10 Budget Places in India Under Budget
₹2000
Are your feet itching to get away from the mundane routine at home and trek to a beautiful valley in the heart of the Himalayas? Or, do you need some vitamin ‘sea’ to sail through the hectic work week ahead? You do not have to plan much in advance or spend a lot of money to gift yourself and your family a quick break to reboot. There are many easy-to-access, budget places in India that offer as memorable a trip as an exotic destination. Here’s our list of 10 budget-friendly places to take off to without worrying about your bank balance
Table Of Contents
- 1. Puducherry
- 2. Pushkar
- 3. Kodaikanal
- 4. Darjeeling
- 5. Gokarna
- 6. Udaipur
- 7. Alleppey
- 8. Varanasi
- 9. McLeod Ganj
- 10. Kasol
- 11. Conclusion
Puducherry
A slice of France in Indian heartland, Puducherry is all about pristine beaches, cobblestoned streets dotted with colonial buildings and relaxing cafes offering some of the best French food in India. It's on of the budget places in india. Puducherry has a lot to offer to peace and tranquillity seekers as well. Long walks along the Bay of Bengal, yoga and meditation sessions at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, or a short visit to Auroville—the choice is yours.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest is Chennai International Airport (144 km).
- By Train: Puducherry Railway Station can be reached easily from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and other major South Indian cities.
- By Road: Puducherry is well-connected with all major cities by road. East Coast Road (ECR) offers a scenic three-hour drive from Chennai to Puducherry.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500/day approx.
Pushkar
One of the major religious destinations in Rajasthan, Pushkar is also a hippie paradise. The town surrounds the sacred Pushkar Lake, a Hindu pilgrimage site with more than 52 ghats to bathe and make religious offerings. Although the town boasts many temples, the most prominent is Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, dedicated to Lord Brahma.It's one of the budget places in india. Pushkar is also famous for its cattle fair, popularly known as Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar ka Mela, held in November every year. If you are not a religious traveller, then you must visit the laid-back town to slow down your fast and hectic life even if for a few days.It's a budget friendly place. The narrow lanes of Pushkar are full of inexpensive small cafes and restaurants mostly themed around spirituality, offering a vibrant yet peaceful ambience to chill and relax.
A perfect place to rejuvenate, Pushkar is one of the best and budget places in India.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur (151 km).
- By Train: Ajmer Railway Station (14 km) is the nearest option. Ajmer is well-connected to Pushkar through buses and taxis.
- By Road: Pushkar is well connected to most major cities by road.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500-Rs 2000/day approx..
Kodaikanal
One of the most famous hill stations in India, Kodaikanal is rightly known as the Princess of Hill Stations.It's one of the budget places in india. Located in Tamil Nadu, this quaint little hill station is defined by its beautiful lakes, scenic treks, rolling hills, stunning pine forests and wonderful climate. Unlike Ooty, you do not see throngs of visitors in every nook and corner of the destination even during the peak tourist season. Boating on Kodaikanal Lake or cycling around it, or trek to the nearest hillock in the night for a mesmerising view of the Milky Way galaxy, Kodaikanal offers the best of lifetime memories without burning a hole in your pocket.
- Best time to visit – October to July
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: You can fly either to Madurai (120), Trichy (150 km) or Coimbatore (175 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station, Kodaikanal Road Railway Station (79 km) is well-connected to cities on the Dindigul and Madurai route. You can take a taxi from here.
- By Road: There are regular bus services to Kodaikanal from Chennai, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Madurai and other major cities in Tamil Nadu.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500-Rs 2000/day approx
Darjeeling
A mere mention of Darjeeling is enough to remind you of the picturesque tea gardens and mesmerising surroundings nestled in the heart of the mountains of East India. One of the budget places in India, Darjeeling lets you take home precious memories of a trip to the lap of nature. Nothing beats waking up to the fresh mountain air and having a hot cup of Darjeeling tea as you watch the sunrise over Tiger Hills. While there, do not forget to hop on the famous toy train that runs between New Jalpaiguri railway station in West Bengal to Darjeeling via Siliguri, Kurseong and Ghum. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been operational since 1881. If you cover the entire 80-km route, the memorable toy train ride would include crossing over 500 bridges, steering through rolling plains and lush green valleys.
- Best time to visit – April to June and October to January
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Bagdogra, 12 km from Siliguri, is the nearest airport to Darjeeling (70 km). Not a major airport, you may have to take a flight to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata before taking another flight to Bagdogra. You can take a taxi from Bagdogra to Darjeeling.
- By Train: The nearest railway station New Jalpaiguri connects the city with all the major cities of India. There are many trains to New Jalpaiguri from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities.
- By Road: There are regular bus services from Siliguri to Darjeeling. The Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminus at Siliguri runs regular bus services on the route. You can also opt for a shared jeep. Though faster, the cost is often double compared to a bus.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
Gokarna
If beach means bliss to you, then Gokarna is the place to be. A small beach town in Karnataka, Gokarna offers respite from the maddening rush of Goa while letting you unwind and relax by the beautiful blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Gokarna’s stunning beaches such as Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Nirvana Beach and Paradise Beach offer surreal to sacred experiences to the visitors. For water sports enthusiasts, Gokarna offers a wide range of interesting activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, banana boat rides and more. Known for its various temples and shrines, one of the budget places in India, Gokarna also attracts many spiritual and religious visitors throughout the year. While here, do visit one of the oldest Shiva temples in the country—Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple. You can visit these places under rs.2000 Made of granite, the 4th century temple is a classic example of Dravidian architecture, making the visit worth it even for a non-religious traveller.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: You can fly to Dabolim Airport in Goa (140 km away) and take a taxi to Gokarna.
- By Train: Ankola Railway Station (about 20 km from Gokarna) is the nearest railway station and is well-connected to most major cities such as Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.
- By Road: Gokarna is well-connected to almost all major cities in Karnataka by road. Also, it can be easily accessed from National Highway 17 that connects Mumbai to Kochi.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1300-Rs 2000/day approx
Udaipur
Nestled in the green hills of the Aravalli range, Udaipur is known for its sprawling lakes and fairy-tale palaces. The stunning Lake Pichola, in the heart of the city, is the crowning glory of Udaipur. Spread across four kilometres, Lake Pichola is an artificial lake built in the 14th century to offer some respite to the arid region. It's one of the Places under Rs. 2000 to visit easily. However, the clear azure blue water of the lake, with the enigmatic Aravali Hills in the backdrop makes a perfect picture for the visitors. For architecture and history buffs, a trip to Udaipur is incomplete without exploring many royal palaces in the city. The most famous of them all is the City Palace, a beauty made of marble and granite. Overlooking Lake Pichola, the palace boasts of a seamless fusion of European and Chinese architectural styles. Every element in the palace architecture—be it the main entrance called Hathi Pol (or the Elephant Gate) or the spectacular Moti Mahal situated inside the palace—has a story to tell. And guess what, you do not have to spend thousands to feel like a royal in this royal city.
- Best time to visit – September to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest is Maharana Pratap Airport which is 20 km away from the city centre.
- By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station is well-connected with most of the major cities in North India.
- By Road: Being a major city in Rajasthan, Udaipur enjoys good connectivity to other places in Rajasthan. Many buses operated by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) pass through Udaipur daily.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1500-Rs 2000/day approx
Alleppey
Alleppey, popularly known as ‘Venice of the East,’ tops the list of the best yet budget places in India. Alleppey, or Alappuzha, lies in the heart of Kerala’s vast network of waterways and showcases the famed Kerala backwaters in their true glory. Alleppey is also a major hub for houseboat rides and stays. Take a day off on one of the cosy yet comfortable houseboats, floating over the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, occasionally coming across a small village along the water where you can stop for a glass of toddy before resuming your journey through the mesmerising network of canals and backwaters.
- Best time to visit – September to March
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The closest airport is the Cochin International Airport (82 km), followed by the Trivandrum International Airport (162 km).
- By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station is located about 4 km away from the city centre. Alappuzha is well-connected to almost all major cities in India.
- By Road: Alappuzha has a good network of KSRTC buses to the nearby cities.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1500/day approx
Varanasi
Varanasi, Benaras or simply Kashi—there are many names to this ultimate destination for devout Hindus. Pilgrims throng Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, to wash away their sins in the sacred waters of the Ganges, pay respects to God at on one of the many ghats in the city, cremate their loved ones and immerse ashes in the Ganges, or just to die here, hoping to attain Nirvana—liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Set deep in spiritualism and mysticism, Varanasi embraces intimate rituals of life and death in its true form. One of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, Varanasi has remained a centre of religious, educational and artistic activities through centuries. Varanasi is not just one of the budget places in India but also a must-visit place for the experience of a lifetime. Religious traveller or not, Varanasi gives you a glimpse of a world frozen in time.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, or the Varanasi Airport, is 24 km away from the city centre.
- By Train: Varanasi Railway Junction and Kashi Railway Station are the two main railheads in Varanasi. Both these railway stations are well-linked with other Indian cities.
- By Road: Varanasi is well-connected with major North Indian cities such as Allahabad, Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur and Ranchi by road.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1800/day approx
McLeod Ganj
Also known as Little Lhasa, McLeod Ganj’s popularity among tourists is skyrocketing with every passing year. Located around five kilometres from the popular hill station of Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj reflects the life and culture of Tibetans who moved here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. If you looking for budget places in india this place is your buddy for sure.
The exiled government of Tibet and spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama are based in this quaint little town in the lap of the Himalayas. A trip to McLeod Ganj is unlike any other visit to an Indian hill station. This spiritual getaway and pilgrimage for the Buddhists, McLeod Ganj is known for its picturesque hills and valleys and serves as the base camp for one of the most beautiful and exciting treks in India—the Triund Trek that passes through stunning deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Heaven for trek lovers, McLeod Ganj offers exciting experiences to art, culture and food lovers. Be it hotels in McLeod Ganj or the food, nothing is too expensive here, especially when you know that the Tibetan experience here could be surpassed only by Tibet itself.
- Best time to visit – September to June
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest is the Kangra airport (18 km). However, flight services to this airport are limited. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (495 km) is the second nearest airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station (90 km). Pathankot is well-connected by rail with major cities such as Delhi and Jammu.
- By Road: McLeod Ganj is well-connected with various cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh and Dharamshala through regular and frequent bus services.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1500/day approx
Kasol
A hamlet in the quaint Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Kasol is all about exploring nature as you reconnect with your senses. It's one of the budget places in india. The place is famous for its exciting treks and mouth-watering food. For trekking enthusiasts, Kasol offers a wide range of trek options including those to Kheer Ganga, Parvati Pass, Malana, Tosh and more. A walk along the gushing Parvati River gives you a beautiful view of Parvati Valley lined by thick forests on both sides. Or visit the Tosh village located on the far-end of Parvati Valley to see cannabis plantations. Untouched by commercialisation, the small cafes in the village serve a wide range of food including some dishes from Israeli cuisine, thanks to Israeli travellers who visit in large numbers throughout the year.
- Best time to visit – Throughout the year
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Kullu Manali Airport, also known as Bhuntar Airport (31 km).
- By Train: Kasol does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station (144km). For better rail connectivity, you can also travel to Chandigarh Railway Station (296 km) and take a bus to Manali or hire a cab to Kasol.
- By Road: There are no direct bus services to Kasol. The best options are to reach Bhuntar or Chandigarh and take a cab from there.
- Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1000-Rs 1500/day approx
Conclusion
Traveling in India on a budget is absolutely possible if you plan smartly. By focusing on budget accommodations, local transport, and affordable food options, you can explore these 10 budget places in India under ₹2000 without burning a hole in your pocket. Pack your bags, book that budget ticket, and explore the incredible diversity of India! Happy Budget Traveling!
