If you love international travel but are on a tight budget, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll show you how and where to travel the world without spending a fortune. Traveling abroad on a budget is now easier than ever, especially for Indian travelers, provided they plan smartly and choose the right time. In this guide, I’ll tell you about 10 of the cheapest countries to travel from India. Each country listed below has been evaluated based on affordable flights, daily travel expenses, ease of obtaining a visa, and overall value for money.
Whether you’re a student, a backpacker, a couple, or traveling with family, this list will give you plenty of inspiration for international travel without breaking the bank.
Table of contents
How I Picked These Destinations
Before we look at the list, let’s understand how to choose the cheapest countries to travel from India:
- Flight costs: Based on average round-trip airfares from major Indian cities.
- Visa friendliness: There should be ease of obtaining a visa or visa-free access for Indian passport holders.
- Daily expenses: Calculate all the costs, including local food, accommodation, and transportation.
- Overall travel value: It should offer cultural experiences, natural beauty, and easy accessibility.
10 Cheapest Countries to Travel from India
Here is a complete list of the 10 cheapest countries to travel to from India, ranging from neighboring countries to lesser-known destinations in Asia and beyond:
1. Nepal
Nepal is one of the cheapest countries to travel from India, perhaps even the cheapest on this list. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly international trip, you should definitely consider going there. Besides being affordable, it’s also a very beautiful country to visit.
- Visa: Visa-free for Indian nationals.
- Why it’s cheap: Due to its proximity, travel costs are low. Food and accommodation are also quite inexpensive here.
- Highlights: Kathmandu’s temples, Pokhara’s lakes, and trekking around the Annapurna circuit.
Nepal is the perfect destination for mountain lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a memorable international trip on a budget.
2. Bangladesh
After Nepal, Bangladesh also ranks high on the list of affordable travel destinations. Thanks to low local expenses and cheap flights, it’s both a budget-friendly and beautiful destination.
- Visa: Easy to get a tourist visa.
- Why it’s cheap: Short flights, affordable food, and lodging.
- Highlights: Cox’s Bazar (the longest beach), the Sundarbans mangrove forest, and historic Dhaka.
This is one of the cheapest countries to travel from India for culture and beach lovers alike.
3. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka also ranks high among the cheapest countries to travel from India. If you want a budget-friendly trip that combines beaches, heritage, and wildlife, then Sri Lanka is the perfect choice for you.
- Visa: e-Visa or ETA (easy process).
- Why it’s cheap: Affordable local transport, accommodation, and food.
- Highlights: Galle, Kandy, Ella, and Bentota for scenic landscapes and culture.
Sri Lanka is perfect for first-time international travellers from India.
4. Thailand
Thailand is not only an affordable travel destination, but also a favorite among most Indians. Bangkok and Pattaya are particularly inexpensive and enjoyable places to visit. For these and many other reasons, it’s one of the cheapest and best countries for Indians to travel to.
- Visa: visa-on-arrival for Indians.
- Why it’s cheap: Budget airlines, street food on a low budget, affordable local travel, and inexpensive accommodation.
- Highlights: Bangkok’s street markets, Phuket’s beaches, Pattaya’s coral island, and Chiang Mai’s temples.
This is a popular destination in Southeast Asia that offers both comfortable and budget-friendly options.
Check out: Where to go in Thailand
5. Vietnam
Due to the low cost of accommodation and food, Vietnam is also among the cheapest countries to visit from India.
Vietnam is perfect for foodies and nature lovers who want a great experience on a low budget. If you are an enthusiast of nature, food, and architecture, you should definitely visit Vietnam.
- Visa: e-Visa available.
- Why it’s cheap: Local food and accommodation are extremely affordable.
- Highlights: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An’s historic charm.
Check out: Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
6. Indonesia
Indonesia (especially Bali) is also among the most affordable countries to travel to from India. While flights to Indonesia can be a bit expensive, accommodation, food, and activities there are quite cheap.
Here, you can experience everything from cultural richness to beautiful beaches, mountain views, and waterfalls. It’s also a great destination for honeymooning couples.
- Visa: Visa-on-arrival.
- Why it’s cheap: Guests can find hotels, scooters, and food for very low prices.
- Highlights: Bali’s beaches, Java’s temples, Ubud, Mount Batur.
Indonesia offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation without breaking the bank.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia is a mix of urban life and nature, and a budget-friendly country, making it one of the cheapest countries to travel to from India.
If you appreciate mountains, coastal plains, and architecture, then Malaysia is the best destination for you on a low budget. Along with its unique dishes, Malaysian cuisine reflects its multi-ethnic culture.
- Visa: e-Visa available.
- Why is it cheap: Inexpensive food, affordable accommodation, and good public transport.
- Highlights: Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang’s heritage streets.
This Southeast Asian destination is perfect for families and city explorers.
Checkout: Things to do in Kuala lumpur
8. Cambodia
Located between Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is a historically rich country. Since it’s not too far from India, flights are quite affordable, and the cost of living and food is also very low, making it one of the cheapest countries for budget-conscious Indian travelers.
Cambodia offers a blend of ancient wonders, profound history, and tropical relaxation. With the famous Angkor Wat temple and numerous other Hindu temples, it’s an ideal destination for Indian tourists.
- Visa: e-Visa available.
- Why it’s cheap: Low-cost food, affordable guesthouses, and affordable flights.
- Highlights: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap markets, Sihanoukville beaches.
If you like temples and ancient culture, you should definitely visit Cambodia.
9. Laos
Laos is often underestimated, but there’s no doubt it’s one of the cheapest countries to travel from India. If you love jungles, mountains, waterfalls, and natural beauty, then Laos is the perfect place for you. Here, you can rent a bicycle and leisurely enjoy the scenic views, go trekking, and explore mysterious caves.
- Visa: E-Visa or visa-on-arrival.
- Why it’s cheap: Daily expenses are among the lowest in Southeast Asia.
- Highlights: Luang Prabang’s riverside charm, Vang Vieng’s outdoor activities.
Laos offers peace, nature, and affordability all in one.
10. Philippines
The Philippines is an affordable and beautiful country, making it a great destination for Indian travelers on a budget. The smooth, maroon-colored sand, large islands, and hidden lagoons are simply mesmerizing. It’s very popular among divers, sunbathers, and adventure-seeking travelers.
- Visa: E-visa available.
- Why it’s cheap: Low daily expenses, affordable flights, and budget-friendly accommodations.
- Highlights: Palawan Lagoon, Boracay’s White Beach, and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
Budget Travel Tips
Here are some tips to make each of the 10 cheapest countries to travel from India even more affordable, which you can follow to make your trip more budget-friendly:
1. Book Early and Be Flexible
- Flights are significantly cheaper when booked 6–8 weeks in advance.
- Flights departing in the middle of the week are often cheaper than weekend flights.
2. Eat Local, Live Local
- Street food and local eateries are delicious and cheap, too.
- The cost of staying in guesthouses, hostels, and homestays is considerably lower.
3. Use Public Transportation
- Local buses and trains are much cheaper than private taxis in most countries.
4. Off-Season Travel
- Traveling during off-peak months (such as the shoulder season) often results in cheaper flights and hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal and Bhutan are among the cheapest countries to visit from India without a visa. Indian passport holders can enter Nepal without any restrictions, making it a very budget-friendly international destination with minimal travel formalities.
Yes, absolutely. There are some countries where traveling from India is quite affordable. You can travel cheaply to the countries mentioned in this article. By booking flights in advance, staying in budget accommodations, and eating local food, you can make your trip even more economical.
Yes, Southeast Asia is very affordable. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia consistently rank among the cheapest countries to travel to from India due to low food and accommodation costs and frequent, inexpensive flights.
Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), Sri Lanka, and Georgia are excellent destinations for couples. They are romantic, beautiful, and among the most affordable destinations to visit from India, making them perfect for a budget honeymoon or a couple’s getaway.
While Singapore is generally considered an expensive country, it can be budget-friendly if you plan wisely. With affordable flights, cheap food at hawker centers, free attractions, and budget-friendly accommodations, you can easily fit it into your budget.
Final Thoughts
My goal with this blog was to make world travel more affordable for you, and these 10 countries to visit from India prove just that. In this blog, I’ve shared some of the cheapest and best countries to visit, and I hope it helps you plan the most budget-friendly trips. With a mix of nearby neighboring countries, popular Southeast Asian destinations, and stunning Central Asian countries, there’s a destination here for every type of traveler and budget.
Whether it’s the serene mountains of Nepal, the tranquil riverside of Laos, the beaches of Thailand, or the cultural heritage of Cambodia, affordable international travel is within your reach. So start planning your next adventure today!
