As the mercury rises and summer takes over the plains, May is the perfect month to hit the road—or board a train or flight—and explore some of India’s most breathtaking destinations. If you’re based in Lucknow and working with a budget of ₹50,000 or less, you’re in luck (pun intended!). From snow-capped peaks to coastal bliss, these Indian getaways promise refreshing escapes, cultural charm, and scenic beauty—all without breaking the bank.
Here are the best Indian trips under ₹50K from Lucknow in May 2025:
Manali & Kasol – Himachal’s Summer Escape
Manali and Kasol are the go-to mountain escapes for travelers looking to cool down without breaking the bank. In May, Himachal is in summer bloom—think pine forests, apple orchards, chilly riverbanks, and snow still dusting the higher peaks. In Manali, wander around Old Manali’s boho cafés, visit Hidimba Devi Temple, and head to Solang Valley for adventure sports. A short trip to Kasol brings you into the Parvati Valley, perfect for unwinding by the river, hiking to Tosh, or chilling with Israeli food and music under starry skies. Best part? It’s all accessible by Volvo from Lucknow.
Itinerary Under 50K: Manali + Kasol
Travel: ~₹4–5K (Volvo + local travel) | Total: ₹35K–₹45K
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Day 1: Arrive in Manali, explore Mall Road and Old Manali
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Day 2: Visit Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass
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Day 3: Travel to Kasol, riverside café hopping
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Day 4: Short hike to Tosh or Chalal
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Day 5: Return to Lucknow
Goa – Sun, Sea & Summer Vibes
In May, Goa is just stepping out of peak season, which means fewer crowds, cheaper stays, and still-beautiful weather. From beach-hopping in the north to relaxed coconut grove cafés in the south, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Ride a scooter along palm-lined roads, explore forts like Chapora or Cabo de Rama, and enjoy Goan cuisine in beachside shacks. Flights from Lucknow are often affordable if booked early, and hostels across Anjuna, Vagator, or Palolem keep things budget-friendly.
Itinerary Under 50K: North + South Goa
Flights: ~₹12–14K (round trip) | Total: ₹45K–₹50K
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Day 1: Arrive in Goa, explore Anjuna & Baga
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Day 2: Visit Fort Aguada, enjoy beach day
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Day 3: Shift to South Goa – Palolem or Agonda
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Day 4: Relax, explore hidden beaches
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Day 5: Fly back
Sikkim – The Serene Northeast Gateway
If you’re craving cool weather, lush valleys, and peaceful mountain towns, Sikkim in May is the perfect pick. With Bagdogra airport just a flight away, you can reach Gangtok by road and immerse yourself in the clean, green calm of the Himalayas. Visit Tsomgo Lake, surrounded by snow even in summer, and explore monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey. The mountain food—think thukpa, momo, and churpi—is both comforting and cheap. Shared cabs and homestays help keep costs low.
Itinerary Under 50K: Gangtok + Tsomgo Lake
Flights: ~₹12K (Lucknow to Bagdogra) | Total: ₹45K–₹50K
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Day 1: Fly to Bagdogra, reach Gangtok
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Day 2: Explore MG Road, visit monasteries
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Day 3: Day trip to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
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Day 4: Chill with views, local shopping
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Day 5: Return
Rishikesh & Chopta – Adventure Meets Peace
If you’re looking for a mix of adrenaline and calm, Rishikesh and Chopta are your dream combo. May brings perfect weather for rafting down the Ganga, meditating in ashrams, or sipping chai in Tapovan’s riverside cafés. A few hours away, Chopta welcomes you with green meadows, cool mountain air, and the iconic Tungnath-Chandrashila trek, offering Himalayan views under ₹50K.
Itinerary Under 50K: Rishikesh + Chopta
Travel: ~₹3–4K | Total: ₹30K–₹40K
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Day 1: Arrive in Rishikesh, attend Ganga Aarti
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Day 2: Rafting, yoga or café hopping
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Day 3: Drive to Chopta, overnight in camp
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Day 4: Trek to Tungnath & Chandrashila
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Day 5: Return to Rishikesh and back home
Meghalaya – The Land of Clouds
In May, Meghalaya lives up to its name—with rolling clouds, emerald forests, and cascading waterfalls. Start your trip in Shillong, known for its British-era charm and music cafés, then head to Cherrapunji for caves, cliffs, and living root bridges. Flights from Lucknow to Guwahati are affordable if booked in advance, and local cabs/shared jeeps connect the dots. Homestays and local thalis keep the budget tight.
Itinerary Under 50K: Shillong + Cherrapunji
Flights: ~₹12–13K | Total: ₹45K–₹50K
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Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati, travel to Shillong
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Day 2: Explore Umiam Lake, cafés, local sights
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Day 3: Head to Cherrapunji – Nohkalikai Falls, caves
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Day 4: Trek to living root bridges in Nongriat
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Day 5: Return via Shillong to Guwahati
Jaipur & Jodhpur – The Royal Rajasthan Trail
For a vibrant mix of culture, color, and cuisine, look no further than Jaipur and Jodhpur. From the pink hues of Hawa Mahal to the blue alleys beneath Mehrangarh Fort, these cities bring alive the grandeur of royal India. Enjoy rooftop dinners with folk music, visit centuries-old palaces, and shop for jootis, lehariya dupattas, and camel leather bags—all within a modest budget.
Itinerary Under 50K: Jaipur + Jodhpur
Train: ~₹2K total | Total: ₹35K–₹45K
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Day 1: Arrive in Jaipur, visit City Palace & local markets
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Day 2: Explore Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal
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Day 3: Train to Jodhpur, explore Clock Tower
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Day 4: Visit Mehrangarh Fort, blue city walk
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Day 5: Return to Lucknow
Varanasi – Timeless Spiritual Retreat
Just a few hours from Lucknow, Varanasi offers an immersive experience like no other. Perfect for solo travelers or short-budget trips, this ancient city is about more than temples—it’s about energy. Watch sunrise on the Ganga, get lost in alleyways full of history, or just sit on the ghats watching life pass by. The food scene? Unmatched—chaats, kachoris, thandai, and sweets galore.
Itinerary Under 50K: Varanasi
Train: ~₹400–₹600 | Total: ₹15K–₹20K
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Day 1: Arrive and visit ghats
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Day 2: Morning boat ride, explore old city
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Day 3: Visit Sarnath & local silk shops
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Day 4: Eat your way through Varanasi
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Day 5: Return to Lucknow
Conclusion:
Whether you’re drawn to the Himalayan peaks of Spiti, the breezy beaches of Goa, or the serene backwaters of Kerala, these incredible Indian getaways prove that you don’t need a passport—or a huge budget—to experience something unforgettable. From Lucknow, you can travel across India under ₹50,000 and still enjoy a mix of landscapes, culture, cuisine, and adventure.
May is a sweet spot—warm in most places, yet still ideal for hill stations, coastal towns, and offbeat gems. With a little planning, early bookings, and a spirit of exploration, your next great escape is just a bus, train, or flight away.
So where will you go next?
