How many of these 10 budget-friendly destinations have you been to?

Traveling can be fun – especially if it does not burn a hole in your wallet. Here are some places that are not very far away – but fun to be with your loved ones. The simple trick here is to plan in advance. Do not go overboard with shopping. Do a proper research online for deals on the many travel websites. 

1) Kanyakumari

Known as Cape Comorin during the olden days, the sun sets and sun rises at this southernmost tip of India is special. Surrounded by sea on three sides, it is a must visit.

To see/Do: Take a boat to the Vivekananda Rock, watch the sunrise and sunsets and the choppy seas, a huge statue of Thiruvalluvar in the ocean is worth a watch too. Go around town, explore. It is an experience you will never forget. 

2) Rameswaram

Get lost in the city of holy springs and ancient lore. A visit to the temple is a must, it is said that some of the corridors of the temple are about a kilometer long. Explore the ghost city of Dhanushkodi. Stand at Arasi Munai, and stare at the ocean and they say that you can see the lights from Sri Lanka, about 20 nautical miles away.  Click for more. 

To see/do: Take a dip at the various 'thirtha's, take a dip in the ocean, visit places and explore the ruins of Dhanushkodi. 

3) Pondicherry

There is a rustic charm of a colonial age as you wander around on the roads. Don't fall for the charm of the promenade or the sea bridge – explore the other sights and sounds of the land. It will leave you in awe. For more click here

To see/do: A morning walk by the promenade will kick start your day. Walk through the bylanes of this town and see the remnants of the colonial era buildings. Explore Auroville and the other beaches. Check out the amazing seafood at the various restaurants. 

4) Mahabalipuram

UNESCO world heritage site, Mahabalipuram is a weekend drive from Chennai. Take in the old world charm of the place. For more click here

To see/do: Explore the ruins, visit the temples, savor the delicious seafood. 

5) Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is ‘land of the younger daughter.’ It is said that the years ago, this bit of land was given as dowry to the younger daughter of the legendary chief who ruled the area. But for a coffee lover, Chikmagalur is paradise on earth. Set among the verdant greens valleys and the beautiful waterfalls this area has much to offer any tourist. 

To see/ do: The Baba Budan hills, enjoy the coffee culture, the waterfalls, Hoysala temples and trekking the hills. 

6) Coorg

Coorg is paradise. And no, it is not really expensive. Find a nice home- stay, explore the coffee estates, the falls and make a trip to Bylukuppe, the Tibetan settlement. Go to the elephant camp at Dubare.  Here is a tip to what to do in Coorg

To see/Do: Head to Thalacavery, the origin of the Kaveri river, trek to Mandalpatti. 

7) Goa

You know what happens to Goa in December. So go now. The shacks will be coming to life slowly. The hotels won't be very crowded, as yet. And you can still manage a good deal. How to spend time in Goa

To see/do: The beaches, the ancient churches and temples, hit the shacks on the beach. 

8) Rajasthan

It is winter. The weather is pleasant and it is time for the annual fair at Pushkar. Take in the sights and sounds of the fair. Travel across to Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udhaipur. It is an experience you will never forget. You can take a train to New Delhi and then travel on through Agra to Jaipur and return. 

To see/do: The architecture, the ancient places, the desert and the bright colorful market places. 

9) Orchha

Walk amidst the ruins of the 16th century town. Take in the sights and sounds -without the cacophony of tourists. Situated on the Betwa river, Orchha is waiting to be explored. It is in Madhya Pradesh, but the nearest major town is Jhansi, 16 kms away. 

To see/do: Explore the ancient ruins, see temples and other places of worship.

10) Hampi

Hampi is history etched in stone. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi was once a rich city during the Vijayanagara Empire. One of the most searched places in Karnataka, Hampi is famous for the Virupaksha temple and the other structures. A must visit. Read more

To see/do: Explore the place, be footloose and fancy free.