Got Rs 50k? Travel abroad!

Amarjot Kaur 

BHUTAN: HIMALAYAN ESCAPE

Travel blogger Parnashree Devi calls Bhutan a unique country, which celebrates cultural magnetism. “If you are a culture enthusiast, Bhutan will captivate you with its rich cultural heritage,” she says. Hospitable locals add to the charm of the “happiest nation” in the world.   

MUST-VISIT:  Cities of Thimphu, Paro & Punakha. Haa Valley too; it is pristine. The Valley was off the tourist map till 2002.  It is the 2nd least populated Dzongkhag (district) in the country and popularly known as “Hidden-Land Rice Valley.”

TRAVEL SMART: Use local transport. Look for homestays for accommodation. Eat in small eating joints. Avoid unnecessary shopping. Check out free things to do in the country; that helps in cutting down on expenses.

FOND MEMORY: I reached Haa Valley late in the evening. It was drizzling when I arrived at a 100-year-old homestay surrounded by mountains. In spite of the bad weather, the host was waiting for me on the main road and gave me a warm welcome

SRI LANKA: SURF’S UP!

Traveller Mridula Dwivedi says her top pick for travelling to a foreign destination under Rs 50,000 would be Sri Lanka. “Fly to Colombo and then take a bus to the south, stop at the historical town of Galle. There are beautiful beaches all around,” she says.

MUST-VISIT:  Cities of Galle and Colombo. You can hop further to Unawatuna and Merissa or even Bentota, Hikkadua and more. The beaches have a shack culture. So you are always near a food joint. Learning to surf is an option.

TRAVEL SMART: The Island has 8 UNESCO sites. Spend a night or two in Colombo, covering Galle Fort (UNESCO site #1) in a day-trip. Then, move on to Dumbulla for 3 nights and cover Dumbulla Cave Temples, Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka's first capital) and Polonnaruwa (Sri Lanka's 2nd capital), Sigiriya (that's four more UNESCO sites for you).

FOND MEMORY: I visited Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka from 4th to 11th century CE. It lies 205km from Colombo. While there, I saw a fascinating ceremony - Dressing Up Buddha. Worshippers from far and wide bring 1100-feet long cloth and drape the Dagoba along its circumference.

INDONESIA’S BALI: TROPICAL PARADISE

Travel blogger Niranjan Das suggests Nepal for a foreign trip under Rs 50,000, but settles for Bali, Indonesia. For him, Kuta works out as the place to be because of its electric nightlife and watersport.

MUST-VISIT:   Tanglang, Kuta and Kincamani Hill. While beaches in Kuta are sun-kissed and scenic, the step-farmed paddy fields of Tanglang are a don’t-miss. Indonesia is the producer of the world’s most expensive coffee, kopi luwak. If the tropical weather gets too hot, enjoy the pleasant Kincamani Hill.

TRAVEL SMART:  Try to carry minimum luggage and use shared, public transport. Have local food and shop at flea markets; a little bargaining can sometimes be fun! Indonesian people are simple and helpful; if you ask for help, you will find it.

FOND MEMORY: I went away from the scenic beaches and experienced the step farming of Tasi Lasng Lang. The coffee plantations are a sight to behold. I would just laze around, enjoy the coffee and enjoy the plantations. The remaining time I enjoyed water sports at Kuta beach.

CAMBODIA: ANCIENT BREAK

Blogger Avanish Maurya recommends Cambodia because of Angkor Archaeological Park. He says it is an experience in itself, and is a country of scenic beauty and hospitable people. “It is something you must see during your lifetime,” he says.

MUST-VISIT:  UNESCO world heritage site Angkor Archaeological Park. It is a huge area with magnificent temple monuments and few lakes, provides a first-hand experience of Cambodian lifestyles. Don’t miss Tonle Sap river. Boats are a mode of transport and houses here. Phnom Penh, the capital, is an ideal gateway to enjoy the beautiful Mekong river and the majestic Royal Palace. Enjoy Apsara dance.

TRAVEL SMART:  Pack smart. Travel with cabin baggage as far as possible. Most low-cost carriers offer cheaper tickets for such travellers. Stay in hostels. They are cheap, usually clean and provide excellent opportunity to mingle with travellers.  Walk as much as possible and use public transport. Eat like locals and avoid looking for specific cuisine.

FOND MEMORY: Many villagers offer an informal nightstay inside the Angkor Archaeological Park. If you have an overnight ticket, stay back and experience the local lifestyle. The temple complex was constructed originally as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu for Khmer Empire, but was transformed into a Buddhist one.

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