I am aware that perhaps now is not the best time to travel. However, we can anticipate a gradual return to normality after we are all immunised and the international crossings are opened. And this includes taking those vacations abroad that we have been fantasising about for the previous two years while we have all been indoors or inside our individual cities. And to make it extra special for you, I’ve put up a list of 10 exotic locations that Indians may travel to for less than 100,000 rupees.
For a couple travelling from India to one of the ten locations listed below, such a vacation would last 7 days and 6 nights and include their flight tickets (return), visa costs, lodging at a 3 or 4 star hotel, meals, logistics, and entry fees. In addition to being personalised because you get to pick the itinerary, this overseas vacation won’t break the bank.
Thailand
The Indian traveler’s all-time favourite destination is this nation. International tourists have been drawn to this cultural hotspot’s historic kingdoms and vibrant temples, busy commercial streets, idyllic beach vacation spots, and beautiful mountains and forests for many years. You have a dream vacation spot when you combine its affordability with the delectable cuisine and traditional therapies of Thailand.
The application process for a Thailand visa for bearers of Indian passports is pretty straightforward. At the Thai airport, travellers can obtain an e-VOA (e-Visa on Arrival), an e-visa (normal or express mode) good for 15 days before to departure from India, and a Thailand stamp visa good for 60 days. Depending on the length of stay and convenience of application, one can choose the type of visa.
The islands of Koh Tao and Koh Lanta, the winding mountain roads between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, and the nation’s capital Bangkok—also known as the Venice of the East—are my favourite parts of the country.
Bhutan
This Himalayan kingdom also happens to be the world’s happiest country. All types of tourists will be drawn to Nepal by its warm people, rich Buddhist culture, colourful festivals, brilliant temples, snow-capped Himalayan mountain panoramas, verdant valleys, swift-moving rivers, and numerous opportunities for leisure and adventure. Indian nationals are exempt from paying the USD 250 per day cost that other nationals must pay to visit Bhutan. We also have access to driving our own cars.We also have access to driving our own cars. This, in my opinion, is one of the benefits of having an Indian passport.
Passport holders from India do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. If they are travelling overland, all they need is their passport or voter identification card, as well as the paperwork for their vehicle.
The trek to Taktsang monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” the cantilever and hanging bridges of Punakha, the sunrise over the snow-capped mountains seen at Dochula Pass, shopping for woollen goods in Chumey Valley, unwinding in the stunning Bumthang valley, also known as the “Switzerland of the East,” are some of my favourite places in the nation.
Sri Lanka
This gem in the Indian Ocean offers visitors a tonne of action. The island of Sri Lanka has it all, from historic temples and Buddhist pathways to coastal getaways and beautiful beaches, hill stations and tea farms, jungles and animal sanctuaries, adventure sports, and shopping. This nation is made even more alluring by its friendly citizens, generous use of spices in food, and beautiful green surroundings.
The Sri Lankan immigration and emigration website is where Indian passport holders can apply for a Sri Lankan e-Visa or ETA (electronic travel authorization). Only verified return tickets and financial documentation are required.
The Sigriya old civilisation, the historical train from Colombo to Nanu Oya, Yala National Park’s incredible fauna, the beaches around Trincomalee, and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve are my favourite parts of the nation.
The Sigriya old civilisation, the historical train from Colombo to Nanu Oya, Yala National Park’s incredible fauna, the beaches around Trincomalee, and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve are my favourite parts of the nation.
The Kinabatangan animal sanctuary in Sabah (Borneo), getting up close to orangutans in Sepilok, hiking through Gunung Mulu National Park, and viewing the Rafflesia blossom at Royal Belum National Park are my favourite places in the nation.
Indonesia
One visit won’t even begin to touch the surface of the attractions that make up this greatest archipelago. It features some of the best marine sites, surf, most active volcanoes, wildlife, incredible cuisines, great coffee, thousands of unspoiled beaches, and a wealth of Hindu and Buddhist temples, among other things. It also has some of the best fauna in the world. The attractiveness of Bali as a tourist destination on islands is well known around the world. With a few more hundreds of islands that offer a richer experience, you can create an outstanding vacation package.
Indian citizens with passports can obtain an on-arrival visa when they arrive in Indonesia. You only need to present your return tickets and proof of finances to obtain the visa, which is free.
Swimming with juvenile sharks at Karimun Jawa, watching the sunrise over Mount Bromo, climbing Gunung Merapi to witness the molten lava flow in the middle of the night, the tropical Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, and Tana Toraja are some of my favourite places in the nation.
Dubai
Dubai is another long-time Indian favourite. Thanks to the Indian film industries, its skyscrapers, retail centres, holiday celebrations, opulent lodging, and good eating are deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of Indians. A sumptuous dream vacation in Dubai includes a plethora of adventurous activities, a rocky landscape, lively local markets, and opulent dhow cruises.
How to obtain the visa: Obtaining a visa for Dubai is a rather simple process. All you need is a return ticket, a passport, and a recent photo. You are granted a 96-hour transit visa if your flight happens to be through Emirates. Additionally, you can apply for a 14, 30, or 90-day tourist visa if you want to remain longer. There are normal and express modes available for each of these visas.
Mountain biking in the Hajar Mountains, dune bashing on various desert trails, riding on the local abra boat and interacting with the locals, viewing the Dubai skyline from the top of the Burj Khalifa, and soaking up the bustle in the various souks of Dubai are some of my favourite activities in the country.
Nepal
Nepal provides a stunning blend of adventure, culture, spirituality, and panoramic scenery. It is a country for everyone, not only hikers and mountain climbers. The cultural centres are Patan, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lumbini. Their wild centre is the Chitwan National Park. The two most well-known spiritual sites there are Pashupatinath and Muktinath temples. Pokhara, which is renowned for its stunning Himalayan views, serves as a starting point for treks to the Annapurna base camp and peak as well as the chilly Jomsom desert.The most well-known trail in the nation, which leads to Everest Base Camp and the peak, is located on the other side of the nation. There is enough of nature, culture, delectable food, and wonderful people in between.
Indian nationals do not require a visa in order to enter Nepal. They only require a passport or other form of official identification.
The climb to the Annapurna base camp, the temples in Patan and Bhaktapur, the nighttime aarti at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, resting at the tea houses near Jomsom, and exploring the alleyways near Dubar Square in Kathmandu are some of my favourite parts of the nation.
Laos
If you want to unwind, Laos is the place to go. It boasts beautiful scenery, a relaxed pace of life, is affordable (allowing you to remain for a long time), has fantastic food, a rich culture, and friendly locals. It boasts serene fishing villages, a thousand islands on one of the world’s greatest rivers, a green plateau, a magnificent mountainside, a fairytale city, luscious forests, and several rivers and caverns beneath the surface, all of which present exciting opportunities for exploration. Between all of this, you may walk around, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, sample the local cuisine, and refuel.
The majority of Laos’ borders allow Indian passport holders to obtain visas upon arrival. Only two passport-sized photos, a return ticket, and financial documentation are required. The nearby Laos consulate is where you can also submit the same application. The visa allows for a 30-day stay that can be increased by an additional 15 days.
The fishing villages of Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi, riding a motorcycle through the beautiful woods of the Bolavan plateau, relaxing on the riverine islands of Don Det or Don Khon, and discovering the culture in the fairytale city of Luang Prabang are some of my favourite places in the nation.
Cambodia
The largest Hindu temple in the world, Angkor Wat is located in Cambodia and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. While Angkor Wat should unquestionably be on your travel itinerary, Cambodia also has a wealth of other tourist destinations. There are various places to unwind, relax, and revitalise there, as well as beautiful islands, immaculate beaches, an ecological hotspot lake, and heartbreaking killing fields.
Indian citizens with passports can quickly obtain an eVisa for Cambodia or they can visit the Cambodian consulate to obtain a stamp visa. Both alternatives are quite simple because all you need is your passport, proof of identification, and a return flight reservation.
Prasat Bayon, one of the temples in the Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, the floating kingdom of Tonle Sap, the white-sand beaches and green waters of Koh Rong, and unwinding in the laid-back riverfront village of Kampot are some of my favourite places in the nation.
Vietnam
The final place on this list likewise offers a terrific value for the money. It is a location with a lot of charms as well. In the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are close to Saigon, you can fire guns and rifles; at Mui Ne, you can surf down sand dunes while admiring the South China Sea; on the Tam Coc River, you can float while surrounded by paddy fields and limestone karsts; at SaPa, you can go on mountain treks; and at My Son, you can explore the Hindu trails of the Champa kingdom. Then there are the traditional Vietnam favourites: a cruise over Halong Bay, visiting Hoi An, a cultural centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and shopping in Ho Chi Minh City’s markets.
How to obtain a visa: Obtaining a visa for Vietnam is more difficult than for other nations. Either way, you can apply for an e-visa, receive an approval letter, and pick up your visa when you reach to Vietnam. This eVisa is only good for flights into authorised airports; it is ineffective for crossing land borders. You can also obtain the stamp visa from the Vietnamese consulate that is closest to you. At all borders, the pre-approved stamp visas will be valid.
The cultural centre of Hoi An, the Tam Coc river tour, dune-surfing in Mui Ne, and trekking through Sapa’s terraced rice terraces are some of my favourite locations in the nation.
