India is a country that has diversity in every aspect, like culture, traditions, and history. India has so many budget friendly destinations to travel that tourists often face problems finding the right destinations that are suitable to both their budget and interests. There are many ways to explore budget travel destinations, from hiking to surfing, and from being a passenger in local buses to sitting in a train.
One of the best ways to be cost-effective when traveling in India is to follow the basics. Try to have meals at local food stalls, stay in budget-friendly hotels, walk as much as you can to explore more, and use public transport. By following these things, you can save money while still exploring all that India has to offer.
If you’re looking for some budget travel destinations in India, here is the list:-
1. Agra
2. Varanasi
3. McLeod Ganj
4. Rishikesh
5. Jaipur
6. Goa
7. Darjeeling
8. Vizag
9. Nainital
10. Kanyakumari
1. Agra
Agra is one of the most famous travel destinations in the nation. The city is home to one of the seven wonders of the world and the most iconic tourist places in the world, like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. If you are a shopaholic, then Agra is the best place for you. It has a wide variety of handicrafts.
Agra is an amazing city to visit. Agra has beautiful architecture and rich history, making it a must-visit place for any tourist.
2. Varanasi
Varanasi, whose other names are Banaras or Kashi, is believed to be one of the sacred cities in India. It is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, and Varanasi has different types of Hindu temples. Devotees come to Varanasi to bathe in the holy water of the Ganga and to do funeral rites.
Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities in Hindu scripture, and it’s one of the most prestigious places in India for worshippers and tourists alike. If people are into traditional silk sarees or clothes, then they must visit Varanasi because they have a vibrant traditional silk weaving industry.
3. McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj is an outlying place of Dharamsala in India and is famous as the “home of the Dalai Lama.” It is a popular tourist destination, and it’s famous for its Tibetan history, temples, and monasteries. Sometimes, it can be costly to stay in McLeod Ganj, but there are many affordable things to do and explore in this region.
One of the best ways to be cost-effective while in McLeod Ganj is to stay in a homestay or guest house. There are various guest houses and homestays in this region, and many provide special offers if you want to stay for a long time. Guest houses and homestays typically include two or three meals, like breakfast and dinner, which makes your trip affordable. There are also many food stalls that provide cheap meals.
4. Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the “yoga capital of the world,” is a peaceful town in the foothills of the Himalayas that is mostly captured by temples, ashrams, and yoga retreats. It’s also a famous place for whitewater rafting and hiking.
Rishikesh will offer you several affordable restaurants, hotels, and homestays. There are uncountable affordable homestays in Rishikesh that serve local dishes like dal bhat (a lentil dish eaten with rice) and chai (tea). Local food stalls are one of the best options for affordable and delicious food, and you can see multiple food stalls around the place. Local buses and shared autorickshaws are the cheapest ways to explore Rishikesh.
5. Jaipur
Jaipur is a must-visit destination in India, also known as Pink City. It is visited by about 80 lakh people each year. Jaipur is known for its architecture, forts, and temples. The only city that suits every kind of traveler and is also affordable. There are various prestigious forts and palaces to stay in, and on the other hand, there are many cost-effective hotels and restaurants in the pink city too.
Tourists can easily roam around the city, and almost every tourist destination is situated very closely. Some of the best tourist attractions in Jaipur are Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory, and the Hawa Mahal.
6. Goa
Goa is one of the most popular places among the youth of India. This state is located on the Konkan Coast, which is famous for its sea, beaches, culture, churches, and temples. Goa is also a popular destination for water activities. It is the best place to party with your friends and enjoy nightlife.
There are many budget-friendly things to do in Goa. One way is to choose affordable hotels or guesthouses. One more option is to cook your own meal in order to save money. There are many cost-effective restaurants in Goa that serve tasty local cuisine too.
7. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is one of the most peaceful hill stations in India. People come here to see the tea plantations, Buddhist monasteries, and beautiful scenery of the Himalayas. It is a great spot to explore during a vacation. There are several ways to travel in Darjeeling on a budget.
If you plan your Darjeeling trip a few months or weeks before, then it is one of the best ways to save money. Booking your flight and hotel room in advance can offer you many discounts. You can prefer affordable hotels over 7-star hotels to be within your budget. You can find thousands of affordable or cheap options in Darjeeling.
8. Vizag
If someone wants to escape from their city life, which is very busy and bustling, then Vizag is a great destination for them. This port city located on the eastern coast of India is famous for its attractive beaches, peaceful temples, and yummy local cuisine and seafood.
If you ever visit Vizag, then there are multiple activities to do, no matter what your interests are. If you’re a nature lover and like to stay outdoors, there are sufficient parks and gardens to see, like the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary and the Rushikonda Hills.
9. Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the Kumaon Hills of the Himalayas. Indians often visit Nanital when they’re low on budget but still want to visit something amazing. There are plenty of activities to do in Nainital that are not expensive.
Some of the best budget-friendly activities in Nainital are taking a stroll around the lakes, hiking, exploring the zoo, and visiting the local market or bazaar. Naini Lake is the most famous place in Nainital and is an amazing place to take a walk or go for a boat ride. The peak points, like Tiffin Top and Snow View, have amazing views of the town and the surrounding mountains. The Nainital Zoo provides shelter to multiple animals, including tigers, lions, and bears. The bazaar is a great spot to see the local culture and purchase souvenirs.
10. Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is the last spot in India because it is the southernmost tip of India. It is very popular among tourists because it is a budget-friendly place. Kanyakumari has several spots to explore, including the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Kanyakumari Temple, and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
For starters, there are a number of affordable hotels available, such as guesthouses and hostels. Food is also cheap here, with a number of restaurants serving local dishes at affordable prices. Moreover, there are a number of free destinations, such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Kanyakumari Temple, and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
