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Summer travel in India gets expensive fast because everyone rushes to the same hill stations on the same weekends. The good news: you can still plan a solid trip without spending a fortune if you pick destinations that have budget stays, cheap local food, and easy public transport.
Below are 5 cheapest places to visit in India this summer, plus what to do, expected budgets, and the simple hacks that cut your final trip cost.
| Destination | Best time (summer) | Ideal trip length | Budget per person (3D/2N) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirthan Valley / Jibhi (HP) | Mar–Jun | 3–4 days | ₹6,000–₹12,000 | Quiet hills, nature, slow travel |
| Bir Billing (HP) | Mar–Jun | 2–3 days | ₹5,500–₹11,000 | Paragliding + cafés + chill vibe |
| Munnar (Kerala) | Mar–Jun | 3–4 days | ₹7,000–₹14,000 | Tea gardens, viewpoints, easy sightseeing |
| Coorg (Karnataka) | Mar–Jun | 2–3 days | ₹6,500–₹13,000 | Coffee estates, waterfalls, weekend trip |
| Ooty (Tamil Nadu) | Mar–Jun | 3–4 days | ₹7,000–₹15,000 | Classic hill station, lakes, gardens |
Budget assumes mid-range choices on a budget plan (shared taxis/public transport + budget stays + local food). Costs vary by city of departure and long weekends.
If you want Himachal without Manali-level crowds and pricing, Tirthan Valley and Jibhi are smart picks. You get forests, rivers, treks, and homestays that feel more personal (and often cheaper).
Best time to visit (summer): March to June is widely recommended for pleasant weather and exploring outdoors.
Short hikes and waterfall walks
Riverside cafés and slow evenings
Day trips to nearby viewpoints and villages
Choose homestays slightly away from the “most Instagram” lanes for better pricing
Eat local (thali, parathas, simple cafés) instead of chasing “trendy menus”
Stay: ₹1,200–₹3,500
Food: ₹900–₹1,800
Local travel + activities: ₹700–₹2,000
Intercity travel: depends on your start city
Why it stays cheap: homestay culture + low-cost activities (nature is the main attraction).
Bir is one of the best “budget + fun” destinations: mountain views, cafés, monasteries, and paragliding if you want the full experience.
Best time to visit: March to June is ideal for outdoor activities like paragliding and trekking, with comfortable weather.
Paragliding (Billing to Bir)
Easy hikes + sunset points
Café hopping + slow mornings
Paragliding adds cost, so decide early:
If you’re doing it → keep stays simple
If not → Bir becomes very budget-friendly
Book weekday travel if possible (weekends push up stay prices)
Stay: ₹1,200–₹3,200
Food: ₹800–₹1,800
Activities: ₹0–₹3,500 (depending on paragliding)
Local transport: ₹300–₹900
Why it stays cheap: lots of hostels/homestays and you can keep the itinerary simple.
Munnar is one of the easiest summer hill trips in South India: great views, tea estates, and enough spots to fill 3–4 days without expensive activities.
Best time to visit: March to June is a common summer season window for sightseeing and outdoors.
Tea plantations + viewpoints
Waterfalls (season dependent)
Nature walks and photo stops
Stay a little outside the busiest market area for better value
Pick 1 paid attraction/day and keep the rest free (viewpoints, walks)
Stay: ₹1,500–₹4,500
Food: ₹900–₹2,200
Local travel: ₹900–₹2,500 (share taxis help)
Why it stays cheap: sightseeing-heavy trip, not activity-heavy.
Coorg is perfect if you want a short summer break with greenery, coffee estates, and calm roads. It can be cheap if you avoid “premium resort-only” planning.
Best time to visit: March to June is often treated as the summer travel season; the weather stays workable for sightseeing and outdoor time.
Waterfalls + scenic drives
Coffee estate experiences
Local food and simple viewpoints
Go in a group of 3–4 to split transport costs
Choose stays with breakfast included (quick savings each day)
Stay: ₹1,500–₹4,500
Food: ₹900–₹2,000
Local transport: ₹800–₹2,500
Why it stays cheap: short duration trip + many free nature spots.
Ooty is a classic for a reason: it’s easy, scenic, and the summer weather makes it feel like a proper escape.
Best time to visit: March to June is typically positioned as Ooty’s summer season for comfortable sightseeing.
Ooty Lake (boating, walks)
Botanical gardens + viewpoints
Tea estates and relaxed day plans
(If you want extra context on what makes Ooty a good escape, TOI highlights gardens, tea estates, and the general hill-station vibe.)
Book stays early for May/June weekends
Prefer shared transport or public options for local sightseeing when available
Stay: ₹1,700–₹5,000
Food: ₹1,000–₹2,200
Local travel: ₹900–₹2,800
Why it stays cheap: lots of stay options + simple sightseeing-based itinerary.
Avoid long weekends (or travel mid-week)
Book stays early for May/June peaks
Compare final payable on 2 booking apps (not 10)
Choose homestays/hostels for better value
Eat local, not “tourist menus” for every meal
Don’t overplan paid attractions
Keep transport efficient: fewer daily jumps, more relaxed routes
If you’re booking buses and hotels online, use this order:
Sale markdown
Couponlap coupon code
Bank/UPI offer (if it stacks)
Cashback (bonus)
CTA: Before you checkout, check Couponlap for the latest coupon codes on your bus booking and hotel platforms. Aim for the lowest final payable, not the biggest discount label.
1) Which is the cheapest hill destination for summer in India?
Tirthan Valley/Jibhi and Bir Billing often stay budget-friendly because homestays and hostels are common, and most activities are low-cost nature experiences.
2) What’s the best time to visit these places in summer?
Most of these destinations are best visited between March and June for comfortable sightseeing.
3) How do I avoid paying peak prices?
Skip long weekends, book early for May/June, and compare final payable on two platforms before paying.
4) Is Ooty cheaper than other hill stations?
Ooty can be affordable if you book early and keep sightseeing simple, but weekend pricing can rise in peak summer.
