We all love to go somewhere on holidays and vacations. For a break from the monotony of life, or just for a spiritual cleansing. But what if the budget is tight for travel? Worry not, for here is a list of top places in India that are very cheap and easy to explore. Whether you’re a backpacker or a serious traveller, this list is for you.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh sits on the banks of the Ganges and offers yoga classes, river rafting, and simple cafes by the water. Rooms in guesthouses start at under ₹1,000 a night. A meal usually costs less than ₹200. You’ll walk along the stream and visit temples without charge. Early morning boat rides cost very little but feel special. The town has a calm vibe and plenty of budget options for food, stay, and local transport.
McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
McLeodganj is a small hill town with Tibetan cafes and mountain trails. You can trek to Triund in a day and camp on a budget. Basic homestays cost around ₹800 a night. Street food like momos and thukpa costs under ₹150. The air is fresh, and the views of the Dhauladhar range are amazing. Walking around the town costs nothing, and you meet travellers from all over the world.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is India’s oldest city. You can stay near the ghats for under ₹1,000 a night and join a sunrise boat ride for about ₹200. The Ganga aarti at dawn is free but deeply moving. Street breakfasts of kachori and jalebi cost under ₹100. Evening boat rides, temple visits, and simple walks along the river make your days full without spending much.
Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna has quiet beaches and a laid‑back feel. You can sleep in beach huts for ₹500–₹800 a night. Local shacks serve fish curry and rice for under ₹300. The main beaches are free to access, and the sunset views are unbeatable. You can rent a scooter for ₹400 a day to explore nearby bays. The whole village feels calm and slow. It costs little to find a spot on the sand and just relax.
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Kasol is situated on the banks of the River Parvati. You can crash in a hostel or guesthouse for around ₹600 a night. Cafes by the river serve up coffee and quick meals for under ₹200. Want a trek? A bus ride takes you to Kheerganga or Tosh, and it’s cheap. Split the cost of a shared room, and the whole place becomes even more budget‑friendly. The fresh mountain air and views of the river really help you relax.
Alleppey, Kerala
Alleppey is all about backwaters and green rice fields. You don’t need a pricey houseboat to enjoy the canals. A small boat tour costs about ₹500 for a few hours on the water. Homestays start at ₹1,200 a night and include tasty Kerala meals. Rent a bicycle for ₹300 a day and pedal along tiny roads, watching fishermen at work. Life here moves at water speed, slow, calm, and easy on your wallet.
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar has a sacred lake and bustling markets. Rooms near the lake go for under ₹800 a night. Rooftop cafés serve chai and snacks for less than ₹150. Walking around the lake and popping into temples won’t cost you a rupee. If you feel like riding a camel at sunset, it’s still under ₹500. At night, the town lights up with fairy lights and folk music. It’s cheap and charming.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry brings a little piece of France to India. Guesthouses in the white quarter start at ₹1,200 a night. Street food like dosas or a croissant will set you back under ₹100. You can rent a bicycle for ₹200 a day and wander past colonial buildings. Beaches are free and quiet in the morning. Cafés by the shore serve coffee and snacks at local prices. Just strolling the lanes is an adventure.
Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi’s ancient ruins and rocky hills feel like a storybook. Basic huts go for under ₹800 a night. Local meals cost under ₹150 and will fill you up. Renting a scooter runs about ₹300 a day and lets you zip between temples and boulders. There’s no entry fee to explore most sites. You’ll see plenty of sunsets that will stay with you throughout your life. History, nature, and budget travel fit perfectly here.
Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Tirthan Valley is a hidden gem with clear rivers and pine forests. You’ll find homestays from ₹1,000 a night, and most of them serve home-cooked meals too. Trout thalis at small shops cost under ₹300. You can trek to waterfalls or fish for trout for just a small fee. Walking along the riverbank or sitting by a bonfire costs nothing. It’s remote, peaceful, and perfect for a wallet‑friendly break.
These spots prove you don’t need a big budget to see amazing places in India. Travel off‑season to save more, choose simple stays, and eat local food. Plan, pack light, and keep some cash for fun extras. You’ll come home with great stories, new friends, and money left over for your next trip.
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