10 Cheapest Countries You Must Travel From India

 It’s a great feeling to be bitten by the travel bug, but it can also be pricey. Globetrotting is the fantasy of a lot of people. They may be discouraged from making it a reality, unfortunately, because travel is always perceived to be costly. How will you see the world in your budget without burning a hole? Is flying on a budget possible?

NEPAL

This Himalayan country promises mountains, spirituality, and scenic beauty. Many Indians choose Nepal because unlike other countries you do not need a passport here. Pashupatinath Temple (the city’s oldest Hindu temple) and the Boudhanath Stupa (one of the oldest Buddhist temples) are tourist hotspots.

How to reach: The round-trip flight from New Delhi to Kathmandu could cost approx. ₹11,000 if booked a month in advance. If your budget is around ₹25-₹30k, Nepal is one of the best destinations.

Where to stay?: A decent hostel room will cost you anywhere between ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.

What to do?: All range of options is at your disposal wildlife sanctuary, temples, monasteries. Trekking in the World’s Highest Peak- Mt.Everest Base Camp is a must-do.

What to see?: For a wildlife enthusiast Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. For people with spiritual bent Pashupatinath, Dakshinkali temple, Shechen Monastery, Lumbini, Boudhanath Stupa, Siddha Gufa, Hanuman Dhoka. Devi Fall and old market at Pokhara as some add ons.

What to eat?: The Nepali national meal is “daal bhaat tarkari” (spiced lentils poured over boiled rice, and served with tarkari). Meals range anywhere from ₹250- ₹500 depending on the cuisine and place you select. OR2K in Kathmandu or Krishna’s kitchen in Pokhara are some places to try.

Suggested Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights

Travel Calculation: Less than ₹30,000

Tourism during COVID-19: Nepal opened its gates to international tourists in Decembers and has started allowing foreigners to participate in trekking and mountaineering activities. Most temples and national parks are also open now.

VIETNAM

One of the best places for backpackers all around the world, this is also one of the cheapest countries to travel from India. With ample natural beauty, its rich heritage and history you are bound to return with a soul satisfied.

How to reach?: The round-trip flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Delhi is around ₹25,000 if planned 2 months in advance. The airfare has increased of late due to the coronavirus pandemic, but is likely to come down after.

Where to stay?: You can avail a decent hotel for about ₹3,000 per night.

What to do?: Sightseeing, Yacht or Boat Cruises, Local Market Tours, Caving, Cultural Tour, Island Tours, Wildlife Tours.

What to see?: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta, UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Ha Long Bay.

What to eat?: A 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost you approximately ₹500. ranging from spicy in the south to milder in the north, Vietnam has a wide variety to offer. Cha Ca Street and Nguyen Truong to a street in Hanoi for popular yet budget meals. Coffee is a must-try with its distinct Vietnamese twist.

Suggested Duration: 7 days 6 nights 

Travel Calculation: Approx. ₹50,000

Tourism during COVID-19: As of 27 January, 2021, Vietnam is closed to international travellers.

 

BHUTAN

Who would not visit a country which publishes its happiness index? Bhutan offers guaranteed happiness and passport-free travel to Indians. With a vast expanse of unexplored Terrain and breathtaking natural beauty, Bhutan is a must-visit.

How to reach?: Catch a domestic flight to Bagdogra Airport which is the nearest airport to the Bhutan border. The round trip can cost ₹ 4,000 onwards. Take a 5-hour bus journey ahead which could cost approx ₹1,900. 

Where to stay?: Decent hotels will cost around anywhere ₹2,500. if you go for homestays it will be around ₹1,000-₹1,200.

What to do?: Cultural Tours, Local Sightseeing, Himalayan Tour, Treks, Adventure Sports & Activities, Religious Tours and wildlife tours. The Drametse Mask Dance with colorful costumes depicting demons, heroes, gods, and animals should not be missed as it is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

What to see? Trashigang, Haa Valley, Trongsa, Dochula Pass, Rinpung Dzong, Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha Dzong.

What to eat? For a normal 2 course meal, you will spend ₹ 100 to ₹ 400 per person.

Suggested duration: 6 day 5 nights

Travel Calculation: Approx. ₹35,000

Tourism during COVID-19: Bhutan is in full national lockdown since December 23, due to community transmission seen in Thimphu. Limited flights have resumed between Bhutan and Thailand, Bangladesh, Singapore, Nepal, and India. However, by and large, international tourism remains suspended.

 

SRI LANKA

Our southern neighbor is one to reckon with when it comes to selecting a country for your international trip. With the Ramayana and Buddhist connection, there is a significant cultural pull for visitors from India. With beautiful and peaceful beaches it can be a top choice.

How to reach?: Take a flight from Bangalore and land at Colombo airport and it could cost you just ₹15,000.

Where to stay?: you can get a decent hotel around ₹1,000-₹1,500. Reduce your cost by staying at hostels at just ₹400 per night. 

What to do?: Heritage Tours, Religious Visits, Art and Culture Tours, Water Adventure Sports, Wildlife Tours, Plantation.

What to see?: Colombo, Kandy, Yapahuwa Kurunegala, Galle, Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Sabaragamuwa, Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya, Matara, Kataragama.

What to eat?: ₹300 – ₹1,000 depending on the place you choose to dine. Thambili, the juice from King Coconut, is very refreshing and a must

Suggested duration: 6-7 days

Travel Calculation : ₹30,000 – ₹35,000

Tourism during COVID-19: The island country has started welcoming travellers from all countries from 21 January. The major wildlife parks and other tourist attractions have also been reopened.

 

MYANMAR

Myanmar lets you experience the simple pleasures of life. Like a drift down the river in a cruiser, trek through the pine forests of Shan Hills, play on the beach of the blissful Bay of Bengal. Scattered landscape with pagodas and the traditional ways, that’s Myanmar in short. Myanmar sees a lot of visitors at Inle Lake that offers spectacular terrains for cycling.

How to reach?: The round trip to the country could cost you approximately ₹37,000 if booked 3-4 months in advance.

Where to stay?: get a decent hotel for around ₹1,800-₹2,200. 

What to do?: Hot Air Balloon Rides, Cultural & Historical Tours, Nature Walks, Local Shopping and Food Tours.

What to see? Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Golden Rock Pagoda, Kyaing Tong, Monywa, Putao, Ngwe Saung Beach.

Suggested Duration: Suggested trip duration 6 Days

Travel Calculation: ₹50,000 – ₹60,000

Tourism during COVID-19: The international borders of Myanmar haven’t opened to international arrivals yet.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

From desert safaris to standing on the top of Burj Khalifa, UAE one of the most popular destinations for leisure travelers. You can be a witness to the riches of the country and its unique culture. Also, it is one of the cheapest countries to visit for Indians.

How to reach?: The round trip flights to Dubai will cost around ₹26,000. The airfare has almost doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Where to stay?: it’s possible to get good places between ₹1,700-₹2,300 per person per night.

What to do?: Cultural Tourism, Shopping, Business Tours, Dubai Desert Safari, Luxury Tours, Sports Tourism, Indoor Skiing, Adventure Sports & Water Sports in Dubai.

What to see?:  Burj Khalifa, Ferrari world, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi among many others. 

What to eat?: A decent meal will cost anywhere around ₹700-₹1,000

Suggested duration: 4 – 5 days

Travel Calculation:  ₹50,000 – ₹55,000

Tourism during COVID-19: The Arab Emirates, including Dubai, are now open to all tourists. Family entertainment, attractions, observation decks, public transport, parks, beaches, pools, as well as shopping malls and restaurants & cafes are open and fully operating.

OMAN

Oman might not be the first name which pops up when one thinks of travel in the Middle East, but it surely surpasses the expectations of every visitor with its grand mosques, spectacular mountain views, vibrant souks and white-sand beaches. The best part is it all comes at an extremely affordable price.

How to reach?: A round trip to Muscat will cost you around ₹16,000.

Where to stay?: You will get a decent room for ₹2,000- ₹4,000 per night. 

What to do?: Cultural Tourism, Beach Visits, Desert Safari and Stays, Fort Tours, Hiking and Rock Climbing. 

What to see?: Muttrah Souq, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Khasab Beach, Al Qurum Beach, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Wadi Bani Khalid, Nakhal Fort, Nizwa Fort, Jibreen Castle.

What to eat?: Dining is a bit costly in Oman. A decent meal will cost you around ₹1,500. Fast food and street food options are considerably cheaper than sit-down restaurants. 

Suggested Duration: 5 days 4 nights

Travel expenses: Around ₹55,000 – ₹65,000

Tourism during COVID-19: Starting 10 December, Oman started accepting travellers from around 100 select countries, including Canada, the EU, and the UK, into its territories with a 10-day visa-free travel policy. Cinemas, parks, beaches and tourist areas such as forts and museums have reopened, too.

 

INDONESIA

Indonesia – one of the largest archipelago state in the world – is the go-to destination for Indians as it offers all types of recreational activities. It is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.

How to reach?: If you take a flight from Kochi and land at Bali Airport, It would nearly cost you ₹ 28,000.

Where to stay?: You can get hotels ranging from ₹ 2000 per night. For cheaper options, dorms are available which will cost you less than ₹ 1000 per night.

What to do?: Nature tourism, volcano tours, cultural visits, leisure tours, water sports, and religious tours.

What to see?: Bali, Jakarta, Malang, Lombok, Bandung, Yogyakarta

What to eat?: Anywhere between ₹ 700 and above. Satay (skewered and grilled chicken with peanut sauce) and Gudeg (jack fruit with palm sugar, coconut milk, meat, garlic, and lots of spices) are must-try.

Suggested Duration: 7 Days 8 nights

Travel Calculation: Approx. ₹55,000

Tourism during COVID-19: The archipelago, including Bali, stays out of limits for international tourists as of 27 January, 2021.

 

MALAYSIA

How to reach?: Round-trip to Kuala Lumpur is around ₹20,000.

Where to stay?: Dormitory at ₹ 300 per night; Hotel at ₹ 700 per night.

What to do?: Go trekking in Taman Negara National Park, Explore Culture of Kota Bharu, Observe the orangutans in Sepilok.

What to see?: Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Sunbathe at Langkawi, Tunku Abdul Rahman National park, Getaway to Genting Highlands

What to eat?: Taste the local flavor with Nasi Kandar, Bakuteh, Sang Har noodles, Satay.

Suggested Duration: 4 to 5 Days

Travel Calculation: Approx ₹45,000

Tourism during COVID-19: Malaysia isn’t allowing international travel yet, but may partially open its borders in the near future.

 

THAILAND

World-renowned destination – Thailand, when it comes to tourist attraction there are very few countries that can match up to Thailand. It is your go-to place if you are looking for a cheap country to travel from India!

How to reach?: Round-trip fare to Bangkok from India is around ₹15,500.

Where to stay?: It will cost you around ₹1,200 per night to stay at a decent hotel.

What to do?: Local Shopping, Floating Market Tour, Elephant Tourism, Medical Tourism

What to see?: Bangkok, Phuket, Santikhiri, Tarutao.

What to eat?: Tom Yung Goong(spicy shrimp soup), som tum (spicy green papaya salad), Tom Kha Kai (chicken in coconut soup), Gaeng Daeng (red curry)

Suggested Duration: a week would be good!

Travel Calculation: Approx. ₹37,000

Tourism during COVID-19: The country started accepting foreign tourists mid-December.