12 Best and Cheapest Places to Visit in India in 2023

India is a big country and finding the best places to travel in India can be a little daunting task for first-time visitors. Especially when it is India, a large Asian country with cultural diversity, you have to be more careful to sort the best of India. Even after backpacking around all over India for the last 15 years, I still find it challenging to compile the ‘cheapest places to visit in India’ list.

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12 Best and Cheapest Places to Visit in India in 2023
best places to visit in India in Winter

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From Ladakh to Kanyakumari or Gujrat to Nagaland, India has a lot to offer its visitors. If you love mountains then there is Himalaya, if you love sea beaches there is Goa, Andaman, for forest and wildlife lovers India has Jim Corbett National Park, Sundarban and many more. Not only with natural beauty, but India is also enriched with a glorious history and rich culture.

So, here I have sorted top tourist places in India not just by city, but also by region, budget and best time to visit.

1. DELHI:

Welcome to the capital city of India. It is one of the low budget tourist places in India. If you are looking for a backpacking India route, probably you will reach here first. Delhi is a historical city with its dynamic, busy and chaotic city life.

Best time to visit Delhi:

September to November or February and March is the best time to visit Delhi.

Best things to do in Delhi: 

  • Start your Delhi tour with some popular tourist destinations like Lotus temple, Akshardham temple, Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate.
  • Don’t forget to visit Red Fort and Qutub Minar-UNESCO World Heritage sites.
places to visit in delhi Humayun’s tomb
Humayun’s Tomb

If you want to immerse completely into the atmosphere of this city and learn more about its most popular sightseeing, then I highly recommend you to check the cheap tours below and choose the most appropriate one for you.

Budget Plan for Delhi:

Hostel budget: $7-$10/night

Hotel budget: $10-$15/night

Food budget: $8-$10/day

Avg. Daily budget: $15-$20 = INR 1100-1500


2. AGRA: Cheapest Places to Visit in India

Agra is a historical city that is 231 km away from Delhi. This is another cheapest place to travel in India. If you have a keen interest in Indian history then this place won’t disappoint you.

Best time to visit Agra:

October and November or February and March are the best time to visit Delhi.

Best things to do in Agra:

  • Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders. Keep your one day fully reserved to visit this wonderful creation.
  • Agra is not all about the Taj Mahal. You can also visit some historic architecture: Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri.
places to visit in Agra taj mahal
Taj Mahal

Budget Plan for Agra:

Hostel budget: $7/night

Hotel budget: $10/night

Food budget: $7/day

Avg. Daily budget: $17 = INR 1200


3. UDAIPUR:

Udaipur is one of the best budget-friendly places to visit in India. It is a beautiful city located in the northwestern part of Rajasthan which is considered as the second most visited state by foreigners. Udaipur is also called the ‘City of Palaces’ and famous for pristine lakes, historic fort, and royal heritage sites and museums.

If you want to experience the royal lifestyle of Indian kings then here you can check these Luxury Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan for the divine beauty and quiet ambiance that made it one of the best honeymoon destinations in India.

Best time to visit Udaipur:

October to February is the best time to visit Udaipur.

Best things to do in Udaipur:

  • Visit Udaipur City Palace which belongs to the Mewar royal family. Though half of the palace is now converted to hotels but you will get the flavour of royalty once you entered this place.
  • You can also pay a visit to the City Palace Museum to know more details on Kings of Rajasthan and their glorious past.
  • Stay one night in a heritage hotel like Taj Lake Palace or Umaid Bhawan Palace for royal experience and also taste the Rajasthani dishes.
  • An evening boat ride in Lake Pichola is one of the best ways to spend a romantic holiday. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset in Aravalli hills.
  • You can see a good collection of vintage cars in Jag mandir.
Places to visit in Udaipur, City palace
Udaipur City Palace

Tours for Better Exploring Udaipur

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Budget Plan for Udaipur:

Hostel budget: $7/night

Hotel budget: $14/night

Food budget: $7/day

Avg. Daily budget: $18 = INR 1300


4. LADAKH:

Ladakh is a dream destination for international travelers as well as Indian travelers for its unique landscapes and magnificent natural beauty. Though it is costlier than other listed places in India, but surely Ladakh is one of the best places to visit in India. It is located in the northern part of India, besides Kashmir. Ladakh is also famous for its high altitude cold desert. The best way to get there is by taking a budget flight from New Delhi to Leh.

Best time to visit Ladakh:

If you are looking for the best places to visit in India in Summer then Ladakh is the best tourist destination. June July is the ideal time to visit Ladakh.

Best things to do in Ladakh:

  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of the journey to Ladakh by road. The beauty of the mountains changes with altitude and shows the different beauty of nature.
  • Ladakh trip by bike is a dream for every youngster. If you are an adventure seeker then a motorcycle trip to Ladakh will be a lifetime experience.
  • You can choose a trek to explore Ladakh more prominently. Markha valley trek, Nubra valley trek, Frozen Chadar trek are some popular trek routes in Ladakh.
  • Visit Pangong Tso lake and get a chance to see the color change of the lake.
  • Do a Bactrian camel safari in the cold desert of Hunder.
  • Visit the Thiksay monastery, Hemis monastery, Leh Palace to know the history and culture of Ladakh.
places to visit in ladkh, pangong lake
Pangong Lake

Budget Plan for Ladakh:

Hostel budget: $7/night

Hotel budget: $20/night

Food budget: $10/day

Avg. Daily budget: $25 = INR 1800



5. GOA:

Goa is located on the western coast of India that takes an overnight journey of eleven hours from Mumbai. Goa will always be at the top of the list of best places to visit in winter in India for its exotic beaches, historic forts and vibrant nightlife. Goa is also popular as a honeymoon destination in India among couples.

Best time to visit Goa: 

November to February is the peak season in Goa. However, for budget travelers monsoon is the ideal time to get some cool discounts to book cheap hotels.

Best things to do in Goa:

  • You will need a minimum of 2 days to explore the best beaches in Goa. There are several beaches to visit in Goa which you cannot cover in 2 days, so I will recommend visiting Baga beach, Sinquerim beach, Arambol beach, Morjim beach, Vagator beach to spend a relaxing holiday in a pleasant atmosphere.
  • When it is Goa, you should not miss the gala night party on the beach. Baga, Candolim, and Anjuna are some popular beaches for beach parties in Goa. Baga beach is also famous for the spectacular sunset in the evening.
  • If you are an adventure lover then there is a lot of water sports and adventure activities. You can do snorkeling, scuba diving, paragliding, whitewater rafting
  • Try Dudhsagar trek in the monsoon that offers you a breathtaking view of Dudhsagar fall.
  • Visit Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort which have a  long history against Portuguese colonizers. If you would like to explore more, check out here for other things to do in Goa.
places to visit inn go, baga beach
Baga Beach

Budget Plan for Goa:

Hostel budget: $7/night

Hotel budget: $15/night

Food budget: $10/day

Avg. Daily budget: $17 = INR 1200


6. KERALA:

Kerala, a southwestern coastal state of India, is also known as God’s Own Country for good reason. This south Indian state will offer you a totally different ambiance with floating shops, lagoons, backwater, and greenery everywhere. Kerala is among the budget places to visit in India in Winter.

Best time to visit Kerala: 

October to February when the temperature is comparatively cooler and pleasant.

Best things to do in Kerala:

  • Kerala itinerary will be incomplete without experiencing the backwaters in a houseboat. You can take the backwater cruise from Aleppy, Kochi or Kovalam. Traveling through the narrow canals and enjoying the lush greenery is one of the best and most romantic ways to take the essence of Kerala.
  • Visit Munnar and Wayanad, famous for tea plantation. Take some breathtaking pictures of green rolling hills for your Instagram feed. Or you may take this guided tour through a tea plantation with a sunset view  and learn more about tea production.
  • Explore the stunning coastline of Kovalam and Marari beach and enjoy a relaxing vacation on the beaches of Kerala.
  • Watch the cultural dance festival ‘Kathakali Show’ that depicts the rich culture and ritual of Kerala. Ayurvedic treatment, an ancient Indian healing tradition is also famous in Kerala.
places to visit in kerala, aleppy backwater
Houseboat in Backwater

Budget Plan for Kerala:

Houseboat budget: $40-$50/night

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Hotel budget: $12/night

Food budget: $8/day

Avg. Daily budget: $22 = INR 1600


7. ANDAMAN ISLANDS:

Among all other sea beach destination in India, I personally prefer the Andaman Islands and its beaches. No need to visit Thailand for the crystal clear blue turquoise water when India has the Andaman Islands. It is located South-East Asia, 1370 km away from the mainland of India. Direct flight is available from Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai.

Andaman has some of the best diving spots and marine life in the world. You can spend hours just by watching the waves in turquoise sea and white sand. Andaman is surely one of the best honeymoon destinations in India.

places to visit in andaman
Radhanagar Beach

Best time to visit Andaman:

Mid-September to May is the best time to visit the Andaman Islands. Try to avoid monsoon to visit this place.

Best things to do in the Andaman Islands:

  • Visit some exotic beaches in Havelock Island, Ross, and Smith Island and Neil Island. Radhanagar beach, Bharatpur beach are must-visit beaches in Andaman. Radhanagar beach was selected as the best beach in Asia by the ‘Time’ magazine of New York.
  • Visit Ross Island which was formerly a British colony in Andaman. Now, this island is the home of some deer and birds.
  • Don’t miss the Cellular Jail in Port Blair. This jail has a long history with Indian freedom fighters. Attend the light and sound show that tells the painful life of the freedom fighters.  
  • Visit Neil Island for some amazing rock formations and Chidya Tapu Island for a stunning sunset.
  • Enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in Bharatpur and Jolly Boy Island.

Budget Plan for the Andaman Islands:

Hotel budget: $12/night

Food budget: $10/day

Avg. Daily budget: $22 = INR 1600


8. KASHMIR:

Kashmir is another most beautiful place in India located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The magnificent landscape and natural scenic beauty made it ‘Paradise on Earth’. The snow-peaked mountains and the green valleys attract thousands of travelers from around the world.

Best time to visit Kashmir: 

March-June and September-Mid November is the peak time for Kashmir. However, if you want to enjoy snow then also Kashmir has a lot to offer.

Best things to do in Kashmir:

  • Shikara ride on Dal Lake is a must-do activity in Kashmir. You can also stay in the houseboat and shop from the floating market. The best thing is you can enjoy your ride with the magnificent view of the surrounding Himalayan mountains.
  • Visit the beautiful gardens in Srinagar created by the Mughal emperors. If you come in Spring then Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chesmashahi gardens are worth visit.
  • Reserve two days for exploring Gulmarg and Sonmarg. Both places are equally beautiful for fairy meadows and picturesque glaciers. Enjoy the gondola ride in Gulmarg and in Winter it is skiers paradise.
  • Do a day trip to Pahalgam and visit the Lidaar river and Betaab Valley surrounded by pine woods.
places to visit in kashmir
Dal Lake, Kashmir

Budget Plan for Kashmir:

Hostel budget: $7/night

Hotel budget: $12/night

Food budget: $7/day

Avg. Daily budget: $17 = INR 1200


9. VARANASI:

Varanasi is not only an ancient city but also one of the cheapest cities in India, located on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. This holy city with thousands of temples and ghats attracts a big number of pilgrims from all over India. The oldest inhabited city of India is now a destination of religious tourism and tradition. If you are looking for the cheapest places to travel in India, Varanasi is the place.

Best time to visit Varanasi:

Winter is the best season to explore Varanasi.

Best things to do in Varanasi:

  • Take a boat trip in the Ganges and witness the Hindu culture and belief in life and death. Sunrise from a boat ride is also recommended here.
  • Evening Aarti on the bank of the Ganges is a must-see event. It is Hindu spiritual worship involving offerings made to the deities. This spectacular ritual performance is the only thing that draws photographers from all around the world.
  • Visit the temples, walk along the ghats and taste the locals with the famous Varanasi Lassi.
cheap holiday destinations in india | places to visit in Varanasi Ghat
Varanasi Ghat

Budget Plan for Varanasi:

Hostel budget: $6/night

Hotel budget: $10/night

Food budget: $7/day

Avg. Daily budget: $14 = INR 1000


10. HAMPI:

If you are looking for budget travel in India, you must visit Hampi. It is a mysterious town located in the state of Karnataka in South India. This beautiful place can be reached by train or bus from both Goa or Bangalore. Though it a well preserved UNESCO World Heritage site, still it is not an overcrowded place. For architecture and culture lovers, this is one of the best cheap vacation spots in India.

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Best time to visit Hampi:

Hampi is basically a winter destination in India, you will get the best of Hampi from October to March.

Best things to do in Hampi:

  • You will get the best view of Hampi town from the Mathanga Hill top. You have to climb to the top which is not so hard. You will be mesmerized by the sunset view from the hilltop.
  • Hampi is also famous for rock climbing. The giant boulders are scattered around Hampi that made it a magical place. You can stay at Hampi Hippie island side of the river where the bouldering hotspot is located.  
  • Book a tuktuk and visit the monuments and temples of Hampi. These temples and monuments have a beautiful architecture enriched with historic value.
places to visit in hampi
Hampi

Budget Plan for Hampi:

Hostel budget: $6/night

Hotel budget: $10/night

Food budget: $7/day

Avg. Daily budget: $14 = INR 1000


11. JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK:

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and most famous national park in India and is located in Uttarakhand state. The park is spread over 1318 square km of the area which is a shelter of thousands of species of birds, insects, plants, and animals. Currently, Jim Corbett National Park has the highest number of tigers in India.

The park is divided into several zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna etc. It is one of the best places to visit in India with friends on a low budget and it is opened for visitors throughout the year except for the monsoon season.

Best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park:

Best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park: During Winter season from November to February.

Best things to do in Jim Corbett National Park:

  • Taking a jeep safari through the jungle is the most exciting way to explore the national park. This activity will offer you to be close to nature and see the wild animals thriving in their natural habitat.
  • Elephant safari in the national park is one of the best things to do in Jim Corbett National Park. It allows you to ride on the back of the elephant and a natural way to enjoy the wildlife.
  • You can do camping in the park. It will be a unique experience to stay one starry night in the lap of nature surrounding by mountains. You can also add bonfires, guided tours and fishing trips in your camping package.
  • Jim Corbett National Park is the best destination for wildlife photographers and there is a high chance to witness wild animals like elephants, monkeys, leopards, red fox, black bears, and of course, the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Places to visit in Jim Corbett National Park | Cheapest Places to Visit in India
Jim Corbett National Park

Budget Plan for Jim Corbett National Park:

Hotel budget: $25-$30/night

Camping: $30-$40/night

Food budget: $10/day

Avg. Daily budget: $30 = INR 2100


12. VIZAG/VISAKHAPATNAM:

Visakhapatnam is a coastal city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This is an amazing place to visit where you can enjoy pristine beaches on one side and towering hills on another side. If you are looking for cheap holiday destinations in India, Vizag won’t disappoint you.

Best time to visit Vizag:

October to March is the ideal time to visit Vizag in pleasant weather.

Best things to do in Vizag:

  • Visit the Submarine Museum that is made inside a real submarine named Kurusura Submarine. This is one and only submarine museum in India. A guided tour from the retired Navy personnel will give you a better understanding of the operating system of a submarine.
  • Various kinds of water adventure sports are there in Rushikonda beach like water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and ATV rides.
  • Exploring the Borra Caves in Araku Valley is a must-visit on your Vizag tour. This natural formed phenomenon of nature is the main attraction of Araku. The stalagmite and stalactite formations of this cave look very mysterious in the dark.
Borra Caves
Borra Caves

Budget Plan for Vizag:

Hostel budget: $7/night

Hotel budget: $10/night

Food budget: $10/day

Avg. Daily budget: $18 = INR 1300

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Cheapest Places to Visit in India

So, which place you would like to visit first? Comment below and let me know if you have any queries or if you would like to add any other place to this list of ‘cheapest tourist places in India’.

Happy Traveling… 🙂

Read Next: 16 Expert-Approved Ways to Travel on a Budget

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34 Comments

  1. Sam Montana says:

    A very in-depth article about India and all the great places to visit. I have always wanted to visit India, especially Kashmir.

  2. Rebecca Kearl says:

    Such a great informative post, makes me want to visit India now.

    1. tamilnadu best please to visit

  3. We are wanting to plan a trip to India within the next couple of years. Thank you for the fantastic tips!

  4. India is definitely on my bucket list. Glad to see the dollar goes far there.

  5. I would love to visit India and I might just do it knowing how cheap the accommodation is now!

  6. Neil Alvin says:

    Ok, this is something really worth pinning! Thank you for sharing this. I have always wanted to visit India and I think this answered several questions.

  7. I have been to a few of these places and indeed, they were very cheap. I really loved Udaipur, I could have spent so much more time there. Such a beautiful city!

  8. This is such a helpful list, thank you! My husband is Indian and he has barely seen any of India, so I imagine we will be dong a long family trip travelling around India at some point soon ?

  9. Play2WinApps says:

    thanks for sharing these fantastic place to visit in india.

  10. SHADRACK BIWOT says:

    These are really great tips. Thanks for sharing this will definitely keep this in mind on my next trip

  11. Oh my! Ladakh looks like heaven! Just beautiful.

  12. Wow, India is on my bucket list to visit someday and I will surely save this post thanks for this!

  13. Goa and Agra are by absolute favorite but Goa is nowhere close to Cheap. I guess it depends on the value of dollar.

    1. Yes Anshul, You are right, Goa is not so cheap, that’s why I mentioned traveling in monsoon to get the amazing deals from hotels and flights.

  14. itsasweetsweetworld says:

    India as a country has so much to offer. I would love to visit the Andaman Islands next!

  15. These are great suggestions for first-time travelers like me to India. Even though Agra and Delhi are well-known to people around the world, I would love to visit Ladakh for that beautiful blue lake and Udaipur for that wonderful boat tour!

  16. What great and comprehensive information–and what amazing deals! Didn’t know you could travel so well on the cheap. The photos are amazing too.

  17. Hackytips says:

    I have been to Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka which is my place.

  18. Vasundhra says:

    Kerala and Goa have been awesome! Chapora Fort was so refreshing 🙂

  19. Marjie Mare says:

    These are all nice places that I would definitely would like to visit. Thanks for sharing them.

  20. What a completed guide of where to go when visiting India. Absolutely keeping on the mind these recommendations. Thanks!

  21. Nice collection of places. Places like Goa, Ladakh, Kerala, and Kashmir are stunning and can be done in a budget way

  22. When people get bored with their regular activities, they look for entertainment opportunities. And people keep looking for beautiful places for this entertainment. As part of this, the description of the most beautiful places in India is beautifully presented in this article. Thank you so much for beautifully presenting the description of these beautiful places in India.

  23. A very exciting blog that benefits travelers exploring budget travel trips.

  24. Thanks for publishing this helpful content. It really helped me to find some affordable places to visit in India.

  25. Fantastic blog, I wish, I could visit all those places. Good work, keep going.

  26. Anupam Kheda says:

    Thanks for the in-depth wonderful article you turned out here Very Informative Loved It, Thankyou Soo, Much For Sharing It.

  27. Uttarakhand Guide says:

    Thanks for sharing about these Best and Cheapest Places to Visit in India, I was actually looking for same.

  28. Caroline Smith says:

    This guide is like a one-stop shop for planning a vacation. The photos and descriptions are so captivating that I can almost feel the excitement and put it on our bucket list. We are exploring tanay camping site in the philippines.

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