Top 10 Cheap International Destinations From India

So you want to walk the shores of a foreign land, but are wary of budget woes? Worry not. Foreign trips are cheaper than you think and with a little planning, you can have the most memorable international vacations that might cost even less than travelling to a domestic hotspot.

Prepare diligently. Plan in advance. And think of the fun you’ll have. Need help deciding where to head to? Check out our guide on the top 10 international budget destinations from India.

Cheap International Destinations from India

1. Nepal

No need to fly, you can take a train, bus or simply cross the border on foot and reach Nepal. The country is a paradise for budget travel, full of Himalayan spectacles and ancient Hindu & Buddhist temples. Hostel stays start at Rs 600 per night.

• Things to do: Everest/Island/Mera Trek, visit Boudhanath Stupa, explore Chitwan National Park, go biking in Kathmandu Valley, photograph Pokhara Valley, walk around the squares of Kathmandu, go river rafting in Koshi river, visit Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, explore the town of Patan, visit Pashupatinath Temple.
• Duration: 6 to 7 days
• Expense Per Person: Rs. 20,000

2. Sri Lanka

Similar to India in culture and landscape, Sri Lanka will give you an authentic island trip experience at dirt cheap price. Visit for he blue ocean waters of Sri Lanka and historic architectural sites. Budget hotels are plenty in Colombo and Kandy.

• Things to do: Go stilt fishing with local fishermen in Unawatuna, visit the ancient ruins of Sigiriya, hike to Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, explore the Vihara Buddhist Temple in Colombo and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, go scuba diving at Hikkaduwa, go kite-surfing in Kalpitiya, Colombo, go to a Casino in Colombo
• Duration: 4 to 5 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 25,000

3. Bhutan

Behold the enchanting sights of this dream-like Buddhist kingdom at pocket-friendly rates. The kingdom of dragons is famous for its surreal landscapes and perched atop are numerous monasteries to gawk at. Skip the flight option, take a 5-hour road trip from Bengal. Choose homestays and shared hostel rooms.

• Things to do: Visit Taktsang Palphug Monastery in Paro and Punakha Dzong in Punakha, go kayaking in Paro Valley, drive to Dochula Pass in Thimphu and check out its Buddha Dordenma, know Bhutan’s culture at the National Museum in Paro, take a cycling tour across Bhutanese villages.
• Duration: 6 to 7 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 25,000

4. Thailand

Tropical beaches, urban mayhem, yummy street food and a thriving Buddhist culture like nowhere else, Thailand is a dream budget destination from India for maximum thrills. There are multiple budget hotels at city squares offering decent amenities for cheap.

• Things to do: Explore Bangkok at night, visit the Grand Palace and Temple of Reclining Buddhas in Bangkok, go to Phi Phi Island, go elephant trekking at Mahawangchang, get a Thai massage, take a boat ride in the floating markets, visit Phuket Big Buddha, explore Wat Arun Temples, shop at night bazaars in Phuket.
• Duration: 6 to 7 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 35,000

5. Singapore

One of the world’s financial capitals Singapore can easily be explored on a budget trip as there are many hostels that accommodate budget travellers for as low as Rs 1000 per day. Public transport is a breeze with Singapore Mass Rapid Transit.

• Things to do: Visit the futuristic Marina Bay, Gardens By The Bay and Clarke Quay, spot exotic animals at Singapore Zoo, and enjoy the beauty of National Orchid Garden, take a tour of the iconic Chinatown and Universal Studios, relax at Sentosa Island and walk along the high end Orchard Street.
• Duration: 4 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000

6. Vietnam

Historical landmarks, Buddhist Pagodas, bustling cities, and breathtaking landscapes. Vietnam offers the best sights in Asia for a shoestring traveller. Book B&B stays in major Vietnamese cities starting at Rs. 500 per night. Decent budget hotels can cost upto Rs. 1500 a night.

• Things to do: Visit underground war memorial in Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh and the Warm Remnants Museum, explore Hoi An Ancient Town and watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater,, enjoy street food at Old Quarter in Hanoi, visit the world’s largest cave Hang Son Dong in Quang Binh Province
• Duration: 6 to 7 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 35,000

7. Bali

The volcanic island paradise of Bali is a stunningly beautiful land of rice paddies and beaches, also undoubtedly one of the most affordable international destinations to travel to from India. Comfortable beach inn stays cost as less as Rs. 1000 per night.

• Things to do: Visit the iconic Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temples, see primate behavior at Sacred Monkey Forest, photograph the paddy fields at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, go scuba diving and snorkelling on Bali’s epic beaches, explore Goa Gajah Elephant Caves.
• Duration: 5 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 40,000

8. Egypt

The country that is home to the world’s most ancient civilisation, Egypt is a destination to visit once in a lifetime. Luckily budget stays in decent dormitories, booked in advance, here cost as little as Rs. 600 per night.

• Things to do: Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Abu Simbel Temple, Tomb of Nefertiti, Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, go street shopping in Cairo’s flea and street markets, take camel rides into the deserts, check out the Coptic Museum and Egyptian Museum for the rarest of the rare ancient artefacts in the world.
• Duration: 5 to 6 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 50,000

9. Myanmar

A budget-friendly destination next to India, Myanmar is a must visit for its ethnic vibrancy, buddhist pagodas and untouched natural beauty. Dorms and hostels abound for as low as Rs. 700 per night.

• Things to do: Visit the spectacular gold Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon, check out the alien-like historic ruins of Indein village in Taunggyi, explore the floating villages of Inle Lake, photograph the world heritage temples of Bagan, go souvenir shopping at colonial-era Bogyoke Market in Rangoon, be amazed by the historic palace in Mandalay, sail in the pristine beaches of Myeik.
• Duration: 5 to 6 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 35,000

Suggested to Read : 10 Romantic Cheap Honeymoon Destinations Outside India

10. Kenya

The best destination in the world for wildlife enthusiasts, Kenya is actually quite affordable for a week-long trip. Backpackers can find lodging for Rs 1000 a night. If you book a safari package, accommodation and food will be provided.

• Things to do: Safari at Masai Mara National Reserve, visit Nairobi National Museum and Karen Blixen Museum, visit Bomas of Kenya which are traditional villages, explore Mamba crocodile village.
• Duration: 4 to 5 days
• Expenses Per Person: Rs. 60,000 (including safari package for 3 days)

Please note that the expenses for all of the above destinations are estimated based on airfare (return trip included) booked 6 to 8 months in advance, along with budget lodging and food.

Choose your favorite foreign country from the list and start planning your bookings a good six months in advance to make the best of your budget. Research online for the best deals and get going. Drop your comments below.