Getting home an iPhone would surely leave you lighter by around Rs 50,000, if not more. But if you can sacrifice the gadget, you can go for a memorable tour for nearly the same price.
In fact, here we bring before you some holiday destinations which are so inexpensive that they are cheaper than that much-coveted iPhone:
Bhutan: Closer to India, Bhutan is a nation that is a small paradise, exuberant in serenity and largely underrated. It is replete with pacific monasteries and offers to its guests a veritable vignette of nature’s true glory. The locals are known for their hospitality and warmth. Besides, the food is more than just palatable and the culture sure has a few things up its sleeves to raise your curiosity.
Total travel cost: Ideally, a 6-7 day stay is recommended to explore the scenic and spiritual beauty of this destination. Since, flight fare is cheap (around Rs 7000) and hotel tariffs are friendly (starting from around Rs 500), the entire trip can be covered in less than Rs 40,000.
Some must-visit attractions: Gangtey Monastery, Dochu La pass
Thailand: Thailand, in recent years, has become such a hot favorite with Indian tourists that many have jokingly dubbed it as the poor man’s Paris. If the French capital is far and dear, then this south-east Asian nation is a delightful alternative. No, it doesn’t boast of the moxie and romantic milieu of an Eiffel Tower but its very own floating markets and Buddhist temples are more than just a match. The prime destinations are Bangkok (for shopping lovers), Pattaya (for beach fanatics) and Krabi (for sports aficionados) but the heritage city of Ayutthaya is fast catching up in popularity.
Total travel cost: A minimum stay of 6 days is recommended and if you have a slightly extensive budget, you may stretch it to even 10 days. Kolkata-Bangkok two-way flights can be availed for as low as Rs 10,000 and a reasonably good hotel can be booked for less than Rs 900 per night. Street food out here is not just exciting but is also cheaper than expected. Hence, a week-long trip can be easily covered in around Rs 33,000.
Some must-visit attractions: Chao Phraya River, Railey Beach, Wat Arun, China Town
Sri Lanka: If you are discreet about your expenses and if you plan a trip during the lean season, you can get away with a delicious Sri Lanka trip for something as low as Rs 37,000. This country, often overlooked in the past, is now ruling the holiday charts, thanks to the growing fame of its surreal beaches, walk-worthy plantations and legends associated with Indian mythology.
Total travel cost: Even a 5-day stay can do your heart a whole lot of good. Anything more than that may escalate your budget beyond Rs 38,000! The cheapest international flight can be availed from Chennai. So, the ideal scenario will be to hit the rails, go to Chennai and catch a flight from there. Hotel stays can be expensive if you choose a luxurious resort but budget hotels will not pinch you beyond Rs 1,000. There are good eateries that charge on the reasonable side. So, the entire trip can be sketched up for a figure that falls shy of Rs 40,000.
Some must-visit attractions: Seetha Eliya Garden, Raavan Temple, beaches at Kandy
Myanmar: The chief reason why a Myanmar holiday is so cheap is because this country has, all of a sudden, fallen out of favor with Indian tourists in the last few years. Due to the spiraling popularity of destinations like Thailand and Singapore, Myanmar lost footfalls and that has ensured a heartening abatement in flight and hotel fares.
Total travel cost: Due to low-budget hotels ruling the roost, the accommodation per night can be covered within Rs 700 per night. Flight prices too can be kept under check, provided advance booking is done, preferably during the off-season. Overall, for a 5-6 day trip, the total traveling cost should not climb beyond Rs 39,000.
Some must-visit attractions: Inle Lake, Shwedagon Pagoda, Bagan’s temple
