10 Budget-Friendly Places To Visit In India!
With summer around the corner, you must be planning for your holidays and secretly wishing to escape the summer heat. India is an excellent choice to spend your holidays during summer. There are places with moderate (or
cool) temperatures and are perfect for escaping the scorching heat of the sun.
Here are 10 summer getaways in India on a shoestring budget.
1.
JAMMU AND KASHMIR (J&K)- Paradise on Earth
Located mostly in the lap of Himalayas, J&K is a great place to visit during summer in North India. The hills, valleys and the greenery can captivate you to stay there forever.
How to reach:
The National Highways within the state connects significant cities of the country like New Delhi, Punjab, etc. Jammu is connected to Srinagar by Banihal Railway Station which is operational during the summers. There are regular flights available from New Delhi to the major airports in J&K. Buses and taxis can be availed easily and cheaply for local transportation.
The famous tourist attractions in the state are Dal Lake, Shalimar Garden, Gulmarg, Leh, Vaishno Devi Temple.
Things to do:
Dal Lake is a popular tourist spot in Srinagar. Take a ride in the Kashmiri houseboats and enjoy the magical views around the lake. When in Gulmarg, take the Gondola cable car ride (the 2nd highest in the world) and get immersed in the immense beauty of the valley.
Visit the enchanting Shalimar Garden filled with exotic flowers.
Shopping is an excellent idea in J&K because it’s famous for pashmina wools.
The trip to this northernmost state of India is incomplete without trying out the must-visit Kashmiri dishes like Rajmah, Kulcha, Kashmiri kebab.
Budget:
On an average, 4-5 days is enough to enjoy in J&K can cost approximately 6000 INR per person.
2.
UTTARAKHAND
Located in the Northern parts of India, Uttarakhand houses some of the most beautiful Hill stations of the country. Rich in a variety of flora and fauna, it serves as the perfect holiday destination for a honeymoon, children’s holiday and pilgrimage.
How to reach:
Several highways link to major cities of the state and the country. Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital are the major railway junctions of the state which connects New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, etc. Major domestic airports in Uttarakhand are in Dehradun and Nainital.
Things to do:
Haridwar and Rishikesh are two famous pilgrimage center and also provide great outdoor activities like river rafting and bungee jumping. Seek blessings from the temples and indulge in the adventurous sports for a memorable experience.
Dehradun and Nainital are popular hill stations with thousands of tourists visiting the place all through the year as they provide breathtaking views of the hills and valleys.
You can visit the famous Jim Corbett National Park for an incredible experience. Must-try dishes of Uttarakhand are Kadi chawal, Baadi, Raita.
Budget:
A 5 days package can cost approximately 20,000-25000 INR per person. There are also city-wise cheap packages available.
3.
DARJEELING
This enthralling place is located in Northeast India in the state of West Bengal. It provides the mesmerizing views of snow covered peaks of Kanchenjunga and is a great option to escape the summer heat.
How to reach:
Though there are no direct trains or flights to Darjeeling, trains are available to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) from various cities especially from Kolkata, and the nearest airport is at Bagdogra. Buses and taxis are regularly available from these places to Darjeeling at cheap rates.
Things to do:
Indulge yourself in the fantastic sunrise and sunset in Tiger Hills which can leave you awestruck. Taking a ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train is a must for every visitor to enjoy the lush greenery and beauty of Darjeeling.
This beautiful city has many tasty dishes, and the most popular ones are momos and Darjeeling tea.
Budget:
A package to tour Darjeeling may cost 10,000-12,000 INR per head for 5 days.
4.
GANGTOK
The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is located in Northeast India with its eternal natural beauty which is a lovely choice for spending summer holidays. There are beautiful views of mountains, scenic rivers and greenery and vibrant culture of Gangtok.
How to reach:
Siliguri and Bagdogra are the main railway station and airport, respectively, that are nearest to Gangtok. Taxis and buses are available to reach Gangtok from the station and airport.
Things to do:
The fresh waters of Gangtok will lure you to take a plunge, especially, during summer. Do river rafting if you love adventure. You can also go for a Yak safari to enjoy the scenic beauty of the city. A must-try is the cable car ride which is a favorite activity of all the tourists.
Momos and Gunduk are famous dishes, and M.G. Marg houses a lot of restaurants serving delicious delicacies.
Budget:
Great packages for Gangtok are available on an average of 15,000-18,000 INR for 3-4 days.
Related: 10 Fantastic International Trips From India Under 50k
5.
MEGHALAYA
Meaning the ‘Abode of Heaven,' Meghalaya is located in the Northeastern part of India. This place gets heavy rainfall all around the year and is a famous tourist place in India.
How to reach:
The nearest railway station is at Guwahati, Assam and the LGB International Airport of Guwahati is closest to Meghalaya (almost 180 km). Roads are well connected and to reach Meghalaya from Guwahati, cabs, and buses can be availed easily.
Things to do:
Elephant Waterfall, Nohkalikai Waterfall, Mawlynnong Waterfall, Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyon, Mawsmai Cave, Living Root Bridge are the famous tourist attractions in Meghalaya.
Shillong houses some of the most beautiful and unique waterfalls that never fail to mesmerize the visitors. Major tourist attractions are Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai Waterfall because of their great structure and beauty. An excellent place for nature lovers, Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge, is a beautiful work of nature. It can carry the weight of many people crossing it and is a picturesque tourist spot. Mawsmai caves in Cherrapunji is a popular tourist attraction which is highly fascinating with their limestone construction.
Try out tasty local dishes of Shillong.
Budget:
A 5 days trip to Shillong may cost 9000-1000 INR per person.
6.
ALLEPPEY- The Venice of East
This beautiful place is located in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is famous for its exquisite beaches, backwaters, temples, and ayurvedic massages. Ideal during the months of March-June, tourists come here for a relaxing holiday.
How to reach:
Regular buses and taxis are plying to and from Alleppey. Alappuzha Railway Station is the central station, and there are no direct flights available to Alleppey. Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport to this place.
Things to do:
Relax in the exotic beach of Alappuzha and get a very relaxing ayurvedic massage or you can hire a houseboat to sail in the fantastic backwaters of Kerala.
The dishes of Kerala are very famous for the use of coconut. Try out banana chips or the lip-smacking seafood for a tasty treat.
Budget:
1-2 days are more than enough in Alleppey and can cost approximately 6000-7000 INR per person.
7.
OOTY- Queen of Nilgiri
The picturesque southern hill station is located in the state of Tamil Nadu with the splendid Nilgiri Hill Range surrounding it. Ooty is a popular
tourist destination of India and has a pleasant climate all round the year.
How to reach:
Nilgiri Express regularly runs from different cities to Ooty railway station. Coimbatore International Airport is the dominant and nearest airport to Ooty. There are beautiful and well connected winding roads that connect Ooty to various cities of Tamil Nadu and other states.
Things to do:
Ooty is famous for its hilltop gardens and beautiful views of hills and lush greenery. Dolphin's nose is an excellent viewpoint that provides mesmerizing views of the city and its waterfalls. Visit the hilltop botanical garden to treat your eyes with colorful flowers. A trip to Ooty is incomplete without taking a ride on the Nilgiri Toy Train for a stunning view of the city and will surely be a memorable experience.
Shopping in Ooty is best for collecting souvenirs for family and friends.
When in South India you should not miss trying South Indian foods like
baked items and idlis and dosas served with tasty dips.
Budget:
A 2-3 days trip is enough with a price of 7000-8000 INR per head.
8.
PUDUCHERRY
Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its pristine beaches and peaceful temples and churches.
How to reach:
Roads firmly connect the city to major cities like Kanyakumari, Chennai, Madurai with the easy availability of buses and taxis. Villupuram Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Puducherry (37 km away). The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport and is well connected to major cities of India and the world.
Things to do:
Serenity Beach, Karaikal Beach, Mahe Beach, Paradise Beach, Sri Manakula Temple, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, French Quarter are some famous tourist attractions.
As the name suggests, Serenity Beach offers absolute serenity and peace. It is famous for activities like fishing, surfing and sunbathing.
Enjoy the perfect views of coconut trees, beautiful hued water and golden sunset at Paradise Beach.
Karaikal Beach is an excellent option for adventure sports like canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. Visit the French Quarter for some euphoric feeling of being in a foreign land. The French once colonized Pondicherry, and this place is quite a magnetic spot for the tourists.
Seek blessings from Lord Ganesh at the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple along with visiting the stunning Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
With cuisine strongly influenced by French, Puducherry offers lip-smacking delicacies like idlis, dosas, super tasty seafood at affordable prices.
Budget:
A 5-6 days trip to this beautiful city nestled in Southeast India may cost between 8,500-9000 INR.
9.
KANYAKUMARI
Located in southernmost part of India, Kanyakumari is in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous as a pilgrimage center offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset.
How to reach:
Trains from New Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Chennai and other major cities are available regularly. Regular flights can also be availed from different important cities to the nearest airport in Thiruvananthapuram. Roads are
well connected by taxis and buses that run regularly at budget-friendly rates.
Things to do:
Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial are famous tourist attractions in Kanyakumari.
Visit the Kanyakumari Temple and seek blessings from Devi Kanya. Or you may relax at the splendid Kovalam Beach. Get yourself some peace and tranquility by visiting the Vivekananda Memorial. It is a colossal rock where Vivekananda, the great Indian spiritual leader meditated. You can also pay a visit to Gandhi Memorial where the ashes of the great Indian freedom fighter- Mahatma Gandhi, were kept prior to their immersion. The place is also famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset.
Mostly serving vegan foods, Kanyakumari offers delicious chips of banana and jackfruit, and you must try out a vegetarian thali meal.
Budget:
A two days stay in Kanyakumari may cost 6000-7000 INR.
10. GOA
Goa is a small state located in West India famous all over the world for its magnetic beaches and churches.
How to reach:
Get a double-decker train ticket which is cheap, and it offers a memorable journey. Goa International Airport in Dabolim also has regular flights available.
Things to do:
Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Dudhsagar Waterfall, and the most picturesque Church of our Lady Immaculate are famous tourist places.
Enjoy the exquisite beaches and picturesque churches of Goa offering an excellent experience for tourists worldwide. Try city shopping and get attractive souvenirs at incredible prices.
Goan dishes are famous for their flavors and richness. Try our street foods for a great taste.
Budget:
Tour packages to Goa start from 5,999 INR approximately.
Wrapping Up
These are the top 10 budget-friendly places which you can visit with your loved ones in India during Summers or even in the rainy season. Enjoy the beaches, greenery, other famous places and have a gala time with your loved ones. Get Technology, Crypto, Business, Digital Marketing updates along with Travel surprises to plan your business strategies as well as to plan your next travel adventure with Cubic24.