countries to visit near India
that are equally fantastic and can mostly be explored without breaking the bank. So, if you want to fuel your wanderlust but don’t know where to head from India, this list of budget-friendly countries will help you plan your next holiday.1. Sri Lanka
With its celebrated heritage, refreshing greenery, pristine beaches, and rich wildlife, Sri Lanka is a gem that beckons to be discovered. Traveling to this island country is a breeze, as it is India’s immediate neighbor, separated by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.
- Best Time to Visit: December to April
- Average Travel Expense: INR 45,000 for a five-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Bird-watching at Bundala National Park, Train Journey from Colombo to Ella, Savor Sri Lankan Cuisines, and Wildlife Safari at Udawalawe National Park (to spot the iconic Asian elephants, leopards, etc.)
- Top Things to See: Colombo, Sigiriya (Lion Rock Fortress), Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Bentota Beaches, and Kandy
2. Thailand
Thailand, fondly called the Land of Smiles, is one of the best countries to visit from India, as it has everything to impress travelers. The fascinating blend of cultures, traditions, and modernity, sprinkled with unspoiled islands, revered shrines, and endless food, ensures an unforgettable getaway. And you can experience it all without stretching your wallet.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Average Travel Expense: INR 50,000 for a three-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Get a Thai Massage, Shopping at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Watch Muay Thai Boxing, Taste Street Food, and Indulge in Songkran Water Fight
- Top Things to See: Bangkok (see its palaces, Buddhist temples, bustling markets, etc.), Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Isan, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Samui
3. Myanmar
Want to escape to a serene destination where time stands still? Welcome to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma! It is definite to cast a spell on you, with its delightful meld of age-old temples and pagodas, painstakingly preserved landscapes, and friendly locals who can be mostly seen in their traditional dress.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- Average Travel Expense: INR 35,000 for a three-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Admire Sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda, Stroll Through the U Bein Bridge, Boating at the Inle Lake, Taste Burmese Cuisine, and Explore the Mergui Archipelago
- Top Things to See: Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple, Bagan, Mahamuni Buddha Temple, Mandalay, Ngapali, and Shan State
4. Georgia
Georgia has recently become a hotspot for Indian travelers, thanks to its fusion of timeless beauty, charming culture, and energetic contemporary flair. You can also sample the finest Georgian wines, as it is considered the birthplace of wines backed by an over 8,000-year-old history. Select our Tbilisi packages for an unforgettable Georgian getaway.
- Best Time to Visit: May, June, and September
- Average Travel Expense: INR 50,000 for a three-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Skiing in Gudauri, Uplistsikhe Cave Town Expedition, Vardzia Cave Tour, Kakheti Wine Tour (with a stop at the city of love, Sighnaghi), and the Old (Mtskheta) and New (Tbilisi) City Tour (with a stop at Old Tbilisi and Sulphur Baths)
- Top Things to See: Gergeti Trinity Church, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Georgian National Museum, Batumi Dolphinarium
5. The UAE
The UAE, or United Arab Emirates, is a land of jaw-dropping marvels, with seven emirates. See the record-breaking sights that abound in Dubai (mainly the tallest-of-its-kind Burj Al Arab), wander through Abu Dhabi’s (capital city) perfect union of old and new sights, and get lost in the unpretentious allure of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. The other three emirates, such as Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain, are equally exquisite. This Middle Eastern nation is often touted as an expensive place to travel. But with the proper planning, you can visit here without burning a hole in your pocket. So, don’t delay getting your UAE or Dubai tourist visa from India!
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Average Travel Expense: INR 50,000 for a two-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Ascend the Burj Khalifa, Shopping at the Dubai Mall, Inside Burj Al Arab Tour, Snow Outing at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi, Scuba Diving at Khor Fakkan, Go Back in Time at Qasr Al Watan, Watch Camel Race, Desert Safari, and Dhow Cruise
- Top Things to See: Old Traditional Souks, Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden, the Museum of the Future, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Louvre Abu Dhabi
6. Malaysia
From Kuala Lumpur’s urban sophistication and marvelous mountain resorts to the heavenly beaches, unblemished islands, and oldest rainforest, Malaysia presents a vast repertoire of attractions and experiences. There is no doubt that a holiday in this Southeast Asian nation will revitalize your heart and soul.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October (for visiting the country’s east coast) and December to March (for visiting the country’s west coast)
- Average Travel Expense: INR 45,000 for a three-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Taste Cameron Island’s Famous Tea, Visit Batu Caves, Shopping in Kuala Lumpur, Climb Mount Kinabalu, Taste Malaysia Cuisine, and Island Hopping
- Top Things to See: Petronas Tower, George Town, Melaka, Gunung Mulu National Park, Taman Negara National Park, Langkawi, and Kelabit Highlands
7. Nepal
If a quick getaway without any visa formalities is what you are seeking, consider visiting Nepal! You don’t even have to carry your passport from India to enter this country. This Himalayan nation is a dream-come-true spot for adventurists and a paradise for hikers, trekkers, and mountain climbers, with the mighty Mount Everest in the backdrop. Digging deeper, Nepal isn’t all about picturesque landscapes; it is also a spiritual land, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
- Best Time to Visit: October and December
- Average Travel Expense: INR 25,000 for a five-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Visit Ancient Durbar Squares, Trekking, Boating at Phewa Tal Lake, Explore Boudhanath Stupa and Tibetan Culture, Wildlife Safari (at Chitwan National Park), See Ilam’s Tea Garden, Discover Bardia National Park, Marvel at Nagarkot’s Sunrise Views, Helicopter Ride over Mount Everest, Ziplining, and Pokhara Mountain Biking
- Top Things to See: Kathmandu, Sagarmatha National Park, Lumbini, Bhaktapur, Khumbu Valley, Bandipur, and Tansen
8. Bhutan
It is another country where Indians can travel without a passport or a visa. The best thing is that this Himalayan landlocked destination is still a best-kept secret, with its enormously striking scenery, mythical vibe, and antiquated culture and traditions. Feel happy and invigorated at every corner, as the country’s guiding philosophy itself is Gross National Happiness.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
- Average Travel Expense: INR 35,000 for a three-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Visit Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Attend Nimalung Tsechu Festival, Scenic Drive along Dochula Pass, Try Archery (National Sport), Shopping at Simply Bhutan and Thimphu Weekend Market, Hot Spring Therapy (at Gasa Tshachus, Dur Tshachu, Duenmang Tshachu, etc.), Take to Chele La Pass, and Kayaking at Wang Chhu
- Top Things to See: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, National Museum of Bhutan, Buddha Dordenma, Dechen Phrodrang Monastery, Changlimithang Stadium And Archery Ground, Motithang Takin Preserve, National Memorial Chorten, Tashicho-Dzong, and Jigme Dorji National Park
9. Maldives
Maldives packages invite you to a paradisiacal landscape, with dazzling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, white sandy beaches, and a verdant setting. They are a boon for Indian travelers seeking a gorgeous island retreat without an excessive price tag. That’s not all, this island nation tops among the countries offering visa on arrival for Indians.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Average Travel Expense: INR 40,000 for a three-day trip
- Top Things to Do: Stay in an Overwater Bungalow, Discover the Marine Life, Dolphin Watching Tour, Dhoni Cruise, See the Bioluminescent Beach Phenomenon, Watch Bodu Beru Show, and Sea Plane Tour
- Top Things to See: Male, Baros Island, Maafushi Island, Hulhumale Island, Banana Reef, and Vaadhoo Island
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for the top honeymoon places outside India or an easily accessible place for a refreshing getaway, we hope the above guide caters to every preference and serves as a starting point for your upcoming travel. All these places are unique and crammed with myriad attractions and experiences, ensuring a cherished holiday, and that too without shelling out a fortune.
Suggested Read: Best Countries in the World for a Destination Wedding