Published: 2 May 2026, 09:39 am
Turns out, you don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy India’s hill stations. If you know where to look, you’ll find some truly refreshing places—chilly weather, beautiful scenery, and plenty of quiet—for surprisingly little money.
Here’s a handy guide to the best budget-friendly hill stations in India, plus a bunch of simple, real-world tips to help you plan the perfect getaway.
India’s hills have a lot to offer.
No matter where you start—north, south, east, or west—there’s a hill station for every kind of traveler.
Why go: It’s easy on the pocket, with loads of cheap places to stay. You get peaceful river views, a laid-back atmosphere, and an introduction to the hills if you’re
new to this kind of trip.
What to do: Ganga Aarti on the riverbank, endless walks, and lazy hours in local cafés.
Why go: Super simple to get to from Delhi, price-friendly hotels, and iconic views.
What to do: Stroll down Mall Road, check out Kempty Falls, hop on a cable car.
Why go: Hostels are cheap, food is cheaper, and everything’s relaxed. Solo travelers love it here.
What to do: Visit quiet monasteries, trek to Triund, hang out in cozy cafés.
Why go: So many places to stay, all price ranges. Plus, you can try out fun adventure sports for way less than you’d think.
What to do: Visit Solang Valley, mess around in the snow (in winter), or relax in Old Manali’s cafés.
Why go: Tea gardens everywhere, friendly guesthouses, and a mix of great weather and culture.
What to do: Catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, ride the toy train, stroll through tea estates.
Why go: Pleasant weather, plenty of budget hotels, and easy to get there.
What to do: Explore the botanical gardens, boat on Ooty Lake, ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Why go: Quieter than Ooty, fewer crowds, homey and affordable stays.
What to do: Walk Coaker’s Walk, paddle around the lake, visit nearby waterfalls.
You can fly to main airports like Delhi, Chandigarh, or Coimbatore, then catch a train or just jump on a bus or taxi to your hill station.
Types and price per night (in INR):
Don’t head straight for the fancy tourist restaurants. Try local dishes at small cafés or dhabas—you’ll save and eat better.
Total: Around ₹1,000–₹2,500 per day
Day 1: Delhi to Mussoorie—travel and gentle evening exploring
Day 2: Explore Mussoorie
Day 3: Head to Rishikesh—relax, attend Ganga Aarti
Day 4: Yoga, café-hopping, and chilling in Rishikesh
Day 5: Return
What’s the cheapest hill station in India?
Rishikesh and McLeod Ganj are about as cheap as it gets.
What’s the daily cost for a trip?
On average, ₹1,000–₹2,500 per day covers your basics.
Which hill stations are best for budget travelers?
Mussoorie, Manali, and Darjeeling are some of the top picks.
Is off-season travel really cheaper?
Absolutely. You’ll save a lot if you travel outside school holidays and major festivals.
An amazing trip to the hills doesn’t have to be expensive. Choose the right spots, plan ahead, and stay flexible. With a little effort, you can enjoy mountain views and
fresh air—even on a tight budget.
Most of the time, the best adventures cost less than you think.
