To explore and to travel is an intrinsic part of our lives. However, travelling to our favourite tourist destinations doesn’t always have to be a grand affair. It can even be done even on a shoe-string budget! So here is a list of budget destinations from Delhi to help you plan that dream vacation you’ve been waiting for.
1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bharatpur Bird sanctuary is an absolute delight for bird watchers. Also known as Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, it is frequented by over 230 species of birds including migratory water birds and waterside birds. This sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and the Boar. The sanctuary is best explored on a cycle with your binoculars. October to February is the best time to visit when many migratory birds flock to the sanctuary to escape extreme climes. The proximity of Bharatpur to Delhi makes it an easy weekend getaway option.
How to get there: The nearest railway station is Bharatpur Junction, 5 kilometres away. The sanctuary is well connected with other parts of the country by highways.
Where to stay: Kadamb Kunj, Hotel Surya Vilas Palace and Hotel Sonar Haveli are available within the range of Rs.1500 to Rs.2500 per night and are ranked as some of the best hotels for family travellers by MakeMyTrip.
2. Nainital
A short drive up to the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayas will lead you to the Lake District of India, Nainital. Nainital is a perennial holiday destination which has been flocked to by tourists since forever. And why shouldn’t they? The picturesque hills, ample shopping options, beautiful temples and variety for adventure sports make it the perfect weekend getaway from Delhi, without spending a bomb.
How to get there: Daily bus services operate from New Delhi to Nainital, which include options like air-conditioned, non-air-conditioned, sleeper and Volvo buses. The nearest railway station is located at a distance of 34 kilometres at Kathgodham from where you can hire a cab at reasonable rates to get to Nainital. Nainital is about a 6-hour drive away from Delhi.
Where to stay: Hotel Himalaya, Hotel New Bharat and Traveller’s paradise are hotels available between Rs.1500 to Rs.2200 per night and are known for their state-of-the-art facilities and close proximity to Naini Lake.
3. Jodhpur
Looking for a heated encounter in the desert? Jodhpur should be your next getaway. Known as the ‘Blue City’ or the ‘Sun City’, Jodhpur is located in central Rajasthan which makes it a base for travel by tourists who frequent this area. Jodhpur’s palaces, forts and temples surrounded by the blue houses of the old city prove to be a panoramic view enough to excite the photographer within you. Everything from the local Laal Maas to Daal Baati Choorma and Mirchi ka Pakoda makes Jodhpur a gastronomic paradise.
How to get there: There are direct trains from Delhi to Jodhpur. You can also take a tour bus which frequently commutes to Jodhpur from Delhi. Jodhpur is about 10 hours away from Delhi.
To book your journey with MakeMyTrip, click here!
Where to stay: Bijolai Palace, Hotel Sachdeva Palace and The Prem Beacon proffer great rooms starting at Rs.500. These hotels are known for their location and excellent services.
4. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Located near the town of Savai Madhopur, Ranthambore was previously a hunting ground for the maharajas of Jaipur. The lush green foliage, paired with the exotic range of wildlife in the depths of this forest make it a great getaway from the hullabaloo of the city life. Ranthambore is predominantly a tiger sanctuary so get ready to see the magnificent animals in action. The fort within the national park is also a must visit and gives various insights into the reign of the the Chauhan dynasty.
How to get there: The easiest way to reach this park is to take a train to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station or you could drive to Ranthambore National Park which is about 7 hours away Delhi via NH48 or NH148.
for budget travellers from Delhi, available between Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000. By saving up on hotels, you can spend more on the jungle safaris to spot the reclusive tiger.
5. Mcleodganj
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Mcleoganj is a suburb of Dharamshala located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Mcleodganj lies on the Dhauladhar range; hence it enjoys spectacular views of snow clad mountain ranges and the highest peak of the Dhauladhar range, Hanuman Ka Tibba. From quaint little cafes to Tibetan monasteries, the hamlet serves as a complete tourist destination with loads to offer. The Britishers made this one of their summer capitals, and now we know why!
How to get there: There are direct buses plying between New Delhi and Mcleodganj. The minimum time a bus takes to reach Mcleodganj from New Delhi is 12 hours. If you wish to go by train, hop on to the Amritsar Shatabdi from New Delhi to Jalandhar and then take a private vehicle from there onwards.
To book your holiday to Mcleodganj, click here!
Where to stay: Hotel Anuj regency, Hotel Oak Valley and Hotel Triund are available between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 2500 per night.
6. Agra
The Taj Mahal is definitely the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Agra, but there’s more to see in this ancient city as well. Experience this heritage city for its crafts, the delectable food and the marvellous architecture that has retained its magnificence over the years. Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and everything can be experienced without the need of splurging a lot of money. The Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are two must-not-miss attractions. The best time to visit the city is from December to February as the dust settles and one is able to enjoy the cooler climes.
How to get there: Agra is well connected by bus to Delhi as many daily buses ply between these cities. There are regular trains plying from Delhi to Agra that take about 4 hours to reach. Agra is easily accessible to Delhi through via the Yamuna Expressway, which makes for a beautiful 4-hour drive.
To plan your journey to Agra, click here!
Where to stay: Hotel Luv Kush, Hotel Amar and Hotel Crystal inn are available between Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per night and are situated close to the Taj Mahal.
7. Amritsar
Amritsar is one of the most sacred destinations for Sikhs. Home to the Golden Temple, it’s also named as ‘The Golden City’. One can feel the calming vibrations of the temple as soon as one sets foot in the temple’s vicinity. Amritsar is one of the most visited weekend getaways from Delhi and also serves as a drop off point to explore many other tourist destinations such as the Wagah border, Jallianwalla Bagh and Rambagh Gardens in Amritsar.
How to get there: There are regular buses available from Delhi to Amritsar which include both government-run buses and coaches operated by private companies. Amritsar Railway Station is the main station in the city and is well connected to almost all major cities in India, including Delhi.
Convinced about Amritsar? Click here to book your journey today!
Where to stay: Pearl Inn and Suites, Park Inn by Radisson and Ritz Plaza are hotels available in the range of Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2500 per night and provide all kinds of facilities for a budget traveller.
8. Mukhteshwar
Situated in the Kumaoni Hills of Uttarakhand, Mukhteshwar proffers one of the best views of the Himalayas from its modest location. Mukhteshwar is a part of ‘God’s own land’ and is said to have derived its name from the Mukhteshwar Dham that is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Untouched by large hordes of tourists, Mukhteshwar remains a serene and tranquil retreat from Delhi that’ll allow you to reconnect with yourself in nature.
How to get there: It’s located 329 kilometres away from Delhi. Mukhteshwar is connected by well motorable national highways. Many taxis are available from major cities of the Kumaon region which can take you to Mukhteshwar. Kathgodam is the nearest railhead that is situated 62 kilometres away.
Where to stay: Being a small hill station, Mukhteshwar has limited options. We recommend Hotel Robinson’s Palace, Roshan Villa and Colonel’s Cottage available between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 2500 per night..
9. Khajuraho
Another architectural marvel of the ancient world, Khajuraho deserves its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an example of exemplary sculpture and art that also played an educational role in the society during the ancient times. Today, Khajuraho is one of the most sought after destinations from Delhi and is a testament to the glory of the kingdoms past.
How to get there: There are a few direct trains from Delhi to Khajuraho. The minimum time taken to reach from Delhi is 10 hours. There are plenty state run transport buses that ply from Delhi to Khajuraho or you could drive yourself via AH1, it takes 11 hours to get there.
To book your travel to Khajuraho, click here!
Where to stay: Zostel Khajuraho, GW Greenwood Art Hotel and Hotel Harmony are available between Rs. 500 to Rs. 1700 per night and are known for their good service and location.
10. Kullu-Manali
This place is considered as the hub of adventure sports and is frequented by people from all over the world. Kullu is often known as the Valley of Gods because of the scenic views it offers, the availability of fresh fruits and the gushing rivers running along with the thriving city. Adventurous activities such as trekking, hiking, paragliding, fishing, river rafting and mountaineering can be indulged in at various locations in Kullu-Manali. It is an extremely tourist friendly place and is highly recommended for solo travellers too.
How to get there: There are direct buses that ply between Manali and Delhi. The minimum time a bus takes to reach Manali from New Delhi is 12 hours 30 minutes. Alternatively, train number 12045 takes you from New Delhi to Chandigarh, from where you can take a private vehicle or a bus onwards to Manali.
To plan your dream holiday in the hills, click here!
Where to stay: There are a lot of options to stay in manali, the recommended ones being The Holiday Resorts and Cottages, Holiday heights and The Orchard Greens which charge Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2500 per night
Having a tight hold on your wallet should not mean you don’t get to experience some of the best destinations that India has to offer. This list should convince you to venture out and explore more this yea
