Which Is the Most Affordable State in India to Travel To?

Most affordable states in India to travel

Affordability depends on your travel style, preferences, and the state you are travelling to. As in India, the destination offers numerous affordable accommodations, transportation options, and food choices, making it a treat to visit at a reasonable expense. Some of the most affordable states for travel in India include Himachal Pradesh, known primarily for its mountain destinations, and Uttarakhand, which is also renowned for its budget-friendly yoga retreats and natural attractions. There are also other budget-friendly options, such as Goa, which offers affordable stays and a lively atmosphere, and Meghalaya, known for its stunning natural scenery. The reason that makes traveling in the respective states in India affordable is because of a favorable exchange rate for foreign visitors, low labor costs, and a competitive tourism market. To obtain the basic details about the affordable states in India, please refer to the information provided below and stay updated accordingly. 

Goa: 

Considering an affordable travel destination, Goa is the best place to visit, as it is known as the most affordable state in India. Thus, making it affordable is in your hands, as you need to stick to your budget options for accommodations, food, and local transport. You can find the hostels, guesthouses, and homestays for as low as $10 to $25 per night, and eat at a local eateries or street stalls for $2 to $5 per meal. Renting a scooter and using the local buses can keep your transportation costs low. To plan a budget-friendly trip to the affordable state of Goa, follow the considerations outlined below. 

Accommodations: 

• Budget stays: Look for hostels, homestays, and budget hotels with prices starting from around $10 to $25 per night.
• Location: Consider an area slightly away from the most popular tourist spots to find better deals. 
• Perks: Many budget stays are run by local families and can offer a more authentic experience and cultural insights. 

Food:

• Affordable options: Enjoy meals at local restaurants and street food stalls for a fraction of the cost of tourist-focused restaurants. 
• Cost: You can further find a full meal for around $2 to $5.
• Seafood: Authentic Goan seafood is a must-try and is often very reasonably priced at local shacks. 

Transportation:

• Local transport: Keep costs down by using local buses, which can cost as little as $0.15 to $0.75 per trip
• Rentinn vehicles: Renting a scooter or bicycle is a very popular and affordable way to get around, with a scooter costing around $3 to $5 per day. 
• Long-distance travel: Travelling to Goa via bus or train from nearby cities is also relatively inexpensive. 

Rajasthan:

Rajasthan is an affordable travel destination in India, offering budget-friendly options for accommodation, transportation, and food, particularly when utilizing local buses, guesthouses, and local eateries. Rajasthan is an affordable travel destination due to its variety of budget-friendly accommodation options, inexpensive local transportation, such as buses and trains, and the availability of cheap food at local restaurants and street food stalls. While traveling to a budget-friendly destination in Rajasthan, you can further reduce your costs by following the tips outlined below. 

Accommodations:

• Budget stays: Choose budget hotels, guesthouses, or homestays for lower costs. 
• Book your flight early: You can book your flight in advance to secure a reasonable fare for your ticket. 

Food:

• Affordable options: Consider dining at local restaurants and street food stalls to save money on meals.

Transportation:

• Use local transportation: Use public buses, such as state-run RSRTC buses and trains, for long-distance travel. 
• Street transport: For local commuting, use auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs, or shared taxis. 
• Opt for a rental vehicle: When using taxis, consider negotiating fares or opting for pre-paid options. 

Uttarakhand:

When you are willing to travel to a mountain destination, Uttarakhand is an affordable option in India. The respective destination offers budget-friendly options for accommodations, food, and local transportation. Travelers can find cheap guesthouses and dorms, making the trip budget-friendly. The state also offers a diverse range of budget-friendly destinations, numerous low-cost accommodation options, and a variety of free and affordable activities. To learn more about ways to make the trip more affordable in Uttarakhand, please refer to the details mentioned and get further updates accordingly. 

Accommodations:

• Budget: Stay in a guesthouse or dorms in places like Rishikesh and Haridwar for as low as a fare. You can also book a decent basic room at a reasonable fare. 
• Mid-range: Popular tourist spots like Nainital and Mussoorie might see hotels at a reasonable fare. 
• Affordable lodging: You can also find options like government-run dormitories, ashrams, and Dharamshalas for very low prices.

Food:

• Local restaurants and roadside joints: Dining at smaller, local restaurants and roadside eateries is significantly more affordable than at tourist-oriented establishments. 
• Budget-friendly cuisine: Many local Kumaoni dishes are both tasty and affordable. 

Transportation:

• Local buses: State transport buses are a very affordable way to travel between towns and cities within Uttarakhand.
• Shares taxis and jeeps: These are common and budget-friendly options for getting around the rugged landscape
• Walking: Exploring cities and towns on foot is a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the local culture. 

Himachal Pradesh:

Himachal Pradesh is an affordable travel destination due to its extensive network of low-cost public transportation and a wide variety of budget-friendly accommodation options, which include reasonable stays and food. The State in India also offers numerous free or low-cost activities, such as hiking and visiting public gardens. Budget travelers can save money by avoiding the peak season. Himachal Pradesh is a state renowned for camping, offering a budget-friendly way to experience the area, which can be enjoyed in many places. To make your travel experience in Himachal Pradesh reasonable and affordable, review the details provided below and stay updated with the respective accommodations.

Accommodation: 

• Affordable stays: You can opt for affordable stays when traveling in Himachal, which include Hostels, guesthouses, and homestays. There are many options widely available that cater specifically to budget travelers. 
• Camping: Options to camp outside and find seats with the basic facilities to save on lodging. 

Food: 

• Local eateries: Eating at local dhabas or small shops is significantly cheaper than dining at expensive restaurants. 
• Street food: Available in many areas and offers affordable meal options.

Transportation: 

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC): State-run buses provide extensive, affordable, and reliable connectivity throughout the state, including to remote areas. 
• Shared taxis and auto-rickshaws: These tend to offer more affordable options than private taxis for navigating specific areas. 
• Overnight buses: Taking overnight buses from major cities saves on the cost of a night's accommodations. 

Punjab: 

Punjab is an affordable travel destination, thanks to budget-friendly transport options like trains and buses, a wide range of accommodations, and cheap food. You can also find affordable stays, even near major attractions, and use the local transport or inexpensive inter-city bus services to get around. The state offers a variety of travel experiences, from exploring religious sites and enjoying local cuisine to participating in cultural workshops and taking scenic walks, all while catering to different budgets. Punjab is one of India's more prosperous states; many of its key attractions, such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, are accessible, inexpensive, or even free, which further makes it a good value for travelers. Therefore, the overall cost will depend on your travel style. However, with sme planning, you can have an enjoyable and affordable trip to Punjab. 

Accommodation:

• Wide range of options: You can find affordable stays ranging from guesthouses and homestays to farm stays and budget hotels with prices starting as low as $500.
• Flexible pricing: Accommodation prices are flexible, allowing you to select options that suit your budget. 

Food:

• Local dining: Eating at local eateries and dhabas is significantly cheaper than tourist-oriented restaurants. 
• Affordable street food: Punjab cuisine is readily available and can be enjoyed through a variety of affordable street food options.

Transportation:

• Cost-effective public transportation: Public buses, both state-run and privately operated, are an affordable way to travel between cities. 
• Affordable train travel: Train travel can be inexpensive, especially in lower classes such as sleeper or chair cars. 
• Well-connected network: The state has a well-connected network of roads, railways, and airports, making travel within and to Punjab relatively straightforward and affordable. 

Meghalaya:

Meghalaya is an affordable travel destination in India, thanks to the availability of budget-friendly local food, transportation, and accommodation options, including homestays and guesthouses. By choosing to eat at local eateries and using shared transportation, travelers can further reduce their expenses. Meghalaya is an affordable travel destination due to budget-friendly transportation options, such as shared taxis and buses from nearby Guwahati, the availability of inexpensive homestays and guesthouses, and the opportunity to save money by planning your own itinerary instead of booking an expensive tour package. Meghalaya is undoubtedly an affordable state for travellers; thus, affordability also tends to depend on your travel type and other accommodations. To further know about the modes through which you can travel in the state of Meghalaya at a reasonable fare. 

Accommodation: 

• Homestays and guesthouses: Stay in affordable homestays or guesthouses, which offer a reasonable nightly rate. 
• Basic options: Opt for basic, non-luxury, or off-center accommodations to save money 

Food:

• Local eateries and street food: Enjoy meals at local restaurants and street food stalls, which range from ₹70 to ₹120 per person. 
• Local cuisine: Enjoy local dishes like Jadoh and Momos at these affordable places.

Transportation:

• Shared taxis: From places like Guwahati to Shillong, taxis are an affordable option, costing between ₹300 and ₹500 per person.
• Buses: Buses are an even cheaper way to travel between cities. 
• Local transport: Consider renting a scooter or hiring a bike to explore at your own pace, which can be more economical than a private taxi. 

Sikkim:

Sikkim is an affordable travel destination in India, offering a range of budget-friendly options for accommodation, transportation, and food, especially during the off-season. Travelers can save money by staying in homestays and hostels, taking shared taxis and buses, and dining on local street food instead of expensive restaurants. You tend to get an abundance of low-cost or free activities and budget-friendly accommodation options. You can save money by eating local food, traveling during the off-season, and planning. You can enjoy activities at low permit fees, such as hiking and trekking, as many scenic treks have affordable permit fees. The cost of hiking is mainly determined by the gear you use. There are also free activities, including birdwatching, nature walks, and scenic spots such as waterfalls. To further make the trip to Sikkim more affordable, please follow up with the accommodation and travel options mentioned below accordingly. 

Accommodation:

• Homestays and budget guesthouses: These provide an affordable and authentic cultural experience.
• Hostels and budget hotels: Dorm rooms are available for as low as $ 300 to $ 800 per night, while budget hotels typically range from $ 500 to $1,500 per night. 

Food:

• Local street food: Sampling food from local carts and restaurants is a delicious and economical way to enjoy a meal. 
• Picnics: Packing your own lunch for a picnic in scenic spots is a cost-effective way to enjoy the scenery/

Transportation: 

• Shared taxis and jeeps: Opting for shared transport is significantly cheaper than private cars and offers a chance to mingle with locals.
• Public transport: Buses are a low-cost option for getting to and from Sikkim and within the state.
• Local transit in tour packages: Many affordable tour packages include local transit, further reducing costs. 

Arunachal Pradesh:

Arunachal Pradesh is a state in northeast India, which can be an affordable place to travel in India by utilizing options such as budget stays, public transportation, and off-peak season travel. Travelers can also save money by visiting attractions with free entry, such as most monasteries and war memorials, and by booking budget-friendly all-inclusive tour packages that bundle costs, including accommodation, local transportation, and permits. Thus, it is recommended to visit during the off-peak season, which typically runs from August to October, offering more affordable options and fewer crowds. You can enjoy inexpensive or free activities, such as hiking, temple visits, and nature walks. Visitors can also find affordable tour packages that cover accommodation and local transit. 

Accommodation:

• Homestays and budget guesthouses: These provide an affordable and authentic cultural experience.
• Hostels and budget hotels: Dorm rooms are available for as low as $300 to $800 per night, while budget hotels typically range from $500 to $1500 per night. 

Food:

• Local street food: Sampling food from local carts and restaurants is a delicious and economical way to enjoy a meal.
• Picnics: Packing your own lunch for a picnic in scenic spots is a cost-effective and economical way to enjoy a meal. 

Transportation:

• Shares taxis and jeeps: Opting for shared transport is significantly cheaper than private cars and offers a chance to mingle with locals 
• Public transportation: Buses are a cost-effective option for traveling to and from Sikkim, as well as within the state.
• Local transit in tour packages: Many affordable tour packages include local transit, further reducing costs. 

Kerala: 

Kerala is an affordable travel destination due to the numerous budget-friendly accommodation options, inexpensive local transportation, and cheap local food. Kerala offers a wide range of budget-friendly options for accommodations, food, and transportation, especially during the off-season. You can further enjoy the free attractions, such as beaches and nature trails, or take part in low-cost activities, like visiting the local market. Additionally, to make your travel experience more affordable, consider traveling during the off-season, as it often results in lower prices for flights and accommodations. By planning ahead, making your reservation in advance, and selecting less expensive activities, you can significantly lower your costs. Kerala is itself an affordable destination for travel; however, the affordability also depends on your course of action. To make the trip more affordable, choose transport, food, and accommodation accordingly. 

Accommodation:

• Budget options: Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or local homestays, which can cost as little as Rs 400 to 00 per night.
• Smart booking: Book accommodations in advance to get the best rates and discounts. 
• Mid-range hotels: There are also budget-friendly hotels and 3-star hotels available for around Rs 1,400 to 3,800 per night for a single or double room, respectively. 

Food: 

• Local Cuisine: Savor affordable and delicious regional dishes from street vendors and small eateries. 
• Budget-friendly meals: Good, budget-friendly meals can cost as little as Rs 350 per day.
• Accommodation with Food: Staying in homestays can also provide affordable food options and a more authentic cultural experience.

Transportation:

• Public transportation: Kerala is well-connected by public transportation, including trains and buses, which are very affordable.
• Economic travel: You can tour Kerala on a tight budget by utilizing the numerous transportation options available. 

Pondicherry: 

When planning to travel to a reasonably accessible destination, you can choose to visit Pondicherry, as it is an affordable travel destination in India. The place is renowned for its distinctive French-Indian culture, stunning beaches, vibrant food scene, and tranquil, relaxing atmosphere. It's a budget-friendly option that combines relaxation, spiritual sites like Auroville, and French colonial architecture, making it suitable for solo, family, or group trips. The place is also an affordable travel destination as it has inexpensive local transportation, food, and other accommodations. There, you can find cheap vegetarian thalis for around ₹150. While the basic coffee is very affordable, you can also save money by carrying your own snacks and water. For those seeking luxury, the city also offers high-end options; however, a budget-friendly trip is also very achievable. 

Accommodation:

• Budget options: Consider staying in budget hotels, guesthouses, or dorms, which typically cost around ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 1,200 per night for a basic room for two people. 
• Convenient locations: Staying in areas like White Town can help save on travel costs by keeping you close to major attractions, such as Promenade Beach and the Aurobindo Ashram. 

Food:

• Reasonable food: You can find vegetarian thalis for around ₹150, while basic coffee is very inexpensive. You can also save money by carrying your own snacks and water.

Transportation:

• Renting a two-wheeler: A popular and affordable option for getting around is to rent a scooter for around ₹250 per day, plus a daily fuel cost of about ₹100. 
• Public and shared transportation: For longer distances or a more local experience, consider using public buses or shared autos, which are very affordable.
• Avid taxis: Taxis are significantly more expensive than other options. 

Tips to make your trip affordable when travelling to Indian states.

While planning to travel to India and wondering how to make the trip affordable, you can follow a few of the tips mentioned below and make your trip to a budget-friendly Indian state. Review the points listed below and apply the corresponding tips when traveling to India and exploring the states on a budget. 

• Travel in the off-season: Visit popular destinations during their off-peak season to find lower prices on flights and accommodations.
• Be flexible: While booking ahead is wise, remaining flexible can help you find last-minute deals on hotels or other aspects of your trip. 
• Haggle: Don't be afraid to negotiate prices for things like hotels, taxis, and market purchases, as it's common practice in many situations. 
• Utilize technology: Download offline maps for navigation and use apps for booking transportation and finding food deals, which can help reduce data costs. 
• Look for student or other discounts: if you are a student, bring your ID, as many monuments offer discounted entry. 
• East local: Enjoy the affordable and authentic meals by eating street food or at local "dhabas" and eateries. 
• Look for deals: Use booking apps for potential last-minute hotel deals or cashback offers. 
• Stay in hostels and guesthouses: These are often more affordable and provide a social atmosphere compared to hotels.
• Consider overnight travel: Book an overnight train or bus to save on the cost of a hotel for one night. 
• Explore city transit: Utilize the city metro network where available, and use shared auto-rickshaws or local buses for shorter distances. 
• Book ahead: Reserve train tickets in advance, especially during peak times, to secure the best fares.