Craving a holiday but somewhere not far away from India? Thanks to India’s strategic position in the midst of Asia and the Middle East, wanderlusts have plenty of destinations to explore and enjoy without having to fly far or spend a lot of money. We have curated a list of the best countries to visit near India, which offer the thrill of crossing into a foreign land teeming with new cuisine and culture, all just a short flight away.
Best Countries to Visit Near India
1. UAE
Head to the United Arab Emirates, a desert country in the Middle East that will astonish you with its dazzling skyscrapers, charming Bedouin culture, top-notch luxury, and extraordinary attractions.
Top Attractions and Highlights:
- Your Dubai tour packages should definitely include attractions like Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Dubai Souks, Dubai Miracle Gardens, and the Dubai Frame.
- Add to this, excursions to the Dubai Desert Safari and Hatta Mountain treks for adventure experiences beyond the city sights.
- Yas Island and its amazing collection of theme parks in Abu Dhabi are an absolute must-visit. Saadiyat Island and Ain Dubai offer some of the most stunning scenery in Abu Dhabi.
- Adventure lovers should not miss a trip to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.
Flight duration: 3 to 4 hours from Delhi and Mumbai.
Visa policy: A pre-approved UAE tourist visa is required for an Indian visitor, which lets them stay for 30 days. A 14-day visa on arrival is available for Indians who have a US Green Card, a UK visa, or a UN Residency visa.
Average daily budget: USD 290 per person.
Best time to visit: November to March.
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Featured 2. Singapore
This tiny island at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula in Southeast Asia is jam-packed with nature ventures, cultural immersion from 4 fascinating ethnicities, a variety of fabulous attractions, and a trendy modern lifestyle, which can all be rolled into one fantastic holiday break.
Top Attractions and Highlights
- Stroll through the ethnic streets of Little India and Chinatown.
- Explore wildlife adventures at Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s stellar attractions, namely Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, Rainforest Wild ASIA, and Night Safari Singapore.
- Marvel at the majestic Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, explore a stellar indoor waterfall at Cloud Forest, and countless colourful blossoms at the Flower Dome.
- Take in the spectacular skyline of Singapore from Singapore Flyer or the extravagant SkyPark Observation Deck.
- Have fun like never before at the thrilling adventures and attractions of Sentosa Island.
Flight duration: 4 to 5 hours from Mumbai and Delhi.
Visa policy: A pre-approved Singapore visa is required for entry into the country.
Average daily budget: USD 180 per person.
Best time to visit: February to April.
3. Sri Lanka
Everything in Sri Lanka -its natural scenery, remnants of the colonial past, beaches, tea plantations, and spicy food scene- makes you feel at home while still offering an allure all its own, perfect for short trips from India.
Top Attractions and Highlights
- Book Colombo Packages to explore the capital city in depth.
- Visit the Sigiriya Rock – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Take a scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy and Kandy to Ella.
- Wander through Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Watch wildlife up close during a safari in Yala National Park.
- Stroll through verdant tea plantations and sip on some of the finest Ceylon teas.
Flight duration: 2 to 3 hours from Mumbai or Delhi.
Visa policy: Indian citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arriving in the country, which is valid for 30 days.
Average daily budget: USD 70 per person.
Best time to visit: September, October, and April.
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Featured 4. Thailand
The ‘Land of Smiles’ is one of the best destinations to enjoy budget international travel from India. Its tropical beaches, bustling markets, ancient temples, and mouthwatering Thai cuisine, along with the advantage of affordability and easy access, make it a dream destination to visit from India.
Top Attractions and Highlights
- Explore over 40,000 stunning temples of all kinds in Thailand’s regions. The most popular ones to visit are the Grand Palace,
- Wat Pho, Wat Arun, the Sanctuary of the Truth, Wat Rong Khun, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
- Go snorkelling and scuba diving in Phuket.
- Treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavours on a Thai street food tour.
- Go island-hopping and discover the serene beaches and more at the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Krabi.
- Discover the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok and Pattaya.
Flight duration: 4 to 5 hours from Mumbai and Delhi
Visa policy: Visa-free entry for a 60-day visit.
Average daily budget: USD 100 per person.
Best time to visit: November to February.
5. Maldives
This is one of the international destinations near India that provides the perfect laid-back tropical vacation in breathtaking beach settings. The turquoise lagoons, pristine white sandy beaches, colourful marine life, and the privacy of relaxing on a private island are all perfect elements for the idyllic tropical break you have been looking for!
Top Attractions and Highlights
- Explore Maldives tour packages and pick your dream resort from over 100 choices scattered across the Indian Ocean. With an all-inclusive package, everything is taken care of, from your meals to transfers and even the activities you wish to do on your beach getaway.
- Make it your dream luxury vacation with stays at spacious overwater villas in opulent private island resorts.
- Add in exciting nature adventures like snorkelling and scuba diving amid clownfish and sea turtles, manta ray feeding, enjoying sunset cruises, and strolling along bioluminescent waters at night.
Flight duration: 3 to 4 hours from Mumbai and Delhi.
Visa policy: visa on arrival for 30 days.
Average daily budget: USD 360 per person.
Best time to visit: December to April.
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Featured 6. Vietnam
Vietnam stands out as a top choice among Indian tourists. It is one of the most affordable international destinations to visit. With its bustling cities, serene countryside, and breathtaking coastlines, along with budget-friendly options for flights, accommodation, and food, Vietnam offers incredible value without compromising on experiences.
Top Attractions and Highlights
- Discover the dynamic charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
- Enjoy Vietnamese coffee while a train chugs inches away from you at the thrilling Train Street in Hanoi.
- Explore the stunning scenery and the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay on a cruise.
- Stroll through the cobbled-stone and lantern-lit alleys at the ancient township of Hoi An.
- Sink your toes into the powdery white sands of Phu Quoc’s breathtaking Sao Beach.
Flight duration: On average, 4 to 5 hours from Mumbai and Delhi.
Visa policy: A pre-approved tourist visa is required, valid for a 30-day stay.
Average daily budget: USD 70 per person.
Best time to visit: March to May.
7. Bhutan
With its fresh, crisp Eastern Himalayan mountain air whose serenity stirs your spirit, and the culture and hospitality of the locals that wrap you like a hug you have been longing for, this destination is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Here, culture, nature, and traditional life take precedence over modern lifestyle. Here, you realise that the most authentic, rejuvenating vacations are sometimes the simplest ones.
Top Attractions and Highlights
- Visit the breathtaking Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).
- Wander through Thimphu’s dramatic streets and sample some spicy ema datshi.
- Marvel at the 54-metre-high Buddha Dordenma.
- Get in-depth cultural experiences at one of the Bhutanese festivals.
- Go trekking to Jhomolhari Base Camp.
- Surrender yourself to the beauty of Bumthang Valley.
Flight duration: 1.5 hours from Kolkata, 2 to 3 hours from Delhi, and Mumbai.
Visa policy: Visa-free entry. However, a valid Entry Permit will be needed.
Average daily budget: USD 150 per person.
Best time to visit: March, April, October, and November.
8. Nepal
Among the handful of countries near India to visit, Nepal, tucked in the foothills of the Himalayas, is perhaps the closest to explore. Not only does it share borders with India, but Nepal also imparts a sense of familiarity with its deep-rooted cultural ties. Yet, it captivates with its distinct Himalayan charm, adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. What’s best is that you can opt to travel by land rather than flying into Nepal.
Top Attractions and Highlights
- Daredevils can gear up for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure by scaling a section of Mount Everest.
- For a more scenic experience, take an Everest mountain flight for an easy way to view the Himalayas.
- Visit the many Hindu and Buddhist temples in Nepal.
- Witness Tibetan culture at Boudhanath Stupa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest spherical stupas in the world.
- View the fascinating collection of Durbar Squares located in and around Kathmandu.
- Enjoy a jungle safari at Chitwan National Park.
Flight duration: 1.5 to 2 hours from Mumbai and Delhi
Visa policy: Visa-free entry for Indians.
Average daily budget: USD 50 per person
Best time to visit: October to November, March to May
Visa-Friendly Countries to Visit Near India
Don’t want to get into the hassle of procuring a visa for your holiday? Plan a trip to the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, where you will be granted visa-free entry or a visa-on-arrival, and you can blissfully explore without any visa issues dampening your holiday mood.
Budget-Friendly Countries to Visit Near India
For those who don’t want a holiday to put a dent in their bank balance, destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are the best to consider for a budget vacation.
How to Choose the Right Destination Near India?
With so many options available, it’s quite normal to feel overwhelmed when deciding which of these countries near India is best for your holiday. The simplest way is to look at your budget, the time available for your stay, and your interests.
- For short durations of 2 to 3 days, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are great choices.
- For cost-conscious tourists, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka are places that are quite wallet-friendly.
- For those looking for honeymoon destinations from India, or who simply want a romantic interlude, Maldives is a perfect pick.
- For luxury seekers, Maldives, Singapore, and the UAE offer a plethora of refined experiences with bespoke hospitality.
- Seeking adventure escapes? Thailand and the UAE are amazing spots for outdoor expeditions and adventure sports.
- Additionally, check out which international tourist countries near India let you travel without a visa or with a visa on arrival.
- This way, you won’t have to waste time filling out visa applications and waiting for a response.
Conclusion
A unique blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty awaits Indian travellers at these above-mentioned destinations, which are just a stone’s throw away. Whether it is the serene beaches of the Maldives, the vibrant markets of Thailand, or the Himalayan sceneries in Bhutan, these countries promise unforgettable experiences for all genres of travellers. Moreover, visa-free or easy visa procedures make visiting these countries a breeze. So, which country has caught your attention as the next vacation destination?
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