Top 10 cheapest places to travels in 2023

Popular destinations like Jaipur can also be visited on a pocket-friendly budget

One of the biggest changes in the Indian society over the past couple of decades is the huge growth in travel, both domestic and international. The travel bug seems to have bitten everyone, from students and not so well-off families to single girls and of course families. While earlier the summer and other school vacations often meant travelling to a relative’s house, nowadays Indian travellers have spread their wings and are exploring new destinations at every opportunity.

Despite the growth in travel, budget does remain an important factor in choosing a location and other elements of travel. One can visit practically all the major destinations across the country without burning a huge hole in the household budgets.

Here are the Top 10 pocket friendly destinations in India where one can create memorable moments with the loved ones or even solo.

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Kasol

Kasol is a small but very beautiful village in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Kasol is famous for its natural beauty and mountains, and is especially attractive for various treks that can be undertaken here.

Kheerganga trek is one of the most famous treks here.

• Accommodation: Starting from INR 700 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 600 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Parvati River, Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, Malana Village, Kheer Ganga Peak, Bhuntar Town.
• Best time to visit – October to June
• Fun fact: Kasol is also known as mini Israel since it attracts a large number of Israeli tourists.

Puducherry

Puducherry

About 120 km south of Chennai, Puducherry is one of the most beautiful union territories of India. One of its biggest attractions is its unique Indo-French culture as it was a French colony for about three centuries until it was liberated in 1954. The traces of French heritage can be seen in the French Quarter here, with its tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques. Puducherry is also attractive for the wide range of water sports that its beautiful beaches offer. They range from scuba diving and camping on the beach to canoeing, surfing and parasailing.

• Accommodation: Starting from INR 700 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 734 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Aurobindo Ashram, Paradise Beach Puducherry, Auroville Puducherry, Arikamedu Puducherry, Seaside Promenade Puducherry, Serenity Beach Puducherry.
• Best time to visit – October to March.
• Fun Fact – Pondicherry celebrates its own Independence Day every year on August 16.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur

Located in southern Rajasthan, Udaipur  was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559. One of the most beautiful destinations in India, it is also called the city of Lakes since it is home to numerous azure blue lakes, surrounded by lush green hills of the Aravalis.

It is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, It is perfect destination for travellers who love history, culture and architecture. It is quite a renowned destination owing to its massive palaces, ancient forts, beautiful lakes, lush green gardens, age-old temples, romantic backdrops and so much more.

• Accommodation : Starting from INR 700 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 650 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Udaipur City Palace, Lake Palace, Jagmandir, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Sajjangarh Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola.
• Best time to visit – September to March.
• Fun Fact – Jaisamand Lake has earned fame as the second largest man-made lake in Asia. The lake covers an area of 87 sqkm when full, and it is over 34 m deep.

Ladakh

Ladakh

Ladakh is a rain shadow region of the Himalayas and the youngest Union territory of India, formed in 2019. Ladakh is one of the highest regions of the world. Its natural features consist mainly of high plains and deep valleys. Ladakh is often referred to as Little Tibet due to its geographical proximity and strong links to Tibetan culture.

Ladakh is most famous for breathtaking landscapes, the crystal clear skies, the highest mountain passes, thrilling adventure activities, Buddhist Monasteries and festivals.

• Accommodation: Starting from INR 1100 per night, depending on season and type of hotel. .
• Food: From INR 500 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Pangong Lake, Khardungla Pass, Nubra Valley, Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
• Best time to visit – Nov to Feb
• Fun Fact – Ladakh has the largest telescope in Asia at an astounding altitude of over 4500 m.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling

Set in the Himalayas of North Bengal, Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in India. The city offers amazing views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world that stands tall at 8586 m. Darjeeling is also known around the world for its tea plantations. It is also known for its richness in cultural and natural heritage. One of the most unique ways to get here is by the toy train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, that has been classified as a World Heritage by UNESCO.

• Food: From INR 456 per person per day.
• Accommodation: Starting from INR 500 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Best tourist spots: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Singalila National Park, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill, Observatory Hill, Batasia Loop, Happy Valley Tea Estate.
• Best time to visit : April to June
• Fun Fact: Also called the Queen of the Himalayas, Darjeeling has been a favourite location for film shooting Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi

Standing on the banks of Ganga, Varanasi, also referred to as Kashi is one of the most pious spots for Hindus, who make it a point to come here at least once in their lifetime. Varanasi has numerous temples dating from various periods of the city that is over 3000 year old. It is also called the Spiritual Capital of India. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together,” wrote American humourist Mark Twain.

• Accommodation Cost: Starting from INR 550 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 320 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Varanasi River Ganges, Sarnath, Manikarnika Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and Chunar Fort.
• Best time to visit: Oct to Feb
• Fun Fact: According to Hindu mythology, if anybody dies in Varanasi he gets moksha or liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.

McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is a small town located in Himachal Pradesh close to Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj is not only known for its Dhauladhar Mountains, pretty waterfalls, and lakes but is also home of Gyalwa Rinpoche, better known as the 14th and current Dalai Lama. For this reason, it is also called the Mini Tibet in India.

• Accommodation : Starting from INR 1,116 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 650 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: John’s Church, Bhagsu Waterfalls, Tibetan Children’s Village, Dharamshala, Tsug La Khang, Tibet Museum, Dharamkot.
• Best time to visit – Mar to June.
• Fun Fact: McLeodganj was named after Donald Friell McLeod who was the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during the British rule in India.

Amritsar, Punjab

Amritsar

Amritsar is the holiest city for the Sikhs as it is the seat of the Golden Temple or the Harmandir Sahib, which attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Amritsar is also a major commercial, cultural and transportation centre.

you’ll have tons of other fascinating experiences that will make you fall in love with Amritsar. You can adventure to the border of Pakistan and watch the daily Wagah Border Ceremony, just behind the Golden Temple, there is another important site in Amritsar: Jallianwala Bagh we are also known as the Amritsar massacre.

• Accommodation Cost: Starting from INR 1,200 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 700 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Places to visit in Amritsar the Golden Temple, Wagah Border Ceremony, Partition Museum, Mandir Mata Lal Devi, Baba Atal Tower, Jallianwala Bagh.
• Best time to visit – Nov to Mar
• Fun Fact: The Golden Temple in Amritsar actually attracts more daily visitors than the Taj Mahal.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh

Rishikesh, a place full of peace and spirituality, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is popular amongst those seeking spirituality and also those looking for adventure. Rishikesh has dozens of Ashrams that attract pilgrims and others seeking tranquility and peace from all over the world. The rapids of the Ganga that flows through Rishikesh are also popular for the various water sports activities that are offered here, including white water rafting, canoeing and also bungee jumping, giant swing, zip line and camping.

• Accommodation Cost: Starting from INR 965 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 650 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Places to visit in Rishikesh Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Ganga Aarti, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Ram Jhula, Rishikund, Sivananda Ashram
• Best time to visit: Oct to Feb
• Fun Fact: Rishikesh, also known as the Tapobhumi, is the Yoga Capital of the World.

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Pushkar

Pushkar, that means a blue lotus in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest towns in India and a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Sikhs due to the presence of hundreds of stunning temples and several Gurudwaras. It is home to the only Brahma Temple in the world and is also well-known all over the world for its annual fair, Pushkar Camel Fair, held every November, one of the largest carnivals of cattle and camels in the world. This traditional carnival brings thousands of camels, cattle, and horses and buyers from all over India gather to negotiate their best buys.

• Accommodation: Starting from INR 500 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 300 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Brahma Temple, Pushkar Mela, Savitri Temple, Pushkar Lake and the Ghats, Naga Pahad, Sarafa Bazaar and Bada Bazaar, Man Mahal.
• Best time to visit – Oct to Nov
• Fun Fact: This story is regarding Lord Brahma lying about his achievement to Lord Shiva. He was cursed not to be worshipped by people except at Pushkar.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital

Nainital, also known as the Lake District of India, is a hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. This city gives the visitors the much-needed break that they yearn for.

Nainital is often the most preferred location for family trips, honeymoon and budget-friendly college trips because of its simple versatility. It is filled with romantic spots such as the Naini Lake and the Snow View point.

• Accommodation Cost: Starting from INR 800 per night, depending on season and type of hotel.
• Food: From INR 750 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Naini Lake, Nainital Zoo, Aerial Ropeway Nainital, Naina Devi Temple, The Mall Road, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Gardens, Raj Bhawan, Kilbury, Snow View Point.
• Best time to visit: March to June
• Fun Fact: Nainital, the City of Lakes, is older than Jesus Christ and it used to be known as Khadesh.

Varkala, Kerala

Varkala

Located in God’s Own Country, as the southern state of Kerala is often called, Varkala is most famous for its beaches, set against lush green palms sitting on top of red cliffs.

Varkala is also known for the 2,000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi or Varanasi of the South. The temple is located close to Papanasam beach, which is a reputed Ayurveda treatment centre.

Varkala Beach is a popular beach where you can enjoy various water sports activities such as para-sailing and paragliding

• Accommodation Cost: Starting from INR 1700 per night, depending on season and type of hotel
• Food: From INR 500 per person per day.
• Best tourist spots: Sri Janardanaswamy Temple, Varkala Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, Anjuthengu Fort, Varkala cliff, Ponnumthuruthu, Odayam Beach Varkala, Chilakkoor, Varkala Aquarium.
• Best time to visit – Oct to Feb.
• Fun Fact: It is the only place in Kerala where the hills come close to the sea. The uniqueness of the place is the merging of cliffs with the Arabian Sea.