Top 10 Holidays In Your Budget For 2016

Looking to plan some budget holidays for next year? Take a look at these budget-friendly locations for visiting in 2016, without breaking the bank!

Mumbai

Do you think that ‘Mumbai’ and ‘budget’ do not go together? Well, think again. Take the ferry out to Elephanta caves or visit the Banganga tank where history and mythology come together. Walk around South Mumbai admiring its British architecture or feast on the ubiquitous vada pav or paani puri. Head to Marine Drive in the night and you'll remember the experience for long. Mumbai is home to inexpensive local train, countless budget hotels, local but delicious food options, and of course glitz and glamour. Need you think more?

 

Thimpu

If you’d like to escape from from the hustle and bustle of a big city, make your way to Thimpu, Bhutan. With its soaring mountains in the backdrop and verdant valleys, Thimpu inspires a meditative state of mind. Visit one of the many monasteries and museums or check out the local markets. Having booked your flight and local transport, you can book hotels on your own and do things you've never done before without burning a hole in your pocket.

Kathmandu

The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is also a great place to holiday any time of the year. The capital city of Kathmandu has a colourful character that is quite unique. If you’d like to tempt lady luck, visit one of the many casinos in the city and try your hand at some blackjack or poker. Who knows, you might just rake in the moolah and have enough for your next vacation! What ever you win or not win, Nepal will remain a beautiful and affordable holiday destination.

Shimla

Holidays in the mountains have their own charm. And the popularity of the lovely hill town of Shimla is the proof. Walk down the Mall, shop for local handicrafts and take in the colonial architecture. Whether you visit Shimla with friends or head there this summer with family, appreciate the natural beauty and the colonial charm, preferably from one of the hill cafes that serve amazing food at modest prices.

Diu

The beach resort town of Diu is truly an island paradise, connected to mainland Gujarat by a creek. There are several beaches here where you can go swimming, surfing or parasailing. Or, if you prefer, just laze around on the beach with a book. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Kovala

Fancy spending peaceful days in the backwaters of Kerala? Head to Kovalam with its pristine beaches and indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at one of the resorts. Or take a short trip to nearby Alleppey for the unique experience of staying on a houseboat. While Kovalam might very well be the costliest destination on this list, the beauteous and memorable experiences that it offers are almost unparalleled in India.

 

Jaisalmer

Beyond hills and beaches, if you wish to spend a night under the stars with nothing around, plan a visit to the desert city of Jaisalmer. Go on a camel safari to the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. There are several camps that offer economical overnight camping with meals and cultural performances in the middle of the desert. Remember to pack warm as nights in the desert are biting cold. Whether you stay in the desert or in the walled city, accommodation is very cost effective. So is travelling in the local auto-rickshaws (and not cabs) and dining in various cafes (and not fancy restaurants) reserving delicious food.

Coorg

This 2016, promise yourself to spend a few days on a coffee plantation in Coorg (Kodagu). A short distance from both Bengaluru and Mysore, this is a perfect getaway for those staying around the western ghats. Walk amidst the coffee plantations sporting ripening red berries and visit an elephant orphanage for some quality time with the playful pachyderms.

Havelock

A ferry ride from the island city of Port Blair, Havelock is home to one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches, the Radhanagar Beach. A holiday here with your beloved, though comparable to Kerala in expenses, is equally mesmerizing, if not more. Book a good resort and bargain for a complimentary night. Cut down your expenses for a few months or don’t go shopping for some time. Do whatever it takes to visit the beautiful Havelock Island. While snorkeling among the colourful corels of Radhanagar, you will thank me for this advice.

Goa

Goa retains its crown as the party capital of India. A holiday in Goa has its own charm with several hotels and cafes and regions meeting your budget and preferences. You can save a fortune by booking a homestay or B&B or even staying in a shack and venturing to areas off the tourist radar to get a local flavour of the city. Instead of booking a cab for local travelling, rent a bike and you'd have done Goa on a shoestring.

MakeMyTrip has packages for all these destinations. If you like to plan things on your own, book your flight or train tickets today and make 2016 a memorable travel year!