India offers a pocket-friendly travel option for history buffs, offering rich heritage and local culture. With 40 sites to visit, 32 cultural sites, and 7 natural beauty sites, India is home to diverse religions, languages, festivals, and a diverse Muslim population. The vibrant Holi and Janmashtami festivals showcase India’s cultural diversity. Enjoy regional foods and explore the country’s abundant natural beauty. The warm hospitality and welcoming nature make for a memorable experience. Explore the many places to visit in India with family on a low budget and immerse yourself in the colorful tapestry of Indian culture and history. From the iconic Taj Mahal to the serene backwaters of Kerala, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this diverse and vibrant country.
Also read: The Best of Delhi
Top 11 Places to Visit in India with Family on a Low Budget
1. Agra
Located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a city by the Yumna River. This city is about 230 kilometers from Delhi and 330 kms from Lucknow. The ancient name of the city was Arya Griha. Ptolemy was the first to refer to this place by its modern name, Agra. The noticeable history of Agra began during the rule of Sikander Lodi, but after the rule of the Mughal emperors, Agra created its remarkable history. Agra was a Mughal empire under the rulers Humayun Akbar and Jahangir. In that era, Agra became the foremost place to learn art, architecture, commerce, and religion.
Also read: Top Trekking Destinations in India for Adventure Lovers
The city is famous for its majestic building, the Taj Mahal, a beautiful example of love. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built it for his favorite wife, Mumtaz. The building depicts Mughal architecture, and due to this marvelous building, the city is also called the city of love. Moreover, Agra is also well known for its leatherwork. Bags, footwear, jackets, and other items are available here made of good quality leather.
Also read: 6 Must-See Cultural Attractions in India That Will Leave You Awestruck
The best time to visit this city is from November to March because it’s the winter season in Agra and a perfect time for sightseeing. You can also visit this city from August to October because the temperature in these months is moderate, and tourists can enjoy their trip fully. The nearest airport to reach here is Agra airport, which is 6.1 kilometers from Agra city, whereas the nearest railway station to reach the city is Agra Cantt, just 6 kilometers from the Taj Mahal.
- Opening Hours: 10:00–5:00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday (Friday Close)
- Entry Free: INR 50 for Indians and INR 1100 for Foreigners
2. Jim Corbett National Park
This park is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. This was the first national park established in India by the British government in 1936. This park was first named Hailey National Park after William Malcolm Hailey. Dedicated to Jim Corbett, the hunter and naturalist who was instrumental in the creation and upkeep of the park, it was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in 1956. This park is rich in sanctuary and natural beauty. The flora and fauna of this park are a source of attraction because it is situated in the foothills of the foothills of the Himalayas, a popular hill station.
Also read: 12 Sundarbans National Park Places to Visit
This park is famous for its sightings of wild animals. Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and other wildlife exist in abundance. Project Tiger was first launched in this park in 1973 to protect these wild species. The park is open from mid-November to mid-June, but it is closed in the summer monsoon because, in this season, roads become difficult to travel due to heavy rainfall.
Also read: The Best Zone in Ranthambore National Park for Tiger Spotting
The park is divided into four zones, and you can book your safari in each zone to explore the park’s beauty. Spotted tigers with the naked eye are a wonderful experience for people, and this sight is also enjoyable for photographers of nature. You can also experience fishing, camping, trekking, and mountain climbing in this park. Access to the park can be obtained via Ramnagar railway station, which is connected to Delhi’s roads and railway stations.
To travel by air, Pantnagar airport is the nearest airport to reach the park, about 80km from Jim Corbett, and taxis are easily available.
3. Meghalaya
This state of India is situated in the northeastern part of the country. Indian Assam bounds this state from North to North East and Bangladesh from South to South West. Meghalaya is well known as the abode of clouds due to its high mountains, which offer great scenic beauty. Meghalaya was formed on January 21, 1972. Dancing with music and drinking are among the many things to do in Meghalaya and a source of relaxation and enjoyment for people.
The state is home to the Khasis, Garos, and Jaintia tribes, each of which has its own distinct culture, customs, language, and attire. Meghalaya is famous for its high hills, natural lush green beauty, and adventurous sports. Umaim Lake is one of the most attractive spots for picnics, and camping on its island is an adventurous experience. This picnic spot offers adventurous and thrilling sports like zip-lining, rappelling, and rock climbing. The golf stadium of Meghalaya is one of the highest, oldest, and largest stadiums, surrounded by the natural scenic beauty of mountains.
To reach Meghalaya, the nearest airport is Gauhati Airport, which is around 69 km away from this picnic point. On the other hand, Meghalaya has no railway station, yet the nearest station is in Guwahati, which is roughly 100 km from Shillong. You can reach your desired destination by sharing a cab or by public transport bus. Due to its low temperature and cold weather, the best time to visit this area is from April to June, when the highest temperature in the daytime reaches 20°C and at night it falls to 11°C.
4. McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj is a hill station located in the suburb of Dharamshala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. In the 18th century, the place was the home of nomadic Gaddi tribes, but in 1849, after the Anglo-Sikh War, this station was named after a former lieutenant governor, Sir Donald Friell McLeod. This hill station is famous among trekkers for its attractive waterfalls, lakes, museums, and Tibetan settlements. Tibetan tribes are influenced by British culture.
Due to its clear snow-covered mountains, the sky can be seen at night full of stars, and this stargazing activity is impossible to miss. The mesmerizing view of twinkling stars at night gives visitors a soothing and relaxed feeling. Many yoga centers are also available here, where you can get brief information about yoga therapy.
The cultural show presented by Tibetan tribes is also a source of attraction for tourists. If you want to plan your trip to this beautiful hill station, Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 20 km from McLeod Ganj.
You can visit this place throughout the year, but due to cool weather and snow, the summer is a suitable period to visit, which is March to June, or in pre-winter, which is from September to November. A four- to five-day tour is enough to explore the beauty of this station.
5. Goa
Goa is located about 400 km south of Bombay, India. This place is connected to the Arabian Sea from the west. Goa became part of India in 1962 and was declared a state in 1987. This state is famous for its beaches and islands, which offer a lot of adventures for tourists. Snorkeling is a very popular game at the beaches of Goa, where professional guides take you underwater, and the beauty of underwater life is a thrilling activity. The greenery of the sea and colorful fish amaze you.
Also read: Things to do in Gokarna at Night
Goa is the land of beaches, islands, and many other activities in this city. Paddleboarding, fishing, and flyboarding are enjoyable sports at these beaches. 20-seat ferries at Sinquerin Beach take you to the deep sea, where you can spot dolphins. The seafood in Goa is also delicious and mouth-watering. People with daring hearts and love thrilling activities should experience hot air balloons in Goa, which will take you 900 ft, and you can enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty of Goa City.
Also read: The Top 10 Must Visit Caves in India
As Goa is a hotspot tourist destination, you can visit it annually. Still, mid-November to mid-February is the best time to visit this zone because the temperature becomes moderate and the cool breeze enhances the tour. But if you want to visit the state on a low budget, then April to September is an off-season for Goa when only a few visitors come and the prices of everything fall. The nearest airport to approach the state is Goa Airport, and Goa has two main railway stations, which are the source to approach Goa: Margao and Vasco da Gama railway stations.
6. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is situated in a northern state near Dehradun, a district of Uttarakhand state. This city is famous for studying yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is also known as a place of sagas. The city’s name is placed after Lord Vishnu, who appeared under a mango tree after Raibhya Rishi Tapasya for god. The city also has numerous temples in it. Hiking, rafting, camping, and bungee jumping are some adventures that visitors can explore here, as Rishikesh is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Also read: The Brahmatal Trek in Uttarakhand
The people of Rishikesh are vegetarian and alcohol-free. The heritage and culture of Rishikesh attracts tourists. The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport, which is approximately 20 km away from the city, and you can also travel by train. The nearest railway station is Haridwar railway station, which is 25 km away from Rishikesh, and you can reach it in 1 hour by road from this station.
7. Alleppey
While searching for places to visit in India with family on a low budget, consider Alleppey, which is located near the Laccadive Sea in Kerala and is known as Venice of the East due to its numerous lakes, waterways, freshwater rivers, and immense natural beauty. Dharmaraja improved this city in various aspects, but originally, Raja Kesava was known as the founder of the new modern Alleppey.
Also read: Top 7 Best Romantic beaches for couples in India
Alleppey is famous for its beaches, boat races, marine products, and other water features. In the winter season, you can explore its beauty more effectively because the waterways are open for boat racing during this season. Moreover, for history buffs, many ancient sites and temples are available to explore history, and nature lovers can also enjoy the natural beauty of Alleppey. To approach Alleppey, the nearest airport is Cochin, which is 85 km from the main destination. From the airport, you can travel by public bus or taxi because trains are not frequently traveling in Alleppey.
8. Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, a state in India. This city is also known as the pink city because most of the buildings are painted in pink, which is indicated as a color of hospitality. Jaipur got its name from its founder, Maharaja Jai Singh. This visiting destination is well known due to its forts, historic temples, royal palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries. Jaipur is famous for its rich culture and heritage sites. This city is most crowded in the winter season, and due to high temperatures in the summer, visitors come in fewer numbers due to the scorching heat.
You can explore the beauty and architectural beauty of forts built by rulers of different eras. The palaces in Jaipur depict the luxurious lifestyle of the kings and queens of history. There are many magnificent make-out places in Jaipur that attract couples on tours.
Jaipur International Airport is a source for easier access because it is just 11 km from central Jaipur. However, travel by train is also budget-friendly and easier to access because Jaipur Junction railway station is just about 2km away from the city.
9. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a town situated in the west of Bengal State, India. This town is about 305 miles away from Kolkata on the north side. Darjeeling is also a synonym used for tea. The town is famous for its tea production, which is unbeatable in India and worldwide due to its taste. This tea is produced by an old natural phenomenon called orthodoxy. Darjeeling is also called the Switzerland of India due to its scenic beauty and rolling hills.
April to June is the best time to visit Darjeeling, as many outdoor activities are available for tourists to explore. People can reach here by road because the nearest airport is about an hour away, so you have to hire a car, or you can use public transport as well.
10. Hampi
Hampi is situated in Vijayanagar, a district of Karnataka. This tourist destination is well known for having a wide range of monuments, temples, and ruined buildings. In fact, Hampi has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is listed among the best places to visit around Raichur.
For people who have a craze for exploring history, Hampi is the best destination to relate the present to the past. Apart from historical significance, other activities like rock climbing, fishing in the lakes of Hampi, and boat rides are attractive objectives for tourists. Here, a circular boat is used for boating, which can boat six to eight people at a time.
Hospet Junction railway station is a nearby railway station for Hampi, just 13km from the city. You can also come by air, but the nearest airport is a huge distance away, which can be inconvenient because you have to hire a cab from the airport, which can also be expensive for your budget.
11. Varanasi
Varanasi is located in Uttar Pradesh, India. This city is popular for having temples and ghats, a path leading to steps to reach down near the Bank of Waters. Here, pilgrims come to offer their rituals. Silk fabric, carpets, and crafts are specialties of this city. This city is located on the bank of the Ganges, considered a holy river in India. People believe that a dip in this holy water gives salvation from sin and purity of soul.
Shopping in Varanasi markets is a wonderful option, and local street food is also delectable in taste. You can come to this amazing destination via the airport of Lal Bahadur Shastri, which is in Babatpur and 26 km from Varanasi. Yet the easiest way to access Varanasi is at Varanasi Junction, just 1.6 km distance.
Some Suggestions
To make your trip budget-friendly, you should follow some tips and suggestions. Booking in advance can be less expensive, and you can book your desired destination for a stay. Visiting the festival season can also be a money saver because, during the season, rates of things decrease and it is accessible for everyone.
Also read: Do I Need to Have a Passport for Domestic Flights in India?
Despite personal transport, you should use public transport so you have to pay less fare on public transport. Additionally, before buying anything, bargaining must be kept in mind because many locals are here to trap tourists, and they are told higher prices due to outsiders. So you should hire a local guide for your safe and healthy trip because local guides can guide tourists more effectively and they know the best places to visit. With the help of these guides, you can explore the beauty and culture of India within your budget limitations.
Final Analysis
So here are some places to visit in India with family on a low budget and important details about them. Save your time and book your desired destination immediately. Before visiting any place, you should check the prices of travel and other expenses online so you can plan your trip effectively according to your approach. Thanks for your interest in this tour guide; I hope you will benefit from reading it before packing your clothes and needy objects according to the weather of your trip.
Stay tuned for more adventure guides from Salam Travellers.
