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12 Best Cheap International Destinations To Visit From India in 2026

Aug 26, 2026

Shaoni Saha

International travel from India no longer has to come with a luxury price tag. Affordable flights, budget stays, and easier visa policies have made overseas trips more accessible, even for travelers on a modest budget. The key is knowing where to go, when to travel, and how much to budget. 

This guide covers some of the cheapest international destinations from India in 2026, along with practical information to help you choose a destination and plan an affordable trip. Before booking, you could also check for travel offers and coupon codes to save on flights and hotels.

Top 12 Cheap International Destinations From India in 2026

1. Seychelles, East Africa

A la-la-land for all the beach bums, Seychelles is one of the most beautiful places you will ever set foot on. An archipelago of almost 115 islands, this little wonderland is the dream destination for

A la-la-land for all the beach bums, Seychelles is one of the most beautiful places you will ever set foot on. An archipelago of almost 115 islands, this little wonderland is the dream destination for all photography lovers. Seychelles’ pristine beaches are nothing short of the perfect holiday destination if you want to leave behind the drudgery of life and sip on your favorite drink on a white sand beach.

Best Places To Visit In Seychelles

• Mahe Island
• Praslin Island
• Curieuse Island
• La Digue Island

How To Reach Seychelles From India

You can take a flight to Mahe Island from various places in India, like New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc. On average, a round-trip air ticket from New Delhi to Mahe Island will cost you around 35,000 per person. If you’re lucky enough to spot a deal online, you can get the tickets for an even lower price.

Things To Do In Seychelles

• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Beach Hopping
• Scuba Diving
• Cycling La Digue

Round-trip Flight Tickets Cost From India To Seychelles: The flight tickets to Seychelles should be booked at least 2 months in advance to save more money. You can also find MakeMyTrip offers on international flights and hotels in Seychelles to save your wallet from burning.

From New Delhi to Mahe Island: Approx Rs 36,000 (round-trip)
From Mumbai to Mahe Island: Approx Rs 36,000 (round-trip)

Seychelles is visa-free for Indian citizens for an initial stay of up to 90 days, but travelers must obtain a paid Travel Authorization before departure and satisfy the country’s entry requirements.

2. The Philippines

Boasting about the 3 beautiful island groups called Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas, the Philippines can be a visual treat for all beach lovers. With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is certainly going to blow your mind with the beauty that this country in Asia holds. This place is also home to some of the best coral beds in the world, so in case you fancy scuba diving, this could be your newly found paradise.

Places To Visit in the Philippines

• Batad Rice Terraces
• Banaue Village
• Manila
• Boracay
• Puerto Princesa
• Sagada
• Coron Island
• Cebu

Things To Do In The Philippines

• Attend the Cebu Sinulog Festival
• Mountain Biking In Davao
• Trek to the Taal Volcano
• Indulge in water sports, including Kayaking, Scuba diving, etc.
• Visit the casinos at night
• Go for local food tasting
• Plan to visit the Republic of the Philippines again, as 1 trip to this island land is never enough

How To Reach the Philippines From India

Currently, there are no direct flights to the Philippines from India, but you can always board a connecting flight from India to Manila via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. You can take flights from Madras, Kolkata, Bengaluru, etc.

Round-trip Flight Tickets Cost From India To The Philippines: You can take flights from various Indian cities. It’s advisable to look for the best flight offers to save more on your travel bookings. You can even use Emirates coupon codes to travel to your favorite vacation places in the Philippines at affordable prices.

From New Delhi to Manila – Rs 22,000 (round-trip flight cost)
From Bangalore to Manila – Rs 19,000 (round-trip flight cost)

Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism or business if they meet the required entry conditions.

3. Sri Lanka

A treasure trove of all things natural and beautiful, Sri Lanka is a package if you’re looking for affordable international destinations with both beaches and mountains. An island country, Sri Lanka is the immediate neighbor of India, and the travel history to Sri Lanka from India dates back to the mythological time of the Ramayana. Whether it is for your honeymoon or a solo trip, Sri Lanka is going to be a great host!

Places To Visit In Sri Lanka

• Adam’s Peak
• Galle and the Dutch Fort
• The Temple of Tooth and Kandy
• Mirissa
• Nuwara Eliya
• Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
• Sigiriya
• Polonnaruwa

Things To Do In Sri Lanka

• Climb Sigiriya at sunrise
• Take the Kandy-to-Ella scenic train
• Water sports on the beaches
• Visit the Buddhist temples
• Go on safari in Kaudulla National Park
• Watch a sunset on the rope swing in Dalawella

Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka: Located very close to the Equator, Sri Lanka is mostly hot throughout the year. However, the best time to travel is between November and April. If you’re not afraid to get drenched in the rain, you can visit the island country during the Monsoon as well.

Round-trip Flight Tickets Cost From India To Sri Lanka: If you plan well in advance, flight tickets to Sri Lanka can be cheaper than traveling within India. To make it even cheaper, you can look for the best offers on international flight tickets. For instance, if you travel via Air India, you can get exciting discounts on payments made using UPI, VISA, and SBI cards. However, you can also save extra by using GrabOn’s Air India coupon codes during the checkout process.

From New Delhi to Colombo – Rs 13,000
From Chennai to Colombo – Rs 8,000

Sri Lanka is visa-free for Indian passport holders for tourism stays of up to 30 days. Since February 2026, Indian travelers no longer need to pay a visa fee or complete the ETA pre-registration process.

4. Kenya

A tapestry of cultures, Africa will certainly make you want to jump out of bed and get going to explore the wilderness that the country holds. If there’s one thing that almost everyone has on their travel bucket list, it’s an African safari. Excited already? Book your tickets to Kenya to make this dream a reality.

Places To Visit In Kenya

• Nairobi
• Maasai Mara
• Lamu Island
• Hell’s Gate National Park
• Lake Bagoria

Things To Do In Kenya

• Stay at the Giraffe Manor
• Foster a baby elephant
• Africa Safari – A MUST!
• Stay at Mahali Mzuri
• Feed the Rhinos
• Stand on the Equator – Literally!

Round Trip Flight Tickets To Kenya From India: Traveling to Kenya isn’t budget-wrecking, but it still needs a decent amount of expenditure. For the best experiences, it’s advised to look for the best travel offers before booking your flight tickets and save more money for the adventure.

Kolkata to Kenya – Approx Rs 31,000 (round trip)
Delhi to Kenya – Approx Rs 29,000 (round trip)

For better fares, compare flight prices on platforms like Cleartrip before booking your tickets.

Pro Tip – Keep enough cash, as finding an ATM that accepts foreign cards is a task!

Indian passport holders need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before traveling, as visas on arrival are no longer issued. The standard single-entry eTA costs US$30, excluding applicable payment charges.

5. Jordan

Whether you are a history buff or run behind the most scenic landscapes for your postcard-perfect picture, Jordan has them all! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jordan is a popular choice for people who like offbeat travel. And not to forget, Petra is home to movie shooting from all parts of the world. Scenes from movies in Bollywood and Hollywood, like Krishh, Aladdin, etc., were shot in Petra.

Places To Visit in Jordan

• Petra
• Dead Sea
• Wadi Rum Desert
• Aqaba
• Amman

Things To Do In Jordan

• Walk between 1500 candles to reach the Treasury at night in Petra
• Go Scuba-diving in Aqaba
• Take a Mud Mask at the Dead Sea
• Desert Safari

How To Travel From India To Jordan

There are multiple flights from India to Jordan. Check for the best offers on flights and choose an off-season date for cheap tickets.

Delhi to Jordan – Rs 30,000 for round-trip tickets
Mumbai to Jordan – Rs 26,000 for round-trip tickets

Indian passport holders need a visa in advance, with a single-entry visa costing 40 JOD (around ₹4,700). The Jordan Pass, priced at 70-80 JOD, includes the visa fee, Petra entry, and access to 40+ attractions, making it a better-value option for travelers staying 3+ nights and visiting Petra.

6. Cambodia

Traveling to Cambodia? Here’s your little post-it for the tidbits that you need to know before you book your tickets to Cambodia. This Southeast Asian country has some of the most beautiful architecture and white-sand beaches you can admire and tell stories about in your 60s. It’s a cheap international country to travel in 2023 from India without breaking your budget.

Places To Visit In Cambodia

• Bokor National Park
• The Killing Fields
• Angkor Wat
• Phnom Penh
• Sihanoukville
• Battambang

Things To Do In Cambodia

• Visit the ruins in Ta Prohm
• Cook Khmer Food with the locals
• Visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap
• Appreciate the beautiful architecture
• Eat on the streets

How To Travel To Cambodia From India

There are flights from various metro cities in India to Cambodia. You can catch a flight from Bengaluru, New Delhi, etc.

Bengaluru to Cambodia – 14,000 for round-trip tickets
Delhi to Cambodia – Rs 16,000 for round-trip tickets

Pro Tip: Learn a few basic Khmer phrases and carry some Cambodian riel alongside your card for small purchases, local markets, and tuk-tuk rides.

Indians can apply for an e-visa online (USD 30 + USD 6 processing fee) or get a visa on arrival (USD 30). The e-visa is a faster and more convenient option and can help avoid queues at the airport.

7. Maldives

The most sought-after holiday destination for most Bollywood stars, the Maldives is yet another beautiful and affordable international destination to travel from India in 2023. With its pristine beaches and beautiful landscapes, this place is certainly going to make you forget all the plain vanilla days you’ve been living all along. It’s a place to soak in the therapeutic waves and refreshing breeze. (Yes, we know, you’re already sipping in fresh coconut water on the beach, in your imagination)

You might be thinking about the expensive flight charges, right? Do not worry! By using the Qatar Airways voucher code, you can save up to 50% on the flight booking.

Places To Visit In Maldives

• Male Island
• Baros Island
• Huvahendhoo Island
• Majeedhee Magu
• Utheemu
• Mafhushi
• Gan

Things To Do In Maldives

• First things first, SIT BACK AND RELAX! (You’re here for a vacay!)
• Spend time stargazing on Bioluminescent Island
• Indulge in Water sports to witness a paradise underwater
• Visit the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge
• Pray at the Grand Friday Mosque
• Visit the Art Gallery

Travel To The Maldives From India

Bengaluru to Male – Rs 12,000
Delhi/Mumbai to Male – Under Rs 16,000 (round trip)

Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Velana International Airport (Male). You do not need to apply in advance or pay any visa fee.

8. Bhutan

Bhutan shares a border with India, making it one of the most accessible international destinations for Indian travelers. Known for its Himalayan landscapes, Buddhist culture, and Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, the country offers a distinctive travel experience. Its road connectivity with India also makes Bhutan a popular choice for road trips and bike journeys.

Places To Visit In Bhutan

• Paro
• Thimphu
• Trongsa
• Punakha
• Wangdue Phodrang
• Jigme Dorji National Park

Things To Do In Bhutan

• Trek to Mount Jomolhari
• Go for Rafting in Paro
• Attend the Bhutan Paro Festival
• Go For the Tiger’s Nest Monastery Trek
• Go for the refreshing Hot Spring Therapy
• Attend the Bhutan Festival

How to Reach Bhutan from India

The perks of visiting this neighboring country are that you can easily go for a road trip to Bhutan with your gang without spending a fortune. People live to visit Bhutan on the bike, riding through the most beautiful trails.

Best Time To Visit Bhutan

Bhutan has a pleasant climate for much of the year, but temperatures and weather vary by season and region. If you want to experience Bhutan’s traditional festivals, check the festival calendar before booking your trip, as dates vary each year.

Indian travelers must pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of ₹1,200 per adult per night. Children aged 6-12 pay ₹600 per night, while children under 6 are exempt. Include this fee when calculating your total trip cost.

9. Belarus

Can you think of going to Europe on a budget? Well, yes, with Belarus on your list, you can certainly travel to Europe on a shoestring budget. With its Stalinist architecture, the country is attracting tourists from all parts of the world, thanks to the relaxed visa rules. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags and explore this less-talked-about country in Europe.

Places To Visit in Belarus

• Minsk
• Polotsk
• Lida Castle
• Brest Fortress
• Dudutki

Things To Do In Belarus

• Visit the Stalin Line Museum
• Learn the art of Baking Bread
• Visit the Castles
• Go Kayaking
• Walk around

Flights From India To Belarus

Mumbai to Minsk – Rs 40,000 round trip
Delhi to Minsk – Rs 36,000

Indian passport holders can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days via Minsk International Airport. Sanctions have reduced airline options, with most routes requiring connections via Istanbul, Sharjah, or Dubai. International card acceptance is also limited, so carry USD/EUR cash for expenses. 

10. Myanmar

Since India shares borders with Myanmar, it’s very easy to travel to this small yet wonderful country. Myanmar and India are connected in more ways than one. Not just the history, there are multiple cultural similarities that the two countries have in common. One can easily travel to Myanmar on a budget and have a beautiful experience.

Places To Visit In Myanmar

• Sule Pagoda
• Inle Lake
• Shwedagon Pagoda
• Mount Popa
• Bagan

Things To Do In Myanmar

Myanmar is the perfect place for those who like a peaceful, laid-back vacation, away from the clamor. Consider visiting:

• Bagan for a beautiful sunrise
• walk amidst the thousand stupas at Kaku
• take a sunset boat ride at Inle Lake

How To Reach Myanmar From India

Apart from flights, you can also board a bus to reach Myanmar from India’s Northeast region.

Delhi to Yangon – Round trip Rs 15000
Kolkata to Yangon – Rs 12000

Myanmar is open to Indian tourists with an e-visa costing USD 50 for a 28-day stay. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs advises against travel to parts of Rakhine, Chin, and Shan states due to ongoing conflict. Check the latest travel advisory before booking your trip.

11. Nepal

Surrounded by the magnanimous snow-capped Himalayan range, Nepal has long been an underrated travel destination. This place has a lot to offer to those who love to explore and surround themselves with nature. Expect ancient heritage and culture, splendid views, and adventures that will fill you with an energetic vibe. And guess what? You can get all of this at super affordable rates.

Best Places To Visit In Nepal

• Pokhara
• Bhaktapur
• Lukla
• Chitwan

Things To Do In Nepal

• Paragliding
• Trekking
• Mountain Climbing
• Jungle Safari

How To Reach Nepal From India

By Road: To travel by road, you’ll have to cross one of the three borders—Raxaul, Panitanki, or Sunauli. Once at these borders, you can easily catch a taxi and reach Kathmandu in 5 to 12 hours.

By Train: You can catch a train from the Jainagar Railway Station in Bihar. This train will take you to Janakpur in Nepal. From there, you can either catch a bus or take a flight to Kathmandu.

By Flight: This is the easiest way to reach Nepal. There are many direct flights from Delhi to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu to Delhi. The entire trip takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to about 2 hours. Here is how much a flight can cost you: –

From New Delhi to Kathmandu – Approx. Rs. 10,000

From Kathmandu to New Delhi – Approx. Rs. 10,000

Indian travelers don’t need a visa, Indian rupees are widely accepted, and Nepal is easily accessible by short flights or overnight buses from northern India.

12. Thailand

This country is nicknamed the Land of

This country is nicknamed the Land of Smiles, and for all the right reasons. Thailand has both a peaceful nature and an indulgent nightlife to offer. Take a tour through the city’s market and temples during the day, and enjoy the grandeur of the pubs and go-go bars at sundowner hours.

Best Places To Visit In Thailand

• Phuket
• Krabi
• Bangkok
• Pattaya

Things To Do In Thailand

• Traditional Dance and Theater
• Shopping at the Floating Market
• Island Hopping
• Scuba Diving

How To Reach Thailand From India

The easiest way to reach Thailand from India is by flight. Most metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc., offer direct flights. However, there are many flight booking websites that offer flight tickets at budget-friendly prices. Here is what your booking might cost if you book 2 months prior: –

• From New Delhi to Bangkok – Approx. Rs. 20,000 (Round Trip)
• From New Delhi to Phuket – Approx. Rs. 24,000 (Round Trip)

Compare fares across flight booking platforms like EaseMyTrip to find a better deal before booking.

Indian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, up from the previous 30-day visa-on-arrival period. Travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival.

Best Bank & Card Offers for International Travel Bookings (2026)

These cards offer travel benefits like airport lounge access, reward points, travel vouchers, and international spending perks. Check the issuer’s current terms and any merchant-specific offer before booking, as benefits and eligibility can change.

How to Save More on Your International Trip

On flights

• Book on Tuesday or Wednesday, and aim to book departures around 45-60 days in advance.
• Travel during shoulder months such as April, May, September, and October instead of peak periods like December and January or school holidays.
• Use Google Flights Explore to compare destinations and set fare alerts on Skyscanner to track price drops.

On stays

• Check Booking.com Genius rates and Agoda member prices before booking. These can be lower than the standard listed rate.
• For trips of 28 nights or more, check Airbnb for monthly discounts, particularly for longer stays in Thailand or Bali.
• In Southeast Asian cities, hostels and guesthouses can cost much less than 3-star hotels, so they’re worth comparing if you’re traveling on a tight budget.

On forex and payments

• A zero-forex-markup debit card can save you the 2.5-3.5% foreign-currency markup charged by many regular Indian cards. Options include Niyo Global, Fi, IndusInd Multi-Currency, and Federal Bank FedFirst.
• Forex cards from HDFC, Axis, ICICI, and BookMyForex let you load foreign currency before your trip and lock in the applicable exchange rate.
• Avoid making several small ATM withdrawals if fees apply to each transaction. Withdraw a reasonable amount at a time instead.
• Carry around USD 100-200 as emergency cash when traveling to places where card acceptance may be limited, such as Belarus, Myanmar, parts of Cambodia, or Kenya.

On connectivity

• eSIMs from Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly can cost around USD 5-15 for regional plans, which may be cheaper than airport SIMs or international roaming packs.
• For very short trips, compare your existing Jio or Airtel international roaming packs with an eSIM before you leave. If you already have a suitable roaming plan, it may be the simpler option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the cheapest country to visit from India in 2026?

Nepal is one of the cheapest international destinations from India, with low-cost options available by road, rail, and air. Sri Lanka is another affordable choice, particularly for travelers flying from southern India.

Which countries are visa-free for Indians in 2026?

Popular visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders include Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Visa rules and permitted stay periods vary by country, so check the latest entry requirements before booking.

How much does an international trip from India cost?

A 5–7-night budget international trip from India can cost around ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 per person, depending on the destination, airfare, accommodation, and travel dates. Nepal and Sri Lanka can be cheaper, while destinations such as Bhutan and the Maldives may cost more.

What is the cheapest time to travel internationally from India?

The cheapest time to travel depends on the destination, but shoulder and off-season months generally have lower airfares and hotel rates. Avoid major holidays and peak travel periods if you’re looking for the best deals.

Which country is best for a first international trip from India?

Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan are good choices for a first international trip from India. They offer relatively easy travel from India, manageable costs, and a range of experiences, from beaches and cities to mountains and cultural attractions.

Do I need travel insurance for an international trip from India?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for every destination, but some countries have specific insurance requirements. Even when it isn’t required, travel insurance can cover expenses such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.