Travelling across India does not necessarily have to cost a fortune. Luxury vacations and high-end resorts are still a favorite among travel enthusiasts. But some of the best places can be explored even if they are quite inexpensive.
As travel prices continue to rise in different parts of the world, budget-conscious travelers are looking for destinations that offer great value for money. Luckily, India has a number of budget-friendly destinations where you can enjoy a memorable travel experience without breaking your budget.
If you’re a solo traveler, student, backpacker, digital nomad, or family traveler, here is a list of cheapest destinations itinerary guide.
Why Budget Travel Is Becoming More Popular
Tourists are placing more value on experiences than on luxuries when they travel. Today many tourists prefer to go to places where they can:
1. Travel Longer: Lower daily costs allow you to travel longer without breaking your budget.
2. Experience Local Culture: Budget travel destinations usually provide better opportunities for meeting locals.
3. Explore More Places: Since you save on accommodations and meals, you can go to several destinations in one trip.
4. Travel More Frequently: It becomes 100x easier to travel even during weekends especially when your travel costs are low.
1. Rishikesh – Affordable Adventure and Spirituality
Among tourists, Rishikesh has become an extremely popular choice for those who enjoy pocket-friendly trips. It is situated on the shores of the Ganges River. With the surroundings covered with nature’s real beauty, this destination provides a range of adventures, yoga sessions, and spirituality experiences at unbelievably low rates. Discover soul searching experiences in Rishikesh one should not miss during their trip.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly
1. Huge number of Cheap hostels and guesthouses
2. Easily accessible and affordable local cuisine
3. Have reasonable modes of transportation to travel and explore the place
4. Free cultural experiences and vibes
What to Do
1. Do participate in the Aarti ceremony.
2. For experiencing the cultural and spiritual side of the place, walk across Lakshman Jhula bridge
3. Stroll through local riverside cafes
4. Participate in yoga lessons.
5. Try to experience River Rafting
Average Daily Budget
₹1,000–₹2,500 per person
Pro Tip
Avoid traveling on weekends to find reasonable accommodation costs
2. Pushkar – Culture Without High Costs
Pushkar provides a great combination of spirituality, culture, and affordability for tourists to experience all in one at a place. Its laid-back vibe and accessibility make this destination ideal for budget tourists.
Why Visit?
1. It has affordable accommodations to stay
2. Inexpensive local transportation for exploration
3. Budget-friendly cafes
4. Free temple visits for spiritual awakening
What to Do
1. Visit the most popular and beautiful Pushkar Lake
2. Explore the local markets
3. Attend evening aarti
4. Visit Brahma Temple
5. Enjoy rooftop dining
Average Daily Budget
₹1,200–₹2,500 per person
Pro Tip
Avoid going during festivals. Make sure to viisit during non-festival periods for the lowest prices.
3. McLeod Ganj – Budget Himalayan Escape
Being a part of Tibetan culture along with beautiful mountains makes McLeod Ganj an excellent place at a cheap price for hill station lovers.
Budget Highlights
1. Affordable guesthouses
2. Low-cost trekking opportunities
3. Budget cafes
4. Inexpensive local transport cost
What to Do
1. Namgyal Monastery visit
2. Triund Trek
3. Tibetan market visit
4. Meditation classes
Average Daily Budget
₹1,500–₹3,000 per person
Pro Tip
Avoid staying near the market for better accommodation deals.
4. Hampi – History on a Budget
Hampi is one of the most exciting destinations in India that is surprisingly affordable. Hampi is ideal for history enthusiasts, backpackers, and photographers. Before visiting to Hampi, explore the top places to visit in Hampi through this guide for rich travel experience.
Why It’s Affordable
1. It has several budget guesthouses
2. Low-cost local food with best authentic experiences
3. Cheap bicycle rentals for travelling
4. Many attractions are nearby to visit
What to Do
1. Visit the ancient ruins
2. Virupaksha Temple visit
3. Watch sunset from Matanga Hill
4. Exploring by bicycle
Average Daily Budget
₹1,200–₹2,500 per person
Pro Tip
The best way to save travel costs is by opting a rented bicycle.
5. Varanasi – Rich Experiences at Low Cost
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world that is still inhabited. The city remains relatively cheap to visit.
Budget Advantages
1. Has various cheapest places to stay
2. Inexpensive street food
3. Affordable public transport
4. Many free attractions nearby
What to Do
1. Visit Ganga Aarti
2. Go on a sunrise boat tour
3. Explore the beautiful top ghats in Varanasi
4. Visit temples
5. Experience local culture
Average Daily Budget
₹1,000–₹2,500 per person
Pro Tip
To save money on transportation, book cheap accommodations near ghats.
6. Gokarna – Affordable Beach Alternative to Goa
Tourists in Goa who’s looking for cheap beach vibes without high prices, then Gokarna is right for you. If you are a couple and wanted to plan a romantic trip, then make sure to know about these top 6 must-try romantic things in Gokarna.
Why Travelers Love It
1. Budget accommodation
2. Cheap seafood restaurants
3. Less commercialized beaches
4. Relaxing atmosphere
What to Do
1. Go for beach hopping
2. Try coastal trekking
3. Temple visits
4. Watch sunset at beach
Average Daily Budget
₹1,500–₹3,000 per person
Pro Tip
Do not plan trips during the season and travel in off season to save on accommodation costs.
7. Majuli – Unique Experiences on a Budget
Majuli offers a unique cultural experience in India that is surprisingly inexpensive to experience and live.
Budget Benefits
1. Affordable homestays
2. Inexpensive local food
3. Low tourist density
4. Authentic cultural experiences
What to Do
1. Visit Satras
2. Explore villages
3. Attend cultural performances
4. Enjoy cycling tours
Average Daily Budget
₹1,000–₹2,000 per person
Pro Tip
Stay at homestays with locals. This helps to save money as well as to have an authentic experience.
8. Pondicherry – European Charm Without a Luxury Budget
Pondicherry offers colonial architecture, beaches, and great food without being too expensive.
Why It’s Affordable
1. Budget guesthouse options
2. Inexpensive cafes
3. Accessible neighborhoods
4. Cheap public transport
What to Do
1. Explore French Quarter
2. Visit beaches
3. Rent bicycles
4. Visit local market stalls
Average Daily Budget
₹1,500–₹3,500 per person
Pro Tip
Rent a bicycle to explore the city affordably.
How to Save Even More While Traveling in India
1. Travel During Shoulder Season: Travel during season will spoil your trip, so better to plan trips for off holiday seasons to get the best deals.
2. Use Public Transportation: Both trains and buses are the cheapest means of transport and will reduce your travel cost.
3. Choose Hostels and Homestays: Choosing homestays and hostels offer the best value for money with local experiences rather than opting premium hotels.
4. Eat Local: Street food and local restaurants are both cheap and authentic, so prefer to try local authentic items of the place.
5. Travel Slowly: Longer stays often reduce transportation costs, so travel slowly instead of hurrying up to cover the whole itinerary in 1 day.
Discover to Know: Top 8 Cheap Workation places in India
Sample Budget Breakdown for a Week-Long Trip
| Expense | Approximate Budget |
| Accommodation | ₹4,000–₹8,000 |
| Food | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
| Transportation | ₹2,000–₹5,000 |
| Activities | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
Estimated Total: ₹10,000–₹22,000 per person for a week-long trip.
Common Budget Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Following are the budget travel planning mistakes to avoid:
1. Overplanning: Keep some days ideal and plan for some spontaneity during travel.
2. Booking Too Late: Last minute bookings tend to be expensive in terms of travel costs and stay costs.
3. Ignoring Local Transport: Choosing private cabs, taxis over local transport will quickly inflate your budget.
4. Eating Only at Tourist Spots: Eat at local places.These are relatively cheaper than eating at tourist spots.
5. Carrying Excess Luggage: Light luggage over excess luggage can save trouble and extra expense.
FAQs
1. What are the cheapest locations to visit in India?
Some of the cheapest travel destinations include Rishikesh, Pushkar, McLeod Ganj, Hampi, Varanasi, Gokarna, Majuli, and Pondicherry.
2. Can I travel in India on a budget of ₹15,000?
Yes, you will be able to travel in India spending ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 only, depending on travel style.
3. Which is the cheapest hill station in India?
McLeod Ganj could be considered one of the cheapest hill stations in India.
4. Which beach destination is cheap to visit?
Gokarna is often considered a cheaper alternative to Goa while offering beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
5. Is budget tourism in India safe?
Yes, budget travel is generally safe. If basic precautions are followed and accommodations are booked through reputable sources then it is possibly safe.
6. What is the best time for budget travel in India?
Shoulder seasons such as February-March and September-November tend to be ideal due to good weather and better deals.
7. Which destination is best for solo budget travelers?
Popular destinations for solo budget travelers include Rishikesh, Hampi, and McLeod Ganj.
8. How do I save money traveling in India?
Make use of public transportation, book cheap accommodation like hostels, and choose off-seasons for visits.
Conclusion
Budget travel doesn’t mean you’ll be skipping out on some of the best experiences. Some of the most amazing places in India are also the cheapest. No matter whether you’re searching for a spiritual destination in Rishikesh or want to explore the cultural sites in Hampi or visit historic attractions in Pushkar, or to experience the relaxed beach vibes in Gokarna, you will find many best options for exploring India on your budget.
Plan Your Perfect Budget Travel Experience with The Tarzan Way
At The Tarzan Way, we know that traveling should be all about amazing experiences and personal itineraries created just for you! If you’re looking to plan a budget trip to India, start planning with The Tarzan Way now!
