The Swiss Alps, Bali’s surf scene, Japan’s cherry blossoms or the impossibly blue waters of the Maldives often find a place on every travel bucket list. But what if you could enjoy a remarkably similar holiday without leaving India? Here are some international-style vacations to enjoy while still being in India.
8 Marvellous Indian Destinations That Feel Like An International Vacation
1. Switzerland → Khajjiar & Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
You don’t have to fly to Europe to find postcard-worthy alpine scenery. Khajjiar’s wide meadows, thick deodar forests and snow-dusted mountain backdrop have earned it the nickname “Mini Switzerland of India” for good reason. Just a short drive away, Dalhousie adds another beautiful rhythm to the experience with its old-world churches, charming colonial architecture and winding roads lined with towering pines.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Return flights to Dharamshala (or train to Pathankot): ₹8,000-₹12,000
- Transfers between Dalhousie and Khajjiar: ₹4,000
- Three-night stay at a well-rated 3-star hotel: ₹10,500
- Meals for four days: ₹5,500
- Horse riding, local sightseeing and transport: ₹4,500
Estimated Total: ₹32,500-₹36,500
Money-saving tip: Travelling by train to Pathankot instead of flying can reduce your overall cost by ₹4,000-₹6,000 while adding a scenic rail journey to your trip.
Also Read: 9 Mountain Towns In India That Feel Straight Out Of A Painting
2. Bali → Varkala, Kerala
There’s a reason Varkala keeps popping up whenever travellers talk about India’s answer to Bali. Days here begin with surfers heading into the waves, continue with leisurely brunches at cliffside cafés and often end with fiery sunsets over the Arabian Sea. Wellness is woven into the experience too, from yoga studios overlooking the ocean to Ayurvedic therapies that encourage you to slow down.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Return flights to Thiruvananthapuram: ₹12,000-₹16,000
- Airport transfers and local transport: ₹3,500
- Boutique cliffside hotel for three nights: ₹11,000
- Food and cafés: ₹6,000
- Surf lesson, massage and sightseeing: ₹7,000
Estimated Total: ₹39,500-₹43,500
Money-saving tip: Rent a scooter for local travel instead of booking cabs throughout your stay. It’s cheaper and gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches.
Also Read: Want Bali’s Rice Terrace Vibes? These 8 Indian Destinations Deliver The Same Magic
3. Maldives → Lakshadweep
Few places in India can match Lakshadweep’s shades of blue. The lagoons around Agatti and Bangaram are home to thriving coral reefs, making them ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Unlike many tropical destinations, the islands remain refreshingly uncrowded, so you’re more likely to hear waves than traffic. If your dream holiday involves barefoot walks on white sand and uninterrupted ocean views, this comes very close to a Maldivian escape.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Return flights to Agatti: ₹18,000-₹22,000
- Inter-island transfers and permits: ₹4,000
- Beach resort stay for three nights: ₹13,000
- Meals: ₹5,000
- Snorkelling, scuba or other water activities: ₹7,000
Estimated Total: ₹47,000-₹49,000
Money-saving tip: Airfares fluctuate significantly, so booking at least two months in advance can make the biggest difference to your budget.
Also Read: Maldives Out Of Budget? 5 Indian Trips Under ₹20,000 That Still Feel Surprisingly Luxe
4. Santorini → Puducherry
Puducherry doesn’t imitate Santorini’s famous blue domes, but it captures something equally gorgeous: a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The French Quarter is filled with elegant white buildings, colourful shutters, leafy streets and cafés where it’s easy to lose track of time. With oceanfront promenades, boutique stores and fresh pastries, you’ll find yourself enjoying a distinctly European holiday without the long-haul flight.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Return flights or train: ₹8,000-₹12,000
- Local transport: ₹2,500
- Heritage hotel for three nights: ₹10,500
- Food and cafés: ₹6,000
- Bicycle rental, museums and sightseeing: ₹4,000
Estimated Total: ₹31,000-₹35,000
Money-saving tip: Choose accommodation in the French Quarter so most attractions are within walking or cycling distance.
5. Iceland → Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti isn’t lush, and that’s what makes it unforgettable. Stark mountains, dramatic valleys, ancient monasteries and villages perched at dizzying heights create landscapes that feel almost cinematic. Every bend in the road reveals something new, whether it’s the fossil-rich village of Langza, the high-altitude post office at Hikkim or the vast open skies surrounding Kaza. The journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Flights to Bhuntar plus onward road transfers: ₹18,000
- Shared transport within Spiti: ₹8,000
- Homestays for three nights: ₹9,000
- Food: ₹5,000
- Monastery visits and sightseeing: ₹3,000
Estimated Total: ₹43,000
Money-saving tip: Shared cabs and group departures cost considerably less than hiring a private vehicle for the entire circuit.
Also Read: 10 Cheapest Hill Stations In India Ranked By Value For Money For Your Next Budget Escape
6. Japan → Shillong, Meghalaya
Come in November, Shillong swaps its usual shades of green for soft pink as cherry blossom trees bloom across the city. The cooler weather, peaceful streets and cosy cafés only add to the charm. You can plan your visit around the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, and you’ll get live music, cultural performances and some of the prettiest walks you’ll find anywhere in the country during autumn.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Return flights to Guwahati: ₹12,000-₹15,000
- Guwahati–Shillong transfers: ₹3,000
- Hotel for three nights: ₹10,500
- Meals: ₹5,500
- Local sightseeing and festival expenses: ₹5,000
Estimated Total: ₹36,000-₹39,000
Money-saving tip: Shared taxis between Guwahati and Shillong are frequent, comfortable and far more economical than booking a private cab.
7. New Zealand → Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Road trips don’t get much more spectacular than this! The route to Tawang winds through high mountain passes, shimmering lakes and valleys that seem to stretch forever. Sela Pass alone is worth the journey, while Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in India, offers sweeping views and a sense of calm that’s hard to describe.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Return flights to Guwahati: ₹12,000-₹15,000
- Shared road journey to Tawang: ₹12,000
- Hotel for three nights: ₹9,000
- Food: ₹5,000
- Inner Line Permit and sightseeing: ₹4,000
Estimated Total: ₹42,000-₹45,000
Money-saving tip: Travelling in a shared SUV helps split fuel and driver costs while making the long mountain journey more affordable.
8. Tuscany → Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is beautiful! Rolling coffee plantations replace vineyards, estate stays replace countryside villas, and mist-covered hills set the scene for leisurely mornings. You can spend your days walking through spice gardens, chasing waterfalls or learning how coffee is grown before settling in with a freshly brewed cup overlooking the plantations.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Return flights to Mangaluru or Bengaluru: ₹10,000-₹14,000
- Transfers to Coorg: ₹3,500
- Plantation stay for three nights: ₹12,000
- Food: ₹6,000
- Plantation tours and sightseeing: ₹5,000
Estimated Total: ₹36,500-₹40,500
Money-saving tip: Many plantation estates include breakfast and guided estate walks in the room tariff, helping you save on meals and activities.
So, which of these international-style vacations in India would you like to visit first?
Cover Image Courtesy: kavalenkavadesign/Canva Pro and photographervideographerwriter/Canva Pro
FAQs
Which places in India look like foreign countries?
Destinations such as Khajjiar, Varkala, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Spiti Valley, Shillong, Tawang, and Coorg are often compared to Switzerland, Bali, the Maldives, Santorini, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, and Tuscany respectively.
Which Indian destination is known as Mini Switzerland?
Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh is popularly known as the "Mini Switzerland of India" because of its lush meadows, dense deodar forests, and stunning mountain backdrop.
Where can you experience cherry blossoms in India?
Shillong, Meghalaya, is one of India's most famous cherry blossom destinations. The blooms usually appear in October and November, coinciding with the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival.
Which destination in India is the closest to the Maldives?
Lakshadweep is considered India's closest equivalent to the Maldives thanks to its crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and world-class snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.