A low budget doesn't have to mean bargain basement, or settling for second best. Not when it comes to holidaying in India at least. Our choice of low budget destinations in India for this travel guide does not include:
India's famous landmarks and architecture are world renowned; we choose lesser-known locations. Instead, we are giving you 5 very different experiences that:
In all of our experience of India, these 5 places are ideal for a holiday that is affordable.
Holidaying in any of these locations will leave you will lifelong memories of India. Not only that, but you will also be proud to talk about in years to come. And as we said, there is no second best. From the restaurants you eat at to the hotels you stay in, it's all very acceptable and pleasing. Continue to read to discover the best low budget holiday trips in India today.
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Losing yourself for a few days in the French colonial past with the city of Puducherry. The touch and feel of 17th and 18th centuries are loud and clear. Your preamble through quiet, quant streets on a rented cycle remind you of a European past. Leafy lanes are what you'll come to love so much about Puducherry.
It's difficult to imagine this is India, the architecture is so reminiscence of France. The local cuisine too is a blend of traditional French and Indian ingredients. Each dish served to you creates an alluring aroma and flavor. With assured certainty, you'll love the cafes and restaurants and their bars too. Everything about Puducherry is a must try.
There are two sides to the city, and only you will decide which one is to your liking more than the other. Tossed back and forth the city was, between the French and British throughout the 1700's. History tells the tale the French managed to keep their hold on it. With that, we'll continue with the coastal side of the city which is "more French" than the west of the city.
What is striking about the city is the architecture and its colorful character. Yet it's the exact same characteristics you come across in the ancient town of Hoi An, south of Da Nang. The similarities are very "like for like" you feel.
Your senses continue an indulgence even further, because of the beaches. Leading you to believe a day trip is not going to be long enough of a stay. You'd be right. At least, you owe this stunning city three days, two nights, to enjoy it in full.
To admire this French past, you must frequent the cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Many of the French buildings are in use as hotels, such as the Villa Helena. Others, as we said, are boutique shops and other amenities, La Maison Rose for example. Those two pieces of history alone are charming enough to warm any heart to the city. To your mind, you've forgotten it's India, and you're holidaying in old-world France.
And that can't be any clearer on sight of the gorgeous 18th century church, Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges.1 Also, there is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It's the finest example of French Gothic architecture remaining in the world today.
For real authentic Indian Tamil then look further to the west of the city, away from the city's coastline. The true flavor of Tamil cuisine was borne out of many cultures. That's inclusive of the Portuguese, Dutch and even the Vietnamese and Bengali cookbooks.
The first location for a family friendly, low budget holiday is a winter break to Goa. You can very much spend Christmas and New Year in Goa without breaking the bank. In fact, this period is the peak season. Goa is much drier and cooler than what the summer months are. Because of the cooler climate, book flights and accommodation 3 months in advance. Leave it any later to secure your holiday, results in disappointment. Goa is a top destination for domestic and international tourists.
There are dozens of very different beaches from the north to the south. Actually, it's the south that is more expensive and luxurious we found. The north by comparison is cheaper, but not any less elegant. In either case, both are still inexpensive from the viewpoint of a foreigner.
For greater detail of what you can expect, you must read our Goa travel guide (link below). There are many outdoor activities, for families, romantic couples and nightlife. Many years ago, Goa was a haven for backpackers and hippies, and it still is. Also, Goa is a top yoga destination.
Puri City, in the state of Odisha, is popular with holidaying Indians. It's easy to understand why, the city has many gorgeous beaches. But there is also the majestic Jagannath Temple. As with many temples throughout India, each has a rich, diverse story to tell. Many temples have a remarkable history and Jagannath Temple is no different. It is very much revered across India, that we understand.
Each year, millions arrive in the city for the Rath Yatra event. Three chariots parade deities, carried until reaching Mausi Maa Temple. The event comes to an end with rituals.
Strolling around the grounds of the temple, you appreciate the unique architectural. As with all temples and religion sites in India, be sensitive to the surroundings. Dress for the occasion, covering shoulders, arms and legs. You may need to remove your shoes too.
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Yes, Goa has great beaches but they're not the only ones. There are gorgeous beaches in and around Puri District. The beaches of Puri give a different atmosphere for your holiday, to those of Goa.
So, what can you expect? The number one beach destination, without doubt must be Chandrabhaga Beach. The beach is the largest along the eastern coast, and closest to the Konark Temple. The UNESCO World Heritage site is 35km distant from Puri City. No matter where you go in the state of Odisha, there are cultural wonders at every turn. Back to the beach, there are many activities besides swimming and sightseeing:
The Bay of Bengal offers many rich, coastal experiences. Those in Puri are on the beaches. Swargadwar Beach is the top tourist attraction, with amazing food courts for you. Book your hotel early, well in advance to be sure you are as close to the beach as possible. Those hotels that are the closest, fill up fast. For your Christmas and New Year winter break, you must beat the crowds.
Another popular beach is Puri Beach, less than 2km distant from the city center. The best time to enjoy this beach is early morning or late evening, for its sunrise or sunset. Along with Chandrabhaga Beach, both are the cleanest of the lot. Ramachandi Beach is popular for those who love scuba diving, jet skiing and water skiing. And it's the closest beach to Konark Sun Temple
The best time to visit Puri is when the temperatures start to fall and it becomes cooler. We see no point suffering extreme heat if it isn't necessary. Aim to travel between mid-October and late April. Many destinations to India are best experienced with a Christmas and New Year break.
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The first impression of Coorg is the natural beauty. An honest assessment is this: you will be breathless at first sight. The best experience is on a clear, bright day. That's when you see the rolling hills disappear far off into the distance. Dazzling too, is the hovering mist and light showers that seem to shimmer over the canopy. Early mornings, late evenings and during the monsoon season. If you are so lucky to find accommodation that blends with the landscape, to wake up to those views. They're priceless.
That's what we love about Coorg, and many of India's hill stations for that matter. It's the natural landscapes of dense forests and cool breezy fresh air. We couldn't wait to wake up and want to make our lungs work. You'll feel the same, we're positive about that.
It's often thought that the monsoon season anywhere in Asia is a terrible nuisance. That's not the case, not with India. In fact, a monsoon in India is very much welcomed, as it brings much relief from the heat. The Coorg region receives the heaviest rains, from June until September. It's the monsoon which maintains the lush green forests. Traveling to India, you learn to love and appreciate a monsoon.
It's delightful during this time of the year. Average temperatures in the high 70's Fahrenheit. Few tourists have ill feelings about Coorg, for a family friendly destination.
Apart from the amazing natural beauty. The rolling hills and tea estates, gushing waterfalls, bulging and overflowing. What else is there not to like about Coorg? It's the perfect pitch for nature lovers, and the romantic among you, for:
There is far more to Coorg than meets the eye. Activities include the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagarhole National Park. There are many waterfalls in Karnataka, but the best has to be Iruppu Falls. Situated less than 50km from Virajpet Town. The falls draw in crowds because it's seen as a pilgrimage spot, being so close to the Rameshwara Temple.
Enjoy a day trip to visit both the sanctuary and national park.
Experience two very different, but very enjoyable destinations. We also have another recommendation for you. You must visit the Dubare Elephant Camp which is not so far from the Chiklihole Reservoir. This built-up body of fresh water is very peaceful. It's surrounded by forest in all sides. Coorg, as you may be discovering, is all about natural beauty and the sense of pure relaxation.
There are so many reasons why you should spend a few days of your Indian holiday in Darjeeling. For one, it was the prized getaway destination of the colonial British elite at the time. The tea plantations have Mount Kanchenjunga in the background, the world-famous peaks. Right on the doorstep of the Himalayas.
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How could you not find rest and peaceful relaxation here? The best time of year to visit Darjeeling is in April and May. Or early June before signs of rain in late summer so be wary of holidaying too late. One of the top spots you should head for is Tiger Hill, for the spellbinding views of the snow peaks of the Himalayas. Thinking about the far-off snow brings a chill. In fact, there is a chill in the air. Early summer in May, temperatures can be as low as 56°F. Cold yes, but worth it, nonetheless.
But towards June you can expect the mercury to rise to as high as 80° Fahrenheit. The hill starts from the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and give yourself at least 4 hours to reach the top. There and back again, it's a full day and most tour groups leave the sanctuary an hour before sunrise ― at 4am.
Time in Darjeeling is complete, both with the Rock Garden of Darjeeling and the Padmaja Naidu Zoo. Excellent for families to the area:
Many of India's hill stations are for the outdoor enthusiast, and those who love nature and wildlife. However, the hill stations have added diversity to attract a larger crowd and because of those efforts, the hill stations are super family friendly too. The zoo also has Tibetan Wolves and Clouded Leopards and Himalayan Bears.
How about you arrive in Darjeeling in style? You can, traveling from Jalpaiguri City. The railway is one of the most famous attractions of Darjeeling. The cause of why so many domestic tourists travel to Darjeeling, for the railway. It's a 90-minute taxi ride from the airport to Jalpaiguri City, having reached the station. Then the train takes 3 hours, 30 minutes to arrive in Darjeeling thereafter.
Services onboard are 5-star and you have very pleasant, stunning views the whole time. Take the steam train, and not the diesel engine train for greater authenticity. The ticket isn't much more expensive, priced US$20 per person. Securing tickets for this "joyride" is best to request them through your hotel, or a tour operator. Either should be happy to oblige.
Although they'll likely need a copy of your passport (due to government regulations).
The gorgeous Darjeeling hill station, Bagdogra International Airport is a best bet. Bagdogra City is 70km distant to Darjeeling City. The airport facilitates whether you are already holidaying in India or not. But there's a plethora of domestic flights to Darjeeling, from other major cities. In any regard, it's a 3-hour taxi journey from Bagdogra City to your hotel's front door.
We cannot help but feel something for Puri, and the Odisha state. There are so many interesting temples found so close together. If you are even in the slightest bit inquisitive, then consider Odisha. Whilst Jagannath Temple is the most popular, there are so many others, with our favorites are:
Being in India during the high season for activity in and around the temples is an incredible sight. Temples throughout India are crowd pleasers, attracting thousands of domestic tourists, daily. You can assume an exciting, one-off event that will be unforgettable.
To trouble you further with greater indecision, India has some amazing, beautifully located lakes. Read our travel guide for the best lake experiences. They'll each take you as far away from India's metropolitan cities as possible, to be closer to nature.
What's great about India is that there's lots to see and do. Those lakes look amazing, and each one promises a great experience for families. India is famous the world over for its migratory birds. Often many of them are rare and, or difficult to capture sightings of elsewhere. Yet they flock in numbers to these lakes each year.
Not only that, but you find great deals on a holiday to India. Even to some of the destination locations not frequented by the mainstream tourist. Travelling within India is super friendly, safe and cheap too. So, if you are on a budget, give serious consideration to India for a holiday. You and loved ones will remember your Indian holiday for many years.
1 In English, known as the Church of Our Lady of Angels.
