Posted 7 October 2022 in Travel wanderlust

Twenty budget-friendly places in India will not let you burn a hole in your pocket

Do you often imagine yourself enjoying your jawani in Manali or partying in Goa's pubs but then wake up to realise that those fantasies were just dreams? We all know the answer since almost all of us have experienced this in some capacity. Honestly, who among us doesn't want to travel and kiss their worries away? We all do! However, the idea of emptying our wallets is often what we're afraid of. If this is the case with you too, then fret not as India is equally blessed with a number of budget destinations that lets you live your travel dreams without burning a hole in your pocket.

For all the college students who crave to enjoy a memorable trip with their crazy friends or even those budget travellers who wish to travel with limited money in their bank account, this list is for you. As we have scored down the most pocket-friendly destinations for all of you. From Kanyakumari in the South to Amritsar in the North, there is no dearth of places to visit in India if you are into budget travelling. So, without giving any second thoughts, go through our list and fulfil all your travel dreams even when there are just thousands in your pocket.

Twenty Places for budget travel within India

Are you jealous of your friends posting their travel pictures on social media? What’s stopping you, limited money? No worries, we are here to help you with that too as all the below-mentioned destinations are not only scintillating but are extremely budget-friendly too.

So, here is a list that will help all our budget travellers in the best possible way:

1. Kasol

Tucked away on the banks of the Parvati river, Kasol is extremely popular amongst trekkers and nature lovers. Offering a plethora of options to trekkers such as Kheerganga trek, Parvati Pass Trek, Malana trek, etc, Kasol is surely the place to be if you are into trekking. It is fondly called the “Amsterdam of India” and is replete with immense natural beauty. The food, the hotels, the camp stays everything here is damn cheap to make your trip to Kasol a budget-friendly affair.

Nearest airport: Kullu Manali Airport
Best time to visit: March-June and September-November

2. Itanagar

Nestled in Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is a North Eastern delight for all holidaymakers. The pleasurable weather, incredible scenic vistas, welcoming locals, everything will make you fall in love with this place. Dotted with meandering rivers and green environs, Itanagar is a good choice to seek solace in the laps of nature. So, get a chance to relax at the Ganga Lake, explore handicrafts at Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum or simply offer prayer at the ancient monasteries in Itanagar.

Nearest airport: Lilabari Airport
Best time to visit: October-April

3. Rishikesh

Admit it, Rishikesh is always the first destination that pops in your mind when looking for a budget-travelling. Yes, no? Renowned as the ‘Yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is the hub of holy ghats, ancient temples, and above all adventure activities. From experiencing the thrill of river rafting in the meandering river Ganga to soaking in the ethereal beauty of hypnotising tops while you perform Bungee Jumping here, Rishikesh is surely the place to embrace challenges with open arms. Not to miss out is the chance to camp under a starlit sky that too at rock bottom prices.

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Best time to visit: September-March

4. Agra

Are you one of those who have heard enough about the inexplicable beauty of Agra, but the stringent budget has always hindered an Agra trip that you have always craved? If so, then we assure you that Agra is yet another budget-friendly destination where you can fulfil all your travel memories without thinking much about the money. Blessed with one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra also has many other places to explore such as Agra Fort, Mehtabh Bagh and more.

Nearest airport: Agra Airport
Best time to visit: October-February

5. Gokarna

Gokarna is an offbeat destination in Karnataka jotted with numerous pristine beaches such that it is often popular as mini Goa. This beachy destination is suitable for both luxury and budget travelling as it has different things to cater to the needs of its travellers. Some of the places that you must visit in Gokarna are Om Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Paradise Beach and Koti Tirtha Temple. If this doesn’t satisfy the wanderlust in you, then enjoy the thrill of water activities at the famous beaches.

Nearest airport: Dabolim Airport
Best time to visit: October-February

6. Varanasi

A cultural and spiritual hotspot, Varanasi or Banaras can prove to be an apt pick if you are looking for an affordable yet memorable trip. Situated on the banks of river Ganga, Varanasi is crowded with Hindu pilgrims from all over the country. So, go travel to the holy ghats of Varanasi and wash away all your sins. Offer prayers and seek blessings at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankatha Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and the list goes on and on. Do to escape from here without relishing Banarasi paan and Banarasi thandai that comes at the cost of almost nothing.

Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
Best time to visit: November-February

7. Chakrata

This lesser-known and isolated destination nestled in Uttarakhand is a must-visit if you wish to stay away from the frenzied crowd. This hill retreat is ideal for all those who do not wish to spend a lot but want to collect travel memories at the same time. If you are thinking that this quaint hamlet does not have a lot in store, then you are wrong. From trekking to the Tiger Falls, admiring the charm of Kimona Falls to exploring the Budher caves, there’s so much you can do in Chakrata that you will want to extend your holiday.

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Best time to visit: April-June

8. Alleppey

Amidst the backwaters of Kerala resides a mesmerising destination, Alleppey. Often called the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey is the place where you can spot a number of sun-kissed beaches, ancient temples and can even be a part of delightful boat races. It happens to be one of those destinations in India that is great for budget trips. So, head for a trip to Alleppey and do not miss to relish the delicious seafoods that are an absolute delight and are pocket-friendly at the same time.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport
Best time to visit: November-February

9. Pushkar

One of the cheapest tourist places in India, Pushkar is home to the only Brahma temple in the world. Accommodating pilgrims at the most affordable rates, Pushkar welcomes all kinds of tourists to be a part of its culturally vibrant atmosphere. In addition to the famous temples such as Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple, etc Pushkar also proudly hosts the annual camel fair. So, if you wish for a memorable trip to Pushkar, then consider travelling during the vibrant Camel Fair.

Nearest airport: Jaipur Airport
Best time to visit: November-March

10. Darjeeling

What is better than a budget-friendly trip to the ‘Queen of Himalayas’, Darjeeling. Nothing can beat the charm of Darjeeling which is decorated with verdant tea gardens, lofty hills, misty clouds, and green environs. Once here, sip the aromatic and scrumptious Darjeeling tea or wake up early to catch alluring views of the rising sun from the Tiger Hills. The glimpse of mighty Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak from here, is no less than a surreal experience for the tourists.

Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport
Best time to visit: April-June

11. Kanyakumari

The land of three seas or India’s southernmost tip, Kanyakumari never fails to catch the attention of tourists who are into budget travelling. Snuggled amidst lofty mountains and vibrant seashores, exploring Kanyakumari is no less than a means of aesthetic appeal. The tall coconut trees, paddy fields, undulating valleys and green environs together elevates the charm of Kanyakumari. Thirparappu Falls, Kanyakumari Beach, Vivekananda Rock Memorial are out of the most visited places in Kanyakumari.

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Best time to visit: October-March

12. Khajuraho

If gathering insights about history and art is your idea of travelling, then Khajuraho is the place to be at. The place is famous all over the world for housing temples that are adorned with erotic rock carvings. These temples are so significant that they have already gained a place amongst the UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites. So, quench your thirst for historical insights with a short visit to Khajuraho.

Nearest airport: Khajuraho International Airport
Best time to visit: October-February

13. Jaipur

Who has not heard about the glory and aura that surrounds the ‘Pink City’? All of us have, but many of us have not got the chance to explore its beauty. If you are one of them, then what is stopping you, budget? Fret not, Jaipur is not the destination where you will have to empty your pockets. Now that you know, plan a memorable getaway to the walled city and discover the royal vibes at the City Palace, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal and of course also indulge in a gastronomical adventure by relishing the street food of Rajasthan.

Nearest airport: Jaipur Airport
Best time to visit: November-February

14. Lonavala

Yet another destination that is affordable and worth witnessing is Lonavala or the ‘jewel of Sahyadris’. This hill station is popular amongst the Mumbaikars and is jotted with a number of cascading waterfalls, misty hills and alluring lakes, all of which together promise one of the most memorable holidays. Along with these the Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Rajmachi Fort are other sightseeing spots in Lonavala.

Nearest airport: Lohegaon Airport
Best time to visit: All year round

15. Amritsar

Just a mention of Amritsar will paint a picture of the astounding Golden Temple in your mind. Every day a number of pilgrims visit Golden Temple to bow down in respect and delight over the finger-licking kada prashad and langar. If you think Amritsar is just about the Golden Temple, then it would be an understatement. Wagah Border, Jallianwala Bagh Park, and Partition Museum are some of the other places to visit in Amritsar. So, kiss away all your worries about the budget as you just need to pay a nominal amount for a stay at Gurudwara.

Nearest airport: Amritsar Airport
Best time to visit: October-March

16. Pondicherry

Say Pondicherry and you start thinking of French-style buildings. So, why even consider visiting France when Pondicherry is the place to get a French flair. The cobblestoned street, alluring beaches, clear blue sky, all together contributes to the charm of Pondicherry. Enjoy a spectacular sunrise at Promenade Beach, witness bird watching at Ousteri Lake, or find inner peace at Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport
Best time to visit: October-February

17. Kodaikanal

The princess of hill station, Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is a perfect choice for travellers in India. This lovely and charming hill station is adorned with alluring lakes, rolling hills, spectacular pine trees, and the cherry on the cake is that it has a very pleasing climate. Unlike the hyped hill stations of India, Kodaikanal has a number of pocket-friendly hotels and restaurants for tourists to have a budget-friendly trip.

Nearest airport: Madurai Airport
Best time to visit: October-March

18. Hampi

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Then, Hampi, the city of ruins, can be the perfect pick. Hampi is also a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage site where the ruins speak a lot of the bygone era. Surrounded by verdant valleys and rolling hills, Hampi offers the perfect setting for you to click innumerable pictures in your camera lens. The key tourist attractions in Hampi include Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, Nandi Statue and Vithala Temple.

Nearest airport: Bellary Airport
Best time to visit: October-March

19. Jaisalmer

The golden city tucked away in the heart of the Thar desert is a must-visit place if you wish to witness the Rajasthani culture from close. With plenty of affordable hotels, Jaisalmer is sure to assure you of an economical vacay. So, without thinking much, plan a getaway to Jaisalmer and admire the ethereal beauty of Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temples, Longewala War Memorial and do not head back without enjoying a delightful camel safari. Just what an avid traveller seeks!

Nearest airport: Jodhpur Airport
Best time to visit: November-February

20. Mcleodganj

Fondly called the “Little Lhasa'’, Mcleodganj is quite popular among frequent trekkers. The place has a display of British and Tibetan influences and also lets you offer scenic vistas of nature and snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges at a very nominal price. Unlike any other destination, this place has so many ancient monasteries that the place looks no less than a dream destination.

Nearest airport: Gaggal Airport
Best time to visit: All year round

So, plan a trip to these astounding destinations even on a shoestring budget and collect some everlasting memories. We assure you that you will not regret spending a single penny once you are here at these destinations.