With my bucket-list of travel destinations increasing with each passing day, it is getting increasingly difficult to manage my finances around my travels. I am always on the lookout for budget destinations, where I can go spend a few peaceful days and not worry about my vacation leaving me with no money by the end of the day.
So after some research and travelling, I put together a list of some of my favourite budget-friendly destinations, where one can easily spend a long-weekend for as little as ₹5,000.
1. Binsar
Go on a wildlife safari, get some good food, and just spend time relaxing in the lap of the hills – do all this and more at Binsar, a small hamlet nestled in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand.
Closest metro city: Delhi (420km)
How to reach: The best and cheapest way to travel to Binsar is by bus. There is no direct bus available – you have to change at Nainital and Almora. The total fare for the bus comes out to be around Rs 1,000 one way.
Where to stay: Get stay options here. Rooms start from as low as ₹500 per night and can go up to ₹10,000 per night.
Food and activities cost: ₹500 per person per day (approx)
Total Price Range: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 per person per night
Best time to visit: Between October and December
2. Mukteshwar
A fan of adventure travel but don't want to go as mainstream as Rishikesh? Head to Mukteshwar for an adrenaline-filled dose of rock-climbing, rappeling, camping, paragliding and more.
Closest metro city: Delhi (380km)
How to reach: The best and cheapest way to reach is to take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam and then a bus from Kathgodam to Mukteshwar. The total fare can range from ₹700 to ₹2,000 depending on the type of train and bus you choose.
Where to stay: Get stay options in Mukteshwar here. Stays can start as low as ₹500 per person per night.
Food and activities cost: ₹800-₹1,000 per person per day
Price Range: ₹1,200 to ₹3,600 per person per night
Best time to visit: Between October to December and March to July
3. Varanasi
The world's oldest city is also one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Revel in its old-world charm, experience stunning aartis, indulge in some delectable food and lose yourself in the magic that is Varanasi.
Closest metro city: Delhi (800km)
How to reach: The cheapest way to reach Varanasi from Delhi is to take Train. The ticket prices start as low as ₹420 for a one-way journey.
Where to stay: Varanasi is a popular destination with backpackers and therefore has a number of hostels, starting as low as ₹150 a night.
Food and activities cost: ₹500-₹700 per person per day
Price Range: ₹200 to ₹1,000 per person per night
Best time to visit: Between October and March
4. Jaipur
Experience the heart and soul of Rajasthan complete with the hospitality, food, shopping and vibrance. Visit ancient monuments and learn of Rajputana history in this colourful and bustling capital city.
Closest metro city: Delhi (270km)
How to reach: A bus is the fastest and cheapest way to get to Jaipur. A 5-hour bus journey can cost anywhere between ₹300 to ₹800.
Where to stay: Hostels in Jaipur start as low as ₹500 per night. Look for the cheapest accommodations, here.
Food and activities cost: ₹500-₹1,000 per person per day
Price Range: ₹1,000 - ₹3,000 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to March
5. Udaipur
The city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur is a sight to behold. And once you look beneath the surface, you will get lost in the abundance of richness and cultural extravaganza this place has to offer.
Closest metro city: Delhi (650km)
How to reach: An 11-hour train journey from Delhi to Udaipur starts at around ₹400 per person (one-way) while a 13-hour bus journey starts at around ₹600 per person (one-way).
Where to stay: Here's a list of Udaipur's best and cheapest hostels. For other stay options, click here.
Food and activities cost: ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person per day
Price Range: ₹800 to ₹3,000 per night per person
Best time to visit: October to February
6. Sariska
Mix Rajasthani opulence with the rawness of wildlife and you get Sariska, a beautiful city merely a few hours from Delhi that offers you the best of both worlds. Enjoy a relaxing couple of days here.
Closest metro city: Delhi (270km)
How to reach: There is no direct train or bus from Delhi to Sariska. So you have to take a train/bus to Alwar, which is about 37km from Sariska. You can easily get a bus from Alwar to Sariska. The total transportation cost is around ₹200 by train and ₹300 by bus.
Where to stay: Most accommodation options are available in Alwar. Stays start as low as ₹500 per night. You can find book your cheapest hotel here.
Food and activities cost: ₹600 per person per day
Price Range: ₹1,100 - ₹2,500 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to March
7. Amritsar
The holy city of Sikhs, which is known for the beloved Golden Temple actually has a lot to offer. Witness historical sights of Jalianwalah Bagh and Wagah border and eat to your heart's content in this beautiful city.
Closest metro city: Delhi (450km)
How to reach: Taking a bus from Delhi to Amritsar is the cheapest way to get here. A ticket for a 8-hour bus journey will cost about ₹500 one-way. Trains are also cheap and a 6-hour train journey costs about ₹600 one-way.
Where to stay: Amritsar has a number of budget accommodation options with stays starting as low as ₹500 per person per night. You can find options, here.
Food and activities cost: ₹500-₹800 per person per day
Price Range: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to April
8. Daman & Diu
Initially looked at as an escape for Gujaratis to come and party, Daman and Diu actually offer a number of picturesque sights, pristine beaches, and cheap alcohol – the three ingredients that make for a great weekend getaway.
Closest metro city: Mumbai (180km from Daman, 822 km from Diu)
How to reach: The fastest and cheapest way to get to Daman & Diu is via bus. Bus fare starts at around ₹200 for Daman and ₹500 for Diu.
Where to stay: Hotels start as low as ₹450 a night for one person. Check out some of the best hotels in Daman and Diu here.
Food and activities cost: ₹250 to ₹700 per person per day
Price Range: ₹800 to ₹3,000 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to March
9. Hampi
A haven for history buffs, Hampi gives you an insight into India's past like no other place. Full of ruins from ancient kingdoms, this place has a charm that is unmatched.
Closest metro city: Bangalore (352km)
How to reach: Major transport options connect Bangalore to Hospet, which is a town 12km from Hampi. From Hospet you can get a bus/auto to Hampi. The cheapest way is to take a train form Bangalore to Hospet and then a bus forward. A 7-hour train ride starts at ₹250 while a 5-hour bus ride starts at ₹580.
Where to stay: Hostels start at ₹650 per night. You can check out other cheap accommodations here.
Food and activities cost: ₹400 to ₹1,000 per person per day
Price Range: ₹1,200 to ₹3,000 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to March
10. Kanyakumari
The Indian peninsula's southern-most tip, Kanyakumari is the right mix of pristine natural beauty and spiritual fervour. Take a trip here if you want to soak in the beauty of the Indian ocean while also looking inwards to realise the true beauty that lies within you.
Closest metro city: Bangalore (665km)
How to reach: Cheapest way is to reach Kanyakumari from Bangalore is by bus. A 13-hour bus journey starts at ₹749. Direct trains also run from Bangalore to Kanyakumari and a 19-hour train journey starts at ₹450.
Where to stay: Stays start as low as ₹700 per person per night. You can check out feasible stay options, here.
Food and activities cost: ₹800 to ₹1200 per person per day
Price Range: ₹1,500 t0 ₹3,000
Best time to visit: October to March
11. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is one place that can never be fully described in words. The charming French architecture, quaint beaches, cheap alcohol and a relaxed vibe make this such a beautiful weekend getaway for people from nearby cities.
Closest metro city: Chennai (165km)
How to reach: A bus is the best and cheapest way to get to Pondicherry from Chennai. A 3.5-hour bus journey costs about ₹290.
Where to stay: Pondicherry is a popular backpacking destination. There are a number of hostels and backpacker hotels available at cheap prices. Stays start as low as ₹300 per person per night. Find great stay options here.
Food and activities cost: ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person per day
Price Range: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to March
12. Kodaikanal
One of the most beautiful hill stations in South India, Kodaikanal makes for a great weekend getaway with its rolling hills, terrace farms and a relaxed vibe. Head here for a few days of peace and quiet.
Closest metro city: Bangalore (465km)
How to reach: Best way to travel to Kodaikanal is via bus. A bus journey from Bangalore takes anywhere between 8 to 10 hours and starts at about ₹750.
Where to stay: Hotels start from as low as ₹430 per person per night. You can explore hotels here.
Food and activities cost: ₹500 to ₹800 per person per day
Price Range: ₹1,200 to ₹3,500 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to March
13. Darjeeling
Toy trains, tea gardens and sweeping views of the Himalayas – Darjeeling is a city born out of dreams. This hilly hamlet has a romantic vibe that is sure to envelop you the moment you step foot here.
Closest metro city: Kolkata (615km)
How to reach: The cheapest way to reach Darjeeling from Kolkata is by train. It is an 11-hour journey and prices start at ₹750 one-way.
Where to stay: Darjeeling has a number of options for every kind of traveller. Budget stays start at ₹450 per person per night. You can explore your options here.
Food and activities cost: ₹500 to ₹1000 per person per day
Price Range: ₹900 to ₹3,000 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to December
14. Mandarmani
This is the place where the Ganga/Brahmaputra flows into the Bay of Bengal. Considered to be a pious place by many, it is actually a beautifully pristine location that can instantly drive away the stress of everyday life.
Closest metro city: Kolkata (170km)
How to reach: The cheapest way to get to Mandarmani is to take a bus from Kolkata. Fares start at ₹140 per person for a one-way ticket.
Where to stay: There are a number of hotels and resorts to choose from at Mandarmani. Tariff starts from as low as ₹600 per person per night. You can explore your options here.
Food and activities cost: ₹300 to ₹1,000 per person per day
Price Range: ₹900 to ₹3,000 per person per night.
Best time to visit: November to January
15. Bhubaneshwar
The perfect mix of history and religion, Bhubaneswar is known for its beautiful and elaborate temples. Spend a few days here understanding the roots of this country and understanding the history of its beautiful people.
Closest metro city: Kolkata (440km)
How to reach: Both buses and trains ply directly from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar. Although buses are cheaper, starting at ₹570 for a one-way journey, while trains start at around ₹750 for a one-way journey.
Where to stay: Bhubaneswar is a popular pilgrimage town and therefore has a number of affordable stay options starting at ₹500 a night. You can explore your options here.
Food and activities cost: ₹300 to ₹700 per person per day
Price Range: ₹800 to ₹2,000 per person per night
Best time to visit: October to March
What is your favourite budget holiday destination. Let us know in the comments or share your journey with millions of readers by writing about it on Tripoto.
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