10 Budget Trips in India for the year 2020
budget trips in india
Today, everyone is working really hard to earn money so as to fulfill their needs. People work from Monday to Friday/Saturday and get only one or two days a week for themselves. With the increase in struggle day by day, the human need for travelling is also rising gradually. That is the reason, why people flock to tourist spots/destinations during long weekends and holidays.
Some people prefer travelling in a luxurious way while some have budget constraints. So, no worries, if you have a few bugs in your pocket, I will suggest a list of budget trips in India from where you can opt your destination.
10 destinations for Budget Trips in India
India is a land of nature, culture, pilgrimage, heritage, adventure and delicious food. You get varieties here when you opt for destinations to visit. Here are the few places that you can explore within your budget. Below are the budget trips in India which you can plan solo or with your near and dear ones.
The City of Lakes – Nainital
The Oldest City – Varanasi
Queen of the Hills – Mussoorie
The City of Love – Dehradun
The ‘Mini Israel’ – Kasol
The Organic State – Sikkim
Yoga Capital – Rishikesh
Sun and Sand – Goa
Venice of the East – Alleppey
The Queen of South Indian Hills – Ooty
The City of Lakes - Nainital
The city of Lakes Nainital is a popular hill station in North India. It is a very good option for budget travelers who are looking for a break from their daily routine. With a driving distance of 295 Km from national capital Delhi, Nainital is a perfect long weekend destination. It is known for the famous Naini Lake and the beautiful surrounding hills. One can also enjoy a walk on the Mall road and can climb up to the snow view point to get the majestic views of the Himalayas.
Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: UTC Roadways (Uttarakhand State Transport Bus) from Delhi to Nainital @ INR 400
UTC Volvo Bus from Delhi to Haldwani @ INR 804 + INR 65 from Haldwani to Nainital by UTC Roadways
Accommodation: Budget stay options starting from INR 400 per night
Food: Local dhabas around where you can have your meal @ INR 250 for two
Activities: Boating at Naini Lake @ INR 150 per hour / Ropeway to snow view point @ INR 150 per person (round trip)
The Oldest City - Varanasi
Varanasi, also called as Banaras is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities which is considered as holiest in Hinduism. Located on the banks of river Ganga, Varanasi is visited by pilgrims who take bath in the holy water of Ganges to wash away sins. Some visit this place to cremate their loved ones, while some come simply to die here, hoping to attain Moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth).
The ghats of Varanasi are very famous to experience the culture of India. You may take a boat ride and have beautiful sights from religious rituals to laundry process.
Varanasi is known for its street foods as well. So, don’t miss a chance to taste some delicacies of Banaras like Kachori Sabzi, Malaiyo, Thadai and Lassi, Tomato Chaat, Baati Chokha, Chhena Dahi Vada, Dahi Chutney Wale Golgappe and many more.
Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: Delhi to Varanasi by train @ INR 850 per person (Round Trip in Sleeper Coach)
Accommodation: Budget stay options starting from INR 300 per night
Food: Apart from Street foods there are many local food joints offering meals @ INR 100-150 per person
Activities: Boating on river Ganges @ INR 250 per hour
Queen of the Hills - Mussoorie
Often known as “Queen of the Hills”, Mussoorie is a famous hill station in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand, which is a paradise for leisure travellers and honeymooners. Be it a family trip, honeymoon trip or friends/colleagues outing trip, Mussoorie fits perfectly for everyone, for every kind of holiday.
There are many places in Mussoorie to visit including The Mall Road, Soham Art and Heritage Centre, Gun Hill, Landour, Happy Valley, Sir George’s Everest etc. All these places have their own charm and importance.
Mussoorie is also famously known as foodie’s paradise. There is a food here for every palate – from street vendors to big restaurants. Try the steamed Chicken Momos, Thukpa, Mutton Shaptak, Lamen at Kalsang Friends Corner. The oreo shake, Irish cold coffee and Blueberry shake at Café By The Way are awesome. Lal Tibba which is the highlight of Mussoorie is equally famous for the eateries. One must try the Banana Nutella Pancakes, Cinnamon Waffles, Chocolate Waffles here.
Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: Delhi to Dehradun by train @ INR 500 per person (Round Trip in Sleeper Coach).
From Dehradun Railway Station, Government buses are available for Mussoorie which costs around Rs. 60 per person (One Way).
Accommodation: Budget stay options starting from INR 500 per night (Tariff may vary during peak season, sometimes reaching upto Rs. 1500 per night).
Food: Apart from Street foods there are many local food joints offering meals @ INR 150-200 per person.
Activities: Ropeway to Gunhill @ Rs. 125 per person (to and fro)
The City of Love - Dehradun
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is one of the most beautiful cities in India which is known for its scenic surroundings. It is home to some of the country’s fine institutions like The Doon School, Forest Research Institute, Survey of India etc. Being a tourist destination, Dehradun receives many tourists from all over the world. The beautiful hills, valleys and dense forests attracts tourists from every corner of India and abroad.
The main attractions of Dehradun city include FRI (Forest Research Institute), Buddha Temple, Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple etc.
The city of Dehradun is famous for Chinese food. From street to restaurants, one can find the momos, noodles, spring rolls everywhere. It is also known for some of the old bakeries like Sunrise, Pindi etc. that offer delicious cakes, rusks, breads etc.
Duration: 1 Nights/2 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: UTC Roadways (Uttarakhand State Transport Bus) from Delhi to Dehradun @ INR 300.
UTC Volvo Bus from Delhi to Dehradun @ INR 800.
Accommodation: Budget stay options starting from INR 400 per night.
Food: Local Dhabas and Restaurants around where you can have your meal @ INR 100-150 per person.
Activities: Shopping in Paltan Bazar and Tibetan Market / Paragliding at Maldevta @ Rs. 3500 per ride (5-10 min.).
The Mini Israel - Kasol
Located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Kasol is a scenic village town that attracts many tourists throughout the year. It is situated on the banks of the Parvati River and is surrounded by breathtaking mountain cliffs and pine trees. One can find the cheap stay options here in the form of camps and homestays.
Kasol is known as the “Mini Israel” as many tourists from Israel visit Kasol and they spend a long vacation here.
Kasol has local eating joints and wonderful cafes which serve delicious food. Apart from the Indian and Chinese cuisines, one can find the Israeli cuisines as well. Here, the German bakery too is a famous eating place as it serves some of the best bakery items you would have ever tasted.
Duration: 3 Nights/4 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: HRTC buses (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) from Delhi to Kasol/Manikaran @ INR 750 and from Delhi to Bhunter @ INR 650.
From Bhunter to Kasol there are private buses also available @ INR 100.
Accommodation: Budget stay options starting from INR 350 per night.
Food: Local Restaurants around where you can have your meal @ INR 300 per person.
Activities: Camping and Trekking.
The Organic State - Sikkim
One of the beautiful and cheapest holiday destinations, Sikkim is located in the north-eastern region of India. The place offers beautiful scenery, having thick woodlands to colourful meadows to panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Sikkim has a wonderful climate, scenic views and some famous treks to offer.
The state of Sikkim has a strong culture and tradition of Tibetan Buddhists. Apart from that, the local food of Sikkim is also one thing that should not be missed. Try Dumplings, Thukpa, Phagshapa, Gundruk, Sha Phaley etc.
Duration: 4 Nights/5 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: Kolkata to Siliguri by Train @ INR 185 per person per way.
Siliguri to Gangtok by Bus @ INR 165 per person per way.
Accommodation: Budget hotel options are available from INR 600 per night. Also, you can opt for Dormitories @ INR 150 per person per night.
Food: There are plenty of options available for Indian and local food starting at @ INR 150 per person.
Activities: Yak Ride, Paragliding in Gangtok, Trekking etc.
Yoga Capital - Rishikesh
Also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh is located in the lap of nature and has an overwhelming spiritual energy that makes it a perfect place for yoga and meditation. Apart from that, the place is also known for the thrilling white-water-rafting, the wonderful beach camps, and the exciting treks that rejuvenates your mind, body and soul.
For adventure budget travelers, Rishikesh is a perfect place to visit. Just one thing which could disappoint you a bit is that Rishikesh is a completely vegetarian and alcohol-free destination, as it is a religious and spiritual place. But, overall it is worth visiting.
For food lovers, Rishikesh has many cuisines to offer. It has very authentic restaurants and cafes that offer you International dishes as well.
Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: UTC Roadways (Uttarakhand State Transport Bus) from Delhi to Rishikesh @ INR 300.
UTC Volvo Bus from Delhi to Rishikesh @ INR 800.
Accommodation: Budget stay options in Rishikesh are widely available starting from INR 300 per night.
Food: Local Restaurants around where you can have your meal @ INR 200 per meal.
Activities: River Rafting @ INR 800 per person / Camping @ INR 1500 per person (night stay with meals).
Sun and Sand - Goa
Those who are looking for budget trips in India, Goa is the perfect choice for you all; backpackers are no exception. Goa is simply about beaches, Portuguese architecture, local colourful markets, forts, churches and the palm trees creased in the picturesque villages in and around Goa. The best way to explore Goa is to hire a motorbike or a scooter and you can go wherever you want to and have a chill!
Goa is a paradise for food lovers and those who love to try different drinks. There are plenty of restaurants offering local food. It is famous for sea food and local Goan wine. There are also many pubs you can find in different locations of Goa. Overall, it is a perfect choice for budget trips in India.
Duration: 3 Nights/4 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: Delhi to Madgaon (Goa) by Train @ INR 1600 per person (Round Trip).
Mumbai to Madgaon (Goa) by Train @ INR 850 per person (Round Trip).
Accommodation: Budget stay options including beach huts starting from INR 500 per night.
Food: Ample amount of Restaurants offering meals @ INR 200 per person.
Activities: Explore Forts, Churches and World Heritage Sites of Goa.
Venice of the East - Alleppey
Known for its famous backwaters, lagoons and the lush green countryside, Alleppey is often called “Venice of the East”. Alleppey is an iconic destination for its houseboat cruises in the backwaters where every year thousands of tourists visit to enjoy this paradise on earth. It is the best place to cruise on the backwaters and enjoy the flora and fauna of the region.
Alleppey is also famous for delicious coconut-laced seafood. You can try the variety of fishes and prawns here.
Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: Delhi to Alleppey by Train @ INR 1800 (Round Trip).
Mumbai to Alleppey by Train @ INR 1400 (Round Trip).
Accommodation: Night stay in a houseboat starts from INR 7000 per night for 1 BHK which includes all three meals.
Food: Food is served in the houseboat itself and the cost is generally included in houseboat tariff.
Activities: Overnight stay in houseboat/cruise on the backwaters.
The Queen of South Indian Hills - Ooty
One of the perfect destinations for budget travelers who wish to explore South Indian hills, Ooty is a paradise for every mountain lover. The hill station of Ooty was once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company. It is the best hill station in Tamil Nadu district of India which serves as a very popular tourist destination for those who are looking for a serene and picturesque place to relax and unwind.
One has many things to explore in Ooty including the exotic botanical gardens, lush green hills, Rose garden, historical buildings, tea plantations and the most famous homemade chocolates.
Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Approximate Tour Cost Idea:-
Transportation: Delhi to Bangalore by Train @ INR 1600 (Round Trip).
Bangalore to Ooty by Bus @ INR 2200 (Round Trip).
Accommodation: Budget stay options available starting from INR 400 per night.
Food: One-time meal costs around INR 100-150 per person.
Activities: Camping in Jungle | Trekking
Above were the few budget trips in India which you can plan for your upcoming holidays. Apart from the above, there are many other places in India where you can spend your good time within your budget.
So, its just the beginning. You have to explore more and more!
Also Read:
Plan a solo trip to Ladakh – https://budgetescapes.in/solo-trip-to-ladakh-budget-trip-to-leh/
