Do you want to go on a vacation from India but you don’t know how to do this without going broke? Well, you should know that just because you want to travel internationally doesn’t mean that it has to be to an expensive country. There are various cheap countries you can visit and explore, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
These countries are either visa-free or where the Indian rupees stretch further or have budget-friendly stay, activities, and meals to keep expenses low. Still interested? Keep on reading to find the 10 cheapest countries to visit from India.
10 Cheap Countries To Visit From India
1. Nepal
Every year, many Indians visit Nepal for a spiritual awakening and the adrenaline rush of climbing the Himalayas. While all other nationals must have a tourist visa to enter Nepal, as an Indian you won’t need this. All you need to have is a valid international passport for this trip, making Nepal one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.
From New Delhi, you can take a flight straight to the capital city, Kathmandu, where you’ll find temples, bazaars, shrines, artisans, palaces, and pilgrimage sites. You’ll also find medieval villages that are set against a backdrop of the Annapurna and Everest mountain ranges.
For a walk on the wild side, you can explore the river plains and jungle of the Chitwan National Park, which are home to Bengal tigers and gharial crocodiles. For an adrenaline rush, you can hike to Nagarkot or go on the Everest Mountain Flight to take a closer look at Mt. Everest.
2. Bhutan
Every Indian tourist will tell you that their first time trip to Bhutan was an adventure filled with culture, spirituality, and hospitality. And it is one of those cheap countries you can travel to from India without a visa.
Although it’s not necessary, you’ll have to dress modestly while going on tours cos you might end up in one of the sacred sites. As the culture, you’ll need to take off your shoes before entering the temples. If you’re with your camera, remember to ask permission first before taking pictures.
Locals recommend hiking through the mountains of the eastern Himalayas for first-time tourists. Or even explore the popular tourist towns of Thimphu and Paro. And, of course, no trip to Bhutan is complete without hiking up to Tiger’s Nest, a breathtaking monastery perched on a cliffside.
3. Vietnam
This can’t be a list of the top ten cheapest countries to visit from India without Vietnam being mentioned. This country is known for its beautiful landscape, fun cities, and delicious food. You’ll relax, attend cultural festivals, and go on various adventures here.
The best cities to experience true Vietnamese vibes are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, and Sapa. If you want to be by the water, then take a cruise to the beach at Halong Bay or Phu Quoc Island. The dry season is the best time to visit Vietnam but the city generally is cheaper during the rainy season.
This country has budget-friendly options from the hostels to the markets, to the delicious meals, to the fun activities you can participate in. But before planning your short trip to Vietnam, you should know that you’ll need an e-visa, which you can get online. For this visa, you’ll visit the Vietnamese embassy with your passport, a photo, and the visa fee.
4. Thailand
Thailand is vibrant, tropical, culturally rich, welcoming, and diverse. It is the most popular travel spot in South-East Asia known for its incredible food, kind and friendly people, warm culture, and beautiful beaches. With all these features, there’s no doubt that you’re about to have the best vacation.
Since you’ll get a visa on arrival for up to 60 days, there are lots of places to explore and things to do during this trip. You can explore the markets and nightlife in Bangkok or go for the nomadic cultural experience in Chiang Mai. If you want to spend a day by the beach, then head to budget-friendly islands like Koh Chang or Koh Lanta.
Thailand is one of the cheapest countries to travel to from India compared to a lot of Western or Eastern countries. You can always find affordable deals for food, transport, and accommodation. Whether you are looking to save or spend more, you’ll get good deals in Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.
5. Malaysia
Everyone prefers traveling to a country that is nearby, budget-friendly, and has a lower currency rate than their country. If you’re looking for cheap countries to travel to from India with a mix of modern city life and tropical beauty, say hello to Malaysia.
Although you’ll have to pay for an e-visa, the public transport, cheap street food, and free attractions will make it easier to stick to a budget. And if you crave some home delicacies, there are Indian restaurants where you can eat makhani, tandoori chicken, biryani, vada, chapati, and sambar.
Malaysia also has beautiful islands like Langkawi, where you can enjoy budget accommodations and delicious local cuisines. While exploring the city you can wear anything that is not short or revealing. But a tip would be to wear light summer dresses and cotton outfits cos of the tropical weather.
6. Georgia
Georgia is famous for its delicious cuisine, deep caves, ancient fortresses, mountains, monasteries, culture, and history. Georgia is one of Europe’s cheapest countries to visit from India. This trip can be both a budget-friendly vacation and a luxury escape.
Flights here from India are cheap, and once you arrive, food, accommodation, and transport are surprisingly affordable. Instead of using taxis, use public transport to get around. A lesser-known fact about Georgia is that eating at local restaurants like Kneina, Salobie Bia, and Amo Rame is quite cheap.
If you’ve ever wanted a European holiday without the sky-high expenses, Georgia is your best choice. With lots of free attractions, festivals, concerts, and events, you won’t need to visit the paid spots. But note that before you travel, you’ll need to get your tourist visa or e-visa from the Georgia Embassy.
7. Laos
Every year, thousands of Indian tourists choose Laos as an ideal destination for their vacation. Not because of luxury resorts, stunning beaches, or casinos, but the natural beauty, friendly locals, spiritual culture, and the huge collection of elephants. If you visit the Elephant Village Sanctuary of Luang Prabang, you can have the chance to ride these animals.
Locals here recommend visiting Pak Ou Cave, Kuang Si Waterfalls, and Mount Phousi. If you want to have fun in the water, you can visit any of the nearby islands- Dong Khong, Don Khon, or Don Det. Another thing Laos has is delicious food such as rice, larb, kaipen, fish, chicken, pork, and vegetables.
It may not be as popular as others, but Laos is one of those cheap countries to visit from India that deserves more attention. But first, you’ll need to get your travel visa ahead of your trip from the Embassy or Consulate of Laos in New Delhi.
8. Cambodia
Home to the famous Angkor Wat, Cambodia is an affordable country you can travel to from India. Apart from the costs to enter the temple, other things here, including food and accommodation are very cheap. And yes, you’ll need a visa to enter this country, either ahead of time or on arrival.
When it comes to food, there are so many affordable spots to explore, from street food to budget trucks. Cambodians consume a lot of rice, meat, and vegetables daily, so you’ll need to go for the Fish Amok, which is like a souffle with steaming hot rice. The food might be a bit spicy, but just be brave and take a bite.
The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, when there is very little rain, though you’ll have to factor in the tourist crowd. But if you don’t mind the heat, you can visit at other times when the prices of hotels are relatively cheaper.
9. Oman
You must be thinking traveling to countries in the Middle East is expensive, well that’s cos the only countries you know there are Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Have you heard of the Sultanate of Oman? This beautiful country with sandy beaches, mountains, and historic forts is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.
The delicious shwarma is served at almost every tourist restaurant here cos it’s tasty, filling, and affordable. It’s served alongside salad, hummus, bread, and roasted meat. And if you’re craving Omani cuisine, head over to Muscat for delicious stews, curries, and cardamom-infused Omani coffee.
To visit Oman, you’ll need an e-visa. So first, check with the Oman Embassy for the specific visa requirements and necessary documents. Depending on how long you want to stay, you can choose between different types of visas, such as a 10-day or 30-day visa.
10. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India, and the best part is you won’t even need a visa or even a visa on arrival, as long as your stay is less than two weeks. You just need your passport, return flight tickets and hotel bookings. This is the reason why so many Indians come here during the summer months for their vacation.
It is one of the most underrated countries in the world but it has everything you want in a travel destination. From the stunning natural landscapes to the unique architecture, to the ice-cold winters, to the places to visit, there’s something to keep you busy.
Food is an important part of any country, and the local delicacies here even as a vegetarian are very delicious. Whether you’re planning to explore or participate in outdoor activities, the best time to plan your trip is during the summer months of July and August.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be wealthy to plan a vacation out of India, especially when you choose countries that are visa-free and budget-friendly. The good news is that you know places to go where you don’t need to spend a fortune.
From the mountains of Nepal and Bhutan to the beaches of Thailand and Cambodia, and even a pocket-friendly European escape in Georgia, you’ll find the perfect spot for your vacation. These 10 cheap countries to visit from India promise you a great adventure and a fun experience.
