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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! ⬇️

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