Skip to main content

Top 10 Cheapest Cities to Travel in India on a Budget (Under ₹500 Per Day!) πŸ•️πŸ’°


 

India is a paradise for budget travelers! If you’re looking to explore new places without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. Here’s a list of the cheapest cities to travel in India, where you can stay, eat, and explore for under ₹500 per day!


1. Varanasi – The Spiritual Capital of India πŸ›Ά

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹300-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Dharamshalas & ashrams (₹0-₹200 per night)
πŸ› Food: Free langars at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, street food (₹50 per meal)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Walk along the ghats, attend Ganga Aarti, visit temples

🚨 Pro Tip: Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges for just ₹50!


2. Pushkar – A Backpacker’s Paradise 🏜️

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹400-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Budget hostels (₹200-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: ₹50 unlimited thali at local dhabas
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Visit Pushkar Lake, explore temples, attend the evening aarti

🚨 Pro Tip: Visit during the Pushkar Camel Fair for a vibrant experience!


3. McLeod Ganj – The Budget Himalayan Escape πŸ”️

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹400-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Budget hostels (₹200-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: Tibetan momos & thukpa (₹50-₹100 per meal)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Hike to Bhagsu Waterfall, visit Dalai Lama Temple, explore local markets

🚨 Pro Tip: Trek to Triund Hill for ₹0 instead of paying for an expensive tour!


4. Rishikesh – Adventure & Spirituality on a Budget 🧘‍♂️

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹400-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Ashrams & hostels (₹100-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: Free prasad at temples, cheap thalis (₹50 per meal)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Ganga Aarti

🚨 Pro Tip: Try budget yoga classes for as low as ₹100 per session!


5. Jaisalmer – The Golden City of Rajasthan 🏰

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹400-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Budget guesthouses inside Jaisalmer Fort (₹200-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: Rajasthani dal baati churma (₹50-₹100 per meal)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Explore Jaisalmer Fort, visit Gadisar Lake, walk through the old city

🚨 Pro Tip: Some guesthouses offer free stays if you book a desert safari with them!


6. Gokarna – The Budget Goa Alternative πŸ–️

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹400-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Beachside hostels (₹200-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: South Indian meals (₹50-₹100 per meal)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Relax on Om Beach, trek to Paradise Beach, visit Mahabaleshwar Temple

🚨 Pro Tip: Unlike Goa, Gokarna has no entry fees for beaches!


7. Hampi – Explore Ancient Ruins on a Budget πŸ›️

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹400-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Budget lodges & guesthouses (₹200-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: Simple South Indian meals (₹50 per meal)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Explore temples, cycle around the ruins, visit sunset points

🚨 Pro Tip: Rent a bicycle for ₹50 per day to explore Hampi cheaply!


8. Pondicherry – The French Town on a Budget πŸ‡«πŸ‡·

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹400-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Budget hostels & Aurobindo Ashram (₹100-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: French bakeries (₹50-₹100 per meal), South Indian dosa (₹30-₹50)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Walk around White Town, visit Auroville, explore beaches

🚨 Pro Tip: Rent a bicycle for ₹50 per day instead of taxis!


9. Amritsar – Food & Culture on a Budget πŸ›

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹300-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Free stay at Golden Temple or budget hostels (₹0-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: Free langar at Golden Temple, street food (₹50 per meal)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Jallianwala Bagh

🚨 Pro Tip: All food at Golden Temple is free!


10. Shillong – The Budget Gateway to the Northeast 🌿

πŸ’° Daily Budget: ₹400-₹500

How to Travel Cheaply:

🏨 Stay: Budget guesthouses (₹200-₹300 per night)
πŸ› Food: Street momos & local rice meals (₹50 per meal)
🚢 Things to Do (Free!): Visit Umiam Lake, explore Elephant Falls, walk through Police Bazaar

🚨 Pro Tip: Public transport is super cheap—buses cost just ₹10-₹30 per ride!


Final Budget Breakdown: Travel India for ₹500 Per Day!

CityStay (₹)Food (₹)Transport & Activities (₹)Total (₹)
Varanasi100-200100Free-100300-500
Pushkar200-300100Free400-500
McLeod Ganj200-300100Free400-500
Rishikesh100-300100Free400-500
Jaisalmer200-300100Free400-500
Gokarna200-300100Free400-500
Hampi200-300100Free400-500
Pondicherry100-300100Free-100400-500
Amritsar0-30050-100Free300-500
Shillong200-300100Free-100400-500

πŸš€ Total Cost for a 10-Day Trip? ₹3,000-₹5,000 only!


Final Tips for Budget Travel in India

✅ Stay in ashrams, dharamshalas, and hostels for cheap stays.
✅ Eat street food & thalis (₹50 per meal) instead of restaurants.
✅ Use trains, buses & shared autos instead of taxis.
✅ Explore free attractions like temples, beaches & nature spots.
✅ Travel off-season (monsoon & summer) for lower rates.

With this guide, you can travel across India for less than ₹500 per day! πŸŒπŸŽ’

πŸ’¬ Which budget city is your favorite? Comment below! ⬇️

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Best Budget Hostels in India (Under ₹500 Per Night!) πŸ¨πŸ’°

Backpacking across India? Looking for affordable stays that won’t break the bank? Hostels are the best option for budget travelers, offering cheap accommodation, social vibes, and great locations. Here’s a list of top budget hostels in India under ₹500 per night —perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and digital nomads! 1. Zostel (Multiple Locations) – India’s Most Popular Hostel Chain 🏑 πŸ“ Locations: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Goa, Manali, Rishikesh, and more πŸ’° Price: ₹300-₹500 per night ✨ Why Stay Here? ✅ Reliable and clean dorms ✅ Vibrant traveler community ✅ Centrally located ✅ Free Wi-Fi 🚨 Pro Tip: Book directly on Zostel’s website for the lowest rates! 2. The Hosteller (Rishikesh, Kasol, Jaipur, Goa) – Social & Scenic πŸ”️ πŸ“ Locations: Rishikesh, Kasol, Jaipur, Goa, Jibhi, and more πŸ’° Price: ₹350-₹500 per night ✨ Why Stay Here? ✅ Stylish and cozy dorms ✅ Great for solo travelers & digital nomads ✅ Affordable private rooms available ✅ Amazin...

Goa on a Budget: How to Enjoy the Beach Life for ₹1,000 a Day! πŸ–️

  Goa is often seen as a party destination for luxury travelers, but did you know you can enjoy Goa on a budget of just ₹1,000 per day? From cheap stays to affordable food and free activities, here’s how you can experience Goa without burning a hole in your pocket! 1. Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Goa 🏠 The most significant expense in Goa is accommodation, but if you plan smart, you can stay for as low as ₹300 per night. Best Budget Stay Options: 🏨 Hostels (₹300-₹700 per night) – Shared dorms are the cheapest and a great way to meet fellow travelers. Best Hostels: The Hosteller (Palolem), Jungle by Sturmfrei (Anjuna), Pappi Chulo (Vagator). 🏠 Guesthouses & Homestays (₹500-₹1,200 per night) – Affordable and comfortable, especially for couples. Best Areas: Arambol, Palolem, and Mandrem for budget stays. πŸ•️ Camping (₹200-₹500 per night) – Some beaches and farms offer cheap camping options. πŸ’° Example Savings: Instead of a ₹3,000 hotel, stay in a ₹400 hostel dorm a...

How to Find Cheap Flights: Insider Tips and Hacks

  Flights can take up a huge chunk of your travel budget, but with the right strategies, you can save thousands of rupees and make your trip more affordable. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, these tips will help you find the cheapest flights in 2025. 1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates Flight prices fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and even the day of the week. Here’s how you can save by being flexible: Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to check prices for an entire month. Fly midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than weekends). Avoid peak seasons like Diwali, Christmas, summer vacations, and long weekends. πŸ’° Example Savings: A Delhi to Bangkok round-trip ticket can cost ₹20,000+ during peak season but drops to ₹12,000-₹14,000 during the off-season. Bonus Tip: Use Skyscanner’s "Cheapest Month" feature to find the most affordable time to fly. 2. Book Flights in Advance (But Not...