The travel bug usually gets to you in your late teens or early twenties. However, most of us are either studying during that time or probably starting our first job, which doesn’t leave us with a whole lot of disposable income. And even when we do settle into a well-paying job, we have other financial responsibilities that make it difficult to travel as much as we would like to.

The good news, however, is that if you plan carefully and look in the right places, you will find plenty of places to explore on a shoe-string budget. Here are some must-see places in India with which you can kickstart your budget-travel plans!

Puducherry, The Union Territory of Puducherry

A quaint town full of beautiful beaches lined with palm trees, Puducherry is the ultimate detox from your daily life. The colourful houses decorated with Bougainvillea indicate a heavy French influence across the town, while also making for gorgeous photographs.

Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade beach and shop at the various street markets for an easy-going and cheap trip. The best part? You can easily hire bicycles to explore the place at your leisure!

Stay: ₹300 – ₹500 per night

Food: ₹200 – ₹300 per meal

Gokarna, Karnataka

If you are looking for some tranquillity on your vacation, Gokarna is the place you. Adorned with beautiful sandy beaches and a plethora of ancient temples, the destination can provide you with a kind of peace that other beach destinations can’t. Visit the Om beach, Kudle beach to get your dose of sunshine and spectacular views. 

You can follow this up with a trip to the Mahabaleshwara temple and Mahaganapati temple to witness some beautiful architecture. With your MG Hector always connected to the internet, you do not have to worry about getting lost or taking incorrect routes. You can get information on the shortest route to your destination and even weather updates, so you are always prepared.

Stay- ₹500 – ₹800 per night

Food- ₹300 – ₹400 per meal

Darjeeling, West Bengal

From trips to high peaks, exploring the Peace Pagoda and a pit stop at Batasia loop – there is plenty to do and see in Darjeeling.  Visit the Tiger Hill, Rock Garden and take the Joy/Ropeway ride while you are there and enjoy a view of the clouds at your eye-level! And at the end of the day, don’t forget to sit down and sip on some delicious tea from the very same region. 

Stay- ₹800 per night

Food- ₹300 (for 2 people)

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Surrounded by divinely picturesque valleys, snow-capped mountain ranges of the Himalayas and scenic hills; Shimla will not fail to take your breath away. The city also has a regal touch thanks to some old colonial architecture that still attracts hundreds of visitors.

From Shimla, you can visit other tourist attractions such as the Jakhoo Hill, Summer Hill and Badi ki Dhar. While the roads are well maintained, you are bound to encounter a few uphill, windy patches. That’s where your MG Hector‘s Hill Hold Control system comes into play. It prevents rolling backwards, making your drive safer and more enjoyable. 

Stay- ₹700 – ₹1500 per night

Food- ₹150 per meal

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Famously known as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is a destination that offers you a little bit of everything. Every lane here will take you deeper into the royal history behind this city. Want to bring home souvenirs as a reminder of a wonderful trip? You can find unique handicrafts here for as little as ₹100. Visit the City Palace, Lake Pichola and a multitude of Bazaars for delicious street food on your trip to Udaipur.

Stay- ₹400 – ₹500 per night

Food- street food starts at ₹50 per person

To sum it all up, whatever your needs may be, you can find a place to have a ball without breaking the bank. In fact, turn it into an interesting road trip with your friends to further hike up those savings.