First, meet this 28-year-old guy – Henrik Jeppesen- who visited 193 countries on a shoestring budget. He has breathed in the salty air of Maldivian beaches, witness Syria’s trauma, trekked through the rustic South African countryside and bathed in the culture of India. People like Henrik give us the courage to go out and explore the world – life is after all not only for work, paying bills and managing money, right?
Let’s check some of the offbeat Indian destinations where you can travel with a tight budget.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Rs. 300 / day & Awesome food at Rs.40
What’s so special about Zero?
Named a World Heritage Site for its stunning natural beauty, Ziro is rich in rice fields and it is surrounded by mountains that boast of pine trees. The wide range of flora and fauna seen here is mesmerising and soul captivating. Every angle of Ziro is spectacular and spending 2 days in this location will give you an unaffordable experience of nature.
How to reach Ziro
Tezpur airport is the closest airport and it is 280 km from Ziro. Ziro doesn’t have a railway station. Trains are also available from Tezpur. There are daily trains from Guwahati to Kathal Pukhuri costing around INR 750-1100. It takes 8 hrs to reach Kathal Pukhuri. If you want to explore some more, get a cab from Guwahati or Jorhat. Guwahati is 470 km from Ziro and it takes 7 hrs to travel.
Best time to travel : throughout the year
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh: Experience Paragliding & Explore The mini Switzerland of India
What’s so special about Khajjiar?
Referred to as ‘mini-Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, pastures & lakes. Along with enjoying the mesmerising nature, you can enjoy adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, zorbing and trekking.
How to reach :
The nearest airport is Gaggal airport Dharamsala at a distance of 122 km. Flights from Chandigarh and Delhi operate to Gaggal airport. Pathankot is the nearest railway station at a distance of 118 km. Trains from Ahmedabad, Bhatinda, Delhi, Hatia, Jammu, Udhampur, etc. run regularly to Pathankot. You can take a taxi from Pathankot to reach Khajjiar. Also, Khajjiar is well connected by road to all the major places in Himachal Pradesh. State owned buses from Chamba, Dalhousie & Shimla are available regularly to Khajjiar.
Best time to travel : throughout the year
Hemis, Jammu & Kashmir : The snow leopard’s home – Double Room @ Rs.150 & tents for 2 @ Rs.50
What’s so special?
The high altitude National Park is situated 40 km. southeast of Leh that extends over 600 sq. km. The climate is extreme and shows high fluctuations both on a daily and seasonal basis. If you’re lucky you’ll come to see some rare species like the bharal and the snow leopard over there. You can indulge in activities such as trekking to make the most of the royal and pristine scenic surroundings of Hemis.
How to reach
Leh airport the closest international airport and the nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi.
Shivanasamundram, Karnataka
What’s so special?
This hydropower project location but is more commonly known for its waterfalls. Literally signifies Lord Shiva’s Sea, this town with its rocky terrain and gushing waterfalls is a popular tourist destination.
How to reach?
Nearest airport is Bangalore and railway station is Mysore junction (81kms) & Bangalore City railway station (130 kms).
Dzongu – stay with local families and experience the Lepcha lifestyle
What’s so special?
Surrounded with panoramic views of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Dzongu is 70 kms away from Gangtok in North Sikkim. Dzongu is particularly rich in flora and fauna – you can visit the rich cardamom fields, go for village hikes or check out the cane bamboo bridge at Passingdon. Dzongu is reserved for the Lepchas, who live in relative isolation from the outside world with their own traditional practice and believe. Lepchas are so kind and warm hearted that you can stay at a Lepchas’s house if you want and learn how the Lepchas use medicinal plants for healing.
How to reach?
The nearest airport is Bagdogra and railway station is New Jalpaiguri. You can take a taxi up to Gangtok or directly to Dzongu from airport / railway station.
Frozen River Trek : Ladakh
What’s So Special?
Walking on a frozen river in -15 degree to -35 degree temperature itself is a special experience. Popularly known as ‘Chadar trek’, this is one of the most thrilling & glamorous treks in India.
Cherrapunji – Experience Rain, Trek & People
What’s So Special?
The only place in India to receive rain throughout the year, Cherrapunji is nestled in the East Khasi Hills- which is about 50 km southwest of the state’s capital, Shillong. Nature not only showers Cherrapunji with rain, but also has been fabulously generous to this place, which is evident from the scenic landscapes here.
How to reach?
Umroi Airport is the nearest major airport to Cherrapunji and Guwahati acts as the nearest railhead. Although it lies at a distance of 181 km from railway station, bus service or taxis can be availed from the locations easily.
Thalon cave
Mesmerizing Champhai
What’s So Special?
If you want to explore the best of India – Champhai in Mizoram is a must see. Champhai is a beautiful place with vivid tribal tradition, orchids and vibrant butterflies. Other than the enchanting surroundings, Champhai has a number of tourist attractions.
Lepakshi – Stay at a Budget Hotel or State-owned Guesthouse
What’s So Special?
If you’re a history & architecture enthusiast – then Lepakshi is a must visit for you. Located in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi is a trove of several fascinating archeological sites, Vijayanagari style of architecture and beautiful ancient temples. Apart from richly carved temples, the most striking feature of this village is a largest monolithic idol of Nandi in the entire subcontinent.