Tourist Guide to Most Affordable Places to Visit in India

Updated on May 21, 2024 | Online Indian Visa

Planning a trip is never a cakewalk. It takes months of research, planning an effective itinerary, and budgeting your money in the right places before you hop on that flight and travel to your destination of dreams. In this article, we are going to share with you the best places to travel to in India if you are on a budget.

Have you ever looked at a friend who has been backpacking through India, traveling for months at a stretch, and exploring different parts of the country, and felt “I wish I could do that too!”? Even if you do not have an unlimited traveling budget like your travel-bug friends, the good news is that you do not have to break the bank to explore India.

One of the most common reasons why westerners pick India as their touring destination is that it is often an exceptionally cheap bargain for them. While their pounds and dollars go way longer than the Indian rupee, they get to experience everything, from the magnificent mountains of Kashmir to the exquisite Thar desert, all in one plate!

However, when done right, you do not have to shove away your dreams of backpacking through The Magnificent India.

You require India e-Tourist Visa or Indian Visa Online to witness the amazing places and experiences as a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on an India e-Business Visa and want to do some recreation and sightseeing in India. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online rather than visiting Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.

Goa

One of the most frequently traveled regions in India by budget-conscious and party-loving tourists, Goa will offer you amazing sunsets and mind-bogglingly cheap alcohol. Once you get there, you will be met with an opportunity to take part in diverse fun and exciting activities, and also to interact with the friendly and outgoing natives.

A few things that you simply cannot miss out on while in town should include the beautiful and pristine beaches in Colva and Morjim, the exciting parties in Cape Town Cafe, the lively nightlife of Baga beach, or the exciting trekking opportunities in Dudhsagar falls.

You are free to choose whatever you want to do, from clubbing to diving into the crystal clear turquoise watered beaches, or to munch on the cheap but mouthwatering street delicacies. You can shop for beautiful accessories on the lively street markets or take a break and relax your senses by the beach. You can take your significant other on a romantic date and look at the glittering night sea, or simply go out and learn about the Portuguese culture from the easy and sociable local folks.

How to get there - Located at a distance of 584.5 km from Mumbai, you can take a train from Mumbai to Mudgaon.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From November - March.
Average cost - INR 700 - 1500 per day.

Puducherry

Formerly known as Pondicherry, get ready to be offered a slice of France in the heart of India. This little town situated on the southeast coastline of India, Puducherry promises you both serenity and sanctity, in the truest of terms. You can take a walk on the cobblestoned lanes during the day, or relax and sip on exquisite coffee in the cozy cafes by the seashore.

The perfect place to get a taste of both French and Indian culture in a single city, Puducherry will leave you amazed with its beautiful French quarters, the serene temples, and the majestic Auroville Ashram! While you are there, you simply can not miss out on the delicious French food.

Although there are many luxury hotels and inns available in the town, in case you want to cut down on the bucks, you can simply stay and have meals in the Aurobindo Ashram for almost free!

How to get there - Located at a distance of 163 km from Chennai, you can take a train or a short flight from there.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From October - March.
Average cost - INR 500 to 1000 per day.

Pushkar

Pushkar, a hippie paradise, also falls among one of the top religious destinations in India. A small town in Rajasthan that encircles the holy Pushkar Lake, it is a pilgrimage site for the Hindus. It has more than 52 ghats for the pilgrims to bathe and make religious offerings in.

The town holds many temples with religious significance, the most prominent ones being the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, dedicated to Lord Brahma. An event that attracts people to Pushkar is the cattle fair, known as the Pushkar Mela or the Pushkar Camel Fair, which is held in November of every year.

If you are not much of a religious devotee, you will enjoy the slow pace of the laid-back town and take a break from the hectic city life. The tiny lakes of the town are filled with inexpensive cafes and restaurants, most of them with a spiritual theme, offering a calm yet lively ambiance where you can chill and relax. One of the cheapest tourist places in India, Pushkar is the perfect place to rejuvenate yourself.

How to get there - Nearest is the Jaipur airport at 151 km, or the Ajmer railway station located at 14 km distance.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From November - March.
Average cost - INR 1000 to 1500 per day.

Kodaikanal

Falling amongst one of the most popular hill stations in the country, Kodaikanal is also known as the “Princess of hill stations”. This quaint little town is situated in Tamil Nadu and is illustrated by its stunning pine forests, scenic treks, beautiful lakes, wonderful climate, and rolling hills. Unlike most of the major hill stations, in Kodaikanal, you will not be greeted by a horde of tourists at every nook and corner of the town, even in the peak tourist season.

You can go cycling around the Kodaikanal Lake, or boat in it and enjoy the serene atmosphere. You can also trek to the nearest hillock and enjoy a night with a magnificent view of the Milky Way galaxy, making one of the most beautiful memories of your life without breaking your bank!

How to get there - Nearest is the Madurai airport at 120 km, or the Kodaikanal road railway station at 79 km, which is well-connected to the cities in the Madurai route.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From October - July.
Average cost - INR 1500 to 2000 per day.

Darjeeling

For the die-hard lovers of traveling, just mentioning the name of Darjeeling is enough to remind them of picturesque tea gardens and a mesmerizing toy train ride that takes you through the scenic valleys and hills in the heart of East India. One of the cheapest places to visit in India, Darjeeling has lots to offer in terms of delights.

The toy train has been in operation since 1881, and runs from the New Jalpaiguri railway station to Darjeeling, stopping at Siliguri, Kurseong, and Ghum stations in Between. This 80 km joy ride is going to cross over 500 bridges, huffing and puffing through lush green valleys and rolling plains.

As you wake up to the glittering sun rays peaking through the magnanimous mountains, you are going to take home treasured rememberings of a trip in the lap of lavish nature. No experience can come close to waking up to the fresh mountain air, sipping on the authentic Darjeeling tea, as you watch the sunrise over the breathtaking Tiger Hills.

How to get there - Nearest is the Bagdogra airport at 70 km, or the New Jalpaiguri railway station, which is well-connected to all the major cities such as Mumbai, Goa, and Kolkata.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From October - January.
Average cost - INR 1000 to 1500 per day.

Gokarna

If beaches mean tranquility to you, then Gokarna is where you need to go. Located in Karnataka, this tiny beach town will offer you some peace from the excess crowds in Goa, as you relax and de-stress by the clear blue waters of the Arabian sea. Depending upon which beach you visit in Gokarna, whether it is Paradise Beach, Nirvana Beach, Half moon Beach, or Om beach, you will be offered sacred to dreamlike experiences.

Gokarna offers a wide range of exciting water sports opportunities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, banana boat rides, and so on. This land is also known for its many temples and shrines, thus attracting a huge number of religious and spiritual devotees every year.

One of the most exciting tourist attractions is the Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple, one of the oldest temples, devoted to Lord Shiva in the country. This 4th-century temple is constructed from granite and serves as a classic illustration of Dravidian architecture, thus making the visit worthwhile for art admirers as well.

How to get there - Nearest is the Dabolim airport at 140 km or the Ankola railway station at 20 km, which is well-connected to Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 3 - 4 days.
When is the best time to visit - From October - March.
Average cost - INR 800 to 1300 per day.

Udaipur

Situated amongst the lap of the green mountains of the Aravalli range, Udaipur is a great attraction to tourists for its marvelous palaces and sprawling lakes. The crowning glory of Rajasthan, Lake Pichola is situated right in the heart of Udaipur. Lying across an area of four kilometers, the spectacular Lake Pichola was created artificially around the 14th century, to allow some respite to the desert folks.

The crystal clear blue waters of the lake that are enveloped by the magnificent Aravalli Hills as a background make the perfect picture for all visitors. If you are an admirer of great architecture or a history buff, you simply can not afford to miss out on the royal palaces that tower around the city. The most famous amongst these palaces is the City Palace, which is a grand structure made from entirely marble and granite.

The stunning architecture of the palace is a fusion of the European and Chinese styles and overlooks Lake Pichola. Every single detail of the palace architecture comes with a distinct story, whether it is the main entrance known as the Hathi Pol or the Elephant Gate, or the picturesque Moti Mahal that stands elegantly within the palace premises. And the best part? To get the royal treatment, you do not have to spend like one in this city!

How to get there - Nearest is the Maharana Pratap Airport at 20 km, or the Udaipur City railway station, which is well-connected to all the major cities in Northern India.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From September - March.
Average cost - INR 1500 to 2000 per day.

Varanasi

Also known as Benaras or Kashi, Varanasi serves as one of the greatest destinations for all devout Hindus. Falling amongst the holiest cities in India, pilgrims flock to this city to get rid of all their sins and purify themselves in the holy waters of the river Ganga. Many believe that dying in this holy city might be the way to attain Nirvana, which is getting liberated from the endless cycle of rebirth, according to Hindu beliefs.

Many Hindu pilgrims come to the ghats to immerse the ashes of their loved ones in the waters of the river Ganga, or just to pay homage to their Gods. The city has deep-set roots in mysticism and spiritualism, thus embracing the ultimate rituals of life and death in their very authentic forms.

Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in India, and since its very beginning, it has remained a center of religious and cultural activities. Whether you are a religious person or not, at Varanasi, you will be offered a glance at a world that has remained frozen beyond the shackles of time.

How to get there - Nearest is the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport at 24 km, or the Varanasi railway station, which is well-connected to all the major cities in India.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From November - February.
Average cost - INR 500 to 1000 per day.

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Mcleod Ganj

More popularly known as Little Lhasa, tourists have started to notice this place in the recent few years. Situated at a distance of 5 km from Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj is a reflection of Tibetan life and culture. A pilgrimage destination for the Buddhists, the place is also famous for its stunning hills and valleys and is the base camp for the Trind Trek, one of the most beautiful treks in India that passes through beautiful oak, rhododendron, and deodar forests. Get ready to experience great art, culture, and food once you get here!

How to get there - Nearest is the Kangra Airport at 18 km, or the Pathankot railway station, which is well-connected to all the major cities in India.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From September - June.
Average cost - INR 800 to 1500 per day.

Kasol

Situated in the quaint town of Himachal Pradesh otherwise known as the Hamlet of India, Kasol will reconnect with your senses as you explore through green nature. Known for its great food and exciting treks, you can trek to Tosh, Malana, Parvati Pass, or Kheer Ganga.

Walking through the gushing River Parvati, you will be awestruck at the picturesque view of the Parvati valley with its lush green forests. You can also visit the Tosh village to see its huge cannabis plantations. Still unruffled by commercialization, the small cafes will serve you mouthwatering delicacies!

How to get there - Nearest is the Kullu Manali Airport at 144 km, or the Joginder Nagar railway station.
What is the ideal duration to stay - 2 - 3 days.
When is the best time to visit - From January - December.
Average cost - INR 1000 to 1500 per day.

Traveling is much more than just touring through the States - you can save yourself big bucks and take the budget flight to the sunkissed beaches of Andaman and Nicobar islands, get awestruck by the crazy architecture of colonial India, or even enjoy the marvelous views from the snowcapped mountains of Himachal Pradesh, or enjoy a drink as you stare at the lively crowds in Goa! So why wait, pack your bags and get traveling.

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Diversity of Language in India

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