My most memorable trip through some of India’s best states.
My recent trip across five amazing Indian states with some of my closest friends was exactly that. We explored Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, and Assam top places to must visit in India. What made it even better was that we did it all without spending a fortune.This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a truly unforgettable adventure full of fun, new lessons, and incredible moments.
RAJASTHAN
We started our adventure in Rajasthan, a land of kings and deserts overflowing with color and history. Right away, we were captivated by Jaipur’s beautiful old buildings like the Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal. The city’s busy markets were a feast for the eyes and a great way to experience royal India firsthand.
To stick to our budget, we stayed in local homestays and hostels. This gave us the amazing opportunity to meet and chat with local people. One of the best parts was watching the sunrise from the top of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the “Blue City”—the view was absolutely stunning.
Travel Tip: To get around cheaply, hop on local buses and shared auto-rickshaws. It’s a great way to save money and really feel like you’re part of the local scene.
DELHI
“So, guess what? My friend and I finally made it to Delhi recently, and wow – it was amazing. Seriously, one of those trips that just sticks with you. The city hits you right away with this crazy energy – it’s buzzing, packed with history everywhere you look, and the mix of cultures is just wild. We landed and instantly knew this wasn’t gonna be any ordinary vacation.
We basically spent every single day just exploring non-stop. Hit up all the big spots: India Gate (so impressive at sunset!), Qutub Minar (that ancient minaret is mind-blowing), Humayun’s Tomb (like a peaceful, beautiful garden city), and the massive Red Fort. Walking through those places? Felt like we were literally inside a history book. Every monument had this crazy story to tell about India’s past – learned so much about the empires, the architecture, all the layers of this place.
But it wasn’t all ancient stuff! The markets? Oh man, Chandni Chowk is an experience – tiny lanes packed with people, and the smells… incredible. We ate our way through it: spicy chaat that made your nose run (in the best way), flaky parathas hot off the griddle, and obviously had to end with those syrupy, crispy jalebis. Total food coma, but totally worth it. Heaven for foodies!
HIMACHAL PARDESH
Next up, we headed north to Himachal Pradesh, and the change was incredible—we went from hot deserts to cool, towering the mountains was incredible—Just getting there was a breathtaking journey. We explored places like Manali and Kasol, where we did a beautiful hike to Kheerganga, relaxed in natural hot springs, and stayed in the coziest mountain cabins for less than what a single meal would cost back home.
In Dharamshala, we could really feel the Tibetan culture all around us.
Travel Tip: If you want to avoid crowds and save some money, go during the off-season, like early March or late September.
KERALA
We left the mountains and flew all the way south to Kerala . This place, known as “God’s Own Country,” welcomed us with its vibrant green scenery, peaceful backwaters, and the lovely smell of spices in the air. We made our way to Alleppey for a boat ride on the famous backwaters, which is something you absolutely have to do.
In Kochi, we loved exploring the mix of different cultures—you could see hints of Portuguese, Dutch, and British history everywhere. We took some great photos of the famous Chinese fishing nets and soaked in the lively street art.
Travel Tip: Instead of splurging on a private houseboat, try taking a ride on the Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD) boats. You’ll get the same amazing views for a much, much lower price.
MEGHALAYA
From the tranquil south, we made our way to the misty, cloud-covered state of Meghalaya, . The wild, natural beauty here is just breathtaking. We took on the challenge of trekking to the incredible Double-Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee. It was tough, but every single step was worth it to see this amazing bridge woven from tree roots.
The weather was cool and foggy, and the people were so warm and welcoming.
Travel Tip: This is a place to take your time. Getting around on your own can be tricky, so it’s a great idea to split a cab with friends. It’s not only more convenient but also much cheaper when you share the cost.
