24 Cheapest Places In India Even A Broke Student Can Visit In 2024

23 Mar 2023

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What is that one reason you put forth when you ditch a trip you really wanted to go on? That’s right. It’s money! No matter how great a trip we plan and how much we’re jumping about with joy on the prospect of going there, the entire plan goes down the drain when you realize the expenses will exceed your budget. But not anymore. There are plenty of absolutely gorgeous cheapest places in India that you can go to with almost nothing in your wallet and still have the time of your life. After all, the best things in life come without a price tag!

Top 24 Cheapest Places In India

Check out the list of the best cheapest places in India that you can visit in India on a budget. All of these places have something for everyone. From architectural marvels to natural wonders, India has varied shades to leave one in awe. Keep scrolling down and read along!

Pondicherry: The Incalculable Worth Of Serenity & Hospitality
Kodaikanal: Hills & Street Food In A Matter Of A Few Bucks
Darjeeling: Home Stays At A Next To Nothing Cost
Mcleodganj: The Priceless Beauty Of Hills & Monasteries
Varanasi: The Immeasurable Essence Of Spirituality
Amritsar: Because Patriotism Ain’t Got A Price
Gokarna: The Best Of Nature At The Least Of Cost
Hampi: The Beauty Of Priceless Treasures Of The Old
Murthal: Paranthas And Road Trips That Don’t Dime A Dozen
Goa: The Hippie Life At Rock Bottom Rates
Kasol: Himachal’s Hamlet At Affordable Prices
Jaipur: The Pink City On A Budget
Alleppey: Backwaters Could Be Your Next Shoe-String Escape
Itanagar: Natural Beauty Does Not Get Heavy On Pockets
Pushkar: Modest Trip To The City Of Camels
Udaipur: Inestimable Beauty Of Land Of Royals
Rishikesh: A Quick Budget Adventure
Nainital: The Most ‘Grammable Bargain
Lonavala: Take A Misty Getaway Pricelessly
Shimla: A Popular Spot For Budget Crunches
Munnar: Thousand Shades Of Green On A Penny
Kanyakumari: Gonna Take Lesser Than A ‘Tip’
Digha: The Quaint Town On A Budget
Meghalaya: The Abode Of Clouds

1. Pondicherry: The Incalculable Worth Of Serenity & Hospitality

stay at highly inexpensive lodges at pondicherry

The perfect place for an all girls trip, or even a lone female traveller, does not ask for much in terms of expenses. This French Riviera of the East has all the ingredients you need for a great vacation- stunning views, amicable people, undisturbed beaches, tranquility, awesome food & wine, and the pretty French infrastructure. All the places to visit in Pondhicherry have a charm of its own. The best way to experience the true essence of this Union Territory is to stay at one of its wonderful Ashrams. Stay at its highly hospitable Auroville Ashram if you want to cut down your accommodation expenses really low, this city can prove to be one of the cheapest cities in India.

Places To Visit: Paradise Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville
Places To Stay: Shenbaga Hotel & Convention Centre, The Residency Towers Puducherry, Hotel Annamalai International
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Must Read: 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry: India’s French Colony!

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2. Kodaikanal: Hills & Street Food In A Matter Of A Few Bucks

stay at budget guest houses at kodaikanal

With incredible scenic beauty and an expanse of pristine hills, and some of the best street food in the country, a stay at this ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ goes unbelievably easy on your pocket. Kodaikanal gives you homely places to stay at as low as INR 200, and delicious street food like fried chicken at just INR 20! It is definitely among the top five in the list of best budget trips in India. Hard to believe, right?

Places To Visit: Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park
Places To Stay: Silver Mist Holiday Home, Kodai Resort Hotel, Hotel Kodai International
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

3. Darjeeling: Home Stays At A Next To Nothing Cost

take a joyful ride in the toy train at darjeeling, one of the cheapest places in india

With an assortment of low-priced options for staying like those pretty little hotels, home stays, lodges, & cosy cottages, Darjeeling makes for an excellent getaway if you’re not willing to spend more than a few bucks on your trip. Enjoy this scenic wonder with its snow laden mountain peaks and the pristine views of the sunrise and sunset, gorge on some mouth-watering North Eastern delicacies and relish the exquisite taste of the famous Darjeeling Tea, places that are surrounded by some of the best resorts in Darjeeling to book your travel.

Places To Visit: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Sandakphu Trek
Places To Stay: Chamong Chiabari Mountain Retreat & SPA, Udaan Dekeling Resort, Sanderling Resort & spa
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

4. Mcleodganj: The Priceless Beauty Of Hills & Monasteries

travel cheap at mcleodganj and visit the beautiful monasteries

A heaven for all nature lovers and photographers, Mcleodganj is another one of the cheapest places in India where you can completely submerge yourself into the natural splendour, the rich culture, and the religious divinity of the place without a single shred of worry over monetary expenses. The train to Mcleodganj, the places to stay, the eating joints & cafes, the treks, the temples and monasteries, everything about this quaint little hill station is cheap.

Places To Visit: Bhagsu Falls, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Shiva Cafe
Places To Stay: Hotel Triund Heights, Hotel Ekant Lodge, Backpackers Hostel
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

5. Varanasi: The Immeasurable Essence Of Spirituality

take a stroll at the ghats at varanasi, a priceless experience

From affordable guest houses to cheap boat rides, this spiritual sanctum of India gives a lot away and demands little in return. Varanasi offers various options for sightseeing and a variety of food at incredibly low prices. The ghats, the temples, the colours of the city, & a dip in the holy water to cleanse your soul…..you can experience all of these with almost empty pockets. To add, Varanasi is also home to many of the mysterious temples of India with some peculiar tales. How cool is that?

Places To Visit: Ganges River, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat
Places To Stay: Hotel Ashoka Grand, Sandhya Guest House, Mastana Palace
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

6. Amritsar: Because Patriotism Ain’t Got A Price

stay at harmindir sahib gurudwara and experience true devotion and peace

The city is an amazing retreat for those looking for a de-stressing weekend. And the best way to achieve that in Amritsar is to stay at the Harmandir Sahib gurdwara (Golden Temple), where you have to pay a very small amount for staying if you’re a guy, and nothing at all if you’re a girl, while enjoying the free and utterly delicious ‘langar’ during your stay, but, with dignity! Cool, isn’t it? Immerse yourself in this city with dripping patriotism & experience its rich history by paying a visit to places like the Jalianwallah Bagh and the Wagah Border.

Places To Visit: Golden Temple, Akal Takht, Wagah Border
Places To Stay: Comfort Inn Alstonia, HK Clarks Inn, Hyatt Regency Amritsar
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

7. Gokarna: The Best Of Nature At The Least Of Cost

spend time at the pristine, peaceful beaches of gokarna

If you want to live in hotels, guest houses, and beach resorts that provide world-class modern facilities at the lowest price possible, Gokarna is the place for you. It is perfect for those seeking peace, spirituality, & solitude, all among the goodness of Nature. One can spend days on end at this peaceful retreat, in its pristine, untouched beaches, and visiting its many beautiful temples. If you seek a hint of advenutre, do give river rafting in Gokarna a try!

Places To Visit: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach
Places To Stay: Kudle Beach View Resorts and Spa, Shanthi Krishna Residency, Viraz Valley
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

8. Hampi: The Beauty Of Priceless Treasures Of The Old

dwell in the rich architecture of the temples at hampi at no cost at all

If you’re into ancient monuments, ruins, and old architecture, you must definitely visit Hampi. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hampi is known for its ruins of many old palaces, royal structures, & temples, like the Lotus Mahal, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, & the Hazara Rama temple. But that’s not all, this place has some of the cheapest cottages, lodges and hotels in the country offering luxurious stays. One can rent a motorbike or bicycle at an affordable rent to go around the town, and eat at its many eating joints offering the most delicious of food at the lowest cost.

Places To Visit: Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal
Places To Stay: Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari, Kishkinda Heritage Resort, and Heritage Resort Hampi
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

9. Murthal: Paranthas And Road Trips That Don’t Dime A Dozen

savour the taste of delicious paranthas loaded with white butter at murthal

A favorite spot for all living in and around the National Capital Region, Murthal provides a quick and awesome getaway for those looking for a nice, short 2 hour trip that ends on some of the most delicious food available in the country. Take a road trip to this amazing retreat in Sonepat, Haryana and gorge on some lip-smacking paranthas loaded with dollops of white butter at unbelievably inexpensive rates. It is one of the popular cheapest places in India to relish a delicious early-morning meal!

Places To Visit: Tomb of Khwaja Khizr, Mosque of Abdullah Nasir, Dargah Mamu Bhanja
Places To Stay: Arnav Resort Jurasik Park, Hotel Signature Villa, Hotel Primrose Regency
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

10. Goa: The Hippie Life At Rock Bottom Rates

stay at homely and cheap beach shacks at goa and enjoy the goodness of its many famous beaches

The heartbeat of every Indian, Goa is the one place people like to visit again and again to marvel in its hippie culture, the gorgeous beaches, an amazing nightlife,and the delicious sea food. There’s no end to the fun one can have in Goa. But few know that Goa can be enjoyed in a budget and you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy at one of India’s most cheapest cities in India. You can stay at the ridiculously low priced yet comfortable beach shacks, hire a bike and move about the entire town, sit at the beach and dance around a bonfire with your friends, & eat at the many inexpensive food joints and still enjoy the most scrumptious variety of seafood.

Places To Visit: Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Grand Island
Places To Stay: Emperor Resort & Spa, Varanda Do Mar, The Park Baga River Goa
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

11. Kasol: Himachal’s Hamlet At Affordable Prices!

Wondering which are the cheapest places in India to travel? Whether you are a student or a working professional, Kasol is a destination that will be easy on your pockets. Go relish delicious food and explore the picturesque hamlet in Himachal Pradesh. The ferocious River Parvati is a cherry on top to the panoramic landscape that makes it look right out of a storybook. It has emerged as one of the popular places to visit for the younger crowds.

Places To Visit: Manikaran Sahib, Moon Dance Cafe, Malana Village
Places To Stay: Nomads Hostel, Kabila Camp, Blue Moon Homestay
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

12. Jaipur: The Pink City On A Budget!

Another one on the list of cheapest places in India is the pink city in the land of kings. Jaipur situated in Rajasthan is almost on every traveler’s list and if you are one of those, then you will be glad to know that you can explore the city on a budget. There are many budget-friendly options for staying in the city. No wonder Rajasthan is one of the cheapest states in India.

Places To Visit: Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort
Places To Stay: Trident Jaipur, Radisson Jaipur City Center, Jaipur Marriott Hotel
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

13. Alleppey: Backwaters Could Be Your Next Shoe-String Escape

Image Credits: munnarholiday for Pixabay

A hidden jewel of South India, Alleppey is perhaps among the stunning cheapest places in India. Also named as Alappuzha, the nodding palm trees, clear water canals, beautiful canopies, and the luxurious Ayurvedic Resorts of this town is what makes it a popular choice for travelers. Those who are traveling to Kerala or are from the nearby cities should definitely visit this destination and try out the Houseboats. The houseboats turn out to be pretty feasible as they not only include the bedroom but also a few meals are included. These boats are also surrounded by some of the best beaches in Alleppey. A great deal to think about, eh?

Places To Visit: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Mannarasala Temple
Places To Stay: Kuttichira Heritage Home, The Rain by Vista Rooms, Pearl Beach Bungalow Heritage Home
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

14. Itanagar: Natural Beauty Does Not Get Heavy On Pockets

Image Credits: deba_dmj for Pixabay

The North Eastern region of the country is known for its stash of natural bounty, which is in abundance, by the way. One such city sitting on the floors of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar. This spot is one of the best cheapest places in India. With the perfect backdrop being formed by the snow-capped Himalayas and the major highlight of the landscape being the fertile plains of River Brahmaputra, Itanagar looks straight out of a kid’s storybook. From a legendary old-world Ita Fort to the pristine Ganga Lake, there is plenty to see in this city. So when in Kolkata, Assam, Manipur, or Meghalaya, do consider paying a budget trip to Itanagar as well as this destination is bound to make you fall in love with our prestigious mother earth.

Places To Visit: Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Gompa Buddhist Temple
Places To Stay: Hotel Blue Pine, Hotel Kameng, Hotel Rising Sun
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

15. Pushkar: Modest Trip To The City Of Camels

Image Credits: RichardMc for Pixabay

Famed for being home to the only temple of Lord Brahma, Pushkar is a city in Rajasthan that is as authentic as it can get in terms of traditions and heritage. This quaint temple town hosts an annual Pushkar Fair which is visited by hippies from all over the world. There are several thousands of Hindu pilgrims that pay a visit to Pushka, the temple town, as it is tagged. One can hear the chants and aartis around every corner of the street. Sit by the lake, sipping on chai, and witnessing the people of Puskar just living their lives in a hustle. To add, if you love those accessories with your outfits, do keep a lookout for oxidised jewelry that doesn’t cost a dime either!

Places To Visit: Brahma’s Temple, Varah Temple, Savitri Temple
Places To Stay: Dera Masuda Luxury Resort, Nature Village Resort, Ananta Spa & Resort
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

16. Udaipur: Inestimable Beauty Of Land Of Royals

Image Credits: Tina_OO for Pixabay

Often tagged as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is probably the most serene place one can ever visit in Rajasthan. With the houses showcasing that hint of havelis, the roads sharing its floor with lakes that are spread as far as the eye can see, the restaurants clustered in a single area, and the feeling of belongingness, Udaipur steals the heart of many. If you are planning to take a budget trip to Udaipur, book yourself a double decker bus and take a relaxing overnight journey. The best thing about Udaipur is that there is plenty to witness there from City Palace to Taj Palace, the magnificence of attractions simply leave one in awe.

Places To Visit: The Lake Palace, City Palace, Jagdish Temple
Places To Stay: Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa, Bamboo Saa Resort & Spa, Araliayas Resort
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

17. Rishikesh: A Quick Budget Adventure

Image Credits: AYMYogaSchool for Pixabay

Also known as the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, Rishikesh is a town in Uttarakhand that has seen a sudden rise in popularity in the recent years. Giving one a chance to not only get closer to mother nature but also embrace the essence of spirituality, challenge their inner daredevils, and relish some lip-smacking delicacies served by innumerable cafes residing on its floors. This town transports one to a different world altogether. This destination exudes an unmatchable charm that does not fail to impress any traveler. Do not forget to try out river rafting when in Rishikesh!

Places To Visit: Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula
Places To Stay: Aloha On The Ganges by Leisure Hotels, and Shaantam Resorts, Spa Rishikesh
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

18. Nainital: The Most ‘Grammable Bargain

Image Credits: Akumarphotos for Pixabay

Nainital is another one of the popular destinations that is visited by families and their little ones. This is among the cheapest places in India that happens to be a great escape during the summer vacation of the kids. Nainital is a gem of a destination that sits proudly on the foothills of Kumaon region in Himalayas. This town is filled to the brim with buildings exhibiting the finest colonial architecture from the British Era. This town is easily accessible via roads and rails, and hence, is not too heavy on the pockets. The best thing is that the accommodation here begins at only INR 800 per night.

Places To Visit: Naina Peak, The Mall Road, Tiffin Top
Places To Stay: Trishita Residency, Paradise Homestay, Hotel Mount
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

19. Lonavala: Take A Misty Getaway Pricelessly

Image Credits: Ankita Gkd for Pixabay

Lonavala is a perfect cheapest places in India for those who want to explore Maharashtra. If you wish to witness both the concrete jungles and the natural jungles of this state, be sure to take a trip to Lonavala after covering Pune or Mumbai. From lush green trees and magical waterfalls to pristine lakes and majestic hills, this hill station in Maharashtra is a perfect place to rejuvenate and gather the energy that is needed to fight what life throws at you. A part of the Sahyadri Hills, Lonavala is definitely awaiting with arms open to offer a soulful vacation to you all.

Places To Visit: Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, Lonavala Lake
Places To Stay: Lonavala Holiday Homes, Hotel Dreamland, Hotel Mulberry Konnect
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

20. Shimla: A Popular Spot For Budget Crunches

Image Credits: simranjeetrocksingh for Pixabay

Shimla has been a popular escape for years now. The majestic views of the mountains, the colonial era architecture, the serenity in the atmosphere, the mystical woods, the world-class cafes, and the old-world charm blend to form what we all know as Shimla. This is among the cheapest places in India that has something for everyone. From honeymooners to families, from friends trips to solo excursions, one can see each and every kind of traveler strolling around the mall road, hogging on bakery products, shopping for souvenirs, or just soaking in the beauty of the valley deep down.

Places To Visit: The Ridge of Shimla, Kufri, Green Valley, Jakhoo Hill
Places To Stay: The Oberoi Cecil, Wildflower Hall, Clarkes hotel
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

21. Munnar: Thousand Shades Of Green On A Penny

Image Credits: saxanrappai for Pixabay

The aroma of tea and coffee plantations that is spread all across the town is what acts as a magnet for many. Munnar is as beautiful as any town can get. The rolling grasslands, pleasant winds, fragrant breeze, tranquility in the atmosphere, and the calmness makes it a perfect spot to escape the blaring horns and the unnecessary shrieks of people back in the city. This hill station of Kerala is a major part of the Western Ghats and is often named as the ‘Kashmir of South India’. One can observe several hundred shades of green in Munnar by virtue of this town being the commercial centre of the world’s largest tea estates. So, when in Kerala, Karnataka, or Tamil Nadu, plan a budget excursion to Munnar!

Places To Visit: Attukal Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, TATA Tea Museum
Places To Stay: Misty Mountain Resort, KTDC Tea County, Tea Valley Resort
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

22. Kanyakumari: Gonna Take Lesser Than A ‘Tip’!

Image Credits: iarunk for Pixabay

The tip of India, Kanyakumari is the land where one can see the alchemy of three seas. This town is a treasure that this country certainly boasts about and is one of the cheapest places in India that you must visit. This coastal town has mountain peaks on one side and vast seas on the other, with massive stretches of white sands dividing the two. The views that Kanyakumari has to offer are, hands down, the best that one has ever witnessed. Be it witnessing the stunning sunrise, strolling around the glittering beaches, seeking blessings at the various temples, or getting refreshed by the falls, Kanyakumari is idealistic and perfect to visit for those spending their vacation in the southern part of the country.

Places To Visit: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach
Places To Stay: The Hotel Raja Palace, Rehoboth Home Stay, Phoenix Holiday Home
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

23. Digha: The Quaint Town On A Budget

Image Credit: Swarnasubarna for Wikimedia Commons

With scenic beaches, Digha is a beautiful town in West Bengal that is one of the best cheap places to visit in India. If a serene escape is on your mind, then this town is perfect for you. From gorgeous beaches where you can relax and soak in the sun to ancient temples, there is a lot of places that you can explore in Digha. The best part about this town is that travelers can select an affordable stay option and roam around the town without spending a lot of money, proving West Bengal is the cheapest state in India.

Places To Visit: Digha Beach, Amarabati Park, Shankarpur Beach
Places To Stay: Hotel Seagull, Hotel Dolphin, Hotel Sea Sand
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

24. Meghalaya: The Abode Of Clouds

Image Credit: Windrider for Wikimedia Commons

Famed as the abode of clouds, Meghalaya is one of the best cheap places to visit in summer in India. This state offers all travelers a chance to spend less and explore more. A lot of tourists visit this state and are charmed by its beauty. The stunning capital city, Shillong is home to a plethora of tourist attractions that you can explore on your trip. Do try the local food to enhance your overall experience.

Places To Visit: Nohakalikai Falls, Umiam Lake, Mawlynnong Village
Places To Stay: Hotel Barbareek, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong, Hotel Woodland Hill Stay
How To Reach: Flight, train, private cab/taxi or interstate buses

Further Read: Raneh Falls: A Detailed Guide On Exploring The Grand Canyon Of India

Already enticed by the list of cheapest places in India? Get packed, pick this guide, book your trip to India with TravelTriangle, and leave right away! All of these places have plenty of experiences hidden at a budget that will not burn a hole in your pockets!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cheapest Places In India

Which is the cheapest city in India?

5 cities in India that are quite affordable live in are - Bangalore, Indore, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. When looking for the cheapest places in India, you can consider visiting these cities.

Is Maldives cheaper than India?

Known for its luxury resorts and hotels, the Maldives is assumed to be an expensive country in the continent of Asia. However, it is one of the cheapest countries you can travel to from India, especially if you have carefully planned your trip. The cost for staying in the Maldives begins from INR 1500.

Which state in India has the lowest cost of living?

Kolkata will cost you considerably less when it comes to living in this metropolitan city. When compared to other metro cities of India, it has the lowest cost of living.

Which is the cheapest state of India?

Some parts of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi make these states of India the cheapest in the country.

How can I travel cheap in India?

There are some of the travel destinations in India that do not require you to spend a fortune when you visit them. These places are - Pondicherry, Kasol, Goa, Jaipur, Kodaikanal, and more. These places have some of the best yet cheapest staying options and hence are considered to be the cheapest.

Which is the costliest city in India?

Mumbai is considered to be the costliest city in the country. It has been proved via a survey conducted by a global consulting firm.

Is Kolkata the cheapest city in India?

The city of Kolkata is counted amongst the most affordable cities to live in. It ranks 182 out of 209 in the list of most expensive cities. In that list, Mumbai is considered to be the most expensive in India and cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru follow it.