Posted 7 June 2022

Explore these top 6 budget vacation hubs in north India

A country replete with dramatic landscapes, breathtaking Himalayan peaks, unexplored terrains and scenic vistas, India ensures its travellers an unforgettable experience. And, if we talk about exploring the country’s northern region, there are a host of incredibly beautiful places, which are perfect for planning a memorable vacay without burning a hole in the pocket. From mesmerising monuments to beautiful temples to royal palaces, there is so much to explore in the northern part of India. Boasting diverse culture, scrumptious cuisines, colourful markets and adventurous activities, India’s northern part is considered to be a hot favourite amongst travellers from far and wide. So, if you are one of those who want to visit this part of India on a shoestring budget, let us be your ultimate guide and lead you to your perfect holiday spot.

1. Jaipur

Well-known as the Pink City, Jaipur is famous for its incredible heritage. From beautiful places to mesmerising lakes to alluring architecture, the capital city of Rajasthan offers a perfect blend of the old and the new. As Jaipur was ruled by Rajputs for a long period of time, the infrastructure of the city’s tourist places is an absolute reflection of their culture and glorious past. Oozing royalty, this beautiful city boasts a host of grand monuments, magnificent forts, heritage sites, museums, temples and wildlife zones. When planning a budget trip to the city, make sure you explore the princely forts and citadels, including Amer, Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts. Moreover, a trip to Jaipur is incomplete without exploring its gorgeous and regal palaces.

Explore Jaipur

City Palace, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal and Rambagh Palace are some of the must-visit places in Jaipur even if you want to explore the city while spending little money.
Paying a visit to temples in Jaipur, including Birla Mandir, Galtaji Temple and Akshardham Temple, is another way to explore the city without burning a hole in your pocket.
Sprawling green gardens, Sambhar Lake and Jantar Mantar are some of the other places, which you can visit for ensuring a pocket-friendly escape to the city.
Apart from these tourist attractions, Jaipur also boasts budget-friendly street food and affordable hostel stays, thus making it a perfect destination for exploring the city even on a tight budget.

Best time to visit Jaipur

The weather between October and March is pleasant and cool, which makes it suitable for visitors to explore the city without any hassle.

2. Agra

Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal, the enchanting city of Agra is a great option for all those who are looking forward to a budget vacation in North India. Hosting two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites, i.e., Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, the city is undoubtedly one of the most loved tourist destinations, and everything here can be experienced on a shoestring budget. Offering a perfect blend of architecture, romance and history, Agra boasts amazing sightseeing options that have nominal entry charges. Attracting travellers from far and wide on a regular basis, the city is dotted with landscaped gardens, mesmerising mausoleums, historic tombs and beautiful forts, which make for an awe-inspiring itinerary. You can explore this magnificent city for its regal architecture, delectable food and handicrafts, which have been attracting tourists over the years.

Must-visit attractions in Agra

Apart from the famous Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh and Itimad-ud-daulah's Tomb are some of the must-visit attractions. Travelling and accommodation in Agra are also not expensive, which make it even a more budget-friendly option for planning a memorable getaway.

Best time to visit Agra

December to February is a perfect time to visit Agra as you can enjoy the cool and pleasant weather, in addition to exploring the city’s various attractions.

3. Amritsar

One of the most-loved tourist attractions in India, Amritsar is well-known for being home to the breathtaking Golden Temple. Absolutely peaceful and serene, this city is amongst the most sacred places for Sikhs. From beautiful shrines to gastronomic food to lively bazaars to diverse historic sites, Amritsar is an ideal destination for travellers who want to travel without splurging a lot of money.

Explore Amritsar

Apart from visiting the Golden Temple, you can check out other tourist attractions at a nominal charge, which include Rambagh Garden, Jallianwalla Bagh and the Wagah Border.
Famous for beautiful temples like the Durgiana Temple and Shri Ram Tirth Temple, Amritsar is one of the ideal places to relish delectable food without burdening your pockets.
Featuring amazing eateries in narrow streets, you can look forward to tantalising your taste buds at pocket-friendly prices.
Moreover, shopping and travelling within the city also don’t cost you much, and you can easily explore the city without spending a bomb!

Best time to visit Amritsar

From October to December and February to March, the weather is quite pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

4. Jodhpur

An absolute treat for sore eyes, Jodhpur boasts natural beauty and architectural prowess. Also known as the Blue City of India, this enchanting city offers a host of options to tourists, right from shopping to sightseeing to unique food experiences to desert safaris, and that too without spending a huge amount of money. Apart from culture, tradition and rich history, Jodhpur has a lot to offer to its travellers, be it photography enthusiasts, backpackers, families or couples. Treating travellers with the magnificence of the past, Jodhpur is all about museums, gardens, forts, palaces and shrines.

Explore Jodhpur

If you are willing to travel to this beautiful city on a shoestring budget, make sure you visit the mesmerising Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada Monument and the Umaid Bhavan Palace. Mandore Gardens, Osian Temples and Raas Haveli are some other must-visit tourist attractions.
Apart from budget-friendly attractions, the food here is cheaper too. From mirchi ka pakoda to daal baati choorma to laal maas, you can enjoy a range of delicacies here at cheap prices.
As far as accommodation and travelling within the city are concerned, Jodhpur offers a variety of cost-effective options, thus making this city a perfect getaway option for even those who don’t want to spend a lot.

Best time to visit Jodhpur

Between November and February, the city witnesses pleasant weather, which makes these months ideal for sightseeing and exploring mesmerising forts.

5. Udaipur

Synonymous with royalty, grandeur, extravagance and heritage, Udaipur is another beautiful city located in North India, which can be explored even on a tight budget. From colourful marketplaces to breathtaking lakes to delicious dishes to regal architecture, this city has it all. Also known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur presents an eclectic blend of the old and the new, which makes it one of the most preferred getaway destinations in India.

Explore Udaipur

The City Palace and Fateh Sagar Lake are two of the star attractions in Udaipur, which are a must-visit during your trip to this city.
And, if you want to get a sneak peek of the Rajputana history and heritage, then Bagore Ki Haveli is your best bet! After you are done exploring the breathtaking palaces and lakes, make sure you visit the Vintage Car Museum, which showcases the antique automobiles.
Apart from visiting the beautiful lakes, temples and palaces, you can also head to the local bazaars to buy souvenirs at a cheap price.
Udaipur also offers budget-friendly accommodation and intra-city travel, which makes it one of the ideal tourist destinations without being a spendthrift.

Best time to visit Udaipur

The winter season is the best time to visit as the temperature remains quite comfortable for exploring this enchanting city.

6. Chandigarh

Are you looking forward to planning a pocket-friendly trip in North India during the long weekend? If yes, then Chandigarh can prove to be one of your safest bets! Being one of the few foremost planned cities of post-independent India, it has become a perennial holiday destination over a period of time. Offering a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, the city attracts travellers from far and wide. Boasting unparalleled architecture, Chandigarh is home to beautiful lush-green gardens, architectural masterpieces and unbeatable shopping destinations. From adrenaline-pumping activities to gastronomic food to vibrant nightlife, the ‘City Beautiful’ ensures a memorable getaway even within a limited budget.

Explore Chandigarh

You can go boating in the beautiful Sukhna Lake or smell amazing fragrances in the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden or can even check out the awe-inspiring Rock Garden, which features sculptures made out of waste.
Some other must-visit places to visit in this planned city area are Mohali Cricket Stadium, ISKCON Temple, Pinjore Garden and Leisure Valley.
Also renowned for delectable food, you can enjoy a host of delicacies like sarson ka saag, stuffed naan, makki ki roti and chhole bhathure at an economical rate.

Shopping places in Chandigarh

When it comes to shopping, Chandigarh is a paradise for shopaholics.
Elante Mall and sector 17 market are two of the places where you can satiate your shopping craving even with a limited budget.
From awe-inspiring artefacts to phulkari suits to juttis to colourful dupattas, you will be spoilt for the choices offered.
When it comes to budget accommodation, this beautiful city is home to a number of pocket-friendly hotels, which ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay.
With local transportation easily available at an economical price, you can look forward to exploring Chandigarh on a shoestring budget.

Best time to visit Chandigarh

Months between October and March are ideal for visiting this city as the weather is pleasant and enjoyable during this time.

Conclusion

With such a versatile list, it is absolutely clear that having a tight budget doesn’t imply that you can’t plan and experience a memorable vacation to some of the best tourist destinations of North India. We hope that this list ensures that you get out of your comfort zone and plan an exciting trip in order to explore more this year!