We all know how it feels when long weekends or holidays approach, or when the need to skip college or work and travel with friends to far-flung locations arises. Do you get jealous when you browse through social media and see your friends’ or colleagues’ holiday photos? There are some budget-friendly and cheapest places in India where you can relax with your family and spend your weekend. Plan for iconic and cheap budget trips in India that will undoubtedly provide you with a memorable experience. If you just have a few thousand Rupees in your wallet, don’t worry; there are plenty of cheap destinations in India to choose from.
From north to south, east to west, there are a plethora of places only waiting to be discovered. These low-cost getaways are a crowd-pleaser, and they make the teeny-tiny getaways worthwhile! The following are some of the best examples of low-cost and cheap destinations where you can plan trips in India. While it is impossible to visit every location on the following list, the majority of them will be very convenient for almost all travelers.
List of Cheap Budget-Friendly Destination in India to Visit in 2021
| S. No | Destination | State | Average Budget | Approx. Duration | Best Time |
| 1 | Kodaikanal | Tamil Nadu | 2000-2500/day | 2-3 days | October-March |
| 2 | Alleppey | Kerala | 1000-1500/day | 2-3 days | October-February |
| 3 | Pondicherry | Union Territory | 500-1000/day | 1-3 days | October-March |
| 4 | Kasol | Himachal Pradesh | 1000-1500/day | 2-4 days | April-May |
| 5 | Goa | Goa | 1000-2000/day | 3-4 days | November-March |
| 6 | Darjeeling | West Bengal | 1500-2500/day | 2-3 days | March-May |
| 7 | Udaipur | Rajasthan | 500-1500/day | 3-4 days | September-March |
| 8 | Gokarna | Karnataka | 1000-1800/day | 2-4 days | June-August |
| 9 | Hampi | Karnataka | 1500-2000/day | 3-4 days | October to February |
| 10 | Lonavala | Maharashtra | 1500-2000/day | 2-4 days | October to May |
1. Kodaikanal- Cheap Travel Destination in India
Kodaikanal, in the state of Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s most popular honeymoon destinations. Kodaikanal, a lakeside resort town in Tamil Nadu, has a lovely environment, mist-covered manicured cliffs, and a waterfall that combine to make the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway. The name Kodaikanal means “gift of the forests.” Kodaikanal sits at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, nestled among the Palani Hills’ rolling slopes, and once you visit this hill station, you’ll see that it’s everything you’ve imagined it to be. Tourists flock to this location because it provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You have the opportunity to interact with nature by taking a walk in the woods.
Attractions in Kodaikanal
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Silver Cascade Falls
- Coaker’s Walk
- Dolphin’s nose rock
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Kodai Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
2. Alleppey- Top Budget-Friendly Destination in India
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. It is renowned for its vast network of interconnecting, palm-fringed canals known as backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts that border the Laccadive Sea. Alleppey is also known for its houseboat cruises through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, where you can see green paddy fields, choir-making events, beautiful avifauna, and locals going about their daily lives. The Arabian Sea beach of Alleppey is a beautiful example of the gems that can be found along the Malabar Coast. The historical significance of this beach only adds to its allure, and a stroll down the 137-year-old pier is a must. In August and September, be sure to catch a typical snake boat race and try some toddy (palm wine) at a nearby toddy shop to add a touch of authenticity to your Alleppey travel experience.
Attractions in Alleppey
- Alappuzha beach
- Vembanad lake
- Pathiramanal island
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Alappuzha Train Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (75 Km)
3. Pondicherry- Cheapest Tourist Destination in India
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry and simply Pondy, is one of India’s seven Union Territories, bordering the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This former French colony is a dreamy getaway that combines traditional Indian sensibilities with French architecture, making it the best of both worlds. Pondicherry has a lot to offer, with authentic French bakeries, bohemian shops, and cobblestoned paths that are perfect for a stroll or a bicycle ride. During the day, stroll the cobblestoned streets, and in the evenings, relax at one of the many beachside cafes.
Attractions in Pondicherry
- Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
- Aurobindo Ashram
- Auroville
- Scuba Diving in Pondicherry
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
4. Kasol- Best Pocket-Friendly Places in India
Kasol is a charming little Himachal village on the banks of the Parvati River. Kasol dubbed the “Amsterdam of India,” is a tourist destination that is quickly gaining popularity as a popular destination for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Kasol, 23 km from Bhuntar and next to the holy town of Manikaran, is one of the best places in the country to simply sit back and relax while taking in the view of snow-capped mountains, pine trees, and a gurgling river. This hamlet, located on the banks of the Parvati River, offers a couple of inexpensive camping options. The town has a variety of local eateries as well as fantastic cafes that serve delectable cuisine.
Attractions in Kasol
- Kheerganga Trek
- Call
- Parvati river
- Manikaran Gurudwara
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
5. Goa- Top Cheapest Travel Destination India 2021
Goa, India’s smallest state and unlike any other, is renowned for its endless beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture. Goa is located in the Konkan area and spans just 3,702 km. Goa is the most popular budget travel destination in India, and backpackers are no exception. Its beaches, Portuguese architecture, forts, local markets, and palm-lined quaint villages are all worth exploring. You can even rent a motorcycle and go on your adventure! There are also several pubs where you can unwind. This beachy paradise is ideal for solo travel in India on a budget.
Attractions in Goa
- Calangute Beach
- Dudhsagar Falls
- Water Sports in Goa
- Fort Aguada
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Vasco Da Gama railway station, Margao railway station
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport
6. Darjeeling- Cheap Places in India to Visit in 2021
Darjeeling, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations on a steep mountain ridge, stands at a height of 2,050 meters above sea level, boasting cool climes all year. This picturesque hill station, located about 700 kilometers from Kolkata, is ideal for a romantic honeymoon. Once you’ve arrived in the hills, simply breathe in the fresh air, drink Darjeeling tea, get up early to see the sunrise at Tiger Hills, and prepare to be mesmerized by the majestic Kanchenjunga. And the best part is that one can have a fantastic start to the New Year because Darjeeling is a perfect getaway for those looking for a low-cost trip to India in March.
Attractions in Darjeeling
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Tiger Hill
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Darjeeling Ropeway
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
7. Udaipur- Budget-Friendly Destination in India
Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is the state of Rajasthan’s crown jewel. The majestic Aravalli Hills surround it, making this city as lovely as it is. This ‘Venice of the East is a must-see destination in India because of its natural beauty, mesmerizing temples, and stunning architecture. A boat trip through the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola would suffice to demonstrate why Udaipur is Rajasthan’s pride. All names, from ‘Jewel of Mewar’ to ‘Venice of the East,’ are justified in Udaipur. The architecture of the entire city is pleasing, yet the Lake Palace hotel provides a visual definition. Udaipur is 60 kilometers from the Nathdwara temple.
Attractions in Udaipur
- Lake Pichola
- City Palace
- Fateh Sagar lake
- Sajjangarh Palace
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Udaipur Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport
8. Gokarna- Top Cheapest Destination in India
Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly discovered hub for beach lovers and hippies, with its sandy beaches and stunning landscapes. Every year, hordes of tourists from all over the world flock to Gokarna, which is located on the coast of Karwar, in search of sanctity and relaxation. The beaches outside of town, such as Kudle Beach and Om Beach, provide a stark contrast to life in town. The majority of international tourists are seen on the palm-fringed beaches, with very few Indians. Gokarna isn’t your typical tourist destination. The beaches are designed for a slow, relaxing vacation, and everything on the beach follows suit.
Attractions In Gokarna
- Om Beach
- Paradise Beach, Gokarna
- Mahabaleshwara Temple
- Water Sports in Gokarna
- Gokarna Beach
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Murdeshwar & Karwar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport
9. Hampi- Best budget-Friendly Tourist Destination in India
UNESCO has designated Hampi, the city of ruins, as a World Heritage Site. This ancient joy for visitors is located in the shadowed depths of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka. Hampi is a backpacker’s paradise, with 500 ancient monuments, magnificent temples, busy street markets, bastions, treasury buildings, and captivating remains of the Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi is a popular way to see the city from the perspective of its past, with over 100 locations to explore. You can relive Vijayanagar history by walking around Hampi or perching on the omnipresent massive boulders to survey the land around you, and you might even catch the lively Hampi Utsav.
Attractions in Hampi
- Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
- Vithala Temple
- Lotus Palace
- Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Hospet Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport
10. Lonavala- Top pocket-Friendly Travel Destination India
Lonavala, the most visited hill station in Maharashtra and the place to be there during monsoons, is located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, close to Pune and Mumbai. It is a popular camping, trekking, and other adventure sports destination due to the abundance of waterfalls, lakes, and mountains in the region. It is a must-see for nature lovers, as it is surrounded by thick woodland, waterfalls, and a dam alongside lakes. Lonavala is one of the twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala and is located at an elevation of 624 meters above sea level. Lonavala is known for producing the hard candy chikki, which is a sweet eatable item made from various nuts and jaggery.
Attractions in Lonavala
- Tiger’s Leap
- Rajmachi Fort
- Imagicaa
- Lonavala Lake
How to Reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala railway station
Nearest Airport: Pune Domestic Airport
