6 Indian Affordable Destinations To Fly Into Right Now

Looking to quench your wanderlust without draining your bank account? If 2026 is the year you swap international stamps for domestic gems, VUSHII has done the heavy lifting. By analyzing massive amounts of flight data and ticket trends, they’ve identified the most wallet-friendly hubs in India based on average round-trip airfares. 

Here are the six Indian destinations where your flight budget goes the furthest this year.

1. Mumbai, Maharashtra (₹10k)

Mumbai serves as the ultimate gateway to Western India, offering a mix of urban energy and easy access to nature. While the city itself is packed with iconic landmarks, its true value for budget travelers lies in its role as a central hub for affordable road and rail trips.

Within just a few hours, you can reach the misty peaks of Lonavala and Khandala or the sun-soaked beaches of Alibaug and Kashid. For those interested in viticulture or natural beauty, the vineyards of Nashik and the cascading waterfalls of Bhandardara are easily accessible.

Even major attractions like the 130-acre Imagicaa theme park are less than 90 minutes away, and the city’s extensive network of local trains and state buses ensures you can explore the entire region without a heavy price tag.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (₹10k)

As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi provides a profound cultural experience that fits perfectly within a modest budget. The city's primary attractions (the historic Ghats) are free to explore on foot, offering a front-row seat to ancient rituals and the mesmerizing evening Aarti.

Beyond the riverbanks, a quick 30-minute drive takes you to Sarnath, where you can explore the Ashoka Pillar and ancient Buddhist monasteries. If your schedule allows, the holy city of Prayagraj is just a short 2.5-hour journey away.

The local culinary scene is equally kind to your wallet, with famous street foods, traditional thalis, and local sweets providing a satisfying experience for just a few hundred rupees.

3. Bagdogra, West Bengal (₹12k)

Bagdogra is the strategic entry point for anyone dreaming of a Himalayan adventure without the high cost of mountain-top airports.

From here, the iconic hill stations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong are only a 2.5-hour scenic drive away. It also serves as the primary access point for Gangtok, the vibrant capital of Sikkim, which can be reached in about 3.5 hours. For the internationally minded, the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing is a manageable four-hour drive from the airport.

To keep costs at a minimum, travelers can skip private rentals and utilize the region’s highly efficient shared taxi and bus system, which makes traversing the winding mountain roads both social and affordable.

4. Kochi, Kerala (₹12k)

Kochi seamlessly blends its rich colonial history with its status as a launchpad for the rest of "God’s Own Country."

A short 1.5-hour trip south leads to the world-famous backwaters of Alleppey, while a 3.5-hour drive inland takes you to the emerald tea plantations of Munnar, often called the "Kashmir of the South." The city and its surrounding districts are particularly budget-friendly due to a wide availability of government-regulated homestays, which offer a more authentic and cheaper alternative to luxury hotels.

Moreover, Kerala's public transport system and the abundance of fresh, affordable seafood and local vegetarian meals make daily expenses very manageable for the conscious traveler.

5. Agatti, Lakshadweep (₹13k)

For those seeking a tropical escape that feels like an international getaway, Agatti in Lakshadweep is the premier domestic choice for 2026. The island is characterized by its calm, bright blue lagoons and a pace of life that is refreshingly slow.

Unlike mainstream beach destinations, Agatti lacks the noise of commercial markets and nightlife, making it the perfect location for a low-cost digital detox. Visitors can spend their days snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or engaging in various water sports at a fraction of the cost of similar experiences abroad.

It is a destination where the natural beauty of the coral reefs provides the primary entertainment, requiring very little additional spending once you arrive.

6. Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (₹15k)

Port Blair offers a stunning tropical alternative for those who find Southeast Asian flight prices a bit too steep this year.

As the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it provides the necessary infrastructure to explore paradise on a budget. Travelers can use the affordable government ferry system to reach popular spots like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island.

History buffs will find the Cellular Jail a must-visit, offering a deep dive into India’s freedom struggle for a nominal entry fee. To save on local commuting, renting a scooter is the most effective way to navigate the island, allowing for spontaneous stops at hidden beaches and local eateries that offer delicious, budget-friendly meals.

Tags: Indian Destinations, Affordable Destinations, Vushii