You want to travel to exciting places, but are you delaying your travel plans due to the tight budget? Traveling offers some of the best memories and experiences in your life which are everlasting. If the budget is the only obstacle in your travel plan, there are many pocket-friendly destinations in South India which you can explore with minimal budget.
Here’s the list of the top 10 destinations in South India which you can visit on a small budget. In spite of the lesser travel costs, these destinations have much to provide. So plan a vacation and explore these amazing places.
• Srirangapatna
Srirangapatna is a place of historical significance and has been the capital of Mysore during Tipu Sultan reign. It is one of the must-visit places in Karnataka and also a famous pilgrimage site. Enclosed by the River Cauvery, it looks like an island with a scenic backdrop. The main attractions are Ranganathaswamy Temple and Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary. There are many budget accommodations around Srirangapatna and also use the state transport to travel to attraction spots.
• Kanyakumari
If you are searching for budget travel places in South India, then do visit the tip of our country, Kanyakumari. This famous temple and beach destination offer picturesque vista and heritage monuments. Enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine and plenty of seafood at the local restaurant. You can save money by traveling in public transport and staying at any one of the budget hotels in Kanyakumari. The best part is visiting the Vivekanand Rock Memorial and watching the sunset over the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
• Hampi
If you are a history lover, you have come to the right place. Set on the banks of river Tungabhadra, Hampi portrays the amazing Vijayanagara Empire. It allures travelers around the world and has excellent budget hotels and home-stays. You can try local as well as exotic delicacies in the local eatery. You can visit the picturesque monuments with minimal entry fee. The cheapest way of traveling around Hampi is by renting a bike or using public transport.
• Varkala
Varkala is a breathtaking coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and is one of the cheapest places to visit in South India. There are many beautiful beaches, springs, and waterways which you can explore at free of cost. Do not miss the cultural shows at the Varkala Kathakali Centre. Opt for home-stays and budget hotels to cut down accommodation expenses.
• Alleppey
Popularly known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is a famous tourist destination in Kerala. It is popular for its charming beaches, backwaters, traditional boat races, and temples. Most of the boathouses provide a combo of food and accommodation at reasonable rates. This makes Alleppey an ideal place for budget travelers. The places of interest are Alleppey Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Laccadive Sea, Haripada Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, and St. Andrew’s Basilica.
• Ooty
Perched in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is known as the Queen of Hill Stations. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in South India. It is a paradise for budget travelers. It is frequented for its scenic terrain, flourishing green jungle, placid lakes and panoramic tourist spots. The experience you will get from your trip is everlasting. The main attractions are Toy Train, Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake and Dolphin’s Nose. There are many budget stays in Ooty where you can stay at modest rates.
• Coorg
Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is set amid the majestic mountains in Karnataka with a misty terrain. If you are an avid nature lover, this is the place for your budget travel. It is famous for its people and culture. The scenic attractions in Coorg are Abbey Falls, Nagarhole National Park, Namdroling Monastery, Barapole River and Talacauvery. You can travel even with a minimal budget in Coorg as the cost of food and accommodations are comparatively cheaper. There are many
budget hotels in Coorg, which you can book at cheaper rates.
• Pondicherry
Why spend thousands when you can get the same French experience in our own soil at a cheaper price? Plan a vacation to Pondicherry and get the French style right here in our country. The urban architecture and calm backdrop charms people around the world to Pondicherry. Don’t forget to taste the French food in the local cafes. The transportation, accommodation and food prices are cheaper, making it an ideal shoe-string budget destination in South India.
• Kodaikanal
Nestled at an altitude of 2133 above the sea level, Kodaikanal is one of the famous budget traveler destinations in South India. It is also known as the Princess of Hill Stations due to its pleasant climate and fabulous setting. The entire landscape is filled with granite cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, jungles, canyons, and grassy summits. The chief places of interest are Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Pine forests and Guna Caves. If you are looking for budget stays, there are many home-stays and
hotels in Kodaikanal where you can stay at a cheaper price.
• Vizag
Vizag or Vishakapatnam is one of the main tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh. Among the budget-friendly destinations in South India, it has many places to explore. It is popular for its amazing beaches. The important tourist attractions are Ramakrishna Mission Beach, Rushikonda Beach, Submarine Museum, and Lighthouse. You can reach Vizag by both buses and trains. There are many budget accommodation options in Vizag where you can stay at decent tariff.