India is a land of vibrant cultures, historic wonders, and unforgettable experiences—all waiting to be explored without breaking the bank. Whether you're dreaming of luxury escapes or backpacker adventures, this guide covers the best cities in India for every traveler.
From the golden beaches of Goa to the majestic palaces of Jaipur, we’ll help you plan the perfect holiday in India—with insider tips on cheap travel destinations, must-see attractions, and affordable stays.
Ready to explore India like never before? Let’s dive in!
1. Delhi – The Heart of India
Why Visit? A mix of ancient history and modern buzz, Delhi is the perfect starting point for your holiday in India.
🏰 Most Famous For: Red Fort, India Gate, and Chandni Chowk’s bustling markets.
🍜 Must-Eat: Parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali & Butter Chicken at Moti Mahal.
📸 Must-See: Humayun’s Tomb (a mini Taj Mahal!).
✈️ Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International (IGI) – 16 km from the city.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: The Leela Palace ($$$)
Mid-Range: Bloomrooms (@Janpath)
Budget: Zostel Delhi (cheap & social!)
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Delhi Metro to avoid traffic.
👉 Reserve your spot on top-rated Delhi tours here (Free cancellation available)"*
2. Mumbai – The City of Dreams
Why Visit? Bollywood, beaches, and unbeatable street food!
🌉 Most Famous For: Gateway of India & Marine Drive sunset views.
🍢 Must-Eat: Vada Pav & Bademiya’s kebabs.
🎭 Must-Do: Explore Colaba’s art galleries.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl. (CSMIA) – 22 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Taj Mahal Palace
Mid-Range: The Resort Mumbai
Budget: Backpacker Panda
🏖️ Nearest Beach: Juhu Beach (perfect for evening strolls).
💡 Pro Tip: Book local train tickets in advance for cheap travel.
👉 Reserve your spot on top-rated Mumbai tours here (Free cancellation available)"*
3. Goa – Beach Paradise on a Budget
Why Visit? Sun, sand, and endless parties—India’s top vacation spot!
🏝️ Most Famous For: Baga Beach & Anjuna Flea Market.
🍹 Must-Do: Sunset cruise on the Mandovi River.
🍤 Must-Eat: Fresh seafood at Martin’s Corner.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Dabolim (GOI) – 30 km from Panjim.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Taj Exotica
Mid-Range: The Park Goa
Budget: Roadhouse Hostel
💡 Pro Tip: Rent a scooter (₹300/day) to explore freely Or Rent a car for more Felixibility
4. Jaipur – The Pink City
Why Visit? Royal palaces, vibrant bazaars, and Instagram-worthy forts.
🕌 Most Famous For: Hawa Mahal & Amber Fort.
🛍️ Must-Buy: Handmade jewelry at Johari Bazaar.
🍴 Must-Eat: Dal Baati Churma at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Jaipur Intl. (JAI) – 12 km from the city.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Rambagh Palace
Mid-Range: Umaid Bhawan
Budget: Moustache Hostel
💡 Pro Tip: Visit Nahargarh Fort at sunset for epic views.
👉 Reserve your spot on top-rated Jaipur tours here (Free cancellation available)"*
5. Varanasi – The Spiritual Capital
Why Visit? A mystical city where spirituality meets the Ganges.
🕉️ Most Famous For: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
🚣 Must-Do: Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
🍵 Must-Try: Benarasi Paan & Chai by the ghats.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) – 25 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Taj Ganges
Mid-Range: BrijRama Palace
Budget: GoStops Varanasi
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid monsoon season (July-Sept) due to flooding.
6. Bangalore – The Garden City
Why Visit? Tech hub by day, party capital by night!
🌳 Most Famous For: Lalbagh Botanical Garden.
☕ Must-Do: Café hopping in Koramangala.
🍛 Must-Eat: Masala Dosa at MTR.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Kempegowda Intl. (BLR) – 35 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: The Oberoi
Mid-Range: The Paul
Budget: The Hostel Crowd
💡 Pro Tip: Use Namma Metro to beat traffic.
7. Kolkata – The City of Joy
Why Visit? Colonial charm, literary heritage, and mouthwatering street food.
🎭 Most Famous For: Howrah Bridge & Victoria Memorial.
🍴 Must-Eat: Puchka (Pani Puri) at Vivekananda Park.
🚋 Must-Do: Ride the iconic tram.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Intl. (CCU) – 17 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: The Oberoi Grand
Mid-Range: The Peerless Inn
Budget: Backpackers’ Den
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during Durga Puja (Oct) for a cultural spectacle.
8. Hyderabad – The City of Pearls
Why Visit? A blend of Mughal history and tech innovation.
🏰 Most Famous For: Charminar & Golconda Fort.
🍗 Must-Eat: Hyderabadi Biryani at Paradise.
💎 Must-Buy: Pearls at Laad Bazaar.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi Intl. (HYD) – 24 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Taj Falaknuma Palace
Mid-Range: Novotel Hyderabad
Budget: Zostel Hyderabad
💡 Pro Tip: Visit Ramoji Film City for a Bollywood experience.
9. Chennai – The Cultural Capital of South India
Why Visit? Temples, beaches, and filter coffee!
🏛️ Most Famous For: Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
🏖️ Must-Visit: Marina Beach (longest urban beach in India).
☕ Must-Drink: Filter coffee at Murugan Idli Shop.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Chennai Intl. (MAA) – 15 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: The Leela Palace
Mid-Range: Radisson Blu
Budget: Hostel Lozenges
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid summer (Apr-Jun)—it gets extremely hot.
10. Udaipur – The Venice of the East
Why Visit? Romantic lakes, palaces, and sunset boat rides.
🛶 Most Famous For: Lake Pichola & City Palace.
🍽️ Must-Eat: Dal Baati at Ambrai Ghat.
🚤 Must-Do: Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap (UDR) – 22 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Taj Lake Palace
Mid-Range: Jagat Niwas Palace
Budget: Moustache Udaipur
💡 Pro Tip: Visit Monsoon Palace for panoramic views.
11. Kochi – The Queen of the Arabian Sea
Why Visit? Backwaters, spice markets, and colonial charm.
🛶 Most Famous For: Chinese Fishing Nets & Kathakali shows.
🍛 Must-Eat: Kerala Sadya at Grand Hotel.
🚤 Must-Do: Backwater cruise in Alleppey.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Cochin Intl. (COK) – 30 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Brunton Boatyard
Mid-Range: Forte Kochi
Budget: Zostel Kochi
🏖️ Nearest Beach: Cherai Beach (30 km away).
💡 Pro Tip: Try toddy (palm wine) at local taverns.
12. Amritsar – The Golden City
Why Visit? Spiritual bliss & buttery Punjabi food.
🕌 Most Famous For: Golden Temple & Wagah Border ceremony.
🍴 Must-Eat: Langar (free community meal) at Golden Temple.
🎆 Must-See: Nighttime Palki Sahib ceremony.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee (ATQ) – 11 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Hyatt Amritsar
Mid-Range: Ramada
Budget: GoStops Amritsar
💡 Pro Tip: Visit Jallianwala Bagh for historic significance.
13. Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital
Why Visit? Adventure, spirituality, and the Ganges.
🧘 Most Famous For: Yoga retreats & white-water rafting.
🌉 Must-Do: Walk the Laxman Jhula bridge.
🍏 Must-Eat: Organic vegan cafes.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Dehradun (DED) – 35 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Ananda in the Himalayas
Mid-Range: Ganga Kinare
Budget: BunkStay
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid monsoon season (July-Aug) for rafting.
14. Puducherry – A Slice of France in India
Why Visit? Quaint French colonies & serene beaches.
🏝️ Most Famous For: Auroville & Promenade Beach.
☕ Must-Do: Café hopping in White Town.
🍷 Must-Try: French pastries at Baker Street.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Chennai (MAA) – 150 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Le Dupleix
Mid-Range: The Promenade
Budget: Srinivasa Hostel
💡 Pro Tip: Rent a bicycle (₹100/day) to explore Or Rent a car for more Felixibility
15. Shimla – The Queen of Hills
Why Visit? Snowy winters & colonial-era charm.
🏔️ Most Famous For: Mall Road & Toy Train.
🍎 Must-Eat: Hot momos at The Ridge.
🚂 Must-Do: Kalka-Shimla Toy Train ride.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Chandigarh (IXC) – 115 km away.
🏨 Stay Options:
Luxury: Oberoi Cecil
Mid-Range: Clarkes Hotel
Budget: The Hosteller
💡 Pro Tip: Visit in winter (Dec-Feb) for snowfall.
India’s cities are calling—each offering unforgettable experiences that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re drawn to Delhi’s historic charm, Goa’s beachside bliss, or Varanasi’s spiritual magic, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you.
Final Tips for an Amazing Trip
✔ Book flights early on Ovago for the best prices
✔ Stay protected with Travelex travel insurance
✔ Stay connected hassle-free with Yesim eSIM
✔ Explore freely with affordable car rentals
Which City Will You Explore First?
Every traveler is different—so tell us:
🏙️ History lover? → Delhi, Jaipur, or Hyderabad?
🏖️ Beach seeker? → Goa, Kochi, or Puducherry?
🕉️ Soul searcher? → Varanasi or Rishikesh?
🎉 Party enthusiast? → Mumbai or Bangalore?
Drop your pick in the comments below! We’d love to hear what excites you most—and maybe even share some extra insider tips for your chosen city.
Happy travels with Voyagelo! 🌍✈️🇮🇳
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