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 beautiful hill station near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. This place is located in the Dhauladhar mountains at an altitude of 2,082 meters, and is home to the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
- Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1200
- Stay: ₹300–₹600Food: ₹200–₹300
- Sightseeing: ₹100–₹300
- Local Travel: ₹100–₹200
- Specials: Trekking, monastery visit, Tibetan food
Himachal Tourism : https://himachaltourism.gov.in/
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world. This city situated on the banks of Ganga is considered a spiritual capital – it is very important for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.
- Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1100
- Stay: ₹300–₹500
- Food: ₹150–₹300
- Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
- Local Travel: ₹100
- Specials: Ganga aarti, boat ride, temples
Uttar Pradesh Tourism : https://uptourism.gov.in/en
3. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also a great historical budget destination. Located near the Tungabhadra River, this place was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Nowadays this place looks like an open-air museum – there are temples, ruins and boulders.
- Daily Budget: ₹600–₹1000
- Stay: ₹250–₹500Food: ₹150–₹300
- Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
- Local Travel: ₹100
- Specials: ruins, cycling, coracle ride
Karnataka Tourism : https://karnatakatourism.org/
4. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a small beach town where you get clean beaches, peaceful vibes and spiritual energy. This is considered to be Goa’s budget-friendly and quiet alternative.
- Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1200
- Stay: ₹300–₹600
- Food: ₹200–₹300
- Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
- Local Travel: ₹100–₹150
- Specials: Beach trekking, temples
Karnataka Tourism : https://karnatakatourism.org/
5. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is located near the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan, and is one of the oldest cities of India. Brahma Temple and Pushkar Camel Fair are very famous here. With spiritual and cultural vibes this place is best for budget travelers.
- Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1100
- Stay: ₹250–₹500Food: ₹150–₹300
- Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
- Local Travel: ₹100
- Specials: Temples, camel safari, shopping
Rajasthan Tourism : https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/
6. Pondicherry (Puducherry) – French Riviera of the East
Pondicherry or Puducherry is a coastal town which is a perfect blend of French and Indian culture. Here you will find colorful buildings, peaceful beaches, spiritual spots and cafés — and all in a budget!
- Daily Budget: ₹900–₹1400
- Stay: ₹300–₹700Food: ₹200–₹400
- Sightseeing: ₹100–₹300
- Local Travel: ₹150–₹250
- Specials: Auroville, beach, French town
Pondicherry Tourism : https://puducherry-dt.gov.in/tourist-information/
7. Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala – Venice of the East
Alleppey, i.e. Alappuzha, is a quiet and beautiful backwater town of Kerala. Yahaan’s houseboat cruises, coconut trees and slow-paced life attract a lot.
- Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1200
- Stay: ₹400–₹800Food: ₹150–₹300
- Sightseeing: ₹500–₹1000
- Local Travel: ₹100–₹200
- Specials: Canoe ride, houseboat (shared)
💡 Tip: Skip the expensive houseboats — get a homestay for ₹400, take a ferry ride for ₹10, and enjoy tasty local food for ₹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 where backpackers and hippie crowd come a lot. Yahaan’s Israeli cafés, mountain views and forest trails are quite popular.
- Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1200
- Stay: ₹300–₹600Food: ₹150–₹300
- Sightseeing: ₹100–₹200
- Local Travel: ₹100
- Specials: Trekking, riverside stays, cafés
Himachal Tourism : https://himachaltourism.gov.in/
9. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the Ganga, and is a combo of both yoga and adventure. Famous as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, Rishikesh attracts both spiritual seekers and adventure lovers.
- Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1200
- Stay: ₹300–₹600Food: ₹150–₹300
- Sightseeing: ₹100–₹300
- Local Travel: ₹100–₹200
- Specials: Yoga, rafting, Ganga aarti
Uttarakhand Tourism : https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/
10. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a beautiful and peaceful river island in the middle of Brahmaputra River in Assam. This is considered to be the largest river island in the world. Here Assamese culture and neo-Vaishnavite spirituality are quite deeply rooted.
- Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1100
- Stay: ₹300–₹500 (homestay)
- Food: ₹150–₹250
- Sightseeing: ₹50–₹150
- Local Travel: ₹100–₹150
- Specials: Ferry ride, satras (monasteries)
Assam Tourism : https://tourism.assam.gov.in/
Conclusion:In all these destinations you can enjoy a full day for ₹800-₹1500 – stay, food, sightseeing, everything! Make some money cheaply, and feel the real magic of India.