Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive-especially when you’re exploring North India, one of the most Cheapest Places to Visit in North India diverse and budget-friendly regions in the country. From spiritual cities and scenic hill stations to cultural towns and historical landmarks, North India offers countless destinations where you can travel comfortably on a low budget.
If you’re a student, solo traveler, backpacker, couple, or family looking for cheap travel destinations in North India, this guide is made for you. Here, we cover daily budgets, cheap stays, free attractions, travel tips, and the best time to visit—everything a budget traveler needs.
Why North India Is Perfect for Budget Travel
North India is ideal for low-cost travel because:
- Excellent rail and bus connectivity
- Availability of budget hotels, hostels, and homestays
- Affordable local food
- Many free or low-entry attractions
- Dharamshalas and guesthouses in religious cities
With smart planning, you can explore many places in North India for ₹800–₹1,500 per day.
Quick Budget Snapshot for North India Travel
| Expense | Average Cost (Per Day) |
|---|---|
| Budget Stay | ₹500–₹800 |
| Food | ₹200–₹300 |
| Local Transport | ₹150–₹300 |
| Sightseeing | ₹100–₹200 |
| Total | ₹800–₹1,500 |
Top Cheapest Places to Visit in North India
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Best for: Spiritual travel, yoga, adventure
Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1,200
Rishikesh is one of the cheapest tourist places in North India, especially for solo travelers and backpackers. You’ll find budget hostels, free yoga sessions, and peaceful ghats.
Cheap Things to Do:
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat (Free)
- Walk across Laxman Jhula
- Visit ashrams
- River rafting (low-cost in season)
Best Time to Visit: February–April, September–November
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Best for: Spiritual & cultural experience
Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1,200
Varanasi is one of the most affordable religious places in North India. From free temple visits to cheap food and stays, it’s perfect for budget travelers.
Highlights:
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Old city walking tours
- Street food under ₹100
3. Amritsar, Punjab
Best for: Culture, food & history
Daily Budget: ₹900–₹1,400
Amritsar offers one of the best budget travel experiences in North India.
Why It’s Cheap:
- Free food at Golden Temple Langar
- Budget hotels near the temple
- Affordable local transport
Top Attractions:
- Golden Temple
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Wagah Border Ceremony
4. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Best for: Mountains & backpacking
Daily Budget: ₹1,000–₹1,500
If you’re searching for cheap hill stations in North India, McLeod Ganj is a top choice.
Things to Do:
- Bhagsu Waterfall
- Dalai Lama Temple
- Triund Trek (budget-friendly)
Best Time: March–June, September–November
5. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Best for: Culture & budget travel
Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1,200
Pushkar is a small, peaceful town with low accommodation costs and free attractions.
Highlights:
- Pushkar Lake
- Brahma Temple
- Local bazaars
- Budget cafes
6. Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Best for: Spiritual travel & families
Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1,100
Haridwar is extremely budget-friendly due to cheap dharamshalas and free temple visits.
Must-Visit Places:
- Har Ki Pauri
- Evening Ganga Aarti
- Local markets
7. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Best for: History & culture
Daily Budget: ₹1,200–₹1,500
Jaipur can be affordable if planned right. Public transport and budget hotels make it accessible even for low-budget travelers.
Budget Tips:
- Use local buses
- Buy combined monument tickets
- Stay in old city areas
8. Mathura & Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Best for: Religious tourism
Daily Budget: ₹700–₹1,000
Perfect for pilgrims and families looking for cheap religious destinations.
Why It’s Cheap:
- Free temple darshan
- Low-cost food
- Dharamshalas & guest houses
9. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Best for: Budget hill station
Daily Budget: ₹1,000–₹1,400
Dalhousie is quieter and cheaper than Shimla or Manali.
Top Spots:
- Khajjiar
- Panchpula
- Mall Road walks
10. Ajmer, Rajasthan
Best for: Spiritual & cultural travel
Daily Budget: ₹800–₹1,200
Ajmer is known for Ajmer Sharif Dargah and budget accommodation.
Cheapest Hill Stations in North India
If you want mountains on a budget, consider:
- Lansdowne (Uttarakhand)
- Almora (Uttarakhand)
- Chamba (Himachal Pradesh)
- Kufri (Himachal Pradesh)
These places offer cheap hotels, fewer crowds, and peaceful vibes.
Cheapest Religious Places in North India
North India is a hub for low-cost spiritual travel:
- Varanasi
- Haridwar
- Mathura–Vrindavan
- Amritsar
- Ajmer
Most temples have free entry, and food & stays are very affordable.
Cheapest Places in North India for Family Travel
Families can travel comfortably on a budget in:
- Haridwar
- Jaipur
- Amritsar
- Rishikesh
- Mathura
Estimated Family Budget (3–4 people):
- ₹2,500–₹4,000 per day (stay + food + travel)
How to Travel North India on a Budget (Expert Tips)
- Use sleeper or general trains
- Travel during off-season
- Book hostels or homestays
- Eat local street food
- Use buses instead of taxis
- Avoid peak festivals
Best Time to Visit North India for Cheapest Rates
| Season | Budget Level |
|---|---|
| April–June | High (summer holidays) |
| July–September | Low (best for budget travel) |
| October–March | Medium |
Tip: Avoid long weekends and festival dates.
Can You Travel North India Under ₹10,000?
Yes!
You can plan a 7–10 day budget trip covering 2–3 destinations using trains and budget stays.
FAQs: Cheapest Places to Visit in North India
Q1. What is the cheapest place to visit in North India?
Varanasi, Haridwar, and Mathura are among the cheapest.
Q2. Which hill station is cheapest in North India?
Lansdowne, Dalhousie, and Almora.
Q3. Is North India safe for budget travelers?
Yes, especially in popular tourist and religious cities.
Q4. Can I travel North India solo on a low budget?
Absolutely. Hostels and public transport make it easy.
Q5. How much money is needed for a budget trip?
₹800–₹1,500 per day per person.
Final Thoughts
North India proves that travel doesn’t need to be expensive. With smart planning, local transport, and budget accommodations, you can explore some of the most beautiful and spiritual places in India without spending much.
If you’re searching forCheapest Places to Visit in North India, this guide will help you plan a memorable and affordable journey.