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Key takeaways
Nepal, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka offer affordable travel from India with expenses under INR 45,000.
Top attractions include Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple, Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, and Sri Lanka’s Kandy.
Visa fees range from free (Nepal and Sri Lanka) to INR 2,099 for Vietnam.
Table of Contents
What are the cheapest countries to visit from India?
Ain’t it fun when you can feel yourself getting pulled by the wanderlust? Daydreaming and making vision boards about all the places you could globetrot? This Fall/Winter, let us accompany you with our pocketbook list and help you manifest the vacation—from the group chat to reality.
Please note that we have gathered this information from multiple sources, and prices are accurate for January 2025.
Nepal
Our Himalayan neighbor promises mountains, spirituality, and scenic beauty. Visa-free access, along with tourist hotspots like Pashupatinath Temple (the city’s oldest Hindu temple) and the Boudhanath Stupa (one of the oldest Buddhist temples), make Nepal a must-visit destination.
Flight fare: Flight fares from New Delhi to Kathmandu start at INR 12,766.
Most popular airlines: Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and Nepal Airlines.
Popular city destinations: Kathmandu.
Where to stay: Hotel prices in Kathmandu start from approximately INR 1700/night.
What to do: You have a range of options, including wildlife sanctuaries, temples, and monasteries. Trekking the World’s Highest Peak—Mt. Everest Base Camp—is a must-do—if you are fit. Must-visit places in Nepal also include Kathmandu Valley—a UNESCO World Heritage property.
What to see: For a wildlife enthusiast, Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. For people with a spiritual bent, Pashupatinath, Dakshinkali temple, Shechen Monastery, Lumbini, Boudhanath Stupa, Siddha Gufa, Hanuman Dhoka. Devi Fall and Old Market at Pokhara are some add-ons.
What to eat: The Nepali national meal is “daal bhaat tarkari” (spiced lentils poured over boiled rice and served with vegetable curry). Meals range from INR 250 to INR 500, depending on your chosen cuisine and place. OR2K in Kathmandu or Krishna’s Kitchen in Pokhara are some places to try.
Suggested duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Visa fee: free for Indians.
Total expense: Approximately INR 31,000
Vietnam
One of the best places for backpackers worldwide—Vietnam is also one of the cheapest countries to travel from India. With ample natural beauty, rich heritage and history, you are bound to return with a quenched soul.
Flight fare: Flight fares to Ho Chi Minh City from New Delhi start at approximately INR 26,760.
Most popular airlines: Viet Jet Air. Air India, Indi Go, and Viet Jet Air.
Popular city destinations: Hanoi, Hội An, Huế.
Where to stay: Hotel prices in Vietnam start at approximately INR 850/night.
What to do: Sightseeing, Yacht or Boat Cruises, Local Market Tours, Caving, Cultural tours, Island Tours and Wildlife Tours.
What to see: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta, UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Ha Long Bay.
What to eat: A 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost you approximately INR 500. From spicy treats in the south to a bit mild in the north, Vietnam has a wide variety to offer. Cha Ca Street and Nguyen Truong to a street in Hanoi for popular yet budget meals. Coffee is a must-try with its distinct Vietnamese twist.
Suggested duration: 5 days, 4 nights.
Visa fee: Indians need to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam. The Republic of Vietnam offers Visa-on-arrival (VoA) and e-visas for Indians. A single-entry Vietnamese e-visa costs approximately INR 2,099, and a multiple-entry e-visa costs around INR 4,297. Both have a validity of up to 90 days.
Total expense: Approximately between INR 44,000 and INR 50,000.
Bhutan
Bhutan offers guaranteed happiness and passport-free travel to Indians. With a vast expanse of unexplored terrain and breathtaking natural beauty, Bhutan is a must-visit.
Flight fare: Flight prices from Kolkata to Paro start from approximately INR 33,500
Most popular airlines: Bhutan Airlines, and Air India.
Popular city destinations: Thimphu, Paro.
Where to stay: Hotel prices in Thimpu begin at approximately INR 2020/night and in Paro at approximately INR 2000/night.
What to do: Cultural tours, local sightseeing, Himalayan tours, treks, adventure sports and activities, religious tours and wildlife tours. The Drametse Mask Dance—a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—with colorful costumes depicting demons, heroes, gods, and animals is part of the must-experience list.
What to see: Trashigang, Haa Valley, Trongsa, Dochula Pass, Rinpung Dzong, Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha Dzong.
What to eat: A regular 2-course meal costs around INR 250-500/per person.
Suggested duration: 5 days, 4 nights.
Visa fee: Indians need an entry permit to enter Bhutan, which is available upon arrival. However, to reduce processing time on arrival, it is recommended to obtain it in advance via Bhutan’s Immigration Service Portal. One requirement for the entry permit is a digital copy of a passport or an Indian Voter ID card. Other significant fees include:
- INR 1200/night for SDF. Bhutan’s Government collects a fee from all tourists entering the country, known as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). It is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development.
- Children aged between 6 and 12 at the time of travel obtain a 50% concessionary discount of INR 600 on their SDF.
- Children who have not yet turned six are exempt from paying any SDF.
- Children aged between 6 and 12 at the time of travel obtain a 50% concessionary discount of INR 600 on their SDF.
- Tourists should also have valid travel insurance during the duration of the trip.
Total expense: Approximately INR 60,000 (sans the cost of travel insurance.)
Myanmar
Myanmar lets you experience the simple pleasures of life. You can drift down the river in a cruiser, trek through the pine forests of Shan Hills, or play on the beach of the blissful Bay of Bengal. A scattered landscape with pagodas and traditional ways—that’s Myanmar in short. Myanmar sees a lot of visitors at Inle Lake, which offers spectacular terrains for cycling.
Flight fare: Flight prices from Kolkata to Yangon in Myanmar start at approximately INR 32,891.
Most popular airlines: Thai Air Asia, Myanmar Airways International.
Popular city destinations: Yangon
Where to stay: Hotel prices start at approximately INR 1340/night.
What to do: Hot air balloon rides, cultural & historical tours, nature walks, local shopping and food tours.
What to see: Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Golden Rock Pagoda, Kyaing Tong, Monywa, Putao, Ngwe Saung Beach.
What to eat: Lephet thoke (a dessert consisting of pickled tea leaves mixed with shredded cabbage, sliced tomatoes, crunchy deep-fried beans, nuts and peas, with slices of chili and garlic drizzled with garlic oil.) is a must-try dessert.
Suggested duration: 5 days, 4 nights.
Visa fee: Indians must obtain a tourist e-visa to enter Myanmar. The visa costs around INR 4,200 and is valid for up to 28 days.
Total expense: Approximately INR 45,000.
Sri Lanka
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean presents the most serendipitous getaway for Indians with a wanderlust for unknown lands near home. Whether your heart yearns to frolic in the sand and play with the waves, or you are a photophile, nature lover, or food connoisseur—Sri Lanka has something for everyone.
Flight fare: Flight prices from Chennai to Colombo start from approximately INR 13,045.
Most popular airlines: Sri Lankan Airlines and Air India.
Popular city destinations: Colombo.
Where to stay: Hotel prices can cost approximately INR 1460/night.
What to do: Nature tourism, cultural visits, leisure tours, and water sports.
What to see: Visit the former Sri Lankan capital, Kandy, to be enamored by the dance of contemporary advancement alongside the ancient traditions at UNESCO World Heritage Site Udawatte Kele Sanctuary. Kandy is a part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. To experience the rest of the Cultural Triangle, you must visit Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla.
What to eat: Fish ambul thiyal or sour fish curry where tuna is sliced in square pieces then sauteed with various spices like black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, pandan and curry leaves and served with hot rice. Other must-try food in Sri Lanka includes kottu roti or Sri Lankan burger, polos or green jackfruit curry, and lamprais, that is, a combination of meat, rice and sambol chili sauce wrapped into a banana leaf packet and steamed.
Suggested duration: 4 days, 3 nights.
Visa fee: Free. However, Indians must apply for an eTA before arriving in Sri Lanka. The eTA can be obtained free of charge from the official Sri Lankan eTA portal.
Total expense: Approximately INR 40,000 – INR 45,000
Indonesia
Indonesia, one of the largest archipelago states in the world—is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India, making it a go-to destination.
Flight fare: Flight prices from Bengaluru to Bali start from approximately INR 31,443. (price includes flights with 1 stop)
Most popular airlines: Air Asia and Batik Air.
Popular city destinations: Bali.
Where to stay: Hotel prices can cost approximately INR 730/night. Dorms are also available for cheaper options, as less as approximately INR 500/night.
What to do: Nature tourism, volcano tours, cultural visits, leisure tours, water sports, and religious tours.
What to see: Bali, Jakarta, Malang, Lombok, Bandung, Yogyakarta.
What to eat: An average meal can start from INR 700. Satay (skewered and grilled chicken with peanut sauce) and Gudeg (jack fruit with palm sugar, coconut milk, meat, garlic, and lots of spices) are must-try.
Suggested duration: 5 days, 4 nights
Visa fee: e-VoA costs as low as INR 3. Indian nationals must obtain an electronic Visa-on-Arrival (e-VoA) via the official Indonesian e-visa website. It is valid for up to 30 days. However, the Republic of Indonesia has proposed a visa-free scheme for India, and it is expected to launch at the end of this year.
Total expense: Approximately INR 45,000 to INR 50,000.
Malaysia
You can truly experience the entirety of Asia within Malaysia—from natural gems to a fabulous nightlife experience.
Flight fare: Flight prices from Chennai to Kuala Lumpur start at approximately INR 19,934 (price includes flights with 1 stop).
Most popular airlines: Air India and Air Asia.
Popular city destinations: Kuala Lumpur.
Where to stay: Hotel prices start at approximately INR 740/night.
What to do: Go trekking in Taman Negara National Park, explore the culture of Kota Bharu, and observe the orangutans in Sepilok.
What to see: Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Sunbathe at Langkawi, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Getaway to Genting Highlands.
What to eat: Taste the local flavor with Nasi Kandar, Bakuteh, Sang Har noodles, and Satay. The average cost of meals for 2 people is around INR 2000.
Suggested duration: 5 days, 4 nights.
Visa fee: Indians can enter Malaysia without a visa until 31 December 2026. The visa-free scheme allows Indian nationals to stay for up to 30 days. However, all visitors must complete the form for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days prior to arrival in Malaysia. This initiative was introduced to improve the immigration service.
Total expense: INR 30,000 to INR 35,000.
Cambodia
The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country of contrasts—a country that can give you glances of its history and heritage dating back to 1234 years and, in a spin of turns, can predate you to its present-day, where life is a wondersome mix of preservation and advancement.
Flight fare: Flight prices from Chennai to Krong Siem Reap start from approximately INR 28,822.
Most popular airlines: Air Asia, Air India, and IndiGo.
Popular city destinations: Krong Siem Reap, Phnom Penh.
Where to stay: Hotel prices in Kron Siem Reap start at approximately INR 650/night and in Phnom Penh at approximately INR 963/night.
What to do: Angkor temple tours, cycle tours, adventure tours, or tour the historical and cultural side of Cambodia.
What to see: The largest religious structure in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site–-Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the symphony of modern buildings and ancient temples at Phnom Penh, portal yourself to the yee old days of the Funan Kingdom at the archeological sites and then breathe and find your zen at Tonle Bati. The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is also a must-visit. If you can stretch your budget a little, then the beach town of Sihanoukville is waiting to charm you with its sandy whites, aquamarines and coastal food.
What to eat: Some of the must-try foods include samlor korkor, i.e., a nourishing soup made with seasonal vegetables and meat garnished with Cambodian staples like prahok, a type of fermented fish, and kroeung, a fragrant curry paste thickened with toasted ground rice. Nom banh chok or Khmer noodles, and amok—often referred to as Camdobia’s national dish.
Suggested duration: 5 days, 4 nights.
Visa fee: INR 3024 for eVisa. You can apply for an eVisa from the official Cambodian website or opt for a visa upon arrival.
Total expense: Approximately INR 45,000 – INR 50,000.
Philippines
Nestled close to the Equator, housing 7,400 islands—the Philippines is an archipelago country to behold.
Flight fare: Flight prices from Chennai to Manila start from approximately INR 33,291 (price includes flights with 1 stop).
Most popular airlines: Air India, Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, and Cathay Pacific.
Popular city destinations: Manila.
Where to stay: Hotel prices start around INR 1160/night.
What to do: Visit Boracay Islands, stroll around the City of Vigan, and go sightseeing on Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan.
What to see: The Mayon Volcano in the Albay province on Luzon Island, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and Sugba Lagoon in Siargao.
What to eat: Taste the famous local flavors of Adobo, Kare-Kare, Lechon and Sinigang. The average meal costs around INR 750.
Suggested duration: 5 days, 4 nights.
Visa fee: A tourist e-visa must be obtained to enter the Philippines. For a single-entry 3-month temporary visitor e-visa, it costs around INR 5,462.
Total expense: approximately around INR 48,000 to INR 50,000.
Thailand
Thailand is a world-renowned destination. When it comes to tourist attractions, very few countries can match Thailand. It is a“D” go-to place if you look forward to traveling somewhere foreign without burning a hole in your pockets.
Flight fare: Flight prices from Kolkata to Phuket start from approximately INR 14,593.
Most popular airlines: Druk Air, US-Bangla Airlines, Etihad Airways, Akasa Air.
Popular city destinations: Bangkok, Phuket.
Where to stay: Hotel prices start around INR 1050/night. Hostels and dorms are also spread throughout Thailand for very modest prices (less than INR 900/night), which might be a better pick if you are on a budget.
What to do: Go shopping at local markets or the big malls, visit the floating market tours, elephant tourism, and medical tourism. Other than that, the dazzling beaches, temples, and monasteries are also quite breathtaking.
What to see: Bangkok, Phuket, Santikhiri, Tarutao.
What to eat: Tom Yung Goong(spicy shrimp soup), som tum (spicy green papaya salad), Tom Kha Kai (chicken in coconut soup), Gaeng Daeng (red curry). The average meal costs around INR 200.
Suggested duration: 5 days, 4 nights.
Visa fee: None. Thailand will remain visa-free for tourism purposes for 60 days for Indians indefinitely starting from 1 January 2025.
Total expense: Approximately between INR 45,000 and INR 50,000.
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