To not travel is to confine and, to travel is to liberate your soul. Travel and inspirational experiences strut together and give you a glimpse of the vast world awaiting your presence. We get the fuss entailing travel itineraries and the unending costs of stays, food, and transport. Sweat not! As we have compiled a list of 15 budget-friendly places to visit in India to satiate your inner wanderlust soul!

Pushkar – The City of Redemption

Pushkar that means a lotus is the apt reflection of its essence. Though it is on the edge of the Thar Desert and covered with dunes, Pushkar has a shimmering lake with numerous temples seated around its bank. Located in Rajasthan, the city is a sacred and divine site for Hindus. Pushkar is known for its vibrancy in culture, temples, bazaars, 52 ghats, and festivals. One of the cheap places to visit in India when you are in need of a short getaway!

Pushkar has a rich religious history that attracts hundreds of international as well as national tourists due to its economic stays, affordable food, and an array of adventure activities.

Best time to visit Pushkar: November to March

Accommodation Cost: INR 500/- to INR 1500/- per day

Top Things to do in Pushkar:

• Enjoy Pushkar Lake
• Pray at Varsha Temple
• Visit Gayatri Mata Mandir
• Chant at the Brahama Temple
• Camping
• Paintball fights
• Food-walk tour

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Jaisalmer – The Golden City

Jaisalmer must be your go-to vacation destination when your budget is low but travel fever high. Gaze at the royal mastery in the forms of majestic forts and temples. Often described as the 'Golden City of Rajasthan', Jaisalmer comes under cheap places to visit in India with its affordable accommodations, economical transport fares, and low-cost cuisines. 

Best time to visit Jaisalmer: November to March

Accommodation Cost: INR 500/- to INR 1000/- per day

Best Places to visit in Jaisalmer:

• Jaisalmer fort
• Jaisalmer government museum
• Mandir Palace
• Jain temples of Jaisalmer.

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Jaipur – The Pink City

  The capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The ideal vacation spot for a 2-3 days trip in India and belting the title of low-budget tourist places in India.  

Best time to visit Jaipur: October To March

Accommodation Cost: INR 500– INR 1500 per night

Top Things to do in Jaipur: 

• Nahagarh Fort Cycling Tour
• Visit Jal Mahal
• Astronomical Sights at Jantar Mantar
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Click with Elephants at Elefantastic

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Meghalaya – The Abode Of Clouds

One of the seven sisters of India, Meghalaya is engulfed by Assam in the north and east and Bangladesh in the south. The Brahmaputra river lines its west border. Home to three diverse tribes- Khasis, Garos, and Jaintias, the state boasts a prosperous cultural heritage.

Known as the Abode of Clouds, Meghalaya illustrates the beautiful monsoon sea The state flourishes with aesthetic parks, hills, and flamboyant bazaars. Meghalaya trips make for one of the cheap places to visit in India when in need of peace. 

Best time to visit Meghalaya: October To June

Accommodation Cost: INR 600 per night

Top Things to do in Meghalaya: 

• Trek at Umden village
• Camping
• Kayaking in Umiam Lake
• Tour Cherrapunji
• Visit Shillong
• Immerse in Guwahati

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Udaipur – The Royal City

The premier wedding destination and filmmakers treasure city, Udaipur is the definition of a royal city!

Situated in Rajasthan, Udaipur flaunts majestic forts, temples, lakes, and scintillating festivities. The city accentuates the rich cultural prosperity and varied customs and traditions of its local occupants. A weekend trip to Udaipur would not burn a hole in your pocket as the city comes under one of the cheap places to visit in India.

Apart from fortified monuments, Udaipur exhibits a plethora of sparking gardens and modern art museums. One should always be on the lookout for Udaipur’s mind-stimulating heritage walks and fabulous cultural shows. It is an affordable romantic haven for every visitor! 

Best time to visit Udaipur: September To March

Accommodation Cost: INR 400 per night for dormitories 

Top Things to do in Udaipur: 

• Visiting the majestic Udaipur Palace
• Explore Taj Palace Udaipur
• Speed Boat ride on Fateh Sagar Lake
• Wandering around Saheliyon ki Bari
• Horseback riding in Aravali Mountains

Old Manali – The Iconic Hill station

Manali has a serene vibe that calls upon us to explore the snow-clad peaks and lush forests. The array of activities to indulge in Manali is like the icing on the 'mountains'.

From trekking, camping, Heli-skiing, rock climbing to doing absolutely nothing but gazing at nature's creation, Manali is one of the cheapest tourist destinations in India to visit when you are on a low budget but a hearty mood for travel.

When in need of peace or adventure, choose the famous hill station in India, Manali!

Best Time to Visit Manali: October to February

Accommodation Cost: INR 300 - INR 1200 per day

Top Things to do in Manali:

• River Rafting
• Yak rides in the Solang Valley
• Mountain Biking
• Attend Manali Winter Carnival
• Paragliding and Zorbing

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Kasol – A Dream Getaway

The 'Mini Israel of India', Kasol is the hub for backpackers, trekkers and wanderlust-ers. The scenic hills to umpteenth treks, Kasol leaves no stones unturned in filling your soul with memorable moments. An escape from city life and traffic horns, Kasol is the ideal getaway for budget trips in India. One of the cheap places to visit in India, you will never regret a Kasol trip rather come back for more!

Best Time to Visit Kasol: October to February

Accommodation Cost: INR 4500 per person

Top Things to do in Kasol:

• Kheerganga Trek
• Enjoy in Parvati Valley
• Visit Tosh
• Go Camping
• Trek to beautiful hill tops
• Boat around town

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Pondicherry – The French Emblem

Sweetly referred to as Pondy, this spectacular union territory has been welcoming tourists for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s since the beginning of tourism.

The enthusiastic travelers stroll around the marvelous French architecture that Pondicherry has to offer and gobble down the savory cuisines via sitting and embracing the lullaby of the shore. Definitely a cheap holiday destination in India, Puducherry has the ideal ambiance for every frame of mind, from extroverts to introverts sipping their coffee in whimsical cafes. 

Best time to visit Puducherry: October To March

Accommodation Cost: INR 400-500 per night for shared dormitories 

Top Things to do in Puducherry: 

• Sitting by the Paradise Beach
• Visit Aurobindo Ashram
• Tour Auroville
• Go for Fishing
• A Cycling Expedition
• Shopping spree in Pondy Bazaar

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Goa – The Party Hub

The official party destination buzzing in international and national tourists, Goa is the hub of savviness!

The former Portuguese colony, Goa is a concoction of Indian and Portuguese culture which reflects in the city’s architecture and the way of life of its local population. Goa illustrates a unique city life distinct from other states, and, is also termed as the most peaceful state of India.

Goa flaunts the jazziest beaches and trendiest party culture. Apart from the razzle-dazzle, Being one of the cheap places to visit in India, Goa is also the finest choice for solace seekers. From historic art galleries, museums, and libraries to majestic forests, Goa caters to all!

Best time to visit Goa: November To March

Accommodation Cost: INR 760-1000 per night for shared dormitories 

Top Things to do in Goa: 

• Let loose in Vagator Beach
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Visit Se Cathedral
• Go Canyoning in Goa
• Experience Parasailing

Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital

The world capital of Yoga, Rishikesh, is popularized to be an ideal getaway from the hustle-bustle of city life. The gateway to the Himalayas, the small town is swarmed with enthusiastic travelers throughout the year. The Char Dham Yatra (The four pilgrimage site of India) sets sail from Rishikesh.  The go-to travel destination for cheap places to visit in India be it solo, friends, or family!

The town is seated around the holy river the Ganges, where it flows down from the Himalayas. The two bridges, Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula spanning across the Ganges are a point of traction for their lively festivities and splendid activities. 

Best time to visit Rishikesh: Late September To Mid November

Accommodation Cost: INR 150-500 per day 

Top Things to do in Rishikesh: 

• River rafting
• Giant Swing of Rishikesh
• Flying fox
• Camping in Rishikesh
• Riding in a hot air balloon

McLeodganj – The Little Lhasa

Mcleodganj, a hit among tourists from all walks of life, is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh, and also one of the famous hill stations in India. A mountainous suburb of Dharamshala, its scenic hills offer a steady climb for exhilarated trekkers. 

Mcleodganj is the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and is densely populated by Tibetans leading to an influx of cultures unparalleled to the rest of India. Triund range is a sought-after trek path by the masses. The town of Mcleodganj allures tourists seeking spiritual awakening and lodges Buddhist pilgrimages. Mcleodganj trips are light on the pocket and easily one of the cheapest tourist places in India.

Best time to visit Mcleodganj: October To February

Accommodation Cost: INR 600-1400 per person

Top Things to do in Mcleodganj: 

• Triund trek
• Indrahar Pass Trek
• Bhagsu Trek
• Visit Kora Circuit

Kodaikanal - The Peaceful Hill Station

Kodaikanal translates to the 'Gift of Forests' and stands true to its name as you will be taken aback by the exotic sights of flourishing flora and fauna when you visit. Kodaikanal, one of the most secluded hill stations in India, is burrowed 120 kilometers from Madurai in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu.

The town hosts annual horticulture shows at the landscaped botanical Bryant Park in May, waterfalls making a scenic picnic ground, boating on the lake, and plenty of walking trails. Do look out for the Orchards of pear trees and enchanting buildings with hipped roofs when you step into Kodaikanal.

Definitely, appearing on the list of cheap places to visit India to visit in 2021! You can dabble with Herbs and aromatherapy oils to collect memoirs of your trip to Kodaikanal.

Best time to visit Kodaikanal: October To March

Accommodation Cost: INR 500-700 per day

Top Things to do in Kodaikanal: 

• Visit to Dolphin's nose rock
• Sit by Kodaikanal Lake
• Gaze at Silver Cascade falls
• Trekking
• Saunter around Coaker's walk

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Alleppey - An Alluring Escape

One of the cheapest places to visit in India, Alleppey, often referred to as the Venice of the East, boasts the best waterways, lagoons and scenic landscapes. The traveler in you could enjoy the Alleppey tour at a relaxed pace in its dreamy houseboats and gobble up the scrumptious coconut-based seafood at every nook and corner. Ideal for a low-budget solo travel or family vacation. The vibe in Alleppey allures you to a safe haven!

Best time to visit Alleppey: October To February

Accommodation Cost: INR 400-900 per day

Top Things to do in Alleppey: 

• A Houseboat Stay
• Boat around town
• Splash around at Alappuzah beach
• Acquire peace at Pathiramanal Island
• Stroll at night

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Hampi- The Royal Ruins

Hampi's spring-like weather makes it a city worth the visit. Backed by rich historical significance, Hampi makes for a budget trip in India and invites you to take a walk down the South Indian past. Known for its rocks and ruins, Hampi was once the capital of the very famous Vijayanagara empire of south India. You will be lured in with endless temples, brimming local markets, and mesmerizing sunset sights. One of the cheap and best places to visit in India, you will never forget a trip to Hampi!

Best time to visit Hampi: October To February

Accommodation Cost: INR 3500 for shared dormitories

Top Things to do in Hampi: 

1. Pay homage at Virupaksha temple
2. Stroll around Matanga hill
3. Visit Hemakuta hill temple
4. A bike trip to the savviest place in Hampi
5. Prepare for Cliff Jumping

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Darjeeling - The Tea Station

Darjeeling is the hub of Tea Plantations and makes for soothing walks around the Tea estates, villages, and brimming markets. Home to the third highest peak in India, Mount Kanchenjunga, the view from above is breathtaking, to say the least.

We highly recommend our mountain lovers to visit the best mountains and cheapest honeymoon destinations in India, and Darjeeling makes the list!

Apart from the ambrosial Tea Plantations, one can take a jolly ride on the Toy Trains, sit and listen to the calming waterfalls in Darjeeling.

Best time to visit Darjeeling: March To May and October-November

Accommodation Cost: INR 800-1000 for shared dormitories

Top Things to do in Darjeeling: 

• Visit Tea Estates
• Walk around Peace Pagoda
• River rafting in Teesta
• Trek in Sandakaphu
• Riding in the Toy Train
• Tour the Observatory Hill
• Sit by Senchal Lake

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