When it comes to planning vacations, there are two kinds of people - one of those who plan well in advance and get the best deals in the bargain, while the other ones remain undecided till the very last moment, only to discover that the flight and hotel prices have gone through the roof. If you’re one of the latter, we bring to you a list of destinations that are not only perfect for summer, but also ideal for your last minute budget holiday. Here you go. Thank us later.
The land of peaceful monasteries, Lahaul and Spiti are quiet and untouched twin villages popular among trekkers and hikers. Lately Spiti has gained immense popularity as a road trip destination as well—a perfect destination for the unbearable summer months.
Best from: Delhi (445 km away)
Make it Happen:
Hotel: Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000 per day* (approx.) - pick from hotels like Hotel Neema Regency.
Book Your Stay at Hotel Neema RegencyBook Your Stay at Hotel Neema Regency
Food: Rs. 1,000 per day per head* (approx.) - pick from restaurants like Sol Café, Taste of Spiti, The Himalayan Cafe, and Cafe Kunzum Top.
Transport: Rs. 500 per day* (approx) (Tip- Book a bus, especially if you are travelling in a group).
Total Cost for 3 Days | |
---|---|
Stay | Rs. 4,500- Rs. 6,000 |
Food | Rs. 3000 |
Transfers | Rs. 1500 |
Total | Rs. 9000 to 10,500* |
Read more: Best Hotels in Leh: 3 for Every Budget
If you’re dreaming of gushing waterfalls, calm lakes, lush hills and scenic vistas of valleys, head to Kodaikanal in Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu. A popular escape in South India, the hill town is an ideal retreat to beat the heat of the metros. Take a hike (called Coaker’s Walk), cycle around the Kodai Lake, or explore the Pillar Rocks—the hill town makes for a refreshing weekend break.
Best from: Madurai (110 km), Bengaluru (400 km), Chennai (426 km) by road.
Make it Happen:
Hotel: Rs. 1100 – 2000 per day* (approx.) A few good options are Hotel Wood Palace, Hotel Hilltop Towers, Hotel Sivapriya, Hotel Green Park and La Flora Highland Paradise Resort.
Book Your Stay at Hotel Wood PalaceBook Your Stay at Hotel Wood Palace
Food: Rs. 1,000 per day per head* (approx.) Restaurants like Eden Paradise, Rasoi, and Cloud Street serve a variety of cuisines.
Transport: Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per day* for taxis, depending on the number of spots and duration of hire.
Total cost for 3 days: Rs. 3300 – Rs. 6000 (stay) + Rs. 3,000 (food) + Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 3000 (transfers) = Rs. 7800 – 12000* per person.
Total Cost for 3 Days | |
---|---|
Stay | Rs. 3300 to 6000 |
Food | Rs. 3000 |
Transfers | Rs. 1500 to 3000 |
Total | Rs. 7800 to 12000* |
Kalimpong—the less-explored neighbour of Darjeeling—is full of lovely sights and sounds, hills and monasteries and is a delight for travellers who love discovering the undiscovered. Going by its offbeat destination status (which is becoming popular rapidly), it is still one of the best options for a budget holiday in the Eastern Himalayas.
Best from: Kolkata (623.9 km away)
Make it Happen:
Hotel: Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 2,500 per day* (approx) – pick from hotels like Dhardo Retreat And Resort and Hotel Garden Reach.
Book Your Stay at Hotel Garden ReachBook Your Stay at Hotel Garden Reach
Food: Rs. 1,000 per day per head* (approx) – pick from restaurants like Paris Kalimpong, Café Rafuel, Art Cafe, The Soods Garden Retreat and Oaklee Home Restaurant.
Transport: Rs. 500 per day* (approx) (Tip- use public transport like tempos, auto-rickshaws and micro-buses).
Total Cost for 3 Days | |
---|---|
Stay | Rs. 4500 to 7000 |
Food | Rs. 3000 |
Transfers | Rs. 1500 |
Total | Rs.9000 to 12000* |
The snow-clad Himalayas, the Naini Lake which is said to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, and the beautiful trek to China peak all combine to make Nainital one of the most popular hill stations in the country. Visit the place for its beautiful vistas, lush green valleys and ancient temples like Naina Devi and Hanuman Garhi.
Best from: Delhi (285 km away)
Make it Happen:
Hotel in and around Nainital: Rs. 1,000- Rs. 2,500 per day* (approx) - pick from hotels like Akansha Resort Bhimtal or Maya Regency, Bhimtal.
Book Your Stay at Maya RegencyBook Your Stay at Maya Regency
Food: Rs. 1,000 per day per head* (approx) - try restaurants like Sakley’s Restaurant and Pastry Shop, Machan, Cafe Chica, and Boat House Club.
Transport: Rs. 500 per day* (approx) (Tip- You could hire a cab, taxi or a bus for a fixed period of time from a local taxi stand)
Total Cost for 3 Days | |
---|---|
Stay | Rs. 3000 to 7500 |
Food | Rs. 3000 |
Transfers | Rs. 1500 |
Total | Rs.7500 to 12000* |
Read more: 5 Star Escapades in Your City Under 5k
After all what is summer without adventure activities! Kamshet, a lovely hamlet in Maharashtra is famous throughout India for its position as a paragliding hotspot. Head here if you want to indulge your adventurous side this summer. There are paragliding schools here with experienced trainers who shall make your paragliding experience extremely easy and fun. Its proximity to Lonavla and Khandala also make it a quick weekend getaway escape.
Best from: Pune (51.9 km away)
Make it Happen:
Hotel: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,500 per day* (approx.) – pick from hotels like Hotel Sai Niwas, Serenity Resort, Ferreira Resort, and Om Palace.
Food: Rs. 1,000 per day per head* (approx) - pick from restaurants like Rama Krishna, The Kinara Village Dhabha, and Trikaya Retreat.
Transport: Rs. 500 per day* (approx). (Tip- use public transport like tempos, taxis, and micro-buses).
Total cost for 3 days: Rs. 3,000 - Rs. 7,500 (stay) + Rs. 3,000 (food) + Rs. 1,500 (transfers) = Rs. 7,500 – Rs. 12,000* per person.
Total Cost for 3 Days | |
---|---|
Stay | Rs. 3000 to 7500 |
Food | Rs. 3000 |
Transfers | Rs. 1500 |
Total | Rs.7500 to 12000* |
*Prices may vary in peak seasons.
Gurmeet Kaur Follow
Gurmeet is a media graduate who spent most of her school and college life anchoring and taking part in theater. She really enjoys writing blogs, documentaries, poetry and plays. She loves to travel and learn about different cultures and lifestyles and wishes to inspire others through her writing.
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