Introduction
Traveling abroad doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. For Indian travelers, there are several cheap countries to visit from India that offer incredible experiences at affordable costs. Whether you’re a student, a solo traveler, or planning a family trip, these destinations provide a mix of culture, history, adventure, and natural beauty—all without draining your wallet.
When I first started exploring budget-friendly international destinations, I realized that with a little planning, even luxurious experiences like island hopping, trekking, or cultural tours could fit into a modest budget. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experiences, travel tips, and practical details—including flight costs, visa requirements, top attractions, food experiences, and daily budgets—so you can plan your next trip confidently.
From bustling markets in Thailand to serene monasteries in Bhutan, this guide covers 10 of the most affordable countries for Indian travelers in 2026, making it easy to pick your next adventure.
1. Thailand – The Classic Budget Destination
Thailand has been a top choice for budget international trips from India due to its proximity, low living costs, and vibrant culture.
Why Visit: Thailand is a paradise for both first-time and seasoned travelers. Whether it’s exploring Bangkok’s ornate temples, partying in Pattaya, or soaking in the tropical beaches of Phuket, there’s something for everyone. One of the top cheap countries to visit from India, Thailand is perfect for budget travelers seeking culture, beaches, and adventure
Visa Details: Indians can get a Visa on Arrival for 15 days (approx. ₹4,000).
Top Attractions:
- Bangkok Temples: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun
- Chiang Mai: Old town, night markets, and Doi Suthep temple
- Beaches: Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands
Food Experiences: Thai street food is a highlight—Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Mango Sticky Rice are must-tries. Vegetarian options are widely available, and most places are budget-friendly.
Average Daily Budget: ₹2,000–₹3,000/day (USD 25–35)
Travel Tips:
- Use public transport or Grab taxis to save money
- Visit during November–March for pleasant weather
- Explore night markets for cheap souvenirs and food
2. Vietnam – Culture, Nature, and Budget-Friendly Living
Vietnam offers rich history, scenic landscapes, and extremely affordable travel for Indians.
Why Visit: From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam combines cultural exploration with natural beauty at low costs. Vietnam is among the cheap countries to visit from India, offering stunning landscapes and rich history at affordable costs.
Visa Details: Indian travelers can apply for a 30-day e-Visa ($25, ~₹2,000).
Top Attractions:
- Ha Long Bay: Stunning limestone islands
- Hoi An Ancient Town: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum
Food Experiences: Street food is cheap and delicious. Try Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), Banh Mi (sandwich), and local spring rolls.
Average Daily Budget: ₹1,500–₹2,500/day
Travel Tips:
- Travel by local buses or trains
- Best time: March–May, September–November
- Bargain in markets to save extra
3. Nepal – Neighboring Paradise
Nepal is the ultimate cheap country to visit from India, especially for nature lovers and trekkers.
Why Visit: Nepal offers Himalayan treks, serene lakes, and spiritual experiences just a short flight or road trip from India. One of the cheapest countries to visit from India, Nepal attracts travelers with its Himalayan treks and spiritual experiences.
Visa Details: No visa required for Indian citizens—just a government ID.
Top Attractions:
- Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa
- Pokhara: Phewa Lake, adventure sports
- Trekking: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit
Food Experiences: Traditional Nepali food like momo, dal bhat, and sel roti is cheap and delicious. Indian food is also widely available in tourist areas.
Average Daily Budget: ₹1,000–₹2,000/day
Travel Tips:
- Best time: October–December, March–April
- Local buses are cheap; taxis for convenience
- Carry cash, especially in mountain regions
4. Sri Lanka – Beaches, Culture, and History
Sri Lanka is just an hour away from South India and offers a great mix of culture, beaches, and history.
Why Visit: Its close proximity, low cost of living, and rich biodiversity make it perfect for a budget trip. Sri Lanka ranks as a cheap countries to visit from India, where you can enjoy beaches, tea plantations, and heritage sites on a budget
Visa Details: E-Visa required ($20, ~₹1,600)
Top Attractions:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Galle Fort
- Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations
- Bentota & Mirissa Beaches
Food Experiences: Rice and curry, kottu, hoppers, and fresh seafood are cheap and widely available.
Average Daily Budget: ₹2,000–₹3,000/day
Travel Tips:
- Best time: December–April for beaches
- Use trains and buses for scenic travel
- Local markets offer souvenirs at good rates
5. Indonesia (Bali) – Tropical Island on a Budget
Bali is a dream destination that is surprisingly affordable for Indian travelers.
Why Visit: Bali combines tropical beaches, lush rice terraces, and rich culture in one destination, making it perfect for affordable international trips from India. Bali, Indonesia is one of the most affordable cheap countries to visit from India, famous for tropical beaches, rice terraces, and cultural experiences.
Visa Details: Free visa for 30 days
Top Attractions:
- Ubud: Rice terraces, art markets
- Seminyak: Beaches and nightlife
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Food Experiences: Local warungs serve meals under ₹200, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Average Daily Budget: ₹2,000–₹3,500/day
Travel Tips:
- Best time: April–October
- Rent scooters to save on transport
- Visit temples early morning to avoid crowds
6. Bhutan – Land of Happiness
Bhutan is perfect for Indians seeking culture, spirituality, and pristine nature.
Why Visit: Known as the happiest country in the world, Bhutan is budget-friendly for Indians due to special travel allowances and no visa requirement. Bhutan is one of the cheap countries to visit from India, offering serene monasteries, stunning valleys, and unique Himalayan culture
Visa Details: Indians do not require a visa; permit required for tourist activities
Top Attractions:
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
- Thimphu: National Memorial Chorten, weekend market
- Punakha Dzong and valley
Food Experiences: Ema Datshi (chili cheese), momos, and local rice dishes are inexpensive. Indian restaurants are available in larger towns.
Average Daily Budget: ₹1,500–₹2,500/day
Travel Tips:
- Best time: March–May, September–November
- Use local buses to explore towns
- Respect local customs and monasteries
7. Maldives – Affordable Island Escape
Maldives doesn’t have to be luxury-only; budget travelers can enjoy guesthouses and local islands.
Why Visit: Stunning beaches, snorkeling, and marine life make Maldives a top cheap countries to visit from India if you plan wisely.
Visa Details: Free 30-day visa for Indians
Top Attractions:
- Maafushi Island: Guesthouses and local experiences
- Snorkeling & Diving: Coral reefs and marine life
- Male City: Culture, markets, mosques
Food Experiences: Local seafood, rice, and curries are cheap on inhabited islands.
Average Daily Budget: ₹3,000–₹4,500/day
Travel Tips:
- Best time: November–April
- Avoid resort-only packages; local islands are cheaper
- Use ferries for inter-island travel
8. Malaysia – Modern City Meets Nature
Malaysia offers a mix of cities, beaches, and culture at low costs.
Why Visit: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi provide affordable international experiences for Indians. Malaysia is one of the cheap countries to visit from India, blending modern cities, scenic islands, and affordable local cuisine.
Visa Details: E-visa (~₹3,500)
Top Attractions:
- Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Towers, Batu Caves
- Penang: Street food heaven, George Town heritage
- Langkawi: Beaches and cable car
Food Experiences: Malaysian street food is cheap and diverse. Indian restaurants are also available in KL and Penang.
Average Daily Budget: ₹2,000–₹3,000/day
Travel Tips:
- Best time: November–March
- Use metro and buses for budget transport
- Stay in hostels or Airbnb
9. UAE (Dubai) – Luxury Without Overspending
Dubai can be affordable if you plan well. Dubai in UAE is among the cheap countries to visit from India, where you can enjoy iconic landmarks without overspending.
Why Visit: Iconic skyscrapers, desert safaris, and malls—UAE is a modern and accessible destination for Indians.
Visa Details: Tourist visa (~₹6,500)
Top Attractions:
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall & Fountain
- Desert Safari
- Old Dubai & Souks
Food Experiences: Street shawarmas, Indian eateries, and affordable buffets are common.
Average Daily Budget: ₹3,000–₹4,500/day
Travel Tips:
- Best time: November–March
- Use metro for cheap travel
- Book desert safari online for discounts
10. Turkey – Culture, History, and Affordable Europe
Turkey is perfect for Indians seeking budget European experiences.Turkey is one of the cheap countries to visit from India, offering rich history, unique landscapes, and affordable experiences across Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Why Visit: Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale offer culture, adventure, and beauty at a fraction of European costs.
Visa Details: E-visa ($50, ~₹4,100)
Top Attractions:
- Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
- Cappadocia: Hot air balloons, cave houses
- Pamukkale: Thermal pools and terraces
Food Experiences: Street food (kebabs, simit) and local Turkish cuisine are cheap. Indian food is available in Istanbul.
Average Daily Budget: ₹2,500–₹4,000/day
Travel Tips:
- Best time: April–June, September–October
- Use local buses or trams for budget travel
- Stay in guesthouses for cheap lodging
Cost Comparison Table (₹ INR Approx.)
| Country | Flight (Round Trip) | Visa Cost | Avg. Daily Budget | 5-Day Trip Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 12k–18k | 4k | 2.5k/day | 40k–50k |
| Vietnam | 15k–22k | 2k | 2k/day | 35k–45k |
| Nepal | 6k–10k | Free | 1.5k/day | 20k–25k |
| Sri Lanka | 8k–12k | 1.6k | 2.5k/day | 30k–35k |
| Indonesia | 18k–25k | Free | 3k/day | 45k–55k |
| Bhutan | 10k–15k | Free | 2k/day | 30k–35k |
| Maldives | 12k–18k | Free | 3.5k/day | 40k–50k |
| Malaysia | 12k–20k | 3.5k | 2.5k/day | 40k–50k |
| UAE | 12k–20k | 6.5k | 4k/day | 50k–60k |
| Turkey | 25k–35k | 4.1k | 3k/day | 60k–70k |
FAQs- cheap countries to visit from India
Q1: What are the cheapest countries to visit from India in 2026?
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bhutan are the most budget-friendly options.
Q2: Which countries are visa-free for Indian passport holders?
Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia (short stay), Maldives, and a few Caribbean nations.
Q3: Can I travel abroad from India under ₹50,000?
Yes, destinations like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam can easily be explored under ₹50,000 for a 5-day trip.
Q4: Which country is cheapest for a honeymoon from India?
Bali, Sri Lanka, and Maldives offer affordable honeymoon packages which makes it on of the cheap counties to visit from India .
Q5: What are the best budget-friendly international trips from India for students?
Nepal, Vietnam, and Thailand are safe, cheap, and convenient for student travelers.
Disclaimer
All costs, visa fees, and travel information are indicative as of 2026 and may vary depending on season, currency exchange rates, and airline fares. Please check official sources before booking flights or accommodations.
Discover More Travel Gems
While exploring cheap countries to visit from India, why not add a few standout destinations that promise unforgettable experiences? From modern cities to mountain escapes, these spots perfectly complement budget-friendly trips.
Singapore is a city that dazzles at every turn. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands skyline to the vibrant streets of Little India and Chinatown, it’s a blend of culture, cuisine, and futuristic charm. Street food at hawker centers keeps your wallet happy, while attractions like Gardens by the Bay offer low-cost, high-impact experiences. For a complete guide, check Places to Visit in Singapore 2026.
London offers history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Walk past Big Ben, explore Covent Garden, or enjoy free museums like the British Museum—all without overspending. It’s a city where even budget travelers can enjoy world-class experiences and soak in the vibrant energy of Europe.
And then there’s Almaty, Kazakhstan, a hidden gem that combines stunning nature and city life. From Big Almaty Laketo skiing at Shymbulak, the city offers adventure, culture, and affordability in one package. For insider tips on Almaty tourist attractions, timings, and costs, see Places to Visit in Almaty 2026.
Mixing destinations like Singapore, London, and Almaty with your cheap countries to visit from India creates a travel experience that’s diverse, exciting, and unforgettable. Whether you’re tasting street food, exploring landmarks, or hiking in alpine landscapes, these trips prove that incredible memories don’t always need a big budget.
#best budget friendly countries to visit from india #best places to visit outside india in low budget
