If one is budget-conscious and want to travel more for less, then the best way is truly to choose your destinations wisely. Globetrotting is the fantasy of almost everyone out there. They may be discouraged from making it a reality, unfortunately, because travel is always seen to be expensive. How will one see the world in their budget without burning a hole in their pockets? Is traveling on a budget possible?
Let’s find out!
1.NEPAL
This country of the Himalayan mountain range promises zen, spirituality, and mindblowing scenic beauty. A plus point for Indian passport holders wanting to travel to Nepal is that one neither needs a passport nor a visa to visit this country of wonders. Pashupatinath Temple (the city’s oldest Hindu temple) and the Boudhanath Stupa (one of the oldest Buddhist temples) are the country’s major tourist attractions.
How to reach?: The round-trip flight from New Delhi to Kathmandu could cost approximately ₹11,000 if booked in advance. If one’s budget is around ₹25-₹30k, Nepal is a great option.
Accommodation: If the traveller is a backpacker then a decent hostel room will amount anywhere between ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.
Sightseeing: For a wildlife enthusiast Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. For someone with spiritual bent Pashupatinath, Dakshinkali temple, Shechen Monastery, Lumbini, Boudhanath Stupa, Siddha Gufa, Hanuman Dhoka. Devi Fall and old market at Pokhara are a must visit.
2. VIETNAM
One of the cheapest and value for money countries to travel from India is Vietnam. With it’s stunning natural beauty, its rich heritage and profound history one is bound to return with a soul satiated.
How to reach?: The round trip to Ho Chi Minh City from Delhi will approximately amount upto ₹25k if planned few months in advance.
Accommodation: One can avail a decent hotel for about ₹3k per night.
Sightseeing: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta, UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Ha Long Bay.
3. BHUTAN
Bhutan is one of the few countries which publishes its happiness index! The country guarantees happiness and passport-free travel to Indians. With long stretches of unexplored Terrain and jaw dropping natural beauty, Bhutan secures the must-visit category.
How to reach?: Catch a domestic flight to Bagdogra Airport which is the nearest airport to the Bhutan border. The round trip may cost ₹4k onwards. Take a 5-hour bus journey ahead which could cost approx ₹1.9k.
Accommodation: Good hotels can cost approximately around ₹2.5k. If one opts for homestays it can amount around ₹1k-₹1.2k
Sightseeing: Trashigang, Haa Valley, Trongsa, Dochula Pass, Rinpung Dzong, Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha Dzong.
4. SRI LANKA
Our neighbor in the South is one to reckon with when it comes to selecting a country for your much awaited international trip. With the connection of Ramayana and Buddhist, there is a significant cultural pull of tourists from India. With serene and beautiful beaches it has to be one’s top choice.
How to reach?: Take a flight to Colombo and it may just cost you ₹15k.
Accommodation: One can get a medium priced hotel at around ₹1k-₹1k. Slash your cost by staying at affordable hostels at just ₹400 per night.
Sightseeing: Colombo, Kandy, Yapahuwa Kurunegala, Galle, Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Sabaragamuwa, Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya, Matara, Kataragama.
5. MYANMAR
Myanmar lets one experience the mundane pleasures of life. A simple
drift down the river in a cruiser, trek through the lush green pine forests of Shan Hills, enjoy the calmness on the beach of the blissful Bay of Bengal. Scattered landscape with pagodas and the traditional roadways, that’s Myanmar in a nutshell. The country welcomes a lot of visitors at Inle Lake that offers magnificent terrains for cycling.
How to reach?: A round trip to the country could cost approximately ₹37k if booked a couple of months in advance.
Accommodation: Get a decent hotel for about ₹1,800-₹2,200.
Sightseeing: Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Golden Rock Pagoda, Kyaing Tong, Monywa, Putao, Ngwe Saung Beach.
6. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
This Land of Sand has in stored from adventurous desert safaris to the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. UAE is one of the most popular destinations for leisure travelers. One can be a witness to the rich culture and lip-smacking Middle-Eastern cuisine starting from Shawarmas to Kunafas. Also, it is one of the cheapest countries to visit for Indians.
How to reach?: The round trip to Abu Dhabi will cost around ₹26,000.
Pro tip: If one wants to get cheaper tickets, make sure you book tickets to Sharjah.
Accommodation: it’s possible to get good places between ₹1,700-₹2,300 per person per night.
Sightseeing : Burj Khalifa, Atlantis, Ferrari World, Dubai Mall, Miracle Garden, Butterfly Garden, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, amongst many others.
7. OMAN
Oman might not be the first name which pops up when one thinks of travel in the Middle East, but it surely surpasses the expectations of every tourist with its grand mosques, spectacular views where the water bodies and the mighty mountains meet to create a spectacular view. There are souqs (Arabic for markets) and white-sand beaches as well. The best part about travelling to Oman is that the native Omanis are very welcoming!
How to reach?: A round trip to Muscat will cost one around ₹16k
Accommodation: One can find a good room for ₹2k- ₹4k per night.
Sightseeing: Muttrah Souq, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Khasab Beach, Al Qurum Beach, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Wadi Bani Khalid, Nakhal Fort, Nizwa Fort, Jibreen Castle.
8. THAILAND
World-renowned destination – Thailand, when it comes to tourist attraction there are very few countries that can match up to Thailand. It is everyone’s go-to place if they are looking for a cheap country to travel from India!
How to reach: Flight to and fro Bangkok roughly will cost around ₹15k.
Accommodation: It will cost one around ₹1,200 per night to stay at a decent hotel.
Sightseeing: Bangkok, Phuket, Santikhiri, Tarutao.
9. SINGAPORE
Gone are the days when Singapore was nothing more than a sterile stopover – it is now a go-to destination for everyone who has a budget to follow. It is such a diverse country that you can travel here and be happy even if you have a tight budget. Singapore is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.
How to reach: Book a flight months back, make sure one compares and contrasts the before making reservations and bookings.
Accommodation: You can get hostels ranging from INR 1700 and above.
Sightseeing: Some of the best destinations are Marina Bay, Sentosa Island, Universal studios, China Town, Botanical Garden, Orchid Garden, Helix Bridge, Temple of 1000 Lights, Civilian War Memorial, etc.
Saved the best for the last,
10. MALDIVES
The beautiful island of Maldives is an exotic location. Many people are hesitant to travel there because it is infamous for the luxury resorts. However, as a country Maldives is one of the cheapest to travel from India – all you need to do is careful planning and good research.
How to reach: Round trip may cost a person around INR 16,000 only.
Accommodation: You can get guesthouses ranging from INR 1500 and above per night.
Sightseeing: Male City, COMO Cocoa Island, Addu Atoll, Maafushi, Addu City, Artificial Beach, Malé Atoll, Fulhadhoo Island, The Muraka – Conrad, Sun Island, Banana Reef and many more.
Hurry and plan a trip with your family and friends right away!
