Top 5 Travel Destinations Under Rs. 20,000 This May 2024

The month of May is the beginning of summer vacation and everyone is in the mood for holidays. While few go visiting family and friends, many hop into experiencing adventure.

However, the budget is an issue that postpones plans until next time that turns into years. Did you know you could experience some amazing places just within Rs. 20,000?

So, instead of dreaming about a trip to Switzerland or anywhere else, why not travel to some beautiful destinations in India itself? And guess what? The cherry on the cake is the affordable price you can cash out with some systematic planning.

Here’s a list of Top 5 destinations you can travel to within Rs. 20,000.

1. Manali (Himachal Pradesh)

Manali’s weather and natural beauty have always been a sight to watch for both tourists and the locals. The destination is blessed with everything nature has to offer and more. From gliding through snowy hills to landing in a quaint little coffee shop, the experience could be better than expectations. And what’s more? You wouldn’t need to cash out your savings to have a thrilling experience here.

The best time to visit this natural beauty is between March to June. The weather is pleasant and chilly.

Places to Visit in Manali

1. Solang Valley Manali’s Solang Valley has vast open spaces and is especially sought-after for paragliding and other fun activities.

2. Manikaran and Vashisht Village Manikaran and Vashisht village in Manali is well-known for hot springs in the open. It’s a must-visit.

3. Rohtang Pass Rohtang Pass is a big tourist attraction for anyone who visits Manali. It is located at a distance of 51 kms from the main town.

4. Hampta Pass Trekking is the most sought-after activity in Manali because of the mountain ranges present there. You can visit both Rohtang and Hampta Pass for an exquisite experience.

How to reach?

Flight: Kullu is the closest airport to reach Manali. It is located at about 58kms away from the main city. Flight cost from major cities costs around- Rs. 8000.

Train: Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station to Manali. Ambala and Chandigarh are other options to reach Manali by train. Train cost from major cities costs around- Rs. 3000.

Stay and Other Expenses

Manali offers some cheap and best places to stay per night. The price estimation of expenses include food, travel and sigh-seeing.

Here are they are as follows:

2. Ooty (Tamil Nadu)

What can be said about Ooty, literally? It’s a union of divine beauty and nature. Did you know it’s also called the ‘Blue Mountains’? It was known as the ‘summer headquarters’ of the East India Company and is one of the best places in India to chill and relax during summers. Ooty is located amidst the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2,240m above sea level.

Various Bollywood movies like Raavan (2010), Raaz (2002), Raja Hindustani (1996), Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Sadma (1983), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Roja (1992), Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai (1998), etc., were all shot at Ooty.

It’s a popular destination for couples and honeymooners. The climate is cool and peaceful during summers and the colonial architecture is breathtaking. If you’re fed up with the heat in your city then Ooty is just the place to take that chilled break.

How to Reach?

Flight: Coimbatore airport is the nearest airport to reach Ooty. Flight ticket rates are approx Rs. 10,000.

Train: The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam and Coimbatore station. You can take a bus or a vehicle from there to reach Ooty. Train ticket rates are approx Rs. 4000.

Places to Visit In Ooty

1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway One of the most loved rides for the tourists is the 5-hr ride in the Toy train in Ooty. Nature lovers will enjoy this Offering.

2. Ooty Lake The Ooty lake is at least 2km away from the main city. The lake is spread across an area of 65 acres. John Sullivan, collector of Coimbatore in 1824, laid the foundation of this beauty.

3. Ooty Rose Garden The Rose garden is a popular tourist destination in Ooty. Various colours of roses are planted in various shapes and tunnels here. It’s an absolute must-visit.

4. Avalanche Lake It’s a popular tourist spot in Ooty. The captivating scenery is popular among those who love nature photography. One can witness waterfalls in the mountains surrounding the lake.

5. Emerald Lake Emerald lake is situated in the upper plateau region of the Nilgiri Hills. It’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

Stay and Other Expenses

Ooty offers a Range of places to stay with moderate to cheap rates. Here is the list:

3. Munnar (Kerala)

Munnar is another popular tourist spot blessed with natural serenity and beauty. It’s a popular hill-station in Kerala and is placed at 1600 metres above the Western Ghats. It is also called ‘Kashmir of South India’.

One of its major tourist attractions is the tea plantations. It is one of the largest suppliers of tea leaves after the Nilgiri.

How to Reach?

Flight: The nearest is Cochin airport. Flight tickets start from a minimum Rs 15000 to a maximum Rs. 5000. Train: The nearest railway station is Kochi and Ernakulam. Train tickets are approx Rs. 3000.

Places to Visit in Munnar

1. Photo Point It is one of the most popular tourist spots and is located about 2 kms away from Munnar. Its beauty is enhanced by the surrounding tea gardens, dense rivulets and the pleasant weather.

2. Echo Point Echo Point is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Munnar. It is located about 15kms away from Munnar and placed at an altitude of 600ft. Echo Point has a natural echo like state which lets you hear your voice echo.

3. Attukad Waterfalls It’s a must-visit spot for anyone who loves watching waterfalls. It is located about 2 kms away from Munnar and is surrounded by lush green trees and forests.

4. Top Station Top Station is the place to go if you wish to witness the majestic beauty of the Western Ghats and Theni district of Tamil Nadu. This is located about 32kms away from Munnar on the border of Munnar and Tamil Nadu.

Stay and Other Expenses

Munnar offers some great places at great prices for stay. Here is the list:

4. Mussoorie

Mussoorie is also known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ and is at an altitude of 7000ft above sea level. The climate here is pleasant through the ear and is a popular choice among couples. You can get the mesmerising view of the Himalayan snow-capped peaks and enjoy the natural beauty of the place.

It was a popular holiday destination during the British era and is blessed with alluring colonial architecture.

How to Reach?

Flight: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to reach Mussoorie. Direct flights to Dehradun are available from Delhi and Mumbai. Flight ticket rates are approx Rs. 8000.

Train: Dehradun railway station is the nearest railway station. Train ticket rates are approx Rs. 4000. The train rate, however, depends on the Tiers you prefer.

Places to Visit In Mussoorie

1. Mussoorie Mall Road This is the most favourite tourist spot in Mussoorie. It is located in the very heart of Mussoorie and is a must-visit shopping place.

2. Lal Tibba Lal Tibba is located 6kms away from Mussoorie and is the highest point there. You can get a stunning view of the surrounding regions with the telescopes installed on the hill. You can see the Nilkantha peak, Kedarnath peak among others on a cloudless day.

3. Lake Mist This is another favourite tourist spot in Mussoorie. The lake is surrounded by green forests and trees which makes it a sight to see and enjoy with friends and family.

4. Kempty Falls Kempty Falls is located between Dehradun and Mussoorie roads and is situated at an altitude of 40ft. It’s a good place for swimming.

5. Gun Hill Gun Hill is a favourite spot for tourists. It offers a 400m thrilling ropeway ride that allows you to view some of the amazing Himalayan ranges like Srikantha, Pithwara, Bunderpunch and Gangotri.

Stay and Other Expenses

Mussoorie has some great places to stay at a reasonable price. Here’s the list:

5. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a quaint little picture-perfect town located in Himachal Pradesh and is a sought after place of visit for nature lovers. It boasts of mesmerising landscapes, green meadows, flower spreads and an alluring view of nature. It’s a summer favourite for nature lovers since it has a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year.

How to Reach?

Flight: Pathankot airport is the closest one to reach Dalhousie. Flight ticket rates are around Rs. 4000.

Train: Pathankot’s Chakki Bank railhead is the closest railway station to reach Dalhousie. Train ticket rates are around Rs. 2000.

Places to Visit in Dalhousie

1. Satdhara Falls This is a major tourist attraction in Dalhousie. The name of this falls is derived from the term ‘seven springs’. This waterfall is believed to have healing properties since it comprises Mica also known as ‘Gandhak’ in the local language.

2. Panchpula Panchpula meaning ‘Five Bridges’ is another tourist attraction in Dalhousie. One can enjoy a modest trek and the view of the surroundings.

3. Daikund Peak It’s a popular peak and the highest peak to look at the beautiful landscapes in Dalhousie.

4. River Ravi/Saal These rivers are popular among tourists for river rafting.

Stay and Other Expenses

Dalhousie has well-furnished places to stay for the lowest rates. Here’s the list:

Stay Price (Per night)

Stay Rates Source: MakeMyTrip

Conclusion

While you should visit these places, make sure you save the required money. Make use of Liquid Funds or Systematic Investment plan to save the cash you’d want to spend on travelling India.

Make minimum monthly SIP investments and take that summer vacation you are waiting for. Or else, save your ideal money in liquid funds and earn higher returns than bank interest.