Friendship Day 2023 is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the bonds of friendship than going on an adventure to one of the best places to visit in India with friends on Low Budget
India, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a plethora of budget-friendly destinations that are perfect for a memorable trip with your pals.
Why is Friendship Day Celebrated?
Friendship Day is celebrated to honor and appreciate the value of friendship in people’s lives. It’s a day to strengthen bonds, express gratitude, and celebrate the joy friends bring. The occasion involves exchanging gifts, cards, and spending quality time together, reminding us to cherish these vital relationships.
When is Friendship Day 2023 in India?
Friendship Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. In India, Friendship Day is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of August each year. So, Friendship Day in India will be celebrated on August 6th, 2023.
Friendship Day History
Here is a brief history of Friendship day and how it came to existence
- The concept of International Friendship Day was first proposed by the World Friendship Crusade, an international organization that promotes friendship and understanding among people, in 1958.
- Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho, a Paraguayan doctor, is credited with being the founder of International Friendship Day. He envisioned the day as an opportunity to foster friendship and bridge gaps between different cultures and backgrounds.
- The first International Friendship Day was celebrated on July 30, 1958, in Paraguay, South America.
- Over the years, the idea of Friendship Day gained popularity and spread to other countries, leading to the observance of International Friendship Day on various dates worldwide.
- In 2011, the United Nations officially recognized July 30 as International Day of Friendship, further endorsing the importance of friendship in promoting peace and harmony among nations and individuals.
- Today, International Friendship Day is celebrated globally as a day to strengthen friendships, express appreciation for friends, and promote a culture of understanding and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds.
Best Places to Visit in India with Friends
Let’s dive into our top picks for the best places to visit in India with friends on a low budget, making this Friendship Day an unforgettable one!
- Valley of Flowers: Blooming Paradise in August.
- Lonavala: Monsoon charm in Lonavala.
- Varanasi: Spiritual city on the Ganges.
- Rishikesh: Adventure and serenity combined.
- Zanskar: Untouched beauty of Zanskar.
- Gokarna: Beach bliss in Gokarna.
- Anantagiri Hills: Nature’s retreat in Anantagiri.
Valley of Flowers: Blooming Paradise in August.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with your friends in August. Nestled in Uttarakhand, this vibrant valley blooms with a myriad of colorful flowers, making it an ideal monsoon getaway. With affordable accommodations and trekking options, it’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and budget travelers.
Places to Visit: Valley of Flowers National Park, Hemkund Sahib, Badrinath Temple.
Things to Do with Friends: Trekking amidst the colorful flowers, photography, camping.
Weather: Pleasant in August, with occasional showers and lush greenery.
Famous For: Vast alpine meadows with a variety of blooming flowers.
Estimated Budget: INR 5,000 – 8,000 per person for a 3-day trip.
Trip Duration: 3 to 4 days.
How to Reach Valley of Flowers
- By Air: Dehradun Airport is the nearest airport. Then, take a taxi or bus to Joshimath.
- By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest. From there, take a taxi or bus to Joshimath.
- By Bus: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation UTC provides regular buses to Joshimath and Valley of Flowers is located 16 km from Joshimath.
Lonavala: Monsoon charm in Lonavala.
For a quick escape with friends in South India, head to Lonavala in Maharashtra. This picturesque hill station comes alive during the monsoon season with lush greenery and stunning waterfalls. Enjoy budget-friendly stays, trek to vantage points, and relish local delicacies to make cherished memories.
Recommended: 10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Lonavala
Places to Visit: Rajmachi Point, Bhushi Dam, Karla Caves.
Things to Do with Friends: Trekking, visiting waterfalls, enjoying local street food.
Weather: Pleasant during the monsoon with lush green landscapes.
Famous For: Stunning viewpoints and serene waterfalls.
Estimated Budget: INR 3,000 – 5,000 per person for a 2-day trip.
Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days.
How to Reach Lonavala
- By Air: Pune Airport is the nearest airport. From there, hire a taxi or take a bus to Lonavala.
- By Rail: Lonavala has its own railway station, well-connected to major cities.
- By Bus: The public road transportation in Maharastra state is operated by MSRTC (Maharastra State Road Transport Corporation). Lonavala is well connected to metro cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Varanasi: Spiritual city on the Ganges.
Experience the spiritual charm of Varanasi with friends on a low budget. This ancient city on the banks of the Ganges offers a unique blend of culture and history. Witness mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, explore narrow lanes, and savor affordable street food, immersing yourselves in the city’s vibrant ambiance.
Recommended: Kashi Vishwanath Temple – History, Timings, How to Reach
Places to Visit: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Sarnath.
Things to Do with Friends: Witness Ganga Aarti, boat ride on the Ganges, explore narrow lanes.
Weather: Humid in August, with occasional showers.
Famous For: Spiritual and cultural significance.
Estimated Budget: INR 4,000 – 6,000 per person for a 3-day trip.
Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days.
How to Reach Varanasi
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi.
- By Rail: Varanasi Junction is well-connected to major cities.
- By Bus: Regular buses are run by Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation UPSRTC to Varanasi.
Rishikesh: Adventure and serenity combined.
Embark on an adventure-filled trip with friends to Rishikesh, known as the adventure capital of India. Surrounded by the Himalayas and the Ganges River, this destination offers thrilling activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking. Budget-friendly hostels and cafes cater to backpackers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Also Read: Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Places to Visit: Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Things to Do with Friends: River rafting, bungee jumping, camping, yoga retreats.
Weather: Pleasant during the monsoon, occasional rain showers.
Famous For: Adventure sports and spiritual retreats.
Estimated Budget: INR 5,000 – 8,000 per person for a 3-day trip.
Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days.
How to Reach Rishikesh
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport. From there, take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh.
- By Rail: Rishikesh has its railway station, well-connected to major cities.
- By Bus: UPSRTC runs regular buses to Rishikesh from Delhi and other cities.
Zanskar: Untouched beauty of Zanskar.
Explore the untouched beauty of Zanskar in North India with friends on a budget. Accessible during the monsoon season, this remote region of Ladakh showcases stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and traditional Ladakhi culture. Opt for economical homestays to experience the warmth of local hospitality.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh in July 2023
Places to Visit: Zongkhul Monastery, Drang-Drung Glacier, Padum.
Things to Do with Friends: Trekking, experience local culture, visit monasteries.
Weather: Pleasant during August, ideal for trekking.
Famous For: Remote landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Estimated Budget: INR 8,000 – 12,000 per person for a 5-day trip.
Trip Duration: 4 to 5 days.
How to Reach Zanskar
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Leh. From Leh, hire a taxi or take a bus to Zanskar.
- By Road: Zanskar is accessible via road from Leh. Also, HRTC started running direct buses from Manali to Leh.
Gokarna: Beach bliss in Gokarna.
Looking for a laid-back beach vacation with friends? Gokarna in Karnataka is the answer. Enjoy the pristine beaches, budget-friendly beach shacks, and a relaxed atmosphere. You can also try beach camping and indulge in water sports without burning a hole in your pocket.
Recommended: 2 Days Trip to Gokarna – Places to Visit, Things to Do
Places to Visit: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Things to Do with Friends: Beach hopping, beach camping, water sports.
Weather: Pleasant during the monsoon, lush greenery all around.
Famous For: Pristine beaches and laid-back vibe.
Estimated Budget: INR 4,000 – 6,000 per person for a 3-day trip.
Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days.
How to Reach Gokarna
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Goa. From Goa, take a taxi or bus to Gokarna.
- By Rail: Gokarna Road railway station is well-connected to major cities.
- By Bus: The public road transportation in Karnataka state is operated by KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation). Gokarna is well connected to metro cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Anantagiri Hills: Nature’s retreat in Anantagiri.
Unwind in the lush greenery of Anantagiri Hills with friends during the monsoon season. Located in Telangana, this offbeat destination offers tranquility and budget-friendly accommodation options. Trek through dense forests, visit waterfalls and enjoy the cool weather in the lap of nature.
Recommended: Blissful One day Trip to Ananthagiri Hills From Hyderabad
Places to Visit: Anantagiri Hills Viewpoint, Musi River, Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Things to Do with Friends: Nature walks, explore coffee plantations.
Weather: Cool and pleasant during the monsoon season.
Famous For: Trekking, camping, and nature walks.
Estimated Budget: INR 3,000 – 5,000 per person for a 2-day trip.
Trip Duration: 1 to 2 days.
How to Reach Anantagiri Hills
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest. From there, take a taxi or bus to Anantagiri Hills.
- By Rail: Vikarabad Railway Station is the closest. From there, hire a taxi or take a bus to Anantagiri Hills.
- By Bus: The public road transportation in Telangana state is operated by TSRTC (Telangana State Road Transport Corporation). Anantagiri Hills is well connected to Hyderabad.
Whether you’re exploring North or South India, these best places to visit in August with friends on a low budget offer unforgettable experiences, stunning landscapes, and a chance to strengthen your bond of friendship amidst the monsoon magic.
