Best Budget Destinations in India for Students (2025 Guide)

Introduction

If you're dreaming of travelling across India without breaking your savings, you’re in the right place. India is one of the best countries for budget-friendly adventures, especially for students. You get mountains, beaches, deserts, wildlife, heritage, spirituality — all without spending too much.

In this guide, you’ll discover the top budget destinations in India for students, how much they cost, the best time to visit, and money-saving tips.

Let’s start exploring! 🌏✨

🥇 1. Rishikesh — India’s Budget Adventure Capital

📍 Why Rishikesh is perfect for students

Rishikesh gives you adventure, spirituality, and peace — all at super budget-friendly prices. If you want a quick break from studies, this is where you should go.

💸 Approx Budget

₹1,200–₹2,000 per day (including hostel stay + food + activities)

🏡 Where to Stay

• Hostels start at ₹300–₹500
• Ganga-view stays start at ₹800–₹1200

✨ Best Things to Do

• River Rafting (₹600–₹900)

• Beatles Ashram

• Lakshman Jhula

• Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

• Cliff jumping

• Café hopping

🥈 2. Kasol — A Chill Escape in Himachal

📍 Why you’ll love Kasol

If you love mountains, music cafés, and peaceful vibes, Kasol is a perfect low-budget destination.

💸 Approx Budget

₹900–₹1,800 per day

🏡 Stay

Hostels start at ₹300
Riverside rooms start at ₹700

✨ Things to Do

• Chalal Trek

• Manikaran Gurudwara

• Kheerganga Trek (Budget: ₹1,000–₹1,500)

• Riverside chilling

• Israeli cafés

🥉 3. Jaipur — Royal Experience on a Low Budget

📍 Why Jaipur fits your student budget

Jaipur gives you royal forts, colourful bazaars, and cheap stays — perfect for a 2–3-day quick trip.

💸 Approx Budget

₹1,000–₹1,800 per day

🏡 Stay

Hostels: ₹350–₹500
Budget hotels: ₹700–₹900

✨ Top Places to Visit

• Amber Fort

• City Palace

• Hawa Mahal

• Nahargarh Fort (best sunset)

• Bapu Bazaar

🚍 Money-saving tip

Use government buses to travel between tourist places — cheap & safe.

🏖️ 4. Gokarna — Goa Vibes on Half the Budget

📍 Why students love Gokarna

If you want beach vibes without Goa’s high prices, Gokarna is your best option.

💸 Approx Budget

₹1,000–₹1,700 per day

🏡 Stay

Beach shacks start at ₹300–₹400

✨ Must-do Activities

• Kudle Beach

• Om Beach

• Half-Moon Beach

• Paradise Beach trek

• Mahabaleshwar Temple

• Dolphin spotting (₹300–₹400) 

  
  
  

🌿 5. Mcleodganj — Mountains + Monasteries

📍 Why Mcleodganj is budget-friendly

This is one of the cheapest hill stations to explore with amazing food, culture, and trekking.

💸 Approx Budget

₹900–₹1,600 per day

✨ Must Visit

• Dalai Lama Temple

• Bhagsu Waterfall

• Triund Trek (₹350–₹500 guide)

• Tibetan Market

• St. John’s Church

🏡 Hostels

₹250–₹400 per night 

🕌 6. Varanasi — The Cultural Capital of India

📍 Why Varanasi is perfect for low-cost travel

You get history, traditions, and spirituality — without spending much.

💸 Approx Budget

₹800–₹1,500 per day

✨ Best Things to Do

• Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Boat ride (₹100–₹200 per person)

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Explore the lanes

• Street food (super cheap & tasty) 

  
  
  

🏝️ 7. Pondicherry — French Vibes on Budget

💸 Approx Budget

₹900–₹1,700 per day

✨ Things to Do

• Rock Beach

• White Town walking tour

• Paradise Beach

• Auroville

• French cafés (affordable)

🏡 Hostels

₹300–₹500 per night

🏜️ 8. Pushkar — Perfect for Short Budget Trips

📍 Famous for: Desert vibes + temples + cafés

Pushkar is extremely cheap and perfect for student travellers.

💸 Approx Budget

₹700–₹1,400 per day

✨ Must Visit

• Brahma Temple

• Pushkar Lake

• Ropeway to Savitri Mata Temple

• Camel safari (₹300–₹500)

9. Ujjain — A Spiritual Budget Trip

💸 Approx Budget

₹700–₹1,300 per day

✨ Must Visit

• Mahakaleshwar Temple

• Ram Ghat

• Harsiddhi Mata Mandir

• ISKCON Temple

• Local markets

10. Shillong — Budget Trip to the Scotland of East

💸 Approx Budget

₹1,200–₹1,900 per day

✨ Must Visit

• Elephant Falls

• Umiam Lake

• Ward’s Lake

• Police Bazaar (cheap food)

• Laitlum Canyons

💡 Final Budget Travel Tips for Students

✔ Book trains instead of flights
✔ Use hostels — they are cheaper & fun
✔ Travel in groups to share costs
✔ Eat at local cafés instead of tourist restaurants
✔ Visit off-season for best deals
✔ Use government buses for city travel

✨ Conclusion

If you're a student who wants to explore India without spending too much, these destinations are perfect for you. Whether you love beaches, mountains, culture, or spirituality, you’ll always find a budget-friendly option in India.