Are you someone who loves to travel to explore new places? But comparing the travel costs and your bank balance makes you want to shed some tears. Well, same. But worry not! Today we have compiled a list of the cheapest countries you can travel to from India. And no, this isn’t the typical list of countries you see everywhere. We’re going to introduce you to some popular and not-so-popular destinations that you can visit from India without burning a hole in your pocket. Let’s have a look:
Turkey
You must have imagined a visual with hundreds of hot air balloons and lanterns floating in the air with a beautiful sunset in the background. This can become your reality in Turkey.
Cost of Round Trip: Around INR 45k to 50k per person.
Food: You must try the famous delicacy Mezze which is a platter of sorts, Doner Kebab, Gozleme. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian, there is something for everyone.
Currencies: Talking about money, 1 Turkish Lira equals 2.67 Indian Rupee (1 TRY = 2.69129 INR) which makes it one of the most affordable to visit from India.
Popular Destinations:
- Hagia Sophia Mosque – This mosque is made up of 30 million gold tiles and a flat dome which was constructed in the 6th century.
- Blue Mosque – Why Blue? Well, there are 2 stories to it. The first logical one is that its interior is made up of Blue Iznik Tiles and the second one is that many years ago some sailors who were sailing on the Marmara Sea saw the blue color of the sea reflecting on the tiles of the mosque. Fascinating, right?
- Basilica Cistern- The structure is one of the few that are still standing from the 6th century. It was also one of the destinations where the James Bond movie “From Russia with Love” was shot.
Indonesia
Another pocket-friendly option is Indonesia. It is a country in Southeast Asia and is one of the most common places visited by Indians. Newlyweds particularly likes the state of Bali in Indonesia. However, there are many unexplored islands and beaches there.
Cost of round trip: Around INR 40K to 70K
Food: Indonesian cuisine and Indian cuisine have a few similarities, If you are visiting Indonesia do not miss Nasi Goreng (fried rice) which is considered the national dish of Indonesia. You could also try Soto, Bakso, Mie Ayam, and much more
Currency: In Indonesia 1 Indian Rupee equals to 188.24 Indonesian Rupiah. (1 INR = 188.892 IDR)
Place of Attractions:
- Gili Islands- If you like to party hard and want to explore the nightlife, this is the best place for you. There are exquisite overwater villas by the white sand beaches and blue water, one cannot miss adding this place to their itinerary.
- Mount Bromo– This is one of the few volcanoes which is in an active state. It is the most visited place in Indonesia. The volcano emits white smoke at regular intervals which is a sight to see!
- The list of destinations is endless with places like Borobudur Temple, Tanah Lot, Sanur Beach, and many more.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a small country in part of Central Europe. Being in an expensive continent like Europe, this beautiful country is surprisingly cheap, even for Indians. The architecture is nothing short of what we see in the fairy tale movies. One feels like a royalty roaming its streets.
Cost of round trip: The cost of a round trip varies from INR 60K to 90K.
Food: For non-vegetarians, this place is heaven with Svíčková which is their national treasure, Steak Tartare, sauerkraut, and dumplings. You can find everything here.
Currency: In Prague which is the capital of the Czech Republic, 1 Indian Rupee equals 0.28 Czech Koruna. (1 INR = 0.281854 CZK).
Place of attractions:
- St Vitus Cathedral- Situated in Prague, it took over 600 years to build this church. It is one of the most religious and important cathedrals in the whole of central Europe.
- Charles Bridge- Visitors from all around the world come to breathe a sigh of relief at this bridge. It is recommended to take a stroll at this bridge during the early morning hours.
- Other places worth sightseeing include Vila Tugendhat, Prague Castle, Strahov Library, St Nicholas Chruch, and a lot more.
Hungary
Another destination in central Europe with romantic architecture and an abundance of hot showers is a treat for the eyes. It is quite unheard of for Hungary to be the first choice among Indians when deciding on a location for vacation. But this small country has a lot to offer and is surprisingly one of the cheapest countries to travel from India.
Cost for round trip: Around INR 65K to 75K per person.
Food: Hungary’s national dish is Goulash, which is a spicy meat stew containing paprika pepper. In Hungary, it is known as Gulyas. Other delicacies include Chicken Paprikash, Gundel Palascinta, and Hortobagyi Palacsinta. So if you are a foodie like us, you must visit Hungary.
Currency: 1 Indian rupee is equal to 4.31 Hungarian Forint (1 INR = 4.31303 HUF)
Places of attractions:
- Szechenyi Baths- Hungary is home to thousands of hot springs. Making use of them, the people there built hot spas all over the country. The biggest and the most beautiful hot bath is Szechenyi.
- Matthias Chruch- This church is located in the capital city of Budapest and has architecture so intricate that you won’t wish to leave this place
- Other places include Fisherman’s Bastion, The Danube River, and Szabo Ervin Library.
Romania
Romania small country in eastern Europe is a seriously unexplored territory for Indians. It is home to spectacular greenery, medieval architecture, and inviting people. This place is unexpectedly cheap. The flights however may be a bit expensive depending on the month you decide to visit.
Cost of round trip: It could range anywhere from INR 60K to 95K.
Food: In the country of Romania, the cuisine is quite meat-centric. But you can find multiple vegan and vegetarian options all over the country. You must try their Sarmale which is cabbage rolls, Jumari (Smoked bacon), and Ciorba de burta (Tripe soup).
Currency: 1 Indian rupee is equal to approximately 0.055 Romanian Leu (1 INR = 0.0554888 RON).
Place of attractions:
- Peles Castle- This castle is said to be the most beautiful castle in the world. It was built by King Carol I in the 19th century.
- Stavropoleos Monastery- This church is one of the oldest churches in Bucharest.
- Bran Castle (Dracula’s castle)- This castle is located in Transylvania and also serves as a famous landmark. Its gothic construction raises some questions as to whether the castle is haunted or not.
Vietnam
Vietnam has recently gained some popularity among Indian tourists considering it is one of the cheapest countries to travel from India. The country offers scenic beaches, caves, and huge cityscapes as well. Vietnam offers a rich culture, hospitality, and an adventure-rich experience.
Cost of round trip: Around INR 25K to 40K per person. The best season to visit Vietnam is spring (February to April).
Food: Vietnam is famous for its traditional delicacies all around the world. While there, do not miss the Pho which is considered the national dish, and their Banh-Mi sandwiches.
Currency: 1 Indian Rupee equals 297.07 Vietnamese Dong (1 INR = 297.286062 VND)
Place of attractions:
- Halong Bay– A cruise ship offers a luxury tour of Halong Bay with its picturesque scenery.
- Hoi An Ancient Town- It is one of the few world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO and known for its well-preserved architecture.
- Cu Chi Tunnels- These tunnels were used during the Vietnam War and are a great example of the rich history.
- Other places to visit include Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park, My Son, Phu Quoc Island, Sapa, and Golden Hand Bridge.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has emerged as the cultural hub for Indian tourists. Due to its economic condition and its convenient location, this small country is one the cheapest options to visit from India.
Cost of round trip: Around INR 10K to 18K.
Food: Sri Lanka is a coastal country, it has an abundance of seafood. While visiting, you must try the Fish ambul thiyal (Sour fish curry), Kukul mas curry (chicken curry), Hoppers(appa or appam), Wambatu moju (eggplant/brinjals pickle), Polos (green jackfruit curry).
Currency: 1 Indian Rupee is equal to 3.75 Sri Lankan Rupee. (1 INR = 3.76158 LKR)
Place of attractions:
- The Dambulla Cave Temple- It is the largest temple complex in Sri Lanka. It contains statues and paintings dating back to the 12th century. Don’t miss the beautiful view from the top.
- Yala National Park- This park is home to countless wildlife species. You could go for a safari drive or even opt for a trek around the park.
- Other places include Nuwara Eliya, Independence Square, Sigiriya, Galle, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Udawalawe National Park, Bentota.
Azerbaijan
Another seriously unexplored country is Azerbaijan. It is located in the heart of central Asia. The country is filled with amazing architecture and is known as the “The Land Of Fire”. Baku, which is the capital city of Azerbaijan offers countless outdoor activities and the country being in Asia has a lot of diversity and deeply rooted traditions.
Cost of Round Trip: Flying cost is quite affordable ranging from INR 10K to 22K.
Food: Azerbaijan offers a variety of dishes like shah plov (Shahi Pulao), mangal salad (Grilled vegetables loaded with peppers and tomatoes), grilled kebabs, and more.
Currency: 1 Indian rupee is equivalent to 0.021 Azerbaijani Manat (1 INR = 0.020471 AZN).
Place of attractions:
- Bibi Heybat Mosque- This monument holds historical value for the people of the country. The mosque had to be rebuilt after the destruction caused by the Bolsheviks in 1936.
- Baku Ferris Wheel- Also known as the Baku Eye, it can be a great place to visit for a romantic getaway.
- Other things to do include attending the world-famous festivals there: Goychay Pomegranate Festival, Quba Apple Festival, Gutab Festival, and more.
Thailand
For bachelors and those who are looking to travel abroad on a budget, Thailand is the place for you. Thailand offers a great street shopping experience, stunning nightlife, and magnificent beaches. Considering that it is a neighboring country of India, it has a very low cost of living.
Cost of Round Trip: Around INR 10K to 20K.
Food: Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most loved dishes. When it comes to food, Thailand follows a few traditions, one of which is that every meal there is served with rice! Other dishes that you can try are Tom Yum Goong, Gaeng Daeng, and Khao Soi.
Currency: 1 Indian rupee is equal to 0.43 Thai Baht. (1 INR = 0.43 THB)
Place of attractions:
- Bangkok- Explore Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Grand Palace to experience the rich culture and history.
- Phuket- Have fun on the scenic beaches and enjoy the nightlife.
- Chiang Mai- The temples and the night markets in this city are worth every penny you’ll spend.
Laos
The last and most beautiful country to visit is Laos. It is a hidden gem in the Asian continent. Those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily and desire peace and aesthetic beauty in their life must add this place to their itinerary.
Cost of Round Trip: Around INR 15K to 25K
Food: Laab Ped (Minced duck salad) is considered to be the national dish. The cuisine typically consists of steamed or grilled vegetables, meat, sauce, and a stew.
Currency: 1 Indian rupee is equal to 252.11 Laotian Kip. (1 INR = 252.11 LAK)
Place of attractions:
- Kuang Si Falls: Enjoy a breathtaking view of waterfalls and carry a swimsuit to dive into it as well.
- Luang Prabang- Take a stroll around the town with its historic architecture and night market.
Also read: Indian culture vs. Western Culture
In Conclusion
Planning a trip might be a tedious process, but we hope that this list of places we complied could be of use to you. There are a few things to be taken care of as well, the flight ticket prices may vary based on your location and the month you’re planning to visit. Among these cheapest countries to travel from India, let us know in the comments where you’re planning your next trip.
