There’s a reason destinations like the Maldives, Switzerland and Bora Bora dominate everyone’s travel bucket list. They’re beautiful, luxurious and, unfortunately, expensive. But if what you’re really after is the experience rather than the passport stamp, India has some convincing alternatives to international destinations. Here’s how you can enjoy eight luxury-inspired holidays in India for under ₹75,000.
5 Indian Trips That Feel Like Luxury International Destinations
1. Dreaming Of The Maldives? Lakshadweep Is Your Pick
The Maldives has built its reputation on crystal-clear lagoons, colourful coral reefs and beaches so white they almost don’t look real. That’s exactly what makes it one of the world’s most expensive beach vacations. Lakshadweep delivers many of the same experiences, minus the international airfare. Islands like Bangaram, Agatti and Kadmat offer pristine waters, excellent diving spots and peaceful beaches that remain far less crowded than most tropical international destinations.
Budget Breakdown (5 Nights)
Flights: ₹18,000-₹25,000
Book Kochi-Agatti flights well in advance, as prices rise sharply during peak travel months.
Accommodation: ₹22,000-₹32,000
Beachfront cottages and island resorts generally cost ₹4,500-₹6,500 per night.
Food: ₹6,000-₹8,000
Several stays include breakfast, helping keep meal costs under control.
Activities: ₹8,000-₹10,000
Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and island-hopping are the highlights.
Local Transfers & Miscellaneous: ₹4,000
Estimated Total: ₹58,000-₹75,000 per person
Also Read: Maldives Out Of Budget? 5 Indian Trips Under ₹20,000 That Still Feel Surprisingly Luxe
2. Love Switzerland? Auli Delivers Alpine Views Too!
A holiday in Switzerland often comes with breathtaking mountain views and an equally breathtaking bill. Flights alone can take up a huge chunk of your budget before you even book a hotel. Auli, tucked away in Uttarakhand, offers a different but equally rewarding mountain escape. During winter, its ski slopes, pine forests and snow-covered peaks create an unmistakably Alpine setting.
Budget Breakdown
Flights/Train + Road Transfer: ₹12,000-₹18,000
Fly to Dehradun or take a train to Haridwar before continuing by road.
Accommodation: ₹15,000-₹25,000
Hotels and boutique stays typically cost ₹3,000-₹5,000 a night.
Food: ₹5,000-₹7,000
Activities: ₹8,000-₹12,000
Budget for skiing, equipment rentals, the ropeway and local sightseeing.
Local Transport: ₹5,000
Estimated Total: ₹45,000-₹67,000 per person
Also Read: 8 International Destinations Every History Buff Should Visit At Least Once in Their Lifetime
3. If Santorini Is On Your Vision Board, Give Varkala A Chance
People don’t flock to Santorini just for the whitewashed buildings. They go for the cliffside cafés, leisurely sunsets and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Kerala’s Varkala captures that same easygoing charm in its own way. The town sits dramatically above the Arabian Sea, where cafés line the cliff edge and evenings are best spent watching the sun disappear into the horizon. It’s romantic without trying too hard, making it ideal for couples as well as solo travellers looking to slow down and gives feels of international destinations.
Budget Breakdown
Flights: ₹8,000-₹15,000
Accommodation: ₹18,000-₹25,000
Cliff-facing boutique hotels generally fall between ₹3,500 and ₹5,000 per night.
Food: ₹6,000-₹8,000
Fresh seafood, cafés and local Kerala cuisine easily fit within this budget.
Experiences: ₹5,000-₹8,000
Ayurvedic therapies, surfing lessons and yoga sessions are worth adding to your itinerary.
Local Transport: ₹3,000
Estimated Total: ₹40,000-₹59,000 per person
4. You Don’t Need To Fly To Africa For A Luxury Safari
A safari in Kenya or Tanzania is unforgettable, but it’s also one of the costliest wildlife holidays you can book. Premium lodges, game drives and long-haul flights quickly push the budget into several lakhs. Kabini offers a similar sense of adventure much closer to home. Nestled beside Nagarhole National Park, it’s known for luxury jungle lodges, boat safaris and impressive wildlife sightings, including elephants, leopards and, if you’re lucky, tigers. Many of the premium stays include meals and safari drives, making them excellent value despite the higher room rates.
Budget Breakdown
Flights + Transfers: ₹12,000-₹18,000
Luxury Jungle Lodge: ₹30,000-₹40,000
Most premium properties include meals and at least one safari in the tariff.
Additional Safaris & Activities: ₹6,000-₹8,000
Miscellaneous & Local Travel: ₹5,000
Estimated Total: ₹55,000-₹71,000 per person
Also Read: Want Bali’s Rice Terrace Vibes? These 8 Indian Destinations Deliver The Same Magic
5. Tuscany’s Countryside Magic In Coorg
Tuscany isn’t just about vineyards. It’s the slow mornings, rolling hills, charming countryside homes and long meals overlooking endless greenery that make people fall in love with the region. Coorg offers a similar escape, only with coffee plantations replacing vineyards. Wake up to mist-covered estates, spend your afternoons walking through plantations, chase waterfalls or simply enjoy a quiet evening at a heritage bungalow. It’s the kind of holiday where doing very little is the whole point.
Budget Breakdown
Flights + Transfers: ₹10,000-₹15,000
Fly into Bengaluru or Mangaluru and continue by road to Coorg.
Plantation Stay: ₹18,000-₹28,000
Estate stays and boutique resorts generally cost between ₹4,000 and ₹5,500 per night.
Food: ₹6,000-₹8,000
Don’t miss authentic Kodava cuisine and fresh local coffee.
Activities: ₹5,000-₹7,000
Coffee estate tours, Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp and sightseeing.
Transport: ₹5,000
Estimated Total: ₹44,000-₹63,000 per person
You don’t always need international destinations to enjoy a world-class holiday. Sometimes, the biggest difference between a ₹5 lakh vacation and a ₹75,000 one is where you choose to book. With smart planning, early flight reservations and the right season, these Indian destinations can deliver many of the same experiences that make their international counterparts famous, leaving you with unforgettable memories and enough money left over to start planning the next trip.
Cover Image Courtesy: nasarudheenmarkmedia/Canva Pro and Internal
FAQs
Which Indian destination is the best alternative to the Maldives?
Lakshadweep is India's closest alternative to the Maldives, thanks to its turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and world-class snorkelling and diving experiences.
Where can I experience a Switzerland-like holiday in India?
Auli in Uttarakhand offers snow-covered slopes, skiing, ropeway rides and breathtaking Himalayan views that resemble an Alpine getaway.
Which Indian destination feels like Santorini?
Varkala in Kerala is often compared to Santorini for its cliffside cafés, stunning sunsets, coastal views and laid-back atmosphere.
Can I enjoy a luxury holiday in India under ₹75,000?
Yes. With early bookings and smart planning, destinations like Lakshadweep, Auli, Varkala, Kabini and Coorg can offer premium experiences within a ₹75,000 budget.
