Travelling is said to be one of the most looked-after leisure activities in every age group. People have a lot of preferences when it comes to travelling and holidays, few are inclined towards adventure sports while travelling, others love to spend their holidays at exotic luxury stays and a few prefer to tour around under a tight budget. This list of destinations is specially curated for the group of people who have that travel bug in them along with a budget preference, these destinations are worth every penny and devoid of any guilt trip.
1 Macleodganj
Also known as Little Lhasa, McLeodganj’s popularity among tourists skyrockets with every passing year. Mcleodganj reflects the life and culture of Tibetans who moved here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. The exiled government of Tibet and spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama are based in this quaint little town in the lap of the Himalayas. A trip to Mcleodganj is unlike any other visit to an Indian hill station. Apart from art and culture, this place also offers various beautiful and exciting treks.
Easiest ways to reach:
By Air: The nearest is Kangra airport (18 km)
By Train: The nearest railway station is Pathankot railway station
By Road: Mcleodganj is well-connected with various cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh and Dharamshala
Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 1,500 per day approximately
Few hotels to stay in:
1 Backpackers Inn, price starting from Rs 300
2 Hotel Mistry Woods, price starting from Rs 1,150
3 Triund Camps Riverside Resorts, price starting from 1,028
2 Puducherry
A city that will serve you with a slice of France in the Indian heartland, Puducherry has a lot to offer like clean beaches, cobblestoned streets dotted with colonial buildings and relaxing cafes offering some of the best French food in India. It’s a perfect city for people who seek peace and tranquillity.
Easiest ways to reach:
By Air: The nearest is Chennai International Airport (144 km)
By Train: Puducherry Railway Station can be reached easily from major South Indian cities.
By Road: Puducherry is well-connected with all major cities
Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1,000 per day approximately
Few hotels to stay in:
1 Sai Senthoor Paradise, price starting from Rs 2,212
2 Signature Grande, price starting from RS 2,507
3 Bon Stay Inn, price starting from Rs 1,585
3 Lonavala
Lonavala is the most popular getaway from Mumbai and Pune. Popularly known as the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri’, the hill station has a lot to offer, like spectacular ghat views, lush green valleys, stunning lakes, majestic waterfalls and rock-cut caves displaying ancient motifs and inscriptions. People visit Lonavala mostly during the monsoons to witness the wild beauty of green vegetation on the black rocks of its ghats.
Easiest ways to reach:
By Air: The closest airport is Lohegaon Airport in Pune
By Train: Lonavala Railway Station is well-connected with Pune and Mumbai
By Road: Both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and old Mumbai-Pune road (National Highway 4) pass through Lonavala
Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 800-Rs 2,000 per day approximately
Few hotels to stay in:
1 The Blue Lagoon Resort, price starting from Rs 2,130
2 Hotel Mountain View Lonavala, price starting from Rs 2,732
3 Hotel Mulberry Konnect Lonavala, price starting from Rs 2,722
4 Kasol
One of the most popular youth destinations, Kasol is all about exploring nature as you reconnect with your senses. The valley is famous for its exciting treks and is a perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts, Kasol offers a wide range of trek options, including those to Kheer Ganga, Parvati Pass, Malana, Tosh and more. The valley remains untouched by heavy commercialization; the small cafes in the village serve a wide range of food including some dishes from Israeli cuisine and many more.
Easiest way to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport -(31 km)
By Train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station (144 km)
By Road: The best options are to reach Bhuntar or Chandigarh and take a cab from there
Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 per day approximately
Few hotels to stay in:
1 The Hosteller Kasol, price starting from Rs 1,736
2 Parvatai Cottage Camps, price starting from Rs 1,650
3 Babylon Resort, price starting from Rs 2,318
5 Jaisalmer
Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, this barren beauty is known as the golden city. This city has a lot to offer like, vast stretches of golden dunes and the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sonar Qila (Golden Fort) and many other hidden treasures. The city is built with unique yellow sandstone; the entire colour palette of the city is a sight to behold. When in this city, besides enjoying traditional performances of music and dance one must try the authentic Rajasthani food in the various desert camps.
Easiest way to reach:
By Air: The closest is Jodhpur Airport (285 km)
By Train: There are direct trains to Jaisalmer Railway Station from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur
By Road: Jaisalmer is well-connected with the major cities of Rajasthan and Gujarat
Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 per day approximately
Few hotels to stay in:
1 The Hosteller Jaisalmer, price starting from Rs 930
2 Hotel Royal Heritage, price starting from Rs 1,159
3 Hotel Surya Jaisalmer, price starting from 380
6 Ooty
Ooty is a scenic city nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills, it boasts its rolling hills, lush green valleys and stunning lakes. Ooty has been a popular hill station since the period of British rule, the magnificent tea gardens and colonial bungalows continue to attract tourists from all parts of the country. The city was also declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.
Easiest way to reach –
By Air: The closest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (87 km)
By Train: The nearest railway station is Mettupalyam (40 km)
By Road: There are regular buses operated by the Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation.
Average cost (stay and food) – Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 per day approximately
Few hotels to stay in:
1 Zostel, price starting from Rs 1,049
2 Treebo Trend Light House, price starting from Rs 3,031
3 Akshar Rooms and cottages, rice starting from Rs 1,135
