If you think a nice summer escape has to be expensive, think twice. With the right mix of shared transport, cosy homestays, and local food, these destinations prove that beating the heat can cost less than a single meal at Delhi’s five-star hotels.
Summer in India can turn anyone into a wanderlust in no time, especially if you are a Delhiite. The good news is, you do not need an international trip or a big budget to beat the heat. With the right planning, you can still plan a trip without breaking the bank. India is dotted with plenty of wallet-friendly coolcation destinations, from serene hill towns to misty valleys and lush plantations, that cost less than a weekend of food deliveries and binge-watching Netflix.
Here are 7 lesser-known, budget coolcation destinations in India under ₹10,000 per person (for a 3-4 day stay, including travel, accommodation, and food):
1. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Located at an altitude of 2,680 m, this serene hill station is a perfect getaway far from the crowds in Mussoorie and Nainital. You can enjoy rolling meadows, pine forests, and the Tungnath trek right at your doorstep.
Travel cost: Bus or train from Delhi to Rishikesh (₹400-₹700) and then a shared Jeep from Rishikesh to Chopta (₹500-₹700); total for round trip roughly ₹2,000-₹2,800
Stay: Homestays and trekker huts from ₹800-₹1,500 per night; total for 3 nights: ₹3,000
Food: Simple Garhwali thalis and Maggi points, ₹300-₹400 per day; total for 4 days: ₹1,200
Total budget: ₹6,200-₹7,000
2. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Located in the Kullu district, this hidden gem is known for its peaceful environment, natural beauty, and riverside cafes. It is a base for exploring the Great Himalayan National Park, which offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and trout fishing.
Travel cost: Volvo or bus from Delhi to Aut (₹800-₹1,000) and a shared taxi from Aut to Tirthan (₹200-₹300); total for round trip: ₹2,200
Stay: Riverside guesthouses and homestays, ₹900-₹1,800 per night; total for 3 nights: ₹3,000
Food: Home-cooked meals and trout dishes, ₹350 per day; total for 4 days: ₹1,400
Total budget: ₹6,600-₹7,500
3. Landour, Uttarakhand
This sleepy little town, just 5-6 km from Mussoorie, has lots of colonial-style cafes for those who want to explore beyond the Mall Road. Stays in Landour are 30-40% cheaper than those in its famous and noisier neighbour, Mussoorie.
Travel cost: Bus or train from Delhi to Dehradun (₹400-₹600), a shared taxi from Dehradun to Landour (₹150-₹200); total for round trip: ₹1,600
Stay: Guesthouses in Jharipani/Barlowganj, ₹1,200-₹2,000 per night; total for 3 nights: ₹4,000
Food: Bakery snacks and meals at local dhabas, ₹350 per day; total for 4 days: ₹1,400
Total budget: ₹7,000-₹7,500
4. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the Parvati Valley, Kasol is undoubtedly one of the cheapest coolcation destinations in India. This backpacker’s paradise has several hostels and Israeli-cafe-lined lanes.
Travel cost: Bus from Delhi to Bhuntar (₹700-₹900), and a shared cab from Bhuntar to Kasol (₹100-₹150); total for round trip: ₹1,800
Stay: Dorm beds from ₹400 per night; private rooms ₹900-₹1,500 per night; total for 3 nights: ₹2,500
Food: Israeli, Italian, and local thalis, ₹350-₹450 per day; total for 4 days: ₹1,600
Total budget: ₹5,900-₹6,500
5. Coorg (Madikeri), Karnataka
If you live in South India and are looking for a budget coolcation destination this summer, Karnataka’s Coorg region is a great choice. Surrounded by misty coffee plantations and waterfalls, this pretty little town is an easy overnight drive from Bengaluru.
Travel cost: Bus from Bengaluru to Madikeri (₹700-₹1,000 round trip)
Stay: Homestays within coffee estates, ₹1,200-₹2,000 per night; total for 3 nights: ₹4,000
Food: Kodava cuisine at local eateries, ₹350 per day; total for 4 days: ₹1,400
Total budget: ₹6,100-₹6,500
6. Munnar, Kerala
Situated amidst rolling tea plantations, Munnar is another excellent budget coolcation destination for South Indians. The place is significantly cheaper than the famous hill stations in North India, making it a great value-for-money destination.
Travel cost: Bus from Kochi to Munnar (₹300-₹400 round trip); flights from Delhi/Mumbai will add to the cost, making it a great option for travellers planning a longer holiday
Stay: Budget homestays and guesthouses, ₹1,000-₹1,800 per night; total for 3 nights: ₹3,500
Food: Local Kerala meals and tea-shop snacks, ₹300 per day; total for 4 days: ₹1,200
Total budget: ₹5,000–₹5,500 (excluding long-haul flights)
7. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
With its pine-scented forests, cool climate, and almost empty roads, Ziro may just be the best-kept secret of Indian travel. While it takes a bit longer to get there, the effort is well worth the reward of finding a refreshing place that very few people know about.
Travel cost: Bus from Guwahati to Itanagar (₹600-₹800) and then a shared sumo from Itanagar to Ziro (₹400-₹500); total for round trip: ₹2,200 (excludes flight to Guwahati; Inner Line Permit required for Indian citizens, which is free but takes 3-5 working days to process)
Stay: Homestays with Apatani tribe, ₹800-₹1,500 per night; total for 3 nights: ₹3,000
Food: Local Apatani thalis, ₹300 per day; total for 4 days: ₹1,200
Total budget: ₹6,400-₹7,000 (excluding flights)
Bonus Tips to Keep Your Coolcation Under Budget
- Book shared vehicles, such as jeeps or sumos, for hill routes, as they are much cheaper than private cabs.
- Opt for weekdays since hotel and homestay prices can be 20-30% lower than on weekends.
- Go for homestays rather than resorts and enjoy local food to save money.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and light snacks for the road to avoid impulse spending.
