Top Five Cheapest Destinations to Travel in this Summer.
1. Nepal – The Budget Trekker’s Dream:
Nepal is one of the most affordable international destinations for Indian travellers and adventure seekers alike. The beauty of this Himalayan country lies not only in its towering peaks but also in its affordability and warm hospitality. A 7-days trip can cost between ₹38,000 and ₹45,000, depending on how luxurious you want your stay to be.
Start your journey in Kathmandu, where budget hotels cost as little as ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per night (INR). Spend the first two days exploring the ancient temples and vibrant streets of Thamel. Visit the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples. Meals are cheap, with hearty traditional Nepali dishes costing ₹200-₹300 per meal.
Next, head to Pokhara, a scenic town by the lake, which offers breath-taking views of the Annapurna range. Here, you can relax by Phewa Lake or go paragliding for a budget-friendly thrill. Trek to Sarangkot for a glorious sunrise over the Himalayas. A short visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and Chitwan National Park for a jungle safari round out the trip. Flights from Delhi to Kathmandu starts around ₹12,000-₹14,000, and local travel by buses or jeeps is affordable, often under ₹1,000 per leg.
2. Sri Lanka – Tropical Vibes on a Budget:
Sri Lanka, just a short flight from southern India, is a great choice for travellers looking to explore pristine beaches, wildlife, and lush tea plantations without overspending. A 7-day itinerary can be comfortably done on a budget of ₹27,000-₹35,000, including flights, food and lodging.
Fly into Colombo (return flights from India cities average ₹14,000-₹16,000), and spend your first day taking in the city’s colonial architecture, street food, and the Galle Face promenade. Public transportation is very cheap – intercity busses and trains rarely cost more than ₹100-₹300 for long distances.
On day two, head to Kandy to visit the Temples of the Tooth, followed by Nuwara Eliya, where you can enjoy a relaxing cup of Ceylon tea at a plantation. Stay at local guesthouses or homestays for ₹800-₹1200 per night. Day 4 and 5 are best spent exploring the southern beaches of Bentota, Unawatuna, or Mirissa, where dolphin watching and snorkelling are must-dos. Wrap up your trip with a visit to the historical Galle Fort before returning to Colombo for departure. Meals typically costs ₹200-₹400, especially if you eat like a local – think rice and curry, kottu roti and fresh seafood.
3. Vietnam – Budget Meets Culture and Cuisine :
Vietnam has quickly became a favourite amount backpackers, thanks to its rich culture, dramatic landscapes and incredibly low costs. A 6-7 days trip can be managed under ₹40,000 including flights, accommodations and food.
Begin your trip in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where old meets new in the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Budget stays here can be found for ₹700-₹1000 per night. Spend your first day sampling streets food like Pho and Banh mi (₹150-₹250 per meal), and soaking in the lively culture.
On day two, take a budget group tour (₹1,500-₹2,500) to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karsts and emerald waters. Then head south to Ninh Binh or Phong Nha for cave adventures and countryside bike tours. Buses and trains connect cities affordably, often under ₹500. If time permits, visit Hue’s imperial palaces or end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City, home to markets, war museums and some of the best Vietnamese coffee.
Return flights from Delhi or Mumbai to Hanoi can be found for ₹16,000-₹20,000, especially during airline sales. Overall, the friendly vibe, low prices, and endless attractions make Vietnam a go-to for a budget international escape.
4. Bhutan – The Peaceful Neighbour :
Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan offers spiritual serenity and breath-taking natural beauty. The best part? Indian citizens can enter Bhutan without a visa and travel at modest cost. A 7-day trip typically costs ₹25,000-₹50,000, depending on your travel style. Start in Paro (You can fly directly from Delhi for around ₹11,000 or enter via road through Phuentsholing). Spend your first two days visiting Paro Dzong and the National Museum. A must-do is the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside. Accommodations range from ₹1000-₹2500 per night, with meals averaging ₹100-₹400.
Next, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where you can see the giant Buddha Dordenma and Tashichho Dzong. A day trip to Punakha to explore the stunning Punakha Dzong and cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan is worth extra distance. The overall vibe of Bhutan is tranquil, ideal for slow travellers who want to connect with nature and culture.
Though food and transport are inexpensive, it’s worth budgeting for entry fees to certain monasteries or heritage sites. Local taxis and group tours are budget-friendly, especially if you’re sharing with fellow travellers.
5. Bali, Indonesia – Paradise That Doesn’t Cost a Fortune :
Bali, with its surf-friendly beaches, terraced rice fields and spiritual temples is surprisingly affordable – even more so if you’re smart about planning. A 7-day trip can range between ₹40,000-₹44,000 if you keep things low-key and local.
Flights from Delhi or Mumbai to Denpasar usually costs around ₹24,000-₹28,000 round trip. Once you’re in Bali, accommodations can be found for as little as ₹1200 per night in guesthouse or hostels. Days one and two can be spent exploring the beaches and nightlife of Kuta and Seminyak. On day three, visit Tanah Lot and other scenic temples in the Tabanan region.
Day four and five are ideal for exploring Ubud – visit the Monkey Forest take yoga classes and walk through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Rent a scooter (₹300-₹400/day) for local transport and enjoy meals for ₹200-₹400 at wurrungs (local eateries). For the adventurous, a sunrise trek to Mount Batur offers an unforgettable view. End your trip relaxing in Nusa Dua or hopping to the Gili Islands if time permits. Nusa Dua Beach has a crystal clean water with silvery sand in Bali and the last thing you can do is Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat Beach surrounded with beautiful green mountains.
Final Thoughts & Budget Travel Tips :
Each of these destinations offers a rich mix of nature, food and culture at a fraction of what you’d spend elsewhere. To stretch your budget even further, book flights early, travel in groups to share costs, stay in hostels or homestays and eat local. Apps like Skyscanner, Rome2Rio and Hostelworld are great tools for planning.
No matter where you go this summer, traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out- it means discovering more in the most authentic and resourceful way.
Authored By : TapaTap Info Team