When we think of places to travel in India, destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Goa always take the first spots. There is no doubt there's a reason they've become as popular as they are today, but that doesn't mean we should overlook some of the affordable options with fewer crowds that we have in the vicinity. The below destinations are extremely budget friendly and easy to access.

Chakrata - This is a beautiful hill station located in Uttarakhand's Dehradun district. It has something for everyone - beautiful treks with hidden caves for adventurers, various viewpoints for nature lovers where they can sit in quiet and absorb the majesty of the Himalayas without the chaos. It also has a waterfall where you can actually hear the water falling and take a dip. The best part is it's not hard to access and has very good transportation within as well.

Location: Uttarakhand's Dehradun district

• Estimated Costs:

  • Transport: ₹1,500-3,000 from Delhi (bus or shared taxi)

  • Accommodation: ₹1,000-2,500 per night (budget to mid-range)

  • Food: ₹500-800 per day

  • Activities (treks, waterfalls): ₹500-1,500

  • Total estimated budget for 3 days: ₹8,000-15,000

Tugasi - Perfect for trekking beginners and snow lovers. If you're intimidated by the difficulty of some treks, this is the perfect place to start without compromising on the experience. The real beauty of Kuari Pass lies in its strategic location – it's well-connected to popular spots like Auli and Tungnath, making it an ideal base for a longer mountain adventure.

Location: Near Auli, Uttarakhand

• Estimated Costs:

  • Transport: ₹2,000-4,000 from Delhi (train to Haridwar + taxi)

  • Accommodation: ₹800-2,000 per night

  • Food: ₹500-700 per day

  • Kuari Pass trek: ₹2,500-5,000 (guide and permissions)

  • Total estimated budget for 3 days: ₹9,000-18,000

Gokarna - We are crazy about Goa, and everyone might have had at least one group chat planning a trip there. But just 5 hours away is Gokarna, which is like a mini affordable version of Goa with a similar landscape. It's perfect for people looking for pristine and peaceful beaches, trekking along the coast, camping, and stargazing.

Estimated Costs:

• Transport: ₹1,500-3,000 from Bangalore/Goa (bus or train)

• Accommodation: ₹800-2,000 per night (beach huts to guesthouses)

• Food: ₹600-900 per day

• Activities (beach hopping, boat trips): ₹500-1,500

• Total estimated budget for 3 days: ₹7,500-14,000

Writing about underrated gems feels like a crime as you know that might bring the spotlight to them, and they will no longer be the quiet solace you always look forward to. It's like sharing a treasure you found with the world with a bittersweet feeling. As I am sharing these, I would hope that you will be a responsible citizen and maintain the authenticity of these places and not let them become over-commercialized.