Who says epic travel needs a fat wallet? India is packed with stunning places that won’t drain your bank account. From misty mountains to sandy beaches, here are eight destinations where you can travel like a king but spend like a backpacker!

McLeod Ganj, Himachal PradeshCraving mountains without breaking the bank? McLeod Ganj is a dream for budget travelers. Stay in cozy guesthouses for under INR 500, feast on steaming momos for INR 50, and trek to Triund for free! Bonus: Monasteries, cafes, and stunning sunsets won’t cost you a rupee.

Varanasi, Uttar PradeshOne of the world’s oldest cities is also one of India’s most budget-friendly. Stay in an ashram for a donation, enjoy INR 20 street food delights like kachori-sabzi, and take a boat ride on the Ganges for INR 100. Spiritual enlightenment? Priceless.

Hampi, Karnataka
With rooms under INR 300 and bicycle rentals for INR 50, Hampi is a paradise for budget travelers. Explore ancient temples, surreal boulder landscapes, and sunset points—all for free! Just don’t get lost among the ruins.

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Gokarna, KarnatakaWant Goa vibes without Goa prices? Gokarna’s stunning beaches are free, shacks rent for as little as INR 500, and seafood feasts cost less than INR 150. Spend your days chilling at Om Beach, trekking to Paradise Beach, or practicing yoga by the waves—all for next to nothing.

Rishikesh, UttarakhandNicknamed the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh offers budget-friendly stays at ashrams and hostels (INR 200-500 a night). River rafting, waterfall treks, and yoga classes come cheap, while watching the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is absolutely free.

Pushkar, Rajasthan
This quirky desert town is shockingly cheap! Stay in rooftop hostels for INR 400, eat a delicious thali for INR 100, and explore the colorful bazaars, temples, and more at no cost. If you're lucky, you might even catch a free camel ride during the Pushkar Fair!

Read more: World’s most confusing sunrises and sunsets – 6 places to witness them

Majuli, AssamGetting to Majuli is an adventure itself—a ferry ride will take you there. Once there, explore the place, and stay in bamboo huts that are budget-friendly. Nature, culture, and serenity—on a budget!

Alleppey, KeralaHouseboats are expensive, but a INR 10 local ferry ride through the backwaters? That’s budget gold! Stay in cozy homestays for INR 500, eat INR 60 appam and curry, and enjoy endless beach walks for free.