Traveling on a budget might be difficult. Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork for you by compiling a list of must-see countries in India for those on a tight budget.
Nepal: Mountains, spirituality, and visual splendour await visitors to this Himalayan country. Many Indians prefer Nepal because, unlike other countries, no passport is required. Tourist attractions include the Pashupatinath Temple (the city’s oldest Hindu temple) and the Boudhanath Stupa (one of the city’s oldest Buddhist temples).
How to get there: If booked a month in advance, a round-trip flight from New Delhi to Kathmandu might cost around Rs. 11,300. Nepal is one of the top places if your budget is between $25,000 and $30,000.
Where to stay: A nice hostel room will cost you between $1,000 and $2,000 USD.
What to do: You have a wide selection of activities, including wildlife sanctuaries, temples, and monasteries. Trekking to the World’s Highest Peak’s Base Camp is a necessity.
What to see: Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. Pashupatinath, Dakshinkali temple, Shechen Monastery, Lumbini, Boudhanath Stupa, Siddha Gufa, Hanuman Dhoka are all spiritual pilgrimage sites. As an added bonus, there is the Devi Fall and the historic market in Pokhara.
What to eat: “Daal bhaat tarkari” is the Nepali national dish (spiced lentils poured over boiled rice, and served with tarkari). Meals cost from $250 to $500, depending on the food and location. OR2K in Kathmandu and Krishna’s Kitchen in Pokhara are two options.
6 days and 5 nights is recommended.
Travel Estimate: Less than 30,000/-
To enter Nepal during COVID-19, a full dosage of vaccine certificate and a negative RT-PCR test result are required. Unvaccinated travellers must provide a valid explanation for not getting immunised.
Vietnam: One of the best places in the world for travellers, this is also one of the cheapest countries to visit from India. With its abundant natural beauty, rich legacy, and history, you are sure to leave with a satisfied soul.
How to get there: Round-trip tickets from India to Vietnam cost approximately 25,000 if booked two months in advance. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, airfare has recently soared, although it is expected to fall in the future.
Where to stay: A nice hotel will cost you between $1,500 and $3,000 per night. Sightseeing, Yacht or Boat Cruises, Local Market Tours, Caving, Cultural Tours, Island Tours, Wildlife Tours are all options.
What to see: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Nha Trang, the Mekong Delta, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay.
What to eat: A three-course lunch in a mid-range restaurant would set you back around $500. Vietnam has a vast range of cuisines to offer, ranging from spicy in the south to milder in the north. Cha Ca Street and Nguyen Truong to a Hanoi street for popular yet affordable dishes. With its distinct Vietnamese flavour, coffee is a must-try.
Duration: 7 days and 6 nights. Estimated travel cost: $50,000
Tourism during COVID-19: The Vietnamese government has agreed to reopen Vietnam to international tourists from March 15. From January 1, 2022, Vietnam has simplified quarantine procedures for fully vaccinated overseas immigrants. Arrivals with negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test results would only be required to self-quarantine at home or their places of lodging for three days upon entering Vietnam. On the first and third days after entrance, two RT-PCR tests will be performed. If the results are negative, entrants must continue to monitor their health for the next 11 days.
Bhutan: Who wouldn’t want to visit a country that provides a happiness index? Bhutan provides Indians with assured happiness and passport-free travel. Bhutan is a must-see destination due to its huge expanse of unknown terrain and magnificent natural beauty.
How to get there: Take a local flight from India to Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only international airport. The round journey can cost up to 6,000. Take a 5-hour bus ride ahead, which might cost between $390 and 650.
Where to stay: A decent hotel will cost around 2,000. Homestays will cost between $1,000 and $1,200.
Cultural Tours, Local Sightseeing, Himalayan Tours, Treks, Adventure Sports & Activities, Religious Tours, and Wildlife Tours are all options. The Drametse Mask Dance, with vivid costumes depicting devils, heroes, gods, and animals, is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage that should not be missed.
What should I look at? Trashigang, Haa Valley, Trongsa, Dochula Pass, Rinpung Dzong, Phuentsholing, Thimphu, and Punakha Dzong are all worth visiting.
What should I eat? A typical two-course lunch will cost between $100 to $400 per person.
Duration: 6 days and 5 nights
Estimated travel cost: $35,000
Sri Lanka: When it comes to choosing a country for your foreign travel, our southern neighbour is one to consider. There is a strong cultural pull for travellers from India due to the Ramayana and Buddhist connections. With its lovely and calm beaches, it can be an excellent choice.
How to get there: There are several flights from India to Sri Lanka that cost as little as $10,000.
Where to stay: A nice hotel will cost you between $1,000 and $1,500. Staying in hostels for $600 per night will help you save money.
Heritage Tours, Religious Visits, Art and Culture Tours, Water Adventure Sports, Wildlife Tours, Plantation. Visit Colombo, Kandy, Yapahuwa Kurunegala, Galle, Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Sabaragamuwa, Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya, Matara, and Kataragama.
What to eat: Prices range from $300 to $1,000, depending on where you dine. Thambili, or King Coconut drink, is extremely refreshing and must-have.
6-7 days is recommended.
Travel Estimate: 35,000
Myanmar: Myanmar allows you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Drift down the river in a cruiser, hike through the pine forests of Shan Hills, and play on the beach of the tranquil Bay of Bengal. Myanmar is defined by its scattered terrain, pagodas, and ancient methods. Inle Lake, which offers spectacular riding terrain, attracts a large number of people to Myanmar.
How to get there: A round-trip flight to the country might cost you around 25,000 if booked 3-4 months in advance.
Where to stay: A nice hotel will cost you between $1,800 and $2,200.
What should I look at? Hot air balloon rides, cultural and historical tours, nature walks, local shopping, and food tours are all options. Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Golden Rock Pagoda, Kyaing Tong, Monywa, Putao, and Ngwe Saung Beach are all highlights.
6 days is the suggested travel duration.
Travel Estimate: $50,000
