Key Takeaways
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A ₹1 lakh budget can take you beyond India without cutting your holiday short or skipping every paid activity. You could spend a few days among the beaches and historic sites of Sri Lanka, visit markets and temples in Thailand, or plan a city-and-mountain holiday in Nepal.
Southeast Asian destinations such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Bali are also within reach with the right flight and accommodation choices. So, read on to find out what to budget for some of the most affordable international trips under ₹1 lakh per person from India.
Best International Trips Under ₹1 Lakh from India
| Destination | Trip Duration | Approx. Total Budget Per Person (INR) | Entry Requirements |
| Sri Lanka | 5 days/4 nights | 45,500 – 76,500 | Free tourist ETA |
| Thailand | 5 days/4 nights | 50,000 – 80,000 | Visa-free; TDAC required |
| Nepal | 8 days/7 nights | 43,000 – 75,000 | No visa; valid passport or original Election Commission Voter ID |
| Vietnam | 8 days/7 nights | 63,400 – 97,400 | e-Visa |
| Malaysia | 6 days/5 nights | 57,000 – 94,000 | Visa-exempt until 31 December 2026; MDAC required |
| Bali | 6 days/5 nights | 60,380 – 97,380 | VOA/e-VOA, Bali tourist levy and All Indonesia declaration |
| Bhutan | 5 days/4 nights | 56,800 – 80,300 | No visa; entry permit and SDF are required |
| Singapore | 5 days/4 nights | 62,400 – 93,200 | Pre-arranged visa and free SG Arrival Card |
| Abu Dhabi | 5 days/4 nights | 67,500 – 90,000 | Pre-arranged UAE tourist visa |
| Dubai | 5 days/4 nights | 77,850 – 99,800 | Pre-arranged UAE tourist visa |
Here’s a closer look at the estimated expenses and travel details for each destination.
1. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an easy first international trip for Indians, with short flights, affordable local transport and several budget accommodation choices.
Indians need to apply for a tourist ETA before departure; it is free, valid for 30 days and permits two entries during that period.
Approx. 5-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
- Round-trip flights: ₹20,000 – ₹35,000
- Accommodation: ₹7,500 – ₹12,500
- Food: ₹6,000 – ₹9,000
- Local transport: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
These expenses total about ₹45,500-₹76,500. Flight fares may vary depending on your departure city and booking dates.
Rather than covering the entire island, keep your route manageable. You could spend time in Colombo and Galle, or travel towards Kandy and the hill country.
Local trains and buses help reduce transport expenses, while guesthouses and local eateries keep daily spending under control. A private car for the entire trip will increase the cost.
2. Thailand
On a five-day trip, pairing Bangkok with Pattaya is more practical than trying to fit several islands into the same itinerary. Bangkok has markets, great street food, and temples, while Pattaya adds a coastal break.
Indian tourists can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days and must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arrival.
Also carry at least THB 20,000 (approx. ₹56,200) per person in cash, as immigration officers may ask for proof of funds.
Approx. 5-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
- Round-trip flights: ₹23,000 – ₹40,000
- Accommodation: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
- Food: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000
- Local and intercity transport: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
The total is ₹50,000-₹80,000. Keep the required proof of funds readily available; you can use the money for your holiday after clearing immigration.
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok, and group nearby temple and market visits to save travel time. Coaches connect Bangkok to Pattaya in around two to three hours, while shared songthaews (baht buses) provide an affordable way to get around Pattaya.
Street food and food courts help reduce meal costs. A day trip to Koh Larn can also be budget-friendly if you take the public ferry, but water sports, theme parks and private tours will add to your expenses.
3. Nepal
Nepal is one of the most budget-friendly international trips for Indians. You don’t need a visa, and you can even travel without a passport if you carry your original physical Voter ID card.
Even two people can plan a week-long holiday in Nepal for under ₹1 lakh if they share a room, use buses and book reasonably priced flights.
Approx. 8-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
- Round-trip flights: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
- Accommodation: ₹10,000 – ₹16,000
- Food: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000
- Local and intercity transport: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
The total comes to ₹43,000-₹75,000. The lower end covers private guesthouses or budget hotels, meals at local restaurants, tourist buses and regular sightseeing.
Eight days give you enough time to cover Kathmandu and Pokhara at a comfortable pace. Spend two days in Kathmandu visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath and one of the valley’s Durbar Squares.
Then head to Pokhara for two to three days around Phewa Lake, Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, with an early-morning visit to Sarangkot for mountain views.
Keep a full day for each bus journey, as traffic and road conditions can cause delays. Flying between cities saves time but increases transport costs.
4. Vietnam
Vietnam’s day-to-day expenses are relatively affordable, so ₹1 lakh can cover a longer holiday without having to keep every expense to a minimum. Indian passport holders need an e-visa to visit Vietnam; a single-entry visa costs USD 25 and is valid for up to 90 days.
For a first visit, focus on northern Vietnam rather than trying to cover the entire country.
Eight days is a sensible duration for Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay, with time for sightseeing and travel between the three places. A six- or seven-day trip is possible, but you may need to skip one of these destinations or tighten the schedule.
Approx. 8-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
- Round-trip flights: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000
- Single-entry e-visa: ~ ₹2,400
- Accommodation: ₹12,000 – ₹18,000
- Food: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000
- Local and intercity transport: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹8,000 – ₹13,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
These expenses total about ₹63,400-₹97,400.
The lower end is achievable with early flight bookings and budget hotels, while the higher end leaves more room for accommodation and sightseeing expenses. An overnight cruise, extra activities or last-minute flights could push the total beyond ₹1 lakh.
5. Malaysia
A six-day trip to Malaysia can fit within ₹1 lakh if you book flights early, choose budget airlines and accommodation, and travel outside peak season.
Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026, but must submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days before arrival.
Approx. 6-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
- Round-trip flights: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000
- Accommodation: ₹12,000 – ₹20,000
- Food: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000
- Local transport: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000
This puts the estimated six-day budget at ₹57,000-₹94,000. Keep in mind that taxable accommodation establishments may collect a separate tourism tax of RM10 (approx. ₹230) per room per night.
For a six-day trip, pair Kuala Lumpur with Melaka. In Kuala Lumpur, visit the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, Merdeka Square and Central Market.
In Melaka, spend time around Dutch Square, St Paul’s Hill, the riverside and Jonker Street. Its night market runs from Friday to Sunday.
6. Bali
A trip to Bali is possible within ₹1 lakh, but flights are often the biggest expense, so your choice of accommodation and activities will determine your total cost. Six days and five nights are enough for a first visit, giving you time to divide your stay between Ubud and one coastal area.
Indians can get a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA, with a fee of IDR 500,000 (approx. ₹2,600). Bali also has a separate tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approx. ₹780), and all visitors must complete the All Indonesia arrival declaration within three days before arrival.
Approx. 6-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
- Round-trip flights: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000
- Visa fee: ~ ₹2,600
- Bali tourist levy: ~ ₹780
- Accommodation: ₹12,000 – ₹18,000
- Food: ₹6,000 – ₹9,000
- Local transport: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
The total cost will be ₹60,380-₹97,380. The estimate covers budget accommodation, meals at local eateries, app-based rides where available and a private driver for selected sightseeing trips.
Spend three nights in Ubud for its rice terraces, temples and waterfalls, then two nights in Sanur or Seminyak for beach time. Sanur is quieter, while Seminyak has more restaurants and nightlife.
Group nearby stops to reduce travel time, as daily private drivers, adventure activities and beach clubs can push the budget above ₹1 lakh.
7. Bhutan
You can travel to Bhutan from India under ₹1 lakh, but your actual budget will depend largely on whether you fly to Paro or travel overland via West Bengal, as well as how you arrange transport within Bhutan.
Indian citizens don’t need a visa but must obtain an entry permit using an original passport or Voter ID. Visitors must also stay in Department of Tourism-certified accommodation, travel with a licensed guide, and pay an SDF of ₹1,200 per night.
Approx. 5-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
Assuming you share accommodation, a vehicle and a licensed guide with one other traveller.
- Round-trip flights to Bagdogra and shared road transfers to Phuentsholing: ₹22,000 – ₹30,000
- Accommodation: ₹6,000 – ₹11,000
- Sustainable Development Fee (4 nights): ₹4,800
- Food: ₹4,000 – ₹5,500
- Local transport and licensed guide: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
This puts the estimated budget at ₹56,800-₹80,300, but flying directly to Paro can push the total higher, as return fares often exceed ₹40,000.
Direct flight options to Bagdogra are also limited from some South Indian cities, which can increase airfare depending on your departure city and travel dates.
Although short, the trip can include Bhutan’s main Paro experiences: the hike to Tiger’s Nest, visits to historic dzongs and the National Museum, and an evening in Paro town. Try local Bhutanese dishes and spend time in the valley; save Thimphu and Punakha for another visit.
8. Singapore
Singapore is one of the pricier destinations on this list, but a 4-night, 5-day trip can stay under ₹1 lakh per person with a shared room, reasonably priced flights and mostly free sightseeing.
Indian ordinary passport holders need a visa for Singapore. The processing fee is about ₹2,100, plus an authorised agent service fee. You must also submit the free SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival.
Approx. 5-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
- Round-trip flights: ₹25,000 – ₹38,000
- Accommodation: ₹18,000 – ₹26,000
- Visa and agent fee: ~ ₹3,400 – ₹3,700
- Food: ₹6,000 – ₹9,000
- Local transport: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
This brings the estimated budget to around ₹62,400-₹93,200 per person. The final amount will depend on your departure city, flight dates, hotel rates and the number of paid attractions you choose.
Little India and Lavender have more affordable accommodation. Eat at hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat, and use the MRT and public buses to save on transport.
Visit Marina Bay and Merlion Park, and spend time in the free outdoor areas of Gardens by the Bay, including Supertree Grove. Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India are free to walk around. Walk onto Sentosa via the free Boardwalk, then take the complimentary Beach Shuttle to Siloso, Palawan or Tanjong Beach.
9. Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s main sights range from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Corniche to museums and major attractions on Yas Island. Four nights are enough to cover some of these without rushing, with a budget of under ₹1 lakh per person.
Most Indian ordinary passport holders need a pre-arranged UAE tourist visa. A limited visa-on-arrival exception applies to Indian travellers with a qualifying US visa or Green Card, or a UK/EU residence permit, provided their documents meet the UAE’s eligibility requirements.
Approx. 5-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Round-trip flights: ₹28,000 – ₹32,000
- UAE tourist visa and processing charges: ₹6,500 – ₹8,000
- Accommodation: ₹15,000 – ₹22,000
- Food: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000
- Local transport: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
Your total trip expenses could range between ₹67,500 and ₹90,000.
Choose budget hotels in Al Zahiyah or Al Markaziyah, eat at local cafeterias and use Hafilat-card buses, with local fares starting at AED 2 (approx. ₹51). Yas Express also provides free shuttle services between major attractions on Yas Island.
10. Dubai
A 5-day trip can cover Al Fahidi, the Gold and Spice Souks across Dubai Creek, Downtown’s skyscrapers and a desert safari, provided your arrival and departure flight timings leave you with around three full days for sightseeing.
A pre-arranged UAE tourist visa is required for most Indian ordinary passport holders. Applications through authorised agents usually come with a separate service fee in addition to the government visa fee.
Approx. 5-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
- Round-trip flights: ₹29,000 – ₹38,000
- UAE tourist visa and processing charges: ₹6,500 – ₹8,000
- Accommodation: ₹18,000 – ₹23,000
- Dubai Tourism Dirham: ₹350 – ₹800
- Food: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000
- Local transport: ₹3,000 – ₹4,000
- Activities & sightseeing: ₹10,000 – ₹12,000
- Other expenses and buffer: ₹4,000 – ₹5,000
Expect to spend roughly ₹77,850-₹99,800 for this trip.
Stay in Deira or Bur Dubai for more affordable hotels. Use a Nol Silver card for the Metro and buses, or cross Dubai Creek by abra.
How to Keep Your International Trip Within Budget
- Avoid peak travel seasons and major holiday periods, when flight and hotel prices are usually higher.
- Compare fares from nearby airports and factor in baggage charges before booking.
- Keep your itinerary compact instead of adding destinations that require expensive transfers or domestic flights.
- Share a hotel room with a travel companion to reduce accommodation expenses per person.
- Use metros, buses and intercity coaches instead of relying on taxis and private transfers.
- Choose paid attractions selectively and balance them with free beaches, markets, parks and public spaces.
Conclusion
An international holiday under ₹1 lakh is possible, but the amount you spend depends on how far you travel, how long you stay and the type of accommodation you choose.
Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand leave more room in the budget for sightseeing, while Singapore, Bali, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Bhutan need more careful planning.
Booking outside peak periods, sharing accommodation and accounting for visa, transport and sightseeing expenses can help you stay within budget.
Contact Dimaak Tours for affordable holiday packages to the destination of your choice.
FAQs About International Trips Under ₹1 Lakh
1. Can I plan an international trip from India under ₹1 lakh, including flights?
Yes. You can plan trips to Bali, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, Malaysia, Bhutan, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Dubai for under ₹1 lakh per person, including return flights. However, destinations such as Vietnam, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Dubai require more careful planning to stay within the budget.
2. Can a couple travel abroad under ₹1 lakh?
Yes, but ₹1 lakh for both people is a tight budget. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the more realistic options if you find affordable flights, share accommodation and keep sightseeing expenses low. Most other destinations require a higher combined budget.
3. Which destinations under a ₹1 lakh budget are visa-free for Indians?
Indian travellers can visit Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand and Malaysia without a regular tourist visa. But Bhutan requires an entry permit, while Thailand and Malaysia have specific arrival requirements. Malaysia’s current visa exemption for Indians is valid until 31 December 2026.
4. Can a family of four plan an international trip from India under ₹1 lakh?
No. A ₹1 lakh total budget is not realistic for a family of four travelling internationally, including flights, accommodation and sightseeing. You would need a higher budget, even for more affordable destinations such as Nepal and Sri Lanka.
