Diwali cleaning, mithai shopping, family WhatsApp groups and the annual discussion about who is making what at home. Lovely, obviously. But what if this year, instead of spending the festive break doing the same things, you took your passport out and celebrated Diwali somewhere new? An international holiday under ₹50,000 is possible, provided you are sensible about flights, accommodation and those little expenses that somehow turn into ₹10,000 by the end of a trip. Don’t believe us? Scroll on and thank us later!
8 International Destinations To Visit Under ₹50,000 This Diwali
1. Nepal
Estimated budget: ₹22,000-₹35,000 per person
Nepal is proof that an international holiday does not need to involve a long-haul flight or an alarming credit-card statement. Start in Kathmandu, where centuries-old temples, bustling markets and the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa offer plenty to explore. Spend an afternoon wandering through the courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square before heading to Pokhara for lakeside cafés, mountain views and a possible paragliding adventure.
November is generally a favourable month for clear Himalayan views, although mornings can get chilly. Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal, but they must carry an accepted travel document.
2. Sri Lanka
Estimated budget: ₹30,000-₹42,000 per person
Sri Lanka is the kind of destination that makes a five-day holiday feel like you have been away for much longer. One morning, you could be exploring the colonial streets of Galle Fort; a couple of days later, you could be watching tea plantations roll past the window on a train journey through the central highlands.
Ella is particularly appealing for its green hills, hiking trails and the famous Nine Arch Bridge, while Colombo offers restaurants, shopping and a lively urban contrast. November weather can be unpredictable because monsoon conditions vary across the island, so build some flexibility into your plans rather than expecting uninterrupted beach weather.
3. Malaysia
Estimated budget: ₹35,000-₹48,000 per person
Kuala Lumpur is where you go when you want your holiday to include skyscrapers, shopping bags and the occasional plate of noodles at an hour when sensible people are asleep. Admire the Petronas Twin Towers, explore the colourful Batu Caves and spend an evening sampling Malaysian street food around Jalan Alor. Central Market is worth visiting for souvenirs, while the city’s shopping districts cater to everyone from bargain hunters to luxury-label enthusiasts.
You can also explore Little India in Brickfields, where Indian food and cultural influences make for a familiar yet distinctly Malaysian experience. Indian passport holders are exempt from Malaysia’s visa requirement for eligible visits of up to 30 days until December 31, 2026. You must still meet entry conditions, including submitting the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within the prescribed window before arrival. Keep your itinerary centred on Kuala Lumpur to save on domestic transport, and this urban getaway can fit within ₹50,000.
Also Read: Vietnam Vs Thailand: Which Country Gives You The Best Budget Trip From India?
4. Thailand
Estimated budget: ₹35,000-₹48,000 per person
Thailand has a talent for making every day feel different. Bangkok serves up ornate temples, riverside views, bustling markets and street food that can easily become the highlight of your trip. Spend an afternoon exploring the city’s cultural landmarks, then head to a night market for grilled skewers, mango sticky rice and a shopping spree you may have to explain to your bank later.
If beaches are calling, choose either Pattaya for a relatively straightforward trip from Bangkok or dedicate your holiday to Krabi or Phuket instead. Trying to squeeze the capital, multiple islands and several excursions into four days is a reliable way to spend more time travelling than enjoying yourself.
Indian travellers are eligible for Thailand’s 30-day visa-exemption scheme under the rules taking effect on September 15, 2026, but check the latest entry requirements before departure. With early flight bookings and a sensible accommodation budget, Thailand is a strong contender for a festive break.
5. Vietnam
Estimated budget: ₹38,000-₹50,000 per person
Vietnam is for travellers who believe that the best way to understand a place is to walk its streets and eat whatever the locals recommend. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is full of narrow lanes, busy cafés and street-food stalls, while Hoan Kiem Lake offers a calmer escape from the city’s glorious chaos.
Try Vietnamese coffee, sample a steaming bowl of pho and set aside a day for an excursion to Ninh Binh, where limestone formations rise above rivers and rice fields. Ha Long Bay is another spectacular option, although an overnight cruise will need a separate slice of your budget. November is generally a promising month for exploring northern Vietnam, but conditions differ between regions.
Indian travellers should arrange the appropriate Vietnamese visa before departure and verify the latest requirements through the official e-visa portal. To keep costs under ₹50,000, stick to one region, choose modest accommodation and avoid adding expensive domestic flights to an already packed itinerary.
6. Bali, Indonesia
Estimated budget: ₹42,000-₹50,000 per person
Bali looks expensive on social media because the internet has a suspicious preference for infinity pools, floating breakfasts and villas that cost more than some people’s monthly salaries. The island has a more accessible side, too. Base yourself in Ubud for rice terraces, traditional markets, cafés and Balinese cultural experiences, then consider spending a couple of days near the coast for sunsets and beachside restaurants. November falls within Bali’s wetter season, so a little rain is possible; keep outdoor activities flexible and do not book every hour of your holiday around a perfect sunset.
7. Cambodia
Estimated budget: ₹35,000-₹48,000 per person
Some holidays are about switching off, while others leave you with stories that go well beyond your camera roll. Cambodia offers the latter, particularly if you visit Siem Reap to explore the extraordinary Angkor temple complex. Angkor Wat’s vast stone architecture, intricate carvings and sunrise views make an early morning worthwhile, while nearby temples reveal different details of the region’s Khmer heritage.
Back in town, you can browse local markets, try Cambodian dishes and spend a quieter evening at a café. November generally marks the beginning of the drier season, making it an appealing time to explore. Indian travellers should check Cambodia’s current visa requirements and use the appropriate official application channel before departure.
8. Maldives
Estimated budget: ₹40,000-₹50,000 per person
The Maldives does not have to mean a private island, an overwater villa and a bill that becomes the most frightening part of your holiday. Staying on a local island such as Maafushi offers a different way to experience the archipelago, with guesthouses, cafés, sandy beaches and excursions for snorkelling or dolphin watching. You can spend your days swimming in clear water, exploring the coastline and doing absolutely nothing productive, which is arguably the point of a holiday.
Indian travellers should check the latest Maldives immigration requirements; tourist visa-on-arrival arrangements are subject to the country’s entry conditions, including having the necessary travel documents and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
The main challenge is keeping costs under control. Flights, speedboat transfers and water activities can quickly eat into your budget, so compare transfer options and decide which excursions genuinely matter to you. If you book carefully, the Maldives can be a realistic, if tight, option for a short festive escape.
Also Read: 7 Cheapest Places To Visit In Northeast India For Stunning Views On A Budget
For the easiest budget-conscious escapes, Nepal and Sri Lanka are excellent starting points. Malaysia and Thailand work well for food, shopping and city experiences, while Vietnam and Cambodia appeal to travellers looking for culture and history. Bali and the Maldives offer tropical scenery but require tighter spending decisions.
Cover Image Courtesy: raslankaln/Canva Pro
FAQs
Which countries can Indians visit on an international trip under ₹50,000?
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Cambodia and the Maldives may fit within a ₹50,000 budget per person, depending on flight prices, accommodation, travel dates and planned activities.
What are the cheapest international destinations for a Diwali holiday?
Nepal and Sri Lanka are among the more budget-friendly options in this list. Both offer cultural attractions, scenic landscapes and memorable experiences without necessarily requiring expensive long-haul flights.
Can I visit Bali under ₹50,000 from India?
A Bali trip may fit within ₹50,000 per person with affordable flights, modest accommodation and careful spending. November falls within Bali's wetter season, so travellers should also plan for possible rain and flexible outdoor activities.
