Holidays under 10k This January for an Exciting Start to the Year

It’s always a good idea to start the new year on a happy note! And by that we mean a year in which you take in new experiences and visit new places. Handpicked below are some pocket-friendly ideas on how you can start the new year travelling! 

1. Alleppey

Distance from Bengaluru: 596 kilometers

Known as the “Venice of the East”, this coastal city is great to start the year with. Its tranquil backwaters, beautiful white sand beaches, picturesque canals and lagoons are ideal for both a romantic escape, and a relaxed holiday with friends or family. A ferry ride on the backwaters is a must for the best experience of Alleppey.

Make it Happen:

Hotel: Rs.2,000 per night or less. Choose between Alleppey Prince Hotel, Trium Resort, and Dazzle Dew. If you’re willing to go beyond your budget, stay in a houseboat for the best of luxuries amidst the calm of the waves.

Book Your Stay at Dazzle Dew AlleppeyBook Your Stay at Dazzle Dew Alleppey

Food: Rs.1,000 per day. Try local dishes such as karimeen (a Keralan style fish curry), Kerala masala crabs, sardine fish curry and more at Cassia, Chakara, and the Thaff Delicacy.

Travel: Up to Rs.1,500 return ticket from Bengaluru. Choose from a number of overnight train options available.

Total cost for 2 nights 3 days: Rs.4,000 (hotel) + Rs.2,000 (food) + Rs.1,500 (travel) + Rs.1,000 (shopping, miscellaneous) = Rs.8,500

2. Jaipur

Distance from Delhi: 268 kilometers

January is the ideal time to explore the rich heritage and culture of Jaipur. This Pink City is sure to charm you with its magnificent fortresses and palaces, beautiful gardens, vibrant fairs and a spectacular array of handicrafts. January is also the time for the annual Jaipur Literary Festival, which sees writers, historians and great minds come together from across the world for talks, book readings, performances and more. This much-awaited celebration is to be held from 19^th to 23^rd January 2017.

Make it Happen:

Hotel: Rs.1,300 per night. From budget hotels to heritage resorts, Jaipur offers a range of accommodation options. Try Hotel Jai Singh Palace, Hotel Amer View or Treebo Aroma Residency.

Book Your Stay at Jai Singh Palace JaipurBook Your Stay at Jai Singh Palace Jaipur

Food: Rs.1,500 per day. The traditional Rajasthani thali is a must have for its delectable local dishes and flavours. Do try dal baati churma, laal maas, kachoris, and ghevar. Jaipur is a paradise for street food lovers as well. The well-known Lakshmi Mishthan Bhandar offers both authentic food and street food delights.

Travel: Up to Rs.2,000 return train fare from Delhi. There are a number of train options to choose from, for a convenient 5-hour journey from Delhi.

Total cost for 2 nights 3 days: Rs.2,600 (hotel) + Rs.3,000 (food) + Rs.2,000 (travel) + Rs.1,000 (shopping, miscellaneous) = Rs.8,600

3. Pondicherry

Distance from Chennai: 173 kilometers

If you’re looking for a calm and peaceful break, Pondicherry is the place for you. This former French colony offers a unique blend of Indian and French influences in its character, landscapes, buildings, and cuisines. Its tranquil beaches and backwaters, tree-lined avenues, colonial structures, heritage buildings, and religious sites, attract a large number of Indian and foreign tourists every year. Also considered to be a yoga retreat, Pondicherry hosts the International Yoga Festival from 4^th to 7^th January every year.

Make it Happen:

Hotel: Rs.1,500 per night. Try the conveniently located and budget-friendly Hotel Jayaram, Hotel Ramana Residency or Hotel Abi Krishna.

Book Your Stay at Hotel Ramana Residency Pondicherry

Food: Rs.1,500 per day. Owing to French influences, there are a number of good seafood restaurants, French eateries, cafes, and bakeries like the Indian Kaffe Express, Villa Shanti, Café Xtasi and more.

Travel: Rs.1,000 return trip by bus from Chennai. A number of AC Sleeper buses offer a comfortable 3-hour journey to Pondicherry.

Total cost for 2 nights 3 days: Rs.3,000 (hotel) + Rs.3,000 (food) + Rs.1,000 (travel) + Rs.1,000 (shopping, miscellaneous) = Rs.8,000

4. Bhubaneswar

Distance from Kolkata: 438 kilometers

This ‘Temple City’ offers a spectacular display of ancient sites and religious structures. Regardless of what religion you adhere to, its fascinating collection of temples, caves, and fine stone carvings is sure to captivate the senses. In addition to these holy excursions, take a dip in the Atri hot water springs, explore the many museums of Bhubaneswar, and check out artisans villages like Pipli for their handicrafts.

Make it Happen:

Hotel: Rs.1,500 per night. We recommend Hotel Urmee for its prime location and good facilities at a great price.

Book Your Stay at Hotel Urmee BhubaneswarBook Your Stay at Hotel Urmee Bhubaneswar

Food: Rs.1,000 per day. Traditional Oriya fare, street food, and seafood delicacies- there’s a lot to try in Bhubaneswar. Head to Kanika for authentic dalma, chenna poda and seafood, and to Rajmahal Square and Sahoo Chat for street food.

Travel: Rs.2,000 round trip from Kolkata. (Bus journey from Kolkata to Cuttack, and then cab to Bhubaneswar)

Total cost for 2 nights 3 days: Rs.3,000 (hotel) + Rs.2,000 (food) + Rs.2,000 (travel) + Rs.1,000 (shopping, miscellaneous) = Rs.8,000

5. Gir

Distance from Ahmedabad: 345 kilometers

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts and forest explorers! Head to Gir this January, for an exciting start to the year. The 1400 sq km Gir National Park is the last abode of the majestic Asiatic lion. So pick up your binoculars and travel gear, and grab your chance to catch sight of this endangered species. In addition, one might also spot the wild boar, striped hyena, spotted deer, chousingha (four-horned antelope), and porcupine.

Make it Happen:

Hotel: Rs.1,500 per night. There are a number of budget-friendly hotels near the park. We recommend Hotel Leo for a comfortable and convenient stay.

Book Your Stay in Gir

Food: Rs.1,000 per day. When in Gujarat, the Gujarati thali, kadhi, dhokla, and desserts like shrikhand and dudhpak are a must try.

Travel: Up to 1,500 one way. A 7-hour overnight bus journey from Ahmedabad to Talala, then a taxi to Gir. For a group of 4-5 people, driving from Ahmedabad to Gir is also a convenient option.

Total cost for 2 nights 3 days: Rs.3,000 (hotel) + Rs.2,000 (food) + Rs.3,000 (travel) + Rs.1,000 (shopping, miscellaneous) = Rs.9,000

All prices mentioned above may vary