Have you ever dreamt of boarding a plane without your wallet? That’s what happened to me. Over the years, I’ve learned that budget travel doesn’t mean skimping on experiences – it means being a little smarter about where and when you’re going. From wallet-friendly flights to cheap street eats, there are plenty of countries where your rupee goes like magic. Whether you’re craving the serenity of mountains, tropical beaches, or bustling city streets, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten cheapest countries to visit from India. And trust me, these places offer a whole lot of adventure without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!

Why Budget Destinations Make Perfect Getaways

Here’s the thing: traveling on a budget isn’t about going to “bad” places. Some of the world’s most memorable journeys—hidden temples, unspoiled islands, mouthwatering markets—happen where costs are low but culture is high. By choosing the right country, timing your trip, and embracing local rhythms, you can stretch your vacation fund way beyond what you’d expect. Ready to see where your next affordable adventure awaits?

1. Nepal

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Delhi to Kathmandu ₹5,000–₹7,000 round-trip
  
• Accommodation: Dorms ₹300/night, guesthouses ₹800–₹1,200/night
  
• Daily Costs: ₹1,000–₹1,500 (food, transport, entry fees)
  

Why you’ll love it: Nepal is practically next door, and those mighty Himalayas aren’t just for hardcore trekkers. You can catch a quick flight to Kathmandu, then head to the lakeside cafes of Pokhara or join a short trek in the foothills of the Annapurnas without breaking the bank.

Real-life advice: Eat dal-bhaat at the local “thakali” eateries – unlimited amounts of rice, lentils, and curry for less than ₹200. After a day of climbing, that plate feels like pure gold.

2. Sri Lanka

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Chennai to Colombo ₹6,000–₹9,000 round-trip
  
• Accommodation: Hostels/guesthouses ₹600–₹1,000/night
  
• Daily Costs: ₹1,200–₹2,000 (trains, tuk-tuks, street food)
  

Why you’ll love it: Sri Lanka is a microcosm of everything – beaches, tea hills, wildlife parks – all packed into one tiny island. The train ride from Kandy to Ella is practically an insta-classic (and costs less than ₹200!). 

Pro tip: book intercity trains as early as possible – second-class reserved seats cost less than ₹200 and give you unparalleled mountain views.

3. Bhutan

Budget Highlights:

• “Sustainable Development Fee”: ₹5,000/day (mandatory tourist tariff covers visa, guide, transport)
  
• Additional Costs: Meals/water ₹1,500–₹2,000/day
  

Why you’ll love it: OK, Bhutan isn’t technically the “cheapest” in terms of daily rates, but hear me out: That flat tariff means no surprise costs, free hotel upgrades in low season, and all the hassles taken care of. Plus, you’ll get to see cliffside monasteries and pristine valleys instead of crowded streets.

Insider tip: Travel in the off-season (April-May, September-October) for lower hotel rates and smaller tour groups.

4. Bangladesh

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Kolkata to Dhaka ₹4,000–₹6,000 round-trip (bus/rail cheaper)
  
• Accommodation: Budget hotels ₹500–₹800/night, homestays ₹300–₹500
  
• Daily Costs: ₹800–₹1,200 (rickshaws, street eats)
  

Why You’ll Love It: Just over the border lies a vibrant land of rivers, mangrove forests, and colonial cities. Dhaka’s street food scene is a revelation—think luscious biryani, crispy fuchka, and jhalmuri for pennies. And the Sundarbans mangrove safari? A steal compared to other wildlife tours.

Personal Anecdote: I paid under ₹100 for a massive plate of kacchi biryani in Old Dhaka—and nearly ate myself into a food coma. No regrets.

5. Vietnam

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Mumbai to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City ₹10,000–₹13,000 round-trip
  
• Accommodation: Hostels ₹300–₹600/night, budget hotels ₹800–₹1,200
  
• Daily Costs: ₹1,000–₹1,800 (food, motorbike rental)
  

Why you’ll love it: Vietnam is a budget traveller’s paradise – flights are cheap, beach bungalows cost less than ₹1,000, and street pho bowls cost around ₹100. Plus, the motorbike-meets-mountain passes in the north? Epic and cheap. 

Must do: Explore Ha Long Bay on a day trip boat for ₹2,000-₹2,500. Spend a little and stay overnight on a junk boat – the sunrise over the limestone karsts is priceless.

6. Indonesia (Bali)

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Delhi to Denpasar ₹15,000–₹18,000 round-trip (watch for flash sales)
  
• Accommodation: Homestays/guesthouses ₹600–₹1,000/night
  
• Daily Costs: ₹1,500–₹2,500 (scooter rental, meals, entrances)
  

Why you’ll love it: Bali isn’t as cheap as it once was, but if you look beyond Seminyak, you’ll find rice farming villages, authentic warung food for ₹50, and waterfall trips for almost free. Plus, renting a scooter for ₹300/day means you’re in charge of your island-hopping.

Pro tip: Skip the fancy beach clubs and head to a local warung for nasi kumpur – a plate of rice mixed with vegetables and fish cakes, all for less than ₹100.

7. Cambodia

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Bangkok to Siem Reap/Phnom Penh ₹5,000–₹7,000 round-trip (fly via AirAsia)
  
• Accommodation: Hostels ₹300–₹700/night, guesthouses ₹800–₹1,200
  
• Daily Costs: ₹800–₹1,200 (tuk-tuk, street noodles)
  

Why you’ll love it: Cambodia is super cheap, except for Angkor Wat. A nice, strong coffee with coconut milk? ₹40. Delicious amok fish curry at a local eatery? No more than ₹150. Temples, beaches, jungle trips – it all feels like a steal.

Real-life advice: Hire a tuk-tuk driver to visit the temples – around ₹1,000 in total. You set the pace; no need to ride a crowded bus.

8. Malaysia

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Delhi to Kuala Lumpur ₹12,000–₹15,000 round-trip
  
• Accommodation: Budget hotels/hostels ₹600–₹1,200/night
  
• Daily Costs: ₹1,200–₹2,000 (trains, hawker stalls)
  

Why you’ll love it: With multi-currency rail passes (Kuala Lumpur to Singapore via Penang) and famous hawker centres where you can eat for as little as ₹200, Malaysia is the sweet spot for convenience and affordability. Enjoy free jungle hikes and beach walks, and you’ve got a chance to win. 

Note: Book accommodation around Bukit Bintang or Chinatown in KL – within walking distance to the plethora of street food.

9. Thailand

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Delhi to Bangkok/Phuket ₹11,000–₹14,000 round-trip
  
• Accommodation: Hostels ₹300–₹700/night, basic hotels ₹800–₹1,500
  
• Daily Costs: ₹1,000–₹2,000 (street stalls, local buses)
  

Why you’ll love it: Thailand is a classic for a reason. Pad Thai for ₹60, pad krapow for ₹80, hostel dorms for under ₹400 – plus, night buses between cities let you sleep in and save on a night’s stay. From the mountains of the north to the islands of the south, every corner fits the budget.

Insider hack: Get cheap internal flights using the 12-day Thailand Explorer Pass (on AirAsia) and roam around without breaking the bank. 

10. Philippines

Budget Highlights:

• Flight: Mumbai to Manila/Clark via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore ₹15,000–₹18,000 round-trip
  
• Accommodation: Guesthouses/hostels ₹500–₹1,000/night
  
• Daily Costs: ₹1,200–₹1,800 (jeepneys, street food)
  

Why you’ll love it: The Philippines is huge, but regional budget airlines (like Cebu Pacific) always have sales. When island-hopping through Palawan or Camarines, you’ll find beach huts for P800 and grilled seafood plates for P150. 

Pro tip: Book island-hop tours in a group to split the cost of boat rental. You’ll pay around P1,000 for a full day of snorkeling and beaches.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in June in India

Conclusion

So here are ten of the best, most affordable countries that are easily accessible from Indian airports. From the snow-capped Himalayas to tropical islands, your next epic adventure doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The key things? Fly in the off-season, take advantage of local transportation, eat street food like the locals, and keep your eyes open for flash-sale flights.

Grab a passport, pack light, and get ready to discover how far your rupee can go. Oh, and don’t forget—sometimes the cheapest tickets and the simplest plans yield memories you’ll brag about for years. Safe travels!

FAQs About Cheapest Countries To Travel From India