8 holiday-friendly countries you can visit from India
Until recently, travel was restricted almost everywhere in the world. There’s been a change in the tide since social media started inundating us with vacation pictures of the pristine white beaches of Maldives and sparkling views of Dubai. With the production of vaccines for COVID-19, and the ease of travel constraints in several countries, vacations are back on the table, albeit with some major regulations and strict health guidelines.
One can easily travel in a foreign country in the same budget you would need for a destination within our own country. Yes, it requires thorough research, smart planning, advance booking and an adventurous soul ready to face all challenges but that is exactly where the fun is!
We have a list of the cheapest countries to visit from India without burning a while in your pocket. If you’ve always thought that flying out of India is an expensive business and that you would have to scrimp and save to get an international getaway, we’re going to quash your misconceptions.
1. Nepal
Nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas, Nepal is a beautiful country of snow peaks and streams, yaks and yetis, monasteries and magic. Nepal offers the calm and serene atmosphere for anyone who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life, and for the adventure junkies it is the perfect location to experience an adrenaline rush – and all without burning a hole in the pocket. It is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India!
Places to see: Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Bhaktapur, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Pashupatinath, Dakshinkali temple, Shechen Monastery, Lumbini, Boudhanath Stupa, Siddha Gufa, Hanuman Dhoka, Devi Fall, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve are among the variety of places to look for in Nepal.
2. Thailand
Thailand is the most travelled tourist destination for budget-friendly people and is the 20th most populous country in the world. It offers you interaction with friendly & gregarious people and diverse activities to experience. Starting from clubbing, diving into turquoise watered beaches, devouring on cheap street food, the chaotic markets where you can find anything that interests you, the night skyline, the authentic spas to relax your senses and last but not the least the polite and easy-going people of Thailand.
Places to see: Major places to leave you spellbound in Thailand are Krabi, Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Phi Phi islands, Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan.
3. Sri Lanka
One of our neighboring countries, it offers a wide range of budget-friendly options to one and all. Known for the amazing beaches, absolutely lip-smacking cuisine and the Ramayana connection – this country has something to offer for one and all. If you want city life, then Colombo and Negombo are the best choices. If cold weather, tea plantations, and waterfalls captivate you, then Nuwara Eliya and Kandy are the places you would want to visit. Positioned in the Indian Ocean, it has the best shorelines and seafood to stomach.
Places to see: Some of the places of attraction in Sri Lanka are Colombo, Kandy, Yapahuwa Kurunegala, Galle, Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Sabaragamuwa, Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya, Matara, Kataragama.
4. Vietnam
Vietnam is a country that reveals itself only to the determined seeker. Located in Southeast Asia, you will stumble upon numerous things in this gem of a country in a budget-friendly way. It nestles the largest cave of Asia, Halong Bay, islands, forests, religious places and more. The Marble mountains and green paddy farms cobbled together to convince you to visit this place at least once.
Places to see: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta are among the many places of interest in Vietnam.
5. Bhutan
A Buddhist kingdom located on the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan offers snow-covered hills surrounded by steamy clouds. This country is known to have the highest Gross National Happiness, thus assuring its primary agenda to keep the people happy. The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, is a place where peace resides with no traffic lights and honking being unheard. Entering the delightful world of monasteries, the Himalayan mountains, unpolluted air, dumplings to pork dishes and prayer flags fluttering in the air – Bhutan is a treasure.
Places to see: Phuentsholing, Thimpu, Punakha Dzong, Trashigang, Haa Valley, Trongsa, Dochula Pass, Rinpung Dzong, etc.
6. Maldives
The beautiful island of Maldives has been an exotic location. Many people do not think of traveling there because it is infamous for the luxury resorts. However, as a country Maldives is one of the cheapest to travel from India – all you need to do is careful planning and good research.
Places to see: Velligandu Beach Island, Atoll Transfer, Alimatha Island, Hukuruu Miskiiy, Hulhumale, Maldive Victory, etc.
7. Cambodia
World famous for the Angkor Vat temple, Cambodia is the haven for budget travelers. Beautiful, natural and culturally rich this is one of the best bets for anyone who is looking for the cheapest countries to visit from India.
Places to see: Angkor Wat, Silver Pagoda, Koh Ker, Bayon Temple, Tonle Sap, Preah Vihear, Sihanoukville, Tonle Sap, etc. These are the spots not to miss while in Cambodia.
8. Philippines
The Philippines, known for the beautiful beaches and unexplored natural beauty is catching up among travel enthusiasts at lightning speed. One of the best things being it is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.
laces to see: Some must visit places in Philippines are Palawan, El Nido, Iloilo, Cordilleras, Ilocos, Bicol, Surigao. Chocolate Hills, China town, etc.
