Travel planning should always include budget-friendly options. There are many excellent and affordable places both within India and in nearby countries, which often share cultural aspects or offer visa advantages for Indian travellers.
Here are 10 cheap and beautiful tourist destinations in India and its immediate vicinity, focusing on places where accommodation, food, and local travel are inexpensive:
✈️ 10 Budget-Friendly Tourist Destinations
| # | Destination | Location | Why It's Budget-Friendly |
| Destinations in India | |||
| 1. | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh | Highly affordable accommodations (dharamshalas/budget hotels) and very cheap street food. The main attractions (Ghats, Ganga Aarti) are free to experience. |
| 2. | Rishikesh | Uttarakhand | Known as the "Yoga Capital." Abundant budget hostels, ashrams for stays, and inexpensive activities like watching the Ganga Aarti or exploring temples. |
| 3. | Hampi | Karnataka | A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins. Very affordable guesthouses and cheap rentals for cycles/bikes to explore the vast historical landscape. |
| 4. | Goa | Western India | While known for resorts, it's popular among backpackers. Stay in guesthouses/beach shacks in South Goa and rely on hired scooters/motorbikes to keep costs low. |
| 5. | Mcleodganj | Himachal Pradesh | A serene hill station and the home of the Dalai Lama. It offers budget homestays, cheap local transport, and stunning free-of-cost views and trekking trails. |
| 6. | Pondicherry | Tamil Nadu | Known for its French colonial charm. Stay in affordable homestays outside the main 'White Town,' and explore the area using rented bicycles. |
| Destinations Near India | |||
| 7. | Nepal | (Bordering India) | Visa-free entry for Indian citizens. Very low daily expenses (food, local transport) and diverse experiences from Kathmandu to Pokhara. |
| 8. | Sri Lanka | (South of India) | Short, affordable flights from South India. Excellent, cheap public transportation (especially the scenic train network) and highly affordable accommodation. |
| 9. | Thailand | Southeast Asia | A classic, affordable international destination. Offers competitive flight deals, budget hostels, and incredibly cheap and delicious street food across Bangkok and its islands. |
| 10. | Vietnam | Southeast Asia | Known for its stunning landscapes (like Ha Long Bay) and rich history. Accommodation and food (like Pho) are extremely pocket-friendly, making the daily budget very low. |
💡 Budget Tip: Bhutan
While known for a high daily tariff for other nationalities, Bhutan offers a special waiver for Indian citizens on the Sustainable Development Fee, making it a surprisingly affordable and unique travel experience close to home
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