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The northern states of India are home to many tourist attractions, ranging from monuments to places of natural beauty and spiritual significance. Many of these places can be easily travelled to, despite the distance because of the cheap transport options and pocket-friendly food options that is available throughout the region. Travelling by road across the regions in North India is by itself a wonderful travel experience, and the food at many of the roadside Dhabas can come as a pleasant surprise!
If exploring the northern states of the country has been on your to-do list for a long time, here are the ten budget destinations you can head for right away. Pack your bags and head for the experience of your lifetime on a friendly budget to the below destinations in North India.
1. Mussoorie
Among the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is a great budget travel destination in North India. Transportation include bus, train and local taxis. You can manage transport, food and stay within Rs.1000 a day with some prior planning. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Mussoorie provides stunning views and other attractions such as the Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Cloud's End, Jwala Devi Temple and Lake Mist to name a few. Explore best hotel deals in Mussoorie here.
Snow-clad ridge in Mussoorie.
Photo Courtesy: Paul Hamilton
2. Tawang
A less explored travel destination in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is beautiful with its views of alpine peaks, monasteries and Buddhist monks. The many festivals and fairs that take place here are popular for its colourful gaiety. The locals known as Monpas are skilled craftsmen, and you can enjoy their exquisite arts and crafts. Budget hotels and lodges are available for cheap stays. Food options include noodles, momos, etc. and don't cost much. Attractions include the Sela Pass, Tawang monastery, Taktsang Monastery, etc. You can travel to Tezpur by rail and will require to travel by road to reach Tawang.
Snowy backdrop to the Tibetan peace flags fluttering in the wind.
Photo Courtesy: rajkumar1220
3. Mcleodganj
Located at a distance of 19 km from Kangra, the town of Mcleodganj is popular among travellers as the seat the Dalai Lama. The amazing sights the town provides, range from the scenic views of the surrounding mountains, the monks clad in traditional robes and lovely monasteries. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the town is a great option for budget travel in North India. There are budget hotels and estate stays to choose from. You can travel to Kangra by road or rail and proceed by bus to Mcleodganj. Attractions you can visit while staying here are; Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsunath Temple, etc.
Buddhist monastery in Mcleodganj.
Photo Courtesy: rajkumar1220
4. Tirthan
Located in Himachal Pradesh, not many travellers know about this quaint valley that is located in the buffer zone of the Great Himalayan National Park. It is among the destinations that are as far removed from the city as you can get, and the best deal is that it can be managed on a pocket-friendly budget. Getting here, however, is a bit of a challenge. You will need to board a 12-hour long bus journey from Delhi, combined with a short taxi ride to this scenic location. Getting its name from the Tirthan River, the valley holds many secrets for nature lovers. Explore, enjoy the simple meals and unpolluted surroundings. Budget homestays are available with meals for under Rs.1,000 a day.
A horse in the mystical forests of Himachal.
Photo Courtesy: Priyambada Nath
5. Varanasi
The popular religious destination of Varanasi, also referred to as the 'City of Temples' is a centre of cultural revelations and makes for an interesting budget destination. The various sights, sounds, fragrances and experiences that Varanasi located on the banks of holy River Ganges provides is a journey you must not miss! Explore the ghats and its many temples, including the popular Vishwanath Temple. Budget options are available for stay, food and transport.
The town of saints and sadhus.
Photo Courtesy: Lyle Vincent
6. Agra
People from across the world flock to Agra to see one of the most iconic symbols of India, the Taj Mahal. However, the place for all its magnificent monuments is a great pick for budget travel in the country. The many monuments offer great sightseeing options at nominal entry charges. Hotels include simple budget options and the food across local shops come at friendly rates. Transport to Agra includes many buses that charge nominal rates, however transport within the city requires negotiation to ensure travel within budget.
The stunning Taj Mahal bathed in the day's first light.
Photo Courtesy: Anurag Agnihotri
7. Manali
A popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a part of the Kullu district. It is famous for the scenic views of mountains, snow in winter, lush gardens and nature trails. Attractions include activities at Beas Kund, drive to Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, pilgrimage trip to Handima Temple and trying your hand at various adventure sports such as paragliding. You can reach Manali by train or bus. There are regular buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dharamsala and Pathankot to Manali. Food is also available at decent rates. Check budget stays here.
En-route to Snow Point in Manali.
Photo Courtesy: Asim Chaudhuri
8. Leh
The entry point to exploring the vast lands of Ladakh, Leh can be reached by air or road transport. Driving to Leh is by itself an unforgettable travel experience. The city of Leh offers many homestays and budget hotels to choose from. You can find a decent place for rates as cheap as Rs.500 per night. Food is cooked from home-grown produce and is healthy and delicious. Transport within Leh is primarily by walk or taxi. You can explore the city market, the monasteries, palace and stupas located at short distances around the city by foot. During the end of season months between September-October, the rates for stay, shopping and transport are cheap.
The beautiful Shanti Stupa in Leh.
Photo Courtesy: Claude Chauvin
9. Amritsar
Popular as a religious and spiritual destination in the country, Amritsar attracts more crowds at the Golden Temple in a single day than the Taj Mahal. A confluence of people from various cultures come to the temple to seek blessings. The city has various other attractions that include the lip-smacking Punjabi cuisine that surprisingly provides good quantities at decent rates. You can reach Amritsar by rail or road transport. Travel within the city can be made by bus, taxi or cycle-rickshaws. Check budget friendly hotel deals here.
The Golden Temple, an iconic symbol of spirituality.
Photo Courtesy: Jasleen Kaur
10. Kalsi
Kalsi, situated in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand is a beautiful getaway travel destination. It is also a great choice for those seeking budget travel ideas. Situated at the confluence of rivers Yamuna and Tons, the place boasts of various monuments, adventure sporting options and picnic sites. Trains are available to Kalsi from Dehradun, you can also travel by bus. Don't miss the Ashokan Rock Edict and Asan Barrage. If you are in the mood for adventure, visit the Dak Pathar for activities such as canoeing and water skiing. You can stay at budget hotels, and homestay options, the food at local restaurants are also well-priced.
The hidden treasure land of Kalsi.
Photo Courtesy: Tarun Chopra
