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Top 9 Cheapest Countries To Travel From India

COVER PIC - TOP 10 CHEAPEST COUNTRIES TO TRAVEL FROM INDIA 2021

This post will list out the top 9 cheapest countries to travel from India. These countries are so breathtakingly beautiful and awe-inspiring that you will never want to return to India. So, what are we waiting for – let’s go !!

Table Of Contents

SRI LANKA

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Sigiriya Fortress, Sri lanka

A pear shaped island which has been our neighbour since centuries ago – Sri Lanka. It lies to the south of India , surrounded by Indian Ocean. Lonely Planet has awarded Sri Lank as the Top Country to Visit in 2020 . It is  well known for its pristine beaches and lip-smacking food. India has centuries old connection with Sri Lanka through Ramayana fables. 

Currency

1 Sri Lankan Rupee(LKR) = 0.37 Indian Rupees(INR) OR
1 Indian Rupee(INR) = 2.69 Sri Lankan Rupee(LKR)

Visa Requirement

The Tourist Visa or Visit Visa can be obtained through two mediums – either Online or On Arrival. Both mediums have different fees obviously.

The person who obtained short term visit visa should obtain Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA) before entering the country. No foreigner should enter into Sri Lanka until he/she obtains ETA.

You can visit these links to get hands on any kind of information you are looking for:

Visa Fees (This is non-secured official government website)
General Guidelines on Passport & Visa (This is non-secured official government website)
Electronic Travel Authorization(ETA)

How to Reach Sri Lanka?

The easiest way to reach Sri Lanka is to take flight. The flights availability is round the clock from India and other parts of the world. 

Flight Carriers from India to Sri Lanka: Air India, Indigo Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Air Arabia, Vistara, Turkish Airlines, SpiceJet

Cruise Ships
Several Cruise operators offer itineraries that include Sri Lanka , with most docking at Colombo.

Ferry Operators
Ferry services between Sri Lanka and India stopped for 30 years during island’s Civil war but restarted in 2011 when Flemingo Liners began operating a popular route  between the Southern Indian port of Tuticorin and Colombo. The route is currently suspended.

Best Seasons to Travel

Between December and April is the most picturesque and travel -friendly season in Sri Lanka. 

These places could be the ones where you can enjoy your time – Colombo, Kandy, Yapahuwa Kurunegala, Sigiriya,Galle, Tissamaharama, Kirinda Sabaragamuwa, Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya, Matara, Kataragama.

Things/Activities to Do

You can do – Cultural & Theme tours, Outdoor activities, Mountains, day Trips, Private & Custom tours, National Parks, Nature & Parks, Food, Wine & Nightlife, Beaches, Whale Watching and many more.

Please do visit TripAdvisor page to know more.

What not to do when in Sri Lanka

When you travel to a foreign country, always respect the culture & law of the local land. Be a traveller –  not a tourist and you will have beautiful memories to cherish always.

Please visit this page for more understanding. (Credits: theculturetrip)

BHUTAN

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Tiger Nest Monastery, Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked country located in Eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by China in the North and bordered by India in the rest all directions It is considered to be the Happiest Country in the World. It is known for its monasteries, fortresses( or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes.

Currency

1 Bhutanese Ngultrum = 1 Indian Rupee(INR) 

Visa Requirement

Nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can enter Bhutan with just their passport, as long as it is valid for another six months. They still need to pay a “sustainable development fee” of about US$17 dollars per day during their time in Bhutan.
Everyone who is not from the three aforementioned countries pays a US$65 sustainable development fee.

How to Reach Bhutan?

By Air : Paro is the only international airport in Bhutan and has connecting flights from Delhi, Bagdogra, Guwahati, and Mumbai. You can take direct flights from Kolkata to Paro.  Hence, there is more frequency of flights from Kolkata to reach Bhutan.

The number of flights from Delhi and Mumbai are less as compared to Kolkata and Bagdogra. Druk Air is the national airline of Bhutan and flights can be booked only through the official websites of this airline.

By Road: Indians who wish to travel to Bhutan by road need to acquire an ‘entry permit’ from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan in Phuensholing, which is located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal. But this ‘entry permit’ allows an Indian tourist to visit Paro and Thimphu only.

If you wish to go beyond Thimphu and Paro then you need to obtain a ‘special area permit’ from the Royal Government of Bhutan Immigration Office in Thimphu.

It is also possible to arrange the visa from Kolkata at Royal Bhutan Consulate Office. It is better to apply 10-12 days prior to your visit.

Best Seasons to Travel

The beauty of the place is simply outstanding in the autumn and spring seasons which usually fall between the months of September to November and March to May respectively. The climate is warmer and pleasant at this time and the skies are clearer too. Also, many great festivals fall during these seasons.

This is a list of most magnificent places to visit in Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha Dzong, Trongsa, Bumthang or Jakar Valley, Phobjikha Valley, Mount Chomolhari, Wangdue Phodrang and Phuentsholing

Things/Activities to Do

You have varieties of things to do in this beautiful country –

  • Tiger Nest Monastery
  • Dochula Pass
  • Buddha Dordenma
  • The Royal Manas National Park
  • Paro Taktsang
  • Chele La Pass
  • Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
  • Punakha Dzong
  • Rinpung Dzong
  • Bhutan Post Office Headquarters
  • Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
  • Punakha Suspension Bridge and
  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and many more

Do’s & Dont’s in Bhutan

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Credits: drukasia.com

NEPAL

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A market in Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful country in Southern Asia between the Tibet autonomous region of China and India. It contains 8 of the world’s 10 highest peaks including Mount Everest – the world’s tallest – on the border with Tibet, and Lumbini, the birth place of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

Currency

1 Nepalese Rupee(NPR) = 0.63 Indian Rupee( INR) OR
1 Indian Rupee(INR) = 1.60 Nepalese Rupee(NPR)

Visa Requirement

Indian passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Nepal.

How to Reach Nepal?

By Road : Bus is the most convenient option to reach Nepal from India. There are direct buses that operate between Delhi and Kathmandu.Travelling by car is also a common practice. You are required to pay a toll fee and a transport permit at the border crossing. Do not forget to collect the receipts as you might be asked at other checkpoints.

By Train : There are regular passenger and cargo trains that connect Sirsiya (Southern Nepal) and Raxaul (India).Recently, officials have announced the launch of a direct passenger train between India and Nepal.The train would run from Jayanagar (Bihar) to Kurtha (Dhanusa District, South-eastern Nepal).

By Air : Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only International airport in the region.There are a handful of airlines that operate daily from major Indian cities including Indigo and Air India.

Best Seasons to Travel

The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December, when the skies are a clear blue and the views spectacular.

This beautiful country has some many places to offer you tranquil and calm and peace – Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Lumbini, Dharan and Nuwakot.

Things/Activities to Do

Nepal, being a mountainous country, has a lot to offer for natural parks visits – Langtang National Park, Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. The country offers the most exciting mountain trek in the entire world – Mt. Everest. Apart from this, you can visit to Janakpur for its historical connection.

Do’s & Dont’s in Nepal

  • Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
  • Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
  • Remember, when a person shakes his head from left to right many times, he may mean “NO”
  • Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.
  • Use your both hands to show appreciation and respect rather than one while giving or accepting something from others.
  • Before entering a Nepalese home, temple (leather items in Hindu Temples) and monastery remember to remove your shoes.
  • Leather articles are prohibited in most religious places.
  • While traveling, dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
  • Avoid eating with your left hand and beef is strictly prohibited among Hindus. Do not offer food from your plate nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
  • Never touch anything with your feet. and try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a hearth. This is considered and offence among Nepalese.
  • Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men instead the traditional palms-together “Namaste” greeting is preferable
  • Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter.

PHILLIPINES

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City Landscape in Phillipines

Phillipines is considered as a dream destination if you are a beach lover. It is known for having an abundance of beautiful beaches and delicious fruit. The collection of islands is located in Southeast Asia and was named after King Philip II of Spain.

Currency

1 Philippine Peso(PHP)  = 1.48 Indian Rupee( INR) OR
1 Indian Rupee(INR) = 0.67 Philippine Peso(PHP)

Visa Requirement

Indian citizens entering Philippines for tourism purposes must apply for a tourist visa. These visas are valid for a 14 day entry to Philippines. This stay can be further extended for a period of 7 days. In case you want to visit the country for a time period which extends beyond 21 days, you must mention that at the time of visa application and accordingly avail an extension.

Currently, the Philippines do not offer the option of visa on arrival for Indian nationals. As a result, you must apply for a visa before travelling to the country.

How to Reach Phillipines?

By Air: Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from India to the Philippines.
From India, you can reach the Philippines by flying via Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur to reach Manila.
If you’re looking for more affordable flight options, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata offer slightly lower prices, than Mumbai or Delhi
Some of the carriers are Singapore Airlines, Philippines Air Asia, Scoot, Malaysia Airlines and more.

By sea: If you plan to take sea route, it’s best to travel from nearby Asian countries.
If you’re in Bitung, Indonesia, the ferry travels to the Philippines twice a week.
The journey takes 36 hours. EPA Shipping Line is the biggest ferry operator for this route.

There are ferries available from Malaysia as well. The Aleson Line departs from Zamboanga in the Philippines to Sandakan in Malaysia, twice a week, and takes 16 hours. SRN Fastcrafts will get you to the same destination in a breezy 8 hours.

Best Seasons to Travel

The best time to go to the Philippines is from December to February, when temperatures are at their coolest and the rain generally stays away. 

There are many breath taking locations which begs you to visit – Manila, Cebu City, Puerto Princesa and El Nido to name a few.

Things/Activities to Do

  • National Museum
  • Ayala Center Cebu
  • Greenbelt Mall
  • Art in Island
  • Fort Santiago
  • Resorts World Manila
  • Mt. Pulag National Park
  • Bonifacio Global City
  • Nacpan Beach
  • White Beach and
  • Phillipine Eagle Center etc.

Do’s & Dont’s in Phillipines

You should avoid these things when in Phillipines:

  • Don’t insult the country or its people.
  • Don’t disrespect your elders.
  • Don’t use first names to address someone older.
  • Don’t show much of your valuable things in public.
  • Don’t get offended too easily.
  • Don’t go without prior research.

CAMBODIA

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Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and Gulf of Thailand coastline. It is most widely known for “Angkor Wat” temple around the world. It is also one of the cheapest destinations from India.

Currency

1 Cambodian Riel(KHR) = 0.018 Indian Rupee(INR) OR
1 Indian Rupee(INR) = 54.32 Cambodian Riel(KHR)

Visa Requirement

Indian nationals cannot travel to Cambodia without a visa. Indians who meet the eVisa requirements can obtain the permit online in just 3 steps.The Cambodia tourist visa for Indian nationals is valid for 30 days. Only diplomatic and official passport holders from India do not require a visa.

How to Reach Cambodia?

By Air : Travelling to Cambodia by air is the easiest with the country having international airports at its two main hubs — Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
They are both very well-connected to the region, with direct flights running to and from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea.
Flights from India to Cambodia generally have a layover at one of these countries.

By Rail : You can travel to Cambodia from Thailand which is a 6 hour long journey with mesmerizing and breath taking views.

Best Seasons to Travel

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April

These are the few popular places which can visit in the country – Krong Siem Reap, Phom Penh, Prea Sihanouk, Banteay Srei 

Things/Activities to Do

You can do many things in this country –

  • Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat
  • Explore its other magnificent temples
  • Sample the street food of Siem Reap
  • Visit Battambang Bat Caves at sundown
  • Learn about Cambodia’s Khmer past
  • Ride the bamboo train
  • Take it slow on Koh Rong Island

Do’s & Dont’s in Cambodia

Please be mindful of these things in the country:

  • Cambodian people greet each other by saying “Chum Reap Suor”, accompanied by a gesture of pressing their palms together in front of their face and slightly bowing forward, which is called ‘sampeah’. Your Cambodian hosts will be happily surprised to see you using the ‘sampeah’ to greet them.
  • It is convention to offer a gift, especially to elders, with both the hands.
  • When entering someone’s home, please remember to leave your shoes at the entrance.
  • Please DO NOT touch or pat the head of people, even children.
  • DO NOT use your feet to point at someone or something.
  • Women are not allowed to touch a monk’s robe or his body.

LAOS

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Lush Green Rice fields in Countryside, Laos

The Southeast Asian country known for its mountainous terrain, Buddhist monasteries, and the beautiful French architecture can be your next destination if you want to travel to a cheap country from India!

Currency

1 Laotian Kip(LAK) = 0.0073 Indian Rupee(INR) OR
1 Indian Rupee(INR) = 136.57 Laotian Kip(LAK)

Visa Requirement

Indian nationals do not need to apply for a Laos visa in advance. They can get a visa upon arrival in Laos provided they have the valid travel documents. Laos Visa on arrival is issued for 30 days. All visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the time of entry into Laos.

How to Reach Laos?

Flight is the cheapest and best way to travel to Laos from India. Flights operate from New Delhi Airport to Vientiane Airport or from Kolkata airport to Luang Prabang.

Air India, Thai Airways, Jet Airways, Bangkok Airways, Shandong Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways are the carriers that fly from India to Laos.

Best Seasons to Travel

The best weather to travel to Laos is between October and April.

These are the places that you would not want to miss – Luang Prabang, Muang Ngoi & Nong Khiaw, Bolaven Plateau & Champasak, Vang Vieng, Vientiane .

Things/Activities to Do

These are the variety of excursions or tours that you can do

  • Pha That Luang
  • Vat Phou / Wat Phou
  • Tad Lo
  • Swim in the Mekong at 4000 Islands
  • Buddha Park / Wat Xieng Khuan
  • Bokeo Gibbon Experience and many more.

Do’s & Dont’s in Laos

  • Do learn the Lao way of greeting.
  • Do pick up some Laos phrases.
  • Do wear respectful clothes.
  • Do take off shoes before entering a temple.
  • Do ask before taking photos of the Lao people.
  • Do not display affection in public.
  • Do not point your feet at locals and Buddha.
  • Do not touch the head of the locals.

VIETNAM

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An elderly wearing Vietnamese hat

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities.Its neighboring countries are China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west.Once a lesser-known destination, Vietnam has become widely popular in recent years.

Currency

1 Vietnamese dong(VND) = 0.0033 Indian Rupee(INR) OR
1 Indian Rupee(INR) = 304.26 Vietnamese dong(VND)

Visa Requirement

Indian travellers need the Vietnam visa to enter the country and Vietnam offers visa on arrival provisions to Indian nationals. Visa on arrival is valid for a period of 30 days from the date of arrival in the country.

For this visa, Indian passport holders first will have to apply for the e-visa online, obtain the approval letter and collect the visa on their arrival in Vietnam.

How to Reach Vietnam?

The two main international airports for Vietnam travel are Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Connecting flights to both these airports are available from Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi etc

Best Seasons to Travel

The best time to visit North Vietnam is between March and May, and September to November when the temperature is moderate with low humidity and less downpour. Central Vietnam witness the coastal weather, with January to August being the best time to visit Central Vietnam.

The popular cities to visit on Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi Ann, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Phu Quoc and so on.

Things/Activities to Do

You can do lot many things in this beautiful country

  • Ha Long Bay
  • Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Reunification Palace
  • The War Remnants Museum
  • Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Ninh Binh
  • Ba Na Hill(Da Nang)
  • Marble Mountains(Da Nang) and so on.

Do’s & Dont’s in Vietnam

  • Dress conservatively while traveling around the country
  • Drink loads of water as the heat can knock you about in Vietnam
  • Hold your bag in front of you while walking the streets, and keep it secure in your lap hidden from sight while riding a cyclo – bag snatching is common
  • Take your shoes off at the entrance in a local’s home
  • Don’t wear shorts or old t-shirts when you visit a Pagoda
  • Don’t take pictures of anything to do with the military
  • Don’t take video cameras into small villages, it’s considered very intrusive
  • Don’t engage in public displays of affection

MYANMAR

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Harvesting Season in Myanmar

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. Myanmar’s culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism.

Currency

1 Myanmar Kyat = 0.041 Indian Rupee(INR) OR
1 Indian Rupee(INR) = 24.11 Myanmar Kyat(MMK)

Visa Requirement

The visa for Myanmar for Indian citizens can be obtained for tourism purposes and are valid for 90 days and support only single entries. The maximum number of days allowed to stay in Myanmar as a tourist electronic visa holder is up to 28 days.Indians can apply for the electronic visa to Myanmar.

How to Reach Vietnam?

You can go to Myanmar from India by road crossing the Moreh (India side)-Tamu (Myanmar side) overland border at Manipur.
Also, there are flights from most major Indian cities to Yangon, the capital of Myanmar.

Best Seasons to Travel

The best time to visit Myanmar is during the dry season, between October and May.

The popular cities to visit on Myanmar – Bagan,Yangon,Mandalay,Inle Lake,Ngapali,Mrauk U,Bago,Kyaiktiyo,Ngwe Saung and Pyin U Lwin

Things/Activities to Do

  • Go motorbiking on the road from Mandalay
  • Stay at a boutique winery
  • Swim in Indiana Jones-style waterfalls
  • Sail away to Burma’s best beaches
  • Walk under a mountain to Buddhist caves
  • Take a trip to a bizarre drugs museum in Yangon
  • Wade out to a desert-island restaurant

Do’s & Dont’s in Myanmar

  • Respect the Myanmar people and their unique traditions.
  • Respect the elders: Let the oldest be served first, and bend a bit when crossing close in front of the elders.
  • Always smile. The Myanmar people are very friendly.
  • Keep your hands off people’s heads – its considered taboo.
  • Dress should be modest, so both men and women should avoid shorts cut above the knees
  • Don’t show affection in public.
  • Don’t touch the robe of a monk.
  • Don’t disturb people praying or meditating.
  • Do not step over the body of anyone else.
  • The use of any kind of drugs is illegal.

INDONESIA

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Iconic Handara Gate in Bali

Spread across a chain of thousands of islands between Asia and Australia, Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population and Southeast Asia’s biggest economy. It is one of the most popular destination among Indian honeymooners.

Currency

1 Indonesian Rupiah(IDR) = 0.0052 Indian Rupee(INR) OR
1 Indian Rupee(INR) = 190.70 Indonesian Rupiah(IDR)

Visa Details

Indonesia is a visa free country so no visa required for Indian citizens travelling for less than 30 days. You just need to get a visa exemption stamp from the Immigration counter. This is available free of cost. If your travel duration is more than 30 days, you can apply for visa on arrival when you enter Indonesia.

How to Reach Indonesia?

The fastest and the most convenient way to travel to Indonesia from India is by air. You can take a flight either to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta or Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. There are several airlines from India that offer connecting flights to these destinations.

Best Seasons to Travel

The best time to visit Indonesia is between April and October, when the weather is perfect for island-hopping, snorkelling, and beach relaxation.

The popular cities that you can visit and immerse completely in the beauty of Indonesia – Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Makassar, Bandung and Batam and Bali and  there are many more.

Things/Activities to Do

There are huge number of things & activities that you can do in Indonesia -exploring Gili Islands, visiting Borobudur Temple, paying a visit to world’s renowned Uluwatu Temple, trip to Sacred Monkey Forest, visit to Tanah Lot Temple, relaxing evening on Seminyak beach, paying a visit to black sand beach, excursion to Tangkuban Perahu volcano site, visit to Komodo National Park  etc..

Do’s & Dont’s in Indonesia

  • Dress appropriately.
  • Take off your shoes when visiting a temple or someone’s home.
  • Do learn some local phrases.
  • Try their lip-smacking food.
  • Smile !!
  • Don’t use your left hand for greetings, money handling or eating.
  • Don’t shout or act in aggressive manner.
  • Don’t step over someone.
  • Don’t drink water from the tap.
  • Don’t display affection in public places.

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