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Affordable Indian Getaways for Friends in 2024

We know the feeling when long weekends or holidays approach or when there is simply that itch to bunk college or work and take off with friends to obscure places. Are you feeling jealous of scrolling down any social media by looking at the vacation pictures of your friends or colleagues? There are some pocket-friendly places where you can spend your weekend and relax with your family. Plan for the budget trips in India which are popular and offbeat and will surely give you a mesmerizing experience. 

No worries if you just have a few thousand in your pocket for there is a long list of budget trips in India that you could opt for. From north to south and east to west, there is an extensive number of places that are just waiting to unravel. These budget locations are a crowd-pleaser and make the tiny escapes totally worthwhile.

Best Places For Budget Trips In India In 2024

Alleppey – The Venice Of The East

Alleppey, the Venice of the East, is famous for the verdant countryside, lagoons, and the waterways. It is the best place to cruise lazily around in the ever-present houseboats, sample the delicious coconut-laced seafood, and enjoy one of the cheapest solo trips in India. Alleppey happens to be one of the most beautiful destinations for low budget trips in India. 

Ideal Duration Of Stay: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: October To February 

Average Cost:

Places To Visit In Alleppey:

Things To Do In Alleppey:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Cochin International Airport (75 Km), Alappuzha Train Station 

Famous Dishes: Puttu, Kadala, Beef Roast 

What To Buy: Coir Items, Handicrafts

Pondicherry – The French Town

Why shell out thousands when you can get a French experience through some cheap trips in India? With low budget trips in India to Pondicherry, you can get the French flair right here in India. Walk the cobblestoned streets during the day and put up your feet at the innumerable cafes on the beach in the evenings. And yes, don’t forget to try out the French food around here.

 Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: October To March 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Pondicherry:

Things To Do In Pondicherry:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Chennai International Airport/ Puducherry Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Crab Masala Fry, Mutton Rolls, Khowsuey, Parotas 

What To Buy: Textiles, Pottery, Tibetan Handicrafts, Aromatherapy Product

Gokarna – The Less Crowded Goa

Image Source Looking for some peace and tranquility in one of the low budget places to visit in India for 3 days? Then, the Om Beach in Gokarna near Mangalore is one of the perfect 3 days trip places. You could try hiring some boats with the local fishermen to take you around the beaches in Gokarna. And if you start getting restless, there are a bunch of water activities you could go for. And what’s more? The Gokarna beaches still fall under the budget trips in India! Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days Best Time To Visit: June To August Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Gokarna:

Things To Do In Gokarna:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Dabolim Airport/Murdeshwar & Karwar Railway Station Famous Dishes: South Indian Cuisine, Prawn Pizza What To Buy: Brass Lamps, Kallu Sarkkare, Handicrafts

Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital

Image Source Looking for cheap solo trips in India? Look no further than Rishikesh. The thrilling white-water-rafting, the splendid beach camps, and the exhilarating treks beckon the adventurer in you. A trip to Rishikesh tops the charts among the adventurous budget travel in India. You could also visit the breathtaking Valley of Flowers from here. Mind you, it’s a completely vegetarian and alcohol-free destination, but totally worth it! 

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days 

Best Time To Visit: Late September To Mid November 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Rishikesh:

Things To Do In Rishikesh:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Jolly Grant Airport/Dehradun Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Aloo Puri, Chole Bhature, Pani Puri 

What To Buy: Glass Bangles, Carved Stone Idols, Pickles, Ayurveda Medicines.

Darjeeling – The Land Of Thunderbolt

Chugging up to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri is a once in a lifetime experience. And what makes it better is that it is still one of the best budget-friendly trips in India. Once up in the hills, just take in the salubrious air, sip the Darjeeling tea, rise early and gaze at the sunrise at Tiger hills and get ready to be mesmerized by the magnificent Kanchenjunga. And the best part is, one can plan a great start to the New Year as Darjeeling is a great escape for those who are planning for budget trips in India in January

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: March To May and October-November 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Darjeeling:

Things To Do In Darjeeling:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Bagdogra Airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Thukpa, The Naga Cuisine, Chaang, Momos 

What To Buy: Hand Knitted Items, Tea, Handicrafts

McLeodganj – The Little Lhasa

A colorful hill station, Dharamsala is a mini-Tibet and one of the most beautiful destinations for budget trips in India. The dual cities of Dharamsala and McLeodganj are lined with numerous monasteries and temples to visit and the views of the hills and valleys are nothing short of magical. For those who love treks, be sure to try Triund trek and camp. Plan one of the best of budget trips in India in January and get to witness snow-clad mountains of the Dhauladar Ranges on top of Triund. So, if you are looking for some adventurous cheap trips in India, you sure can count on Dharamsala and McLeodganj for they are some of the best places for 3 days trip. 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: October To February 

Average Cost

Places To Visit In Mcleodgunj:

Things To Do In Mcleodgunj:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Gaggal (30 km)/Kangra Mandir railway station 

Famous Dishes: Momos, Tibetan Cuisine

What To Buy: Woolen Items, Incense Sticks, Singing Bowls, Colorful Bags

Sikkim – The Organic State

Image Source Sikkim is one of the loveliest and cheapest holiday destinations in India. A great escape for those planning their budget trips in India in February, Sikkim serves as the best place for families, friends, and couples alike. Nothing beats its wonderful climate, scenic view of the Himalayas, picturesque treks, strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, and yummy local food. And all this comes well in your budget. 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: March and May, October and Mid-December 

Average Cost

Places To Visit In Sikkim:

Things To Do In Sikkim:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Bagdogra Airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Gundruk Soup, Sinki Soup, Thukpa, Yak Cheese 

What To Buy: Woolen Carpets, Choosees, Tea, Prayer Flags

Kanyakumari – The Southernmost Tip

Image Source Being the tip of the Indian mainland, itself makes Kanyakumari enticing. The confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean — behold it, to believe it! A must-see is the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views here. This destination is certainly proving to be one of the best budget trips in South India. 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: October To March 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Kanyakumari:

Things To Do In Kanyakumari:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Trivandrum International Airport/Kanyakumari Railway Junction 

Famous Dishes: Kothu, Banana Chips, Pazha Sarbath, Aval 

What To Buy: Shells, Handloom Saris.

Hampi – The Forgotten Empire

Image Source Not too cold, and not too hot, Hampi is a great choice in case you are planning for budget trips in India in February. This is one fantastic treat for history lovers and one of the most value for money and budget travel in India. Relive the Vijayanagar history just wandering about Hampi or maybe perch on the omnipresent huge boulders to survey the land around you. You could even catch the vibrant Hampi Utsav if you happen to visit in the first week of November. 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: October To February 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Hampi:

Things To Do In Hampi:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Hubli Airport (143 km)/Hospet Railway Station (12 Km) 

Famous Dishes: South Indian Cuisine like dosa, Idly 

What To Buy: Brass Items, Hippie Clothes, Funky Jewellery, Leather Crafts

Nainital – The City Of Lakes

Being a hill station, Nainital is a good option for budget trips in India in December. Undoubtedly, one of the top hilly budget tourist places in India, Nainital is known for its main attraction – the Naini Lake & the beautiful hills that surround it. In addition to that, it also happens to be one of the best places to plan budget trips in India for couples. The rope-way to Snow view to get a dekko at the mighty Himalayas is a must-do here. 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: March To June 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Nainital:

Things To Do In Nainital:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Baadi, Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke 

What To Buy: Pinecone decorations, Aroma candles, Woollens

Munnar – The Green Hill Town

What can get better than the fresh air, refreshing aroma of tea plantations, and the reviving hills of Munnar for those who are planning budget trips in India for couples? Travel via Cochin, apart from the spectacular scenic drive, you could even enjoy a visit to the Elephant training Centre on the way. The tea gardens of Munnar are its hallmark, but one can even try the Eravikulam National Park or even some early morning treks to Rajmala hills. 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: September To March 

Average Cost

Places To Visit In Munnar:

Things To Do In Munnar:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Cochin International Airport (75 Km), Ernakulam Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Appam with stew, Kerala Prawn Curry, Beef Fry, and Malabar Parotta 

What To Buy: Tea, Cashews, homemade chocolates, and Spices

Varanasi – The Oldest City

Looking forward to plan budget friendly trips in India? Varanasi can prove to be a great pick to culture vultures and all travelers alike. A cultural hotspot, Banaras or Varanasi, is situated on the banks of River Ganges. It is one of the cheap places to visit in India. The Ganga ghats are sites to experience the cultural flavor of India. So get on that boat ride and take in the most incredible sights from laundry to religious rituals. Don’t miss out on the Banarasi thandai and Banarasi paan! 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: November To February 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Varanasi:

Things To Do In Varanasi:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport/Varanasi Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Chena Dahi Vada, Malaiyyo, Chura Matar, Baati Chokha 

What To Buy: Banarasi Silk Sarees, Gulabi Minakari, Wooden Toys

Ooty – The Queen Of Hills (South)

The Queen of Nilgiris, Ooty happens to be one of the best hill stations in South India for those planning for budget friendly trips in India. Ooty is one of the perfect destinations for budget trips in South India. A trip to Ooty, one of the best hill stations in South India, is amongst the best budget trips in India that you could ask for. It is also one of the cheap places to visit in India. The senses exult here in the midst of the exotic botanical gardens, Rose Garden, verdant hills, historical buildings, tea plantations and of course, homemade chocolates. 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: October To June 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Ooty:

Things To Do In Ooty:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Coimbatore International Airport/Mettupalyam Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Kebabs, Chinese food, Chocolates and Momos 

What To Buy: Authentic Spices, Leather Products, Ornaments, Tea

Shimla – The Iconic Hillstation

Shimla is one of the best hillstations for budget tours in India. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a lovely spot if you are looking for cheap holiday destinations in India. The hill station not only has many sightseeing attractions, but also mesmerizes with its scenic charm. Even if you will walk into a decent restaurant the price range would be inexpensive. There also are various budget hotels and resorts in Shimla that will make your budget escape unforgettable. If you are looking for low budget tourist places in India, then you can consider Shimla. If you’re thinking of a snow-laden escape, meandering past valleys sprinkled in white, then Shimla makes for dreamy winter road trips in India! 

Ideal Duration Of Stay: 2 Nights/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: November To February 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Shimla:

Things To Do In Shimla:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Jabbarhatti Airport/Shimla Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Meethe Chawal, Khoru, Patore, Chaa Gosht 

What To Buy: Himachali Hats, Local Handicrafts, Traditional Jewelry, Wooden Items

Khajuraho – The Temple Town

Image Source Known across the world for its erotic art sculpture outside the historic temples, Khajuraho happens to be an ideal choice if you want to tour top low budget tourist places in India. This destination is made budget-friendly primarily through hostels like Zostel and many budget stays. It is one of the cheap holiday destinations in India that you can explore.

Ideal Duration Of Stay: 1 Night/2 Days 

Best Time To Visit: October To February 

Average Cost: 

Places To Visit In Khajuraho:

Things To Do In Khajuraho:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Khajuraho Airport/ Mahoba railway station 

Famous Dishes: Rogan Josh, Mutton Kebabs, Chicken Biryani, Sabudana Khichdi 

What To Buy: Handloom items, Miniature stone replicas, jewelry, silverware, and brassware

Kasol – The Heaven’s Gateway

Kasol is a village town in the district of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the Parvati River, this hamlet has a couple of cheap stay options in the form of camps. The town has local eating points and amazing cafes which serve delicious food. There is a German bakery too in the center of this little hamlet which serves some of the best bakery items you would have ever tasted. The scenic views and delectable food options make it one of the best places in India for a 3 days trip. 

Ideal Duration Of Stay: 2 Night/3 Days 

Best Time To Visit: April, May, October and November 

Average Cost

Places To Visit In Kasol:

Things To Do In Kasol:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Bhuntar Airport/ Joginder Nagar Railway Station Famous Dishes: Falafel and Tabbouleh, Momos, Egg Parantha What To Buy: Himachali Caps, Dreamcatchers, Handicrafts. Chilham

Digha – The City Of Underwater World

This is a town in the state of West Bengal, which is known for its marine life and is best for budget solo trip in India. Digha is renowned as the resort beach town in West Bengal and is a must-visit place in the state if you are looking for a budget trip. Those looking for a peaceful travel experience, this beach town is unexplored and is therefore an ideal place to visit for 3 days in India. 

Ideal Duration Of Stay: 2 Nights/3 days 

Best Time To Visit: October To February 

Average cost

Places To Visit In Digha:

Things To Do In Digha:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Kolkata Airport/ Howrah Railway Station 

Famous Dishes: Pomfret, Rohu, Bhetki, Fried Fish, Tiger Prawns 

What To Buy: Jute Products, Handicraft showpieces

Final Thoughts

Traveling with friends to budget-friendly destinations in India can create unforgettable memories without straining your finances. With diverse options ranging from beaches to mountains, and spiritual retreats to historical cities, there’s something for every group of friends. Planning and researching ahead will ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and cost-effective trip in 2024.

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