Explore the top cheapest travel destinations in India for 2025 with budget tips on stays, food, and sightseeing across famous cities and towns.
Whenever I get a short holiday, a weekend break, or a day off, I always look for the cheapest and best place to travel. Just like you search for budget-friendly destinations on Google, I do the same — and here are some of the best options I found for you!
One best and cheapest destination is the place where you can make beautiful trips with less money – you get the full combo of peace of nature, color of culture, and fun activities. This place is perfect for people who want to explore new cities or towns on a budget — whether they are students, backpackers, or solo travelers.
All these places are best for weekend getaways, short holidays, or budget vacations.
Top 10 Cheapest Travel Destinations in India
1. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
McLeod Ganj, also known as “Little Lhasa of India,” is a charming hill station near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the Dhauladhar mountains at an altitude of 2,082 meters, it is home to the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The town is famous for its monasteries, Tibetan handicrafts, meditation centers, and peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect escape for spiritual and cultural seekers. With affordable stays, local Tibetan cafés, and budget-friendly trekking routes, McLeod Ganj is counted among the cheapest travel destinations in India for those who want to explore the Himalayas without overspending.
Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1200
Stay: ₹300–₹600
Food: ₹200–₹300
Sightseeing: ₹100–₹300
Local Travel: ₹100–₹200
Specials: Trekking, monastery visit, Tibetan food
“If you are a mountain lover, make sure to check out my Ladakh travel blog on Travel Guide Master for complete travel insights and guides.”
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world and is often called the spiritual capital of India. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganga, it holds immense importance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. The city is famous for its mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, peaceful boat rides, sacred temples, and ancient ghats that narrate stories of centuries past. Despite being such a significant cultural and spiritual hub, Varanasi is surprisingly affordable for travelers, making it one of the cheapest travel destinations in India where you can explore faith, tradition, and history on a budget.
Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1100
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Stay: ₹300–₹500
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Food: ₹150–₹300
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Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
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Local Travel: ₹100
Specials: Ganga aarti, boat ride, temples
3. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating destination that takes you back in time. Once the glorious capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, it now looks like an open-air museum filled with temples, ruins, and giant boulders spread across the landscape. Walking or cycling through the historic sites feels like exploring a lost kingdom, while coracle rides on the Tungabhadra River add to the charm. Despite its grand heritage, Hampi is very affordable for travelers, making it one of the cheapest travel destinations in India for history lovers, backpackers, and culture seekers alike.
Daily Budget: ₹600–₹1000
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Stay: ₹250–₹500
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Food: ₹150–₹300
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Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
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Local Travel: ₹100
Specials: Ruins, cycling, coracle ride
4. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a small coastal town known for its clean beaches, peaceful vibes, and spiritual energy. Often seen as Goa’s quieter and budget-friendly alternative, Gokarna is perfect for travelers who want a mix of relaxation and adventure without the usual crowd. The town is dotted with serene temples, laid-back cafés, and scenic beach-trekking routes that make the experience even more unique. With affordable accommodation, cheap local food, and plenty of free natural beauty to enjoy, Gokarna stands out as one of the cheapest travel destinations in India for those seeking a tranquil seaside escape on a budget.
Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1200
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Stay: ₹300–₹600
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Food: ₹200–₹300
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Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
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Local Travel: ₹100–₹150
Specials: Beach trekking, temples
“If you are a beach lover, don’t miss exploring my Goa travel blog on Travel Guide Masters for detailed tips and experiences.”
5. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India, located near the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan. Famous for the sacred Brahma Temple and the world-renowned Pushkar Camel Fair, this small town offers a unique mix of spirituality, culture, and tradition. The vibrant markets, serene ghats, and desert adventures add charm to this destination. With budget-friendly stays, affordable local food, and plenty of free attractions to explore, Pushkar is truly one of the cheapest travel destinations in India and a favorite among backpackers and cultural travelers.
Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1100
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Stay: ₹250–₹500
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Food: ₹150–₹300
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Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
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Local Travel: ₹100
Specials: Temples, camel safari, shopping
6. Pondicherry (Puducherry) – French Riviera of the East
Pondicherry, or Puducherry, is a serene coastal town that beautifully blends French charm with Indian culture. Known for its colorful colonial buildings, peaceful beaches, spiritual centers, and chic cafés, the city offers a unique mix of relaxation and culture. You can stroll through the French Quarter, meditate in Auroville, or simply unwind by the sea without overspending. With affordable stays, pocket-friendly food, and plenty of free experiences, Pondicherry is counted among the cheapest travel destinations in India for those seeking a coastal escape with a European vibe on a budget.
Daily Budget: ₹900–₹1400
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Stay: ₹300–₹700
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Food: ₹200–₹400
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Sightseeing: ₹100–₹300
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Local Travel: ₹150–₹250
Specials: Auroville, beach, French town
7. Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala – Venice of the East
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a quiet and picturesque backwater town in Kerala. Famous for its houseboat cruises, swaying coconut trees, and slow-paced lifestyle, it is often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” Travelers come here to experience the charm of Kerala’s backwaters, enjoy peaceful canoe rides, and relax in homestays surrounded by nature. With so many affordable options, Alleppey is easily one of the cheapest travel destinations in India, offering a perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and budget-friendly experiences.
Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1200
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Stay: ₹400–₹800
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Food: ₹150–₹300
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Sightseeing: ₹500–₹1000
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Local Travel: ₹100–₹200
Specials: Canoe ride, houseboat (shared)
💡 Tip: Skip the expensive houseboats — stay in a homestay for around ₹400, take a local ferry for just ₹10, and enjoy authentic Kerala meals for as little as ₹60–₹80!
Kerala Tourism: https://www.keralatourism.org/
8. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh – Backpacker’s Paradise
Kasol is a small village in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, popular among backpackers and the hippie crowd. Known for its Israeli cafés, stunning mountain views, and forest trails, Kasol offers a perfect escape for budget travelers. With affordable stays and food, it is often counted among the cheapest travel destinations in India, especially for those who love nature, trekking, and laid-back vibes.
Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1200
Stay: ₹300–₹600
Food: ₹150–₹300
Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
Local Travel: ₹100
Specials: Trekking, riverside stays, cafés
9. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the Ganga, is not only the “Yoga Capital of the World” but also among the cheapest travel destinations in India. Instead of costly hotels, you can rent budget-friendly camps that add to the adventure vibe of the town. This makes it ideal for both spiritual seekers and thrill lovers looking for yoga, rafting, and the divine Ganga aarti.
Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1200
Stay: ₹300–₹600 (camp rentals available)
Food: ₹150–₹300
Sightseeing: ₹100–₹300
Local Travel: ₹100–₹200
Specials: Yoga, rafting, Ganga aarti
10. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a beautiful and peaceful river island located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Known as the largest river island in the world, it is a haven for those seeking nature, culture, and tranquility. Majuli is deeply rooted in Assamese traditions and neo-Vaishnavite spirituality, offering visitors a chance to experience unique monasteries, vibrant festivals, and authentic local life. Affordable homestays, simple food, and ferry rides make it not just culturally rich but also budget-friendly, placing Majuli among the cheapest travel destinations in India for travelers who love offbeat experiences.
Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1100
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Stay: ₹300–₹500 (homestay)
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Food: ₹150–₹250
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Sightseeing: ₹50–₹150
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Local Travel: ₹100–₹150
Specials: Ferry ride, satras (monasteries)
Conclusion :
From spiritual towns like Varanasi and Rishikesh to historical gems like Hampi and Majuli, and from the serene beaches of Gokarna to the calm backwaters of Alleppey, India offers countless budget-friendly travel options. In all these destinations, you can enjoy a full day for just ₹800–₹1500, covering stay, food, sightseeing, and local travel. Truly, these are some of the cheapest travel destinations in India, where you can explore culture, spirituality, adventure, and nature without burning a hole in your pocket. Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on experiences—it means discovering the real magic of India in the most authentic way.
