Cool Holidays under 10K to Take in September 2017

The sun-baked summer is on its way out and amber autumn is on its way. There’s no better time to take a break and see the countryside transform. Here are some budget holidays under 10k for September that make for free-spirited shenanigans!

Puri

Puri is a gem on the coast fronting the Bay of Bengal in the state of Orissa. Popular for its temples including the 12th-century Kalinga-style Jagannath Temple, this seaside town affords sandy shores that are a favourite amongst lovers of the sun, sand and surf who flock to Balighai, Golden and Puri beaches for thrilling water sports.    

Make it happen: 

Hotel: Hotels in Puri are relatively reasonable across all budgets, with most hotels being near or on a beach. The Hans Coco Palms (INR 3,720 per night) and Mayfair Heritage Puri (INR 3,565 per night) are trendy and upscale properties. Other budget-friendly options are Puri - Golden Sands, A Sterling Holidays Resort (INR 1,651 per night) and Hotel Landmark (INR 1,406 per night).

Book Your Stay at Golden SandsBook Your Stay at Golden Sands

​Food: INR 1,000 per day. Expect to find an array of cuisines at Puri’s many cafes and restaurants including Chungh Wah, Wildgrass Restaurant and Honey Bee Bakery & Pizzeria.

Travel: Puri’s railway station is well-connected to cities like Ahmedabad and New Delhi with Kolkata being the most widespread with 52 trains operating to and from the city. Depending on the class of travel, the average ticket price for a Second AC is INR 769 and AC Chair Car is INR 1,011. Within Puri, cycle and auto rickshaws are the best ways to get around.

Don’t Miss: Sudarsan Pattnaik’s sand art has garnered both domestic and international fame. His grand masterpieces are created and displayed on Puri beach.
 

Total cost for 2 nights & 3 days:	Approximate values
Hotel	INR 3,302*
Food	INR 3,000*
Travel	INR 1,538*
Misc.	INR 2.500*
Total	INR 10,340*

Saputara

In the Western Ghats, Saputara in Gujarat is a hilly oasis of green. At an altitude of 1,000 metres, this ‘adobe of serpents’ (as its name literally means), is a planned hill resort amidst dense forested cover and quaint tribal villages. Cool temperatures, picturesque scenery and attractions in the area, including national parks and sanctuaries, make Saputara a favourite escape in the region.

Make it happen: 

Hotel: Hotels in Saputara is in-demand through all seasons so it’s advisable to book in advance. Shilpi Hill Resort (INR 4,650 per night), Hotel Aakar Lords Inn (INR 2,590 per night) and Uday Hill Resort (INR 1,400) per night) are some hotel options to consider at Saputara.

Book Your Stay at Uday Hill ResortBook Your Stay at Uday Hill Resort

Food: INR 800 per day. Expect to find local eateries in Saputara serving Gujarati vegetarian food along with North Indian and Asian cuisines at venues like Hotel Purohit and Deewan-E-Khas.

Travel: Waghai railway station at Bilimora, approximately 50 kilometres away, is Saputara’s nearest train junction with connectivity to cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other towns in Gujarat. From Bilimora, buses and taxis are available to Saputara. Depending on the type of bus and service, the tickets range between INR 75 and INR 150.

Don’t Miss: Sunrise Point offers great views of Saputara and adjoining Malegaon at sunrise and pretty much at any time of the day.
 

Total cost for 2 nights & 3 days:	Approximate values
Hotel	INR 5,180*
Food	INR 2,400*
Travel	INR 300*
Misc.	INR 1.500*
Total	INR 9,380*

​Ziro

Music lovers know Ziro well because of the annual Ziro Festival of Music that sees the coming together of music, art and culture under one stage for a heady four days in the northeast state of Arunachal Pradeshh. Showcasing the talent of independent musicians across the country, the valley makes the perfect venue for the festival.

Hotel: There’s limited accommodation in Ziro across budget properties that include Siiro Resort (INR 840 per night). There are also homestays available ranging from INR 1,033 and INR 1,653 per night. During the Ziro Festival of Music, organisers set up makeshift tented camps.

Book Your Stay at Siiro ResortBook Your Stay at Siiro Resort

Food: INR 500 per day. Expect to find vendors selling dishes with noodles, vegetables and meats while rice beer and millet wine are regional specialties.

Travel: The best way to get to Ziro is by a shared taxi service from Itanagar (about 70 kilometres away), which costs about INR 450.  

Don’t Miss: All visitors to Arunachal Pradesh require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), an official Government of India travel document. The ILP can be applied for online and costs INR 100. 
 

Total cost for 2 nights & 3 days:	Approximate values
Hotel	INR 3,306*
Food	INR 1,500*
Travel	INR 900*
ILP	INR 100
Misc.	INR 3,000*
Total	INR 8,806*

*All prices are subject to change

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