Are your feet itching to get away from the mundane life for vacations? Do not fret; there are a lot of Places to visit in India with friends where you can head. In this pandemic time, we all have been trapped at home and couldn’t meet our friends from a long time. So, why not plan a trip with them, as the cases have been dropped?
We also know that a lot of you people might be going through a financial crisis as many people lost their job because of COVID-19. Still, after this entire deadly second wave, there are a lot of place which will not burn a hole in your pocket and are quite inexpensive. Checkout our list of top budget-friendly destinations to take off to without worrying about your bank balance:
Here is the Complete List of 24 Best Places to Visit in India with Friends in Low Budget
- Manali
- Shimla
- Rishikesh
- Darjeeling
- Alleppey
- Munnar
- Kodaikanal
- Goa
- Amritsar
- Pushkar
- Puducherry
- Kanyakumari
- Hampi
- Digha
Manali
A paradise for the adventure lovers and nature fanatics, Manali in Himachal Pradesh is set to be one of the sough-after destinations to visit with your friends. The destination boasts perfect picturesque views that will make you feel overwhelmed. A lot of group of friends visit this place every single year as it is dotted with green meadows and pristine rivers.
- Ideal time – 3-4 days.
- How to reach:
- By Air – The airport is at Bhuntar which is approximately around 50 km away from Manali.
- By Train – Ambala Railway Station is one of the options which is 200 km away and the other is Chandigarh Railway Station. You can opt for both.
- By Road – Manali is well-connected by the major roads of India.
Shimla
Once a summer capital of British India, Shimla is also one of the places where you can head with your friends and it is a low budget destination. Few hours away from Delhi, Shimla offers some breath-taking views and is considered one of the best charming hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Its heritage buildings and colonial structures will tell you a lot about the bygone era. You can visit this destination in winters and see the thick blanket of snow and makes the vacations for the tourists’ even more amazing.
- Ideal Duration – 2-3 days.
- How to reach –
- By Air – The nearest airport is Chandigarh and Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
- By Train – Kalka Railway Station is one of the closest stations from Shimla.
- By Road – Shimla is well-connected to the major roads of India.
Rishikesh
Ganga Arti, rafting, camping, and yoga are one of these things that you can attend in Rishikesh. The location is an ideal place for both spiritual people and for the adventure lovers. Also known as yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh shot fame back in 1960s as the place where the Beatles stayed with their gurus. The place is surrounded with the stunning hills and you will be able to the mountains and rushes down the Ganges. Rishikesh is also dotted with several temples that will make your vacations with your friends more amazing.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach:
- By Air – Jolly Grant Airport is one of the nearest.
- By Train – Although, the Rishikesh has its own railway station but not many trains are connected from here. So, you can take a train till Haridwar Railway Station which is connected to other major cities of India.
- By Road – Risikesh is well-connected with the major roads of India.
Darjeeling
Another destination that you should add in your list is the mesmerizing Darjeeling. The North East India is mostly unexplored by Indians and other globetrotters across the world. If you are someone who wants to get away from the urban chaos, then this destination is for you my friend! Darjeeling provides you to make some amazing memories with your friends and you can enjoy the best time of your life with them. Wake up to the fresh mountain scenes and snow-clad mountains and sip your tea or coffee sitting in the balcony. Watch the sunrise at the Tiger Hill and capture every moment there. It is also considered as the paradise for photographers. You can also take a ride in Himalayan Railway which will take you to the best of the scenic routes. The railway has been operational since 1881.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days.
- How to reach:
- By Air – Bagdogra, which is around 12 kms away from Darjeeling, is the closest airports to reach Darjeeling.
- By Train – New Jalpaiguri is the closest Railway Stations.
- By Road – There are regular bus services that keep on running from Siliguri to Darjeeling.
Alleppey
Alleppey is popularly known as ‘Venice of the East’, tops the list to visit with your friends and is also a low budget. Also known as Alappuzha, the destination lies in the heart of Kerala’s vast network of waterways and showcases the mesmerizing Kerala backwaters. Alleppey is also known for the houseboats rides and stays. Take a day off on one of the cosy yet comfortable houseboats, floating over the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. You will also see the serenity and mesmerizing backwaters.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach:
- By Air – Cochin International Airport is one of the closest to head in Alleppey.
- By Train – Alappuzha Railway Station is around 4 km away from the main city.
- By Road – Alappuzha is well-connected with the major roads in India.
Munnar
Munnar is also one of the hill stations in the South India where you can easily head with your pals and have an amazing vacation with friends. Munnar is the perfect place where you will see the scenic views and you will be head over heels in love with that. The tea estates of Munnar are its hall mark but there are several other places that you can see like Eravikulam National Park among others.
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days.
- How to reach –
- By Air – Cochin International Airport is the nearest to this destination.
- By Train – If you are travelling by train then Ernakulam Railway Station is perfect to reach.
- By Road – Munnar is well-connected with the major roads of India.
Kodaikanal
One of the most famous hill stations in India, Kodaikanal is the sought-after destinations to visit with your friends. Nestled in Tamil Nadu, this quaint hamlet is perfect epitome of beautiful lakes, scenic treks and rolling hills. You will see a lot of tourists’ flocking here every year no matter what the season is. You can do several things here with your friends and make memories. If you are bored of visiting the North Mountains, then you must head here to explore Kodaikanal and we are sure that you will love here. The destination provides you the lifetime memories.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to Reach –
- By Air – There are three airports from where you can fly – Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore.
- By Train – Kodaikanal Railway Station is the nearest.
- By Road – There are regular bus services from Kodaikanal from Chennai, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, and Madurai which connects them to the other roads of India.
Goa
As they say, ‘Best things come in small packages’; this is what Goa will give you. It is a Best tourist places in India for friends in low budget where a lot of group of friends visit every single year to make memories. The small state on the Western Coastal Plain and they confirm the beach paradise is just that. It is a Portugal colony as the Portuguese ruled here for a long time. You can see the stunning beaches, surreal forts, and magnificent churches. Goa is also famous for lip-smacking seafood. Visiting to Goa is one of the top-notch destinations for the party goers and night lovers.
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach:
- By Air – Fly to Dabolim Airport which is one of the nearest airports in Goa.
- By Train – There are two railway stations near to Goa – Madgaon and Vasco-Da-Gama.
- By Road – Being one of the best destinations for travelers, Goa relates to the major roads of India.
Amritsar
What comes to your mind when you think of Amritsar? Golden Temple, right? Well, you can surely visit here with your friends as this place is one of the pious in India. You have langar, Karah Prasad and see quiet a lot of places. Considered the Best places to travel with friends in India, Amritsar is all about having an experience a regular day in the local’s life. Every evening before sunset, the soldiers from India and Pakistan at Wahag Border formally close the borders for the night in a very formal way with the flag-lowering ceremony.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach:
- By Air – Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is around 11 km away from the main city.
- By Train – Amritsar Railway Station is one of the closest if you want to visit the destination.
- By Road – Amritsar is well-connected with the major roads of India.
Pushkar
Pushkar in Rajasthan is one of the Best places to go on vacation with friends in India in low budget. The destination is also a hippie paradise. The location is flanked by the sacred Pushkar Lake which is the Hindu pilgrimage site with more than 52 ghats to take a dip in the holy water. Home to several shrines, Pushkar has several temples and most prominently is the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir which holds a lot of importance amongst the Hindus. Pushkar Mela is also celebrated here every year in the month of November. If you guys are a religious traveler then you can surely head here to seek into the serenity and piousness.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days.
- How to reach:
- By Air – The nearest is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur
- By Train – Ajmer Railway Station is the best option to opt for if you are travelling via train.
- By Road – Pushkar is well-connected to the major cities of India.
Puducherry
Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is one of the top-most places where you can hit with your friends. The destination is about pristine beaches and colonial buildings that were built by the Portuguese back in the ancient times. Pondicherry also offers the best French food in India and enjoy in the tranquility of the place.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach:
- By Air – Chennai Airport is the nearest one.
- By Train – Puducherry Railway Station is one of the closest.
- By Road – Puducherry is well-connected with the major roads of India.
Kanyakumari
One of the best places to visit in India with friends is Kanyakumari. The pace offers a rich experience like no other location in the country. Kanyakumari is nestled at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. You can also see the beautiful sunset views at the Cape Comorin and on full moon days, you will see sunrise and sunset simultaneously. You can explore a lot of tourist attractions like Vivekanand Rock Memorial where you can visit through the ferry services. There are also several temples in the region which is dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, the protector of the land. If you want to explore South India then you can surely do it without a doubt.
- Ideal duration – 1-2 days.
- How to reach:
- By Air – The nearest is Trivandrum International Airport.
- By Train – Kanyakumari Railway Station is well connected with the major cities of India.
- By Road – Kanyakumari is well connected with the other roads of India.
Hampi
Once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Dynasty, Hampi is also one of the sought-after places to head. If you and your friends are up for getting some facts clear about the past of Hampi then you should surely visit here. This historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the ancient temple town date back to 1500 AD. There are several places to visit in Hampi and you can explore the ruins you may take a dig into through their various temples and other major sightseeing.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days.
- How to reach:
- By Air – The international airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
- By Train – Hosapete Railway Station is the best for then you if you are travelling by train.
- By Road – Hampi is connected with the best roads of India to make your travel hassle-free.
Digha
Best places to visit in India with friends is Digha. The destination is nestled in between the East Midnapore district and the Northern end of the Bay of Bengal. It is a seaside town in West Bengal and famous for boasting picturesque views. Known for its shallow sand beach, the casuarinas plantations along the coast add to the ethereal charm of the beach town. Originally known as Beerkul during Warren Hastings’ time and discovered by the Britishers in late 18th century. Digha offers mesmerizing experience of witnessing sunrise and sunset.
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach:
- By Air – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata Airport is the closest one.
- By Train – Howrah Railway Station is the major railway station which is connected to other cities of the country.
- By Road – Digha is well-connected with Kolkata roads from where you can travel.
Kasol in Himachal Pradesh
Kasol is one of India’s top places to visit with friends for a pleasant vacation without breaking the banks. Mothered by the Parvati Valley, Kasol has thrilling treks to embark upon. Choose to trek to Malana or Kheerganga from Kasol with your gang of wanderers to check your endurance except for the monsoon. You can camp amidst the backdrops of the Himalayas at Parvati River. Seek spiritual enlightenment at Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara to forge your friendship to the next level. And when you are in the Mini Israel of India, sampling the scrumptious Israeli cuisine and getting high is one of the best things to do in Kasol with friends.
Ideal Duration: 3 days (approx.)
How to Reach:
By Air: Bhuntar Airport is approximately 32 kilometres/1 hour and is well connected with Delhi.
By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station, 125 kilometres/4 hours 10 minutes from North India destination
By Road: Delhi to Kasol approximately 517 km/13 hours and it is well connected with Chandigarh also!
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand
Famous for its Royal Bengal Tiger in India and worldwide, Jim Corbett National Park is another good place for a trip with friends near Delhi, Jaipur, Agra. The Tigers found here are the largest concentration in India. Apart from this, you can enjoy an early morning and afternoon safari with your friends if you want to capture unique flora and fauna. Apart from wildlife spotting, this national park in the foothills of the Himalayas near Nainital is named after hunter turned natural conservationist Jim Corbett. Hence, a museum also provides several facets of his hunting career. From camping to fishing, Jim Corbett National Park is an awesome place to visit nearby.
Delhi between October to June.
Ideal Duration: 2 days
How to Reach:
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is approximately 81 kilometres/2 hours and is well connected with Delhi.
By Train: Ramnagar Railway Station, 2 kilometres/10 minutes from Jim Corbett.
By Road: Delhi to Jim Corbett is approximately 245 km/5 hours, and it is well connected with the National Highway network.
Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh
Sitting at the edge of the Himalayas at an elevation of 1,457 m, Dharamshala is surrounded by cedar forests that turn into snowflakes in winters and lush green throughout the spring, summer monsoon. There are tea gardens to explore if you want to save your bucks over the Munnar holiday with friends. Most importantly, Tibetan Evacuees in Dharamshala have a stronghold because Dharamshala is the seat of the fourteen Dalai Lama of the Tibetan faction of Buddhism. Test your adrenaline with your friends on a hike to Triund Trek. If you are lucky, you can attend the cricket match of the Indian Cricket Team at Dharamshala Cricket Stadium snuggled in the mighty Dhauladhar Range. Start your day with prayers at Gyuto Monastery in the morning. Lastly, end your day at the serenity of the Bhagsu Waterfalls.
Ideal Duration: 3 days (approx.)
How to Reach:
By Air: Gaggal Airport is approximately 14 kilometres/30 minutes and is well connected with Delhi.
By Train: Pathankot Railway Station, 86 kilometres/2 hour 10 minutes from Dharamshala
By Road: Delhi to Dharamshala is approximately 470 km/11 hours, and it is well connected with Chandigarh!
Kumarakom in Kerala
Break the myth that Kumarakom is for couples only because the traditional houseboats cruising through the lush green paddy fields sound good with friends. Imagine yourself sipping fresh tea or coffee from your houseboat balcony and gazing at the sunset from brilliant backwater canals fringed with lagoons. Apart from this, Kumarakom is a paradise for birdwatchers because dozens of migratory bird’s flocks in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom Lake. Additionally, you can’t miss Ayurvedic massage in Kumarakom because that is what entire Kerala is best known for amongst the foreigners and native Indians.
Ideal Duration: 3 days (approx.)
How to Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 78 kilometres/2 hours and is well connected with domestic and international flights.
By Train: Kottayam Railway Station, 16 kilometres/30minutes from Kumarakom.
By Road: Bangalore to Kumarakom is approximately 590 km/12 hours, and it is well connected with Mysore also!
Rann of Kutch in Gujarat
Usually, people are bowled over with Gujarat’s popular attractions like Ahmedabad, but hardly any of them pay attention to Rann of Kutch. If you and your fellow buddies are looking to explore must-visit westernmost places in India with friends, bookmark Rann of Kutch, particularly during November till February. This is when this salt marsh in the Thar Desert provides spectacular sunset and sunrise views. Annually from November to February, Rann of Kutch becomes the cultural playground where adventure activities, cultural performances, regional souvenirs, and handicrafts are the highlight. However, the remaining eight months’ desert turns into a postcard-perfect destination with the white expanse of salt land as far as your eyes can see.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days (approx.)
How to Reach:
By Air: Bhuj airport is approximately 70 km/3 hour, is the nearest airport
By Train: Bhuj Junction, 104 km/4 hour (approx.), is the closest railhead
By Road: Rann of Kutch is well connected with Mumbai, Udaipur, Vadodara by road.
Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra
If you and your friends reside in and around Mumbai, Nasik, Pune, then plan a trip to Tadoba National Park and explore its wildlife habitat. It is also called Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and is the largest and oldest one in Maharashtra. Ideally located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, you can enjoy wildlife safaris with your friends and embark on several trekking trails within the forest. Staple early morning bird watching experience. The distinctive feature? Tadoba is the only jungle In India to house Black Leopards.
Ideal Duration: 1 day (full)
How to Reach:
By Air: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur is the closest and around 133 km/3 hour (approx.)
By Train: Chandrapur Railway Station is the nearest one, approximately 36 km/1 hour 30 minutes
By Road: Nagpur is the closest city, around 140 kilometres/3 hours (approx.) from Tadoba National Park.
Chadar Trek in Ladakh
Look no further than Chadar Trek in Ladakh with your friends during January that turns into the winter wonderland because you can literally walk on the frozen Zanskar River. If you are an adventure aficionado, gather your tribe and plan a Chadar Trek excursion. Walk through the dozens of the villages in the Zanskar Valley and get enamoured with the enchanting thick snow vistas and even snowfall. This trek in North India is the dream to embark upon once in a lifetime. It goes without saying Chadar Trek in Ladakh is one of the best places to visit in India with friends. Even more, camping amidst the minus degree temperature is only for the brave heart wanderlusts.
Total Distance: 105 km (approx.), and you need to trek around 15 km (approx.) a day.
Trek Duration: 9-12 days (depending upon person-to-person endurance)
How to Reach:
By Air: Leh Airport is the only airport in Ladakh well connected with Delhi.
By Train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest one, around 700 km (approx.)
By Road: Choose from Leh Manali Highway or Srinagar Leh Highway.
Ooty in Tamil Nadu
While many people think of the Queen of South India’s hill station, Ooty is for couples and honeymooners only! You must taste this slice of paradise with your friends if you have been itching to take hill holidays near Bangalore and Mysore. This hill station is crowned at an elevation of 2,240 m (approx.) the sea level and hence, a salubrious place to visit with friends in India. When you are in Ooty, ride the UNESCO Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs to and fro from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam via Coonoor. Savour homemade chocolates and even stock them from Moddy’s Confectionery. Ooty is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and hence, distinct flora and fauna thrive here, which are must-see with your friends.
Ideal Duration: 3 days (approx.)
How to Reach:
By Air: Coimbatore International Airport is approximately 88 kilometres/2 hour 45 minutes and is well connected with Delhi.
By Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station, 52 kilometres/1 hour 45 minutes from Ooty
By Road: Mysore to Ooty is approximately 125 km/4 hours, and it is well connected with Bangalore also!
Karjat in Maharashtra
If you live in and around Pune and Mumbai, ditch the mainstream Lonavala over Karjat. It is a hidden gem and boasts lush green landscapes, thrilling trekking trails, cascading waterfalls. Moreover, while trekking to Kondana Cave, come across a secret waterfall and fancy a selfie there. There are private villas, stunning farmhouses, and health resorts for a staycation. There is a famous ND’s Film Studio which you must tour on a one-day trip with your friends.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days (approx.)
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is approximately 67km/2 hours 20 minutes, is the nearest airport
By Train: Mumbai Central, 74 km/2 hour (approx.) is the closest railhead
By Road: Karjat is well connected with Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Ahmedabad.
Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh
Imagine you and your friends are waking up with enticing views of the Dhauladhar Range and Kangra Valley. Because this scene is at Dharamkot at an elevation of 2,100 m. Dharamkot is an offbeat place to visit in India with friends year-round. The surprising quotient? Many foreigners like the serenity of Dharamkot because of its hippie vibes, as its proximity is with McLeodganj. If you and your friends have been to Shimla earlier, visit Dharamkot, which is less explored by mass tourism. Here you, your friends, must choose to go on a trail that connects Triund, Indrahar Pass. You will find local folks welcoming, and Dharamkot has many cafes, hotels (budget also) for backpackers, so you must include Dharamkot in your itinerary.
Ideal Duration: 2 days (approx.)
How to Reach:
By Air: Gaggal Airport is approximately 20 kilometres/45 minutes and is well connected with Delhi.
By Train: Pathankot Railway Station, 90 kilometres/2 hours 20 minutes from Dharamkot
By Road: Delhi to Dharamkot is approximately 475 km/11 hours, and it is well connected with Chandigarh also!
So, if you are craving to go somewhere then these above-mentioned are Best places to visit in India with friends in low budget. Do share your experience if you head to these places with your friends in the comments’ section below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places to Go on Vacation with Friends in India in Low Budget
Is it safe to travel to these places during Pandemic?
Yes, absolutely, these places are much safe for travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every state has some guidelines to follow and they have hotels that are well-sanitized and maintained to combat the spread of the virus.
Are these places expensive if I go with my friends?
No, these places are actually fall under your budget and you can easily head here with your friends and enjoy the vacations with them.
What are the destinations for low-budget tour of South India?
There are several places that you can head like Ooty, Hampi, Kodaikanal among others.
Are these places safe for the solo-traveler?
Yes, all these places that we have mentioned above are very much safe for solo-travelers and even for the women.
