Going through a financial crunch is normal. But that should not keep us from exploring the beautiful country that we are blessed to live in. Adulting brings with it, its own share of challenges and expenses. We all have experienced month-end vows at some point or the other. If you have been looking forward to a much-needed getaway from your daily life, we have curated a list of budget trips in India you can do from metro cities. By Karan Kaushik
Budget trips in India for your next adventure
From Delhi
Abhaneri (237 km away)
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Abhaneri makes for a fantastic impromptu budget trip from Delhi. Board a bus to Rajasthan’s Dausa from ISBT Kashmere Gate and embark on a memorable day trip. If you start your day early, you can reach Abhaneri before the day gets too hot. From Dausa, book a cab and head straight to Chand Baori. Try your luck at hitchhiking if you don’t wish to spend on a cab. The Chand Baori step-well, its next-door Harshat Mata Temple, and the cute little traditional handicraft market at these monuments are all Abhaneri has to offer.
But the step-well and its fascinating architecture leave you intrigued and how. The step-well was built by King Chand Raja of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. It features 3,500 narrow steps descending 20 meters to the bottom of the well and 13 floors. Its geometrical pattern is one of a kind and hard to find in today’s time. The stairs are surrounded by water on the three sides and on the fourth side by a three-storeyed pavilion carved by beautiful jharokhas and galleries on two pillars and sculptures on the balcony.
Agra (246 km away)
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Visiting Agra is always a good idea. Bus and train fares for Agra are pocket-friendly. You can make a day trip and explore prominent monuments. Start your explorations of the historic city with its best gift to the world – The iconic Taj Mahal. The architectural wonder was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Empress Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal continues to be a global symbol of love and a tourist magnet for India. From here, head to the Mehtab Bagh. Savour some piping hot Bedai Kachori on the way. Spend some leisure time in the garden marveling at the Taj Mahal shining in all its glory. End the day with an exploration of the red-sandstone marvel that the Agra Fort is. Its lovely terraces offer stunning views of the wonder during sunsets.
From Mumbai
Lonavala-Khandala (79 km away)
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Regulars from Mumbai and Pune can never be not excited to visit the twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala. Located at an altitude of 2,041 ft above sea level in the majestic Sahyadris, these adjacent hill stations are best visited during the monsoons.
Lonavala derives its name from the Sanskrit word lonavli, which means caves. The hill station is blessed with magnificent caves such as Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves. You can also visit Lohagadh and go on a trek, or simply go to the Lohagadh Fort for a picnic. Other popular spots include Pavana Lake, Tikona Fort, Lion’s Point, Tiger’s Leap, Duke’s Nose, and Bhaja Caves.
Matheran (83 km away)
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Matheran prides itself on being the only pedestrian hill station in Asia. Perched at a height of 2,636 ft above sea level in the Western Ghats, Matheran rewards travellers with its thick cover of evergreen forest, which makes the hill station a paradise for walkers.
The quaint hill station was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, Collector of Thane District in 1850. Enjoy splendid views after a refreshing trek to Panorama Point, take nature walks to Hart Point and Monkey Point, watch sunsets from Porcupine Point, go trekking, and savour some chikkiland, a caramel confection.
From Bengaluru
Mysuru (143 km away)
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A scenic bus ride from Bengaluru’s Majestic Bus Stand takes you to the city of silk, sandalwood, palaces, and horse carriages. Mysuru is the cultural capital of Karnataka and has lent its name to some iconic products over the years. The city can be visited on a day trip. Start with the Mysore Palace, which was built in 1897 and continues to be the most enduring landmark of the city.
Head to Nazarbad and treat yourself to the iconic Mylari Dosa. Get some Mysore Pak packed from a nearby shop and head to St. Philomena’s Church. If your budget allows, you can also shop for Mysore Silk sarees at the stores opposite the church. Your last stop can be Brindavan Gardens. Built on the banks of River Cauvery, this garden also has boating facilities.
Ooty (265 km away)
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Nestled against the backdrop of the Nilgiris’ highest peak Doddabetta, Ootacamund, or Ooty as it is more popularly called is an all-time favourite hill station of Indians. In Ooty, Raj-era buildings team up with traditional houses to offer an unparalleled old-school charm. Ooty leaves you enchanted by its incredibly blue skies, verdant hills, rolling green valleys, and dense forests of eucalyptus, conifers, and pines.
Lush mist-laden coffee and tea plantations bless Ooty’s majestic landscape too. The erstwhile summer retreat of the Britishers is best explored by the popular Ooty Toy Train. A budget itinerary for Ooty can include Government Rose Garden, Government Botanical Garden, St. Stephen’s Church, Ooty Lake, and Kalhatti Falls.
From Kolkata
Digha (182 km away)
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Can’t afford to make a trip to Darjeeling or Sikkim anytime soon? Give the pristine beach town of Digha a chance. This seaside destination will satiate all hankerings for a tropical vacation and is budget-friendly. Digha has a coastline that extends for up to seven kilometres and has she-oak (casuarina) trees dotted along with it.
Both sunrise and sunset here are a sight to behold, and a typical itinerary involves swimming, taking leisurely walks by the beach, visiting sharks and sea snakes at the Marine Station, and exploring Amarabati Park. Beach hopping from New Digha beach to Udaipur beach, Shankarpur beach, and Talsari beach is recommended as well.
Mandarmani (171 km away)
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Another budget trip you can make from Kolkata is the one to Mandarmani. Roads lined with paddy fields and ponds and the vista of rural Bengal whooshing by leads you to this serene beach which is hailed as ‘India’s Longest Motorable Beach’.
Even though there are a host of fun activities you could do here, laying back and drinking away the almost incantatory vibe of this haven is an option preferred by many. Mandarmani or Mandarmoni as the Bengalis pronounce it is the apt spot for witnessing the sunrise on the horizon.
Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock
