar Desert sun casts its rays upon the fort during the dawn and at the sunset. It is a sight to behold. When in Jaisalmer, visit biodiversity heritage site Akal Wood Fossil Park to learn about and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert millions of years ago. For a complete desert experience include desert safari, camel rides and a stay at a desert campsite in your itinerary. Besides enjoying traditional performances of music and dance, you must try the authentic Rajasthani food at the desert camp.
- Best time to visit – November to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport (285 km) is nearest. Jodhpur often flies to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Udaipur.
- By Train: Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur have direct trains to Jaisalmer.
- By Road: Regular buses link Jaisalmer to Jodhpur and Jaipur. There are no direct buses from New Delhi, but you may take one to Jaipur and then another to Jaisalmer.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
19. Lonavala
#19 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
A popular getaway from Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala offers one of the most beautiful retreats from the humdrum of city life. Popularly known as the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’, the hill station boasts spectacular ghat views, lush green valleys, stunning lakes, majestic waterfalls and rock-cut caves displaying ancient motifs and inscriptions. Situated on the scenic Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a drive to Lonavala through rock-cut tunnels is an experience in itself. While a trip to Lonavala is a day-long affair, including nearby attractions such as Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake, the Kune waterfall, Tikona Fort, Lohagad and Rajmachi forts to the itinerary would need a longer trip than a weekend getaway. Visit Lonavala in the monsoons to witness the wild beauty of green vegetation on the black rocks of the ghats.
- Best time to visit – October to May and June to August
- Ideal duration – 1-2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Lohegaon Airport in Pune (70 km) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (90 km) are the nearest airports.
- By Train: Lonavala Railway Station links Pune and Mumbai. Pune-Mumbai trains stop in Lonavala often.
- By Road: Lonavala is on National Highway 4 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This route has state buses, private buses, and taxis.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1200/day approx
20. Shimla
#20 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla remains to be one of the most charming hills stations in the country. Its heritage buildings and colonial structures narrate the tales of a time gone by. For the Victorian architecture lovers, Shimla’s Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre, Gorton Castle and Barnes Court offer an experience like no other. The Ridge, situated along the Mall Road, is the hub of all cultural activities in Shimla. Surrounded by cedar, rhododendron and Himalayan oak forests, Shimla is a dreamer’s paradise. Visit in the winter months to see Shimla covered in blankets of white snow. Kufri, near Shimla, is famous for its snow-skiing slopes and Jakoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, is often covered in a thin layer of snow during the peak winter months.
- Best time to visit – April–October; December–January (white winters)
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest airports are Chandigarh (122 km) and Indira Gandhi International (359 km) in New Delhi.
- By Train: Kalka Railway Station (96 km) is closest. Rail links Chandigarh and New Delhi to Kalka.
- By Road: Roads link Shimla to all major cities. Regular buses link Shimla to Chandigarh and New Delhi.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
21. Digha
#21 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Located between the East Midnapore district and the northern end of the Bay of Bengal, Digha is a famous seaside resort town in West Bengal. Digha is known for its shallow sand beach that stretches over seven kilometres. At Digha’s low-gradient beach the sea starts about a mile away from where you touch the beach offering a vast expanse of beautiful sand to relax on. The casuarina plantations along the coast add to the ethereal charm of the beach town. Originally known as Beerkul during Warren Hastings’ time, the small fishing town was discovered by the British in the late 18th century. Similar to Kanyakumari, Digha offers the surreal experience of watching sunrise and sunset over salty waters of the Bay of Bengal.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Ideal duration – One day
- How to reach –
- By Air: Kolkata Airport is 192 kilometers away. Kolkata connects most important Indian cities.
- By Train: Howrah-Digha Railway Station has three direct services. Howrah Railway Station connects major Indian cities.
- By Road: Highways link Digha to Kolkata and Howrah (168 km). Kolkata’s 180-km Dharamtala Bus Station runs buses to Digha.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1200/day approx
22. Goa
#22 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
As they say, ‘Best things come in small packages.’ Ask anyone who has visited Goa, the small state on the Western Coastal Plain, and they will confirm the beach paradise is just that. Goa, a Portugal colony in the past, is all about magnificent beaches, stunning forts, surreal churches, Portuguese architecture, relaxed life and lip-smacking seafood. Every year, throngs of people, especially youngsters, travel to Goa for a complete beach experience. Goa hosts many music festivals throughout the year and is one of the top destinations for beach party lovers. When you are not chilling on the beach or trekking to an isolated fort, visit the colonial quarters of the state for a feel of Europe in India.
- Best time to visit – October to June
- Ideal duration – 4-5 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to the Dabolim Airport in Goa. It is 31 km away from the state’s capital, Panaji.
- By Train: Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama are Goa’s principal railway stations. These railway stations link Mumbai and other significant Indian cities.
- By Road: Panaji, Goa’s capital, is well-connected by road.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1500/day approx
23. Khajuraho
#23 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Who has not heard of Khajuraho’s erotic stone carvings? But what many do not know is that these erotic sculptures account for only 10 per cent of all stunning sculptures that can be seen at Khajuraho’s three groups of temples. The ancient Khajuraho temples are celebrated as the last-surviving examples of some of the finest temple art in the world. Built with sandstone, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments comprises 85 Hindu and Jain temples of which only 20 have survived the test of time. After being neglected for centuries, the Khajuraho temples were rediscovered in the 1850s and since then, have been attracting tourists from all over the world. Located in Madhya Pradesh, tourism to Khajuraho mainly revolves around visiting the temples and exploring its sculptures making it one of the cheap holiday destinations in India .
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Khajuraho Airport is 5 kilometres from the city. Kanpur Airport (229 km) is next closest.
- By Train: Khajuraho’s modest railway station connects Jhansi (114 km) to Delhi-Chennai/Bangalore/Trivandrum. Satna is 118 miles away.
- By Road: Satna-Jhansi buses go to Khajuraho. Jhansi has no direct buses to Khajuraho, thus you must change buses in Chhatarpur. Long-distance buses link Khajuraho to numerous North Indian cities and towns, including Harpalpur, Chhatarpur, Mahoba, Sagar, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Panna, Agra, Allahabad, and Varanasi.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
24. Alleppey
#24 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
Alleppey, popularly known as ‘Venice of the East,’ tops the list of the best yet cheap places to visit in India . Alleppey, or Alappuzha, lies in the heart of Kerala’s vast network of waterways and showcases the famed Kerala backwaters in their true glory. Alleppey is also a major hub for houseboat rides and stays. Take a day off on one of the cosy yet comfortable houseboats, floating over the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, occasionally coming across a small village along the water where you can stop for a glass of toddy before resuming your journey through the mesmerising network of canals and backwaters.
- Best time to visit – September to March
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Cochin International Airport (82 km) is nearest, followed by Trivandrum International Airport (162 km).
- By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station is 4 miles from downtown. Alappuzha connects to most Indian cities.
- By Road: KSRTC buses run frequently from Alappuzha to adjacent cities.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1500/day approx
25. Wayanad
#25 of 25 Cheap Places to Visit in India
A treasure trove of ecological diversity, Wayanad is Kerala’s green paradise. Nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is popular among travellers for its untamed wilderness. Besides the untouched beauty of nature, spectacular trek routes, the vast expanse of lakes, rich history and heritage—everything adds to the Wayanad experience. While here, do a trek to Wayanad’s Chembra Peak and see the famous heart-shaped lake surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys, soak in the charm of India’s largest and Asia’s second-largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, and explore stone-age pictorial writings on the walls of Edakkal Caves.
- Best time to visit – October to May; December to February
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode (98 km) is nearest.
- By Train: Kozhikode is 85 miles away. Kozhikode has train links to Kochi, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
- By Road: KSRTC buses to adjacent cities serve Wayanad well.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
Related Questions
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Which place is cheapest in India?
Thiruvananthapuram is India’s least expensive city. The inexpensive cost of living in Kerala’s capital makes it ideal for retirees. It’s ideal for job seekers due to its IT cluster.
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Which is cheapest travel in India?
Best Budget Travel Destinations in India
- Goa.
- Kanyakumari.
- Rishikesh, India.
- Hampi, Karnataka.
- Pondicherry.
- Khajuraho temple.
- Jaisalmer.
- Wayanad, Kerala.
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What are the 10 most affordable trips in India?
Budget Trips in India
Goa, Rishikesh, Alleppey, Jaipur, Meghalaya, Udaipur, Darjeeling, Pondicherry, Kasol, Pushkar, Nainital, Jaisalmer, Itanagar, Kanyakumari, Ooty, Mcleodganj, Gokarna, Lonavala, Kodaikanal, Khajuraho. -
What is a best place for 3 days trip in India?
Best Places For 3 days trip in India
- Goa.
- Ooty.
- Pondicherry.
- Murudeshwar.
- Kanyakumari.
- Mahabaleshwar.
- Gokarna.
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Which city is cheapest?
The cheapest cities in the world 2020.
- Almaty, Kazakhstan.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Karachi, Pakistan.
- Caracas, Venezuela.
- Lusaka, Zambia.
- Chennai, India.
- Bangalore, India.
- New Delhi, India.
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Which city is costly in India?
Mumbai
Mercer’s 2022 Cost of Living report ranks Mumbai as India’s most costly city.
