When I was eight, I was taken to the jungles by the Arabian Sea on the Gujarat-Maharashtra borders for weeklong holidays, and I thought I had discovered heaven. When I was ten, another fortnight-long trip to Rajasthan was waiting for me to happen. I thought I had found golden paradise. Honestly, I belong to the society where holidays are an integral part of the living style.
Along with me, this list grew. Sometimes with family and most of the time with friends, I kept on traveling until I realized that now I need to earn if I want to keep on traveling. Isn’t that the main worry why Indian middle class finds it so difficult to go on holidays? I thought, holidaying is very natural to every Indian class, but realized wasn’t a case.
I may be right if I go back to the 90s. The unprecedented economic growth of 25 years has empowered Indians with much of the luxuries of life. Although holidaying doesn’t come naturally, Indians are no more reluctant to go on holidays once or twice a year. Another reason why young Indians take quality time off is challenges posed by the urbanization and ever changing work culture.
Aren’t you yet clear with my intention? Never mind, I want to inspire you to plan your next holiday in the month of October. Why October? Well, the rainy season would be over by then and winter would be knocking our doors. Hence, October is the perfect time to take time off and spend some time with friends to disentangle and unwind.
Obviously, pocket-friendly holiday destinations I am going to suggest. The list is a result of the first-hand experience. So, give it a try, I am sure you would be finding your own heaven and would return with a filled heart and charged mind from your holidays. Don’t come after me, by the way. So, here we wroooom…
Gokarna: Get enwrapped by peace and tranquility!
A few days away from the hustle and bustle on Bengaluru is your thing, Gokarna is your destination without thinking. The smartest thing you can do is switch off your smartphone and allow nature to enwrap you with peace and tranquility. Don’t get restless, or else, water sports activities will drag into the spins of fun you never had before.
Om Beach is the ideal place to be useless and unwind. Use your communication skills and convince local fisherman for a ride in a banana boat for merely Rs 300. Besides, beaches, Gokarna is known for the temples of Lord Shiva. Hence, there is much more for you to explore in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Don’t forget to get yourself framed by the majestic Western Ghats.
Approximate expenditure per day: Rs 1000
Gokarna has many budget friendly accommodation options, should you need.
Spiti: Design your own serrated moonscape!
In this Little Tibet, the only near-constant but heart-melting companion is the Spiti River and its turquoise-grey ribbon. Divided from Lahaul through the 4551m Kunzum La, Spiti has all that give you an experience of the divine. From natural beauty to vibrant culture, you are sure to submerge in your own happiness.
The Spiti–Kinnaur loop is one of Asia’s great road trips, so you know what you are going to experience in Spiti. Design your own serrated moonscape and pour yourself a greenery of barley fields lying under monasteries thousand feet above. Being hidden in the Himalayan Mountain range, Spiti offers trekking and jeep safaris to witness scenic mountains, enchanting landscapes, glaciers, and a pristine environment.
Approximate expenditure per day: Rs 900
Take a look at some of the pocket-friendly accommodation options.
Jaisalmer: Be a golden hue of golden Thar!
Visited the city when I was only ten for the first time. The impression I was left with so strong that city has dragged me thrice in the last decade. Situated in the world’s one of the biggest desert, Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City of India. A land of fascinating sand dunes attracts you for the mind-boggling architecture of Havelis, magnanimous palaces, and stunning Jain temples.
Let me challenge you if you could miss the Rajasthani folk dance and traditional music at one of the desert camps in the middle of the night. You would be thrilled by being absolutely close to India-Pakistan border while having your camel safari. The main attraction in Jaisalmer is Jaisalmer Fort and Desert National Park. Don’t miss them or else you will have to visit Jaisalmer again. I will be the game for sure though.
Approximate expenditure per day: Rs 1000
Nope, accommodation is not an issue, budget to royal, all hails Jaisalmer.
Hampi: Get hold on the marvel of the ruins!
If you have a heart for the history, I have architectural marvels from 13th century Vijayanagar for you. When you see the magnificent temples, ruined palaces, and artistically designed royal buildings, you know that you have reached to one of the 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Hampi. Naah, not just ruined buildings that attract you, there in Hampi, you have Lotus Mahal, Hazara Rama temple and Lakshmi Narasimha temple to visit.
Sometimes, the broken history helps us create a better future. Therefore, Hampi has a special place in Indian History. However, it is not all lost, and therefore, it is one of the finest places in Indian to hang around without breaking the banks. Awesome weather and ambiance around the temples and architectures would not let you leave this place.
There are many budget hotels for you to stay a night in Hampi.
Approximate expenditure per day: Rs 1000
Rishikesh: Flow with the adrenaline floods!
I guess I was 20 when I visited Rishikesh for the first time with the family. Naah, not for the religious thing as Rishikesh is known for. The intention was to visit the breathtaking Valley of Flowers on the way to Kedarnath. Indeed, Rishikesh has religious importance, but for me, when adventures beckon, Rishikesh’s thrilling white-water-rafting comes in mind.
The life in Rishikesh may revolve around prayers and festivals; it is the stupendous beach camps and the exhilarating treks that win your heart. If you are planning to go for bungee jumping or for river rafting, holidays in October are an ideal time to visit Rishikesh before the weather gets too chilly. Mountain biking and rock climbing give you a thrill you may have missed throughout.
Approximate expenditure per day: Rs 1400
Dharmashalas are countless but budgetary comfort isn’t costly either.
Alleppey: An excellent bargain for the Beauty!
If you can forget your existence for a few days, you yourself will become the nature, if you can’t forget yourself, Alleppey would make sure that you would forget yourself when you see the beauty of the place. It would be a surprise if you can’t find yourself in a peace in the midst of the Amazonian wilderness. That is what Alleppey has to offer.
Probably far better than Venice, Alleppey is famous for its waterways, lagoons, and luxuriant countryside. Just lose yourself in one of the houseboats and cruise around the whole day lazily watching coconut trees, lush green river banks, and listening to birds chirping. And if you can strike a deal with a local fisherman, you can have your own ride in merely 100 bucks. That’s a theft, man.
Approximate expenditure per day: Rs 1100
Flat on rent may be expensive but budget hotels would be your bet.
This is the myth the holiday in India is getting expensive, if not for the visitors, for the Indians. We have shattered the glasses of myth around Indian holidays. CollectOffers has in its chest the most exciting holiday deals to offer where you can claim up to 70% discount on hotels and fabulous last minute deals for the flights.
So, if you think that present day job has screwed your life beyond imagination, this October, you will be able to revitalize you senses with CollectOffers Deal and will be able to chart a different path to your inner joy and satisfaction. Obviously, we don’t now count happiness, that obvious with CollectOffers, isn’t it?
