10 Top International Holiday Destinations for less than 1 Lakh Rupees
I know that this may not be the best time to travel. But, once we are all vaccinated and the international borders open up, we can hope for a slow return to normalcy. And this includes going on those international holidays that we have dreaming of for the past two years when we have all been indoors or inside our respective cities. And to make it special for you, I have come with a unique list of 10 international holiday destinations that Indians can visit for less than 1 lakh (100,000) rupees.
Such a holiday would be for a couple traveling from India to one of the below mentioned 10 destinations for a period of 7 days and 6 nights and would include their flight tickets (return), visa charges, 3 or 4 star accommodation, food, logistics and entry fees. This international holiday would not only be customizable as you get to choose the itinerary, but it will also not burn a hole in your pocket.
1) Thailand
This country is the eternal favorite of the Indian traveler. This cultural hotspot with its ancient kingdoms and colourful temples, bustling shopping avenues, pristine beach holiday destinations and lush mountains and forests has been charming international travelers for many decades now. Add to its affordability, delicious Thai cuisine and traditional massages and you have a dream holiday destination.
How to get the visa: The Thailand Visa process for Indian passport holders is fairly simple. One can get an e-VOA (e-Visa on Arrival) at the airport in Thailand, an e-visa (normal or express mode) valid for 15 days before you depart from India and a Thailand stamp visa that is valid for 60 days. One can choose the visa type depending on duration of stay and ease of application.
My favorite part of the country is: The islands of Koh Tao and Koh Lanta, the meandering mountain roads between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son and its capital city – Bangkok, which is also referred to as the Venice of the East.
2) Bhutan
This Himalayan kingdom also happens to the happiest nation on our planet. It’s friendly people, rich Buddhist culture, vibrant temples, colourful festivals, snow capped Himalayan mountain vistas, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers and its multiple avenues for adventure and relaxation will appeal to all kinds of travelers. Unlike citizens of other countries who have to spend USD 250 per day to explore Bhutan, Indians do not have to pay any such fee. And we can drive in our own vehicles. I think this is one of the best perks of the Indian passport.
How to get the visa: Indian passport holders do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. All they need is their passport or voters id card and documents for their vehicle if they are going on an overland journey.
My favorite part of the country is: The trek to Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest), shopping for woollen products at Chumey valley, relaxing in the gorgeous Bumthang valley (which is also referred to as the Switzerland of the East), the cantilever and hanging bridges of Punakha and sunrise over the snow capped mountains seen at Dochula pass.
3) Sri Lanka
This pearl in the Indian Ocean packs a lot of action for its visitors. From ancient temples and Buddhism trails, coastal getaways and lovely beaches, hill stations and tea estates, rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries to adventure sports and shopping, the island of Sri Lanka has it all. The smiling people, the rich use of spices in their cuisine and their lush green environment make this country even more appealing.
How to get the visa: Indian passport holders can apply for a Sri Lankan e-Visa or ETA (electronic travel authorization) on the Sri Lankan immigration and emigration website. All you need are confirmed return tickets and proof of finances.
My favorite part of the country is: The ancient civilization of Sigriya, the heritage train ride from Colombo to Nanu Oya, the amazing wildlife of Yala National Park, the beaches around Trincomalee and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
4) Malaysia
A popular destination with honeymooners from India, Malaysia is famous for the markets and other shopping avenues in its capital Kuala Lumpur, the beach paradise of Langkawi, the lush surrounds of Cameron highlands, the jungles of Malaysian Borneo and its gorgeous islands that are known for its clear waters and rich wildlife. In addition, Malaysia offers a lot of duty free shopping, access to unique nature, delicious food and a rich array of tropical fruits.
How to get the visa: There are 3 options to get a tourist visa to Malaysia. One is a eNTRI visa that allows you to stay in Malaysia for 15 days, but it only works if you enter from India, Singapore or Thailand. The second option is the eVisa that allows you to stay in Malaysia for upto 30 days, it is valid for 3 months and is good for multiple entries. The third option is to get the sticker visa from your nearest consulate in India.
My favorite part of the country is:Kinabatangan wildlife sanctuary in Sabah (Borneo), seeing the orangutans up close at Sepilok, trekking inside Gunung Mulu National park and seeing the Rafflesia flower at Royal Belum National Park.
5) Indonesia
This largest archipelago is home to so many attractions that one trip is not even going to be enough to scratch its surface. It has some of the world’s best marine sites, best surf, most active volcanoes, rich wildlife, unique tribal cultures, amazing cuisines, great coffee, thousands of pristine beaches, rich Hindu and Buddhist temples so much more. The world over knows about the popularity of Bali as an island holiday destination. Now, add to it a few more hundreds of islands with a much richer experience and you have an unforgettable holiday package.
How to get the visa: Indian passport holders get a visa on arrival when they arrive in Indonesia. The visa is free and all you need to show are your return tickets and proof of funds.
My favorite part of the country is: Swimming with baby sharks at Karimun Jawa, watching the sunrise over Mount Bromo, trekking upto the top of Gunung Merapi to watch the molten lava flow in the dead of the night, tropical rainforest called Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park and the cultural hotspot of Tana Toraja.
6) Dubai
Another perennial favorite with Indians is Dubai. It’s skyscrapers, shopping malls, year end festivals, luxurious accommodation and fine dining is well etched in the hearts and minds of Indians thanks to the Indian movie industries. Add to it umpteen adventure activities, a rugged landscape, bustling local markets and luxurious dhow cruises and you have a dream luxurious holiday in Dubai.
How to get the visa: Getting a Dubai Visa is fairly straightforward. All you need is your passport, passport size photograph and return ticket. If you happen to be flying via Emirates, you get a 96 hours transit visa. And if you wish to stay longer, you can apply for the 14, 30 or 90 day tourist visa. Each of these visas come with a regular and express mode.
My favorite part of the country is: Mountain biking in the Hajar mountains, dune bashing on the various desert trails, taking the local abra boat and engaging with the locals, watch the Dubai landscape from the top of Burj Khalifa and soak in the hustle and bustle in the various souks of Dubai.
7) Nepal
Nepal offers a beautiful mix of adrenaline rush, panoramic vistas, culture, spirituality and adventure. It is not just a country for mountain climbers and trekkers, but it is for everyone. Patan, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Lumbini are the cultural hubs. Chitwan National Park is their wild heart. Pashupatinath temple and Muktinath temple are its most popular spiritual destinations. Pokhara, which is famous for its surreal Himalayan views is a gateway to the cold desert of Jomsom and the trek to Annapurna base camp and peak. And on the opposite site of the country lies its most popular trail, which leads to Everest Base camp and peak. In between, there is ample amount of nature, culture, good food and great people.
How to get the visa: Indian citizens don’t need a visa to visit Nepal. All they need is their passport or government authorized identification card.
My favorite part of the country is: The trek to Annapurna base camp, the temples of Patan and Bhaktapur, the evening aarti at Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, staying in the tea houses near Jomsom and walking in and around the lanes by Kathmandu’s Dubar Square.
8) Laos
Laos is the ideal country if relaxation is on your agenda. It has lush nature, a very slow pace of life, it is cheap (which means you can stay for a long while), it has delicious food, great culture and very helpful people. It has quiet fishing towns, a 1000 islands on the one of the largest rivers in the world, a lush plateau, a great mountain side, a fairy tale city, rich forests and many underground caves and rivers, all offering great avenues for adventure. In between all of this is the opportunity to use your feet, soak in the sunshine, relish the local cuisine and recharge your batteries.
How to get the visa: Indian passport holders get visa on arrival at most Laos borders. All you need are 2 passport size photographs, a return flight ticket and proof of funds. You can also apply for the same at the nearest Laos consulate. The visa offers a stay of 30 days that can be extended by a further 15 days.
My favorite part of the country is: The fishing hamlets of Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi, Motorcycling through the lush forests of Bolavan plateau, chill at the riverine islands of Don Det or Don Khon and explore the culture in the fairy tale city of Luang Prabang.
9) Cambodia
Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu temple in the world, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most visited destinations in the world. While Angkor Wat should definitely be in your Cambodia holiday itinerary, there are many more tourist attractions in this tropical country. It is home to gorgeous islands, pristine beaches, a lake that is an ecological hotspot, its heart wrenching killing fields, a lush tropical atmosphere with many spots to unwind, relax and rejuvenate.
How to get the visa: Indian passport holders can easily get an eVisa for Cambodia or they can go via the Cambodian consulate and get the stamp visa. Both options are fairly straightforward as you all need is your passport, proof of funds and return flight ticket.
My favorite part of the country is:Prasat Bayon, one of the temples part of the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, the floating world of Tonle Sap, Koh Rong’s white sandy beaches and emerald waters and relaxing in the laidback riverside town of Kampot.
10) Vietnam
The last destination in this list also happens to offer a great bang for the buck. It is also a place that offers many charms. You can fire guns and rifles at Cu Chi Tunnels near Saigon, you can surf down sand dunes at Mui Ne while looking at the South China Sea, you can float down the Tam Coc river while surrounded by paddy fields and limestone karsts, you could indulge in mountain treks at SaPa and you can explore the Hindu trails of the Champa kingdom at My Son. Then, there are the eternal favorites of Vietnam – a Halong Bay cruise, the cultural hub and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An and shopping in the local markets of Ho Chi Minh.
How to get the visa: Unlike the other countries, the Vietnam visa is not as straightforward. You can either apply for an e-visa, get the approval letter and get your visa on your arrival in Vietnam. This evisa is valid only if you fly into the approved airports and they don’t work for land borders. You can also get the stamp visa from your nearest Vietnamese consulate. The pre approved stamp visas will work at all borders.
My favorite part of the country is: The cultural hub of Hoi An, the Tam Coc river cruise, dune surfing at Mui Ne and trekking in the terraced rice fields of Sapa.
