Top Hill Stations in Low Budget for 2025

Ever feel like escaping the noise, the deadlines, the chaos—just to breathe?
Then you check flight prices and your mood crashes.
Yeah, I’ve been there.

But here’s the thing — you don’t need deep pockets to travel. India’s got some incredible hill stations you can visit on a low budget, and they’re every bit as beautiful as the fancy ones influencers post about.

Let’s break down the real ones — where your wallet doesn’t cry, but your soul feels full.

1. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh — Vibes, Views, and Cheap Stays

Kasol’s that little mountain village where time slows down.
You’ll find travellers chilling by the river, locals serving steaming Maggi, and trails that make you forget city life even exists.

Why I love it:

• You can find cozy hostels for ₹500 a night.
• Walk everywhere. Save that taxi money.
• Cafes like Evergreen or Moon Dance? You’ll eat good for ₹300.

Pro tip:
If Manali feels too commercial, Kasol’s your perfect chill escape.

2. Munnar, Kerala — Where Tea Meets Tranquillity

Munnar is the kind of place that smells like fresh tea and peace.
It’s calm, green, and feels like someone pressed pause on life.

Budget rundown:

• Homestays start at ₹800.
• Meals? ₹250 gets you authentic Kerala flavours.
• Most viewpoints are free — and breathtaking.

Don’t skip:
Watching sunrise at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate — it’s magic in motion.

3. Darjeeling, West Bengal — Old-School Charm on a Budget

Darjeeling isn’t about luxury. It’s about sipping hot tea with a view that makes silence feel good.
You’ll find toy trains, happy chaos, and food that warms your heart (and belly).

How to keep it cheap:

• Homestays for ₹700–₹900.
• Street momos and thukpa for under ₹150.
• Walk or use local jeeps — saves money and feels local.

Must-see:
Tiger Hill sunrise — cliché, yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

4. Coorg, Karnataka — Coffee, Calm, and Cozy Homestays

If you love the smell of coffee and quiet mornings, Coorg is your place.
It’s green, it’s peaceful, and it doesn’t try too hard to impress you.

Budget game strong:

• Homestays for ₹1000–₹1200.
• Free nature spots like Abbey Falls.
• Local Coorg coffee — rich, strong, and affordable.

Tip:
Wake up early. Just you, the mist, and your cup of coffee.

5. Mount Abu, Rajasthan — A Hill Station in the Desert

Didn’t expect Rajasthan to have a hill station, right?
Mount Abu’s the state’s cool little secret — lakes, caves, temples, and a chill vibe that feels different from the rest of Rajasthan.

Budget pointers:

• Stay for ₹600–₹800 a night.
• Boating in Nakki Lake? ₹100.
• Snack like a king — kachoris, kulfi, and chai everywhere.

Pro tip:
Weekdays = fewer crowds and cheaper stays.

6. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu — Quiet, Cozy, and Affordable

Kodaikanal feels soft — the mist, the pine forests, the slow pace.
You won’t find loud crowds here, just long walks and stillness.

Keep it light:

• Hotels start around ₹700.
• Rent a cycle and explore — cheaper and fun.
• Bryant Park’s free and perfect for slow mornings.

7. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh — The Hidden Gem

Tawang’s not easy to reach, but that’s what keeps it special.
You’ll find monasteries hanging on cliffs, snow-covered passes, and locals who make you feel like home.

Budget travel tips:

• Homestays for ₹800–₹1000.
• Local food (thukpa, momos) for under ₹200.
• Views? Free. Every single one of them.

Reality check:
Getting there takes effort, but once you arrive — worth every turn.

Travel Smart, Not Expensive

You don’t need a big budget to travel well.
You just need to know where to look.

Here’s what helps me travel cheap without feeling broke:

• Travel off-season — fewer tourists, better deals.
• Use local transport — saves cash, feels real.
• Eat local — skip overpriced cafés, eat where locals eat.
• Stay flexible — you’ll always find better prices last minute.