Visa-Free Countries for Indian Couples Under ₹1.2 Lakh (That Actually Feel Dreamy, Not Jugaadu)#

So, quick confession before we start. When me and my wife first started planning an international trip together, we genuinely thought, "Arre yaar, foreign trip means minimum 2–2.5 lakh". Also visa application stress, office leave, bank statements, the usual headache. Then we slowly discovered this whole magical world of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for Indian passport holders… and honestly that changed everything.

Over the last few years, we’ve done 5 trips abroad together, all under about ₹1.2 lakh per couple (sometimes even less, if we got lucky with flights and Airbnb). And no, I'm not some luxury influencer staying in overwater villas and pretending I got it in a "collab". We’re normal middle-class Indians who compare prices on Skyscanner, argue about baggage weight at the airport, and still feel guilty about buying Starbucks in another currency.

This blog is basically everything I wish someone had told us earlier – real experiences, some mistakes, cost breakdown vibes, plus updated info on where Indians can go visa-free / visa-on-arrival, what’s safe these days, and how to squeeze a nice romantic holiday into that ₹1.2 lakh budget without eating only instant noodles.

Quick Reality Check: What Does “Under ₹1.2 Lakh” Actually Mean?#

Before I start listing destinations, just to set expectations properly. When I say under ₹1.2 lakh, I’m talking about approx total cost for a couple for about 5–7 days, including:

  • Return flights from a major Indian city (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.)
  • Stay in budget / mid-range places (no 5-star nonsense, but also not bed-bug hostels)
  • Local transport, activities, entry tickets
  • Food – mix of street food, local restaurants, maybe 1–2 fancy dinners

Not including shopping sprees and iPhones, obviously. If you start buying luxury perfumes in duty-free then budget will happily cry and run away.

Also, prices keep fluctuating – flights, currency, fuel surcharge, all that fun stuff – but overall, these places are still among the most budget-friendly international options for Indian couples right now, especially if you plan 2–3 months in advance.

1. Bali, Indonesia – Visa-Free Soon, Romantic Already#

Let’s just get this out of the way – Bali is hyped for a reason. When we landed in Denpasar after a long layover in Kuala Lumpur, it literally smelled of incense and frangipani. I’m not even being filmy. Our cab guy had Gojek stickers, Bollywood songs downloaded offline and he just casually said, "Indian? Shah Rukh Khan very good". I knew we were in the right place.

Right now Indians get visa-on-arrival for Indonesia (you pay a small fee at the airport – keep some USD or card handy). There’s talk about expanding visa-free access in the region and honestly, with the way tourism is bouncing back, Bali is not slowing down anytime soon. It’s still one of the most popular honeymoon spots for Indians.

Rough Cost for 6N/7D Bali Trip for a Couple#

  • Flights: ₹45,000–₹65,000 (return, for two, if booked 2–3 months ahead, via Kuala Lumpur/Singapore)
  • Stay: ₹20,000–₹30,000 (mix of Ubud + Seminyak/Canggu, cute villas/guesthouses on Booking or Airbnb)
  • Food & local travel: ₹20,000–₹25,000
  • Activities (Nusa Penida tour, temples, swings, massages): ₹10,000–₹15,000

Total: You can very comfortably do it in ₹1–1.1 lakh for a couple if you don’t go crazy with private pools and floating breakfasts every single day.

What Made Bali Special for Us#

Ubud was our favorite. We stayed in this family-run homestay where the owner’s mother kept giving us extra bananas and saying, "More, more, India people like!" We woke up to rice terraces, roosters, and Hindu prayers on loudspeaker. Honestly felt weirdly like rural India but in a more organized way.

Things we loved:

  • Scooter days – renting a scooter on Gojek for like ₹400–500 a day and just roaming to waterfalls and cafes. If you’re not confident on two-wheelers, just use Grab/Gojek cabs. Super cheap.
  • Local food – Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, satay. Veg options are there but you might have to ask them to remove fish sauce sometimes.
  • Massages – ₹600–₹900 for full body spa. I’m not kidding. India needs to learn.

Safety wise, Bali is still one of the calmer destinations. Petty theft can happen like anywhere, but we felt safe even at night walking back from cafes. Just avoid drunk scooter driving and random money exchange shops that look shady.

2. Thailand – Visa-Free for Indians & Still the OG Budget Couple Destination#

Thailand was our first international trip together, and tbh, it set the bar pretty high. These days Thailand has been opening up a lot for Indian tourists with visa-fee waivers and visa-on-arrival relaxations from time to time, and direct flights from Indian cities keep going up. It’s crazy how often I see Bangkok flights cheaper than Delhi–Goa sometimes.

We did a Bangkok–Krabi–Phi Phi combo on a tight budget, and still managed to sneak in island tours, massages and a fancy rooftop dinner. And no, we didn’t stay in Khao San Road hostel chaos with drunk backpackers screaming at 3 am. We’re old souls now.

Approx Cost for 5N/6D Thailand (Couple)#

  • Flights: ₹35,000–₹55,000 (return for two, look out for AirAsia, VietJet, Indigo sales)
  • Stay: ₹18,000–₹25,000 (3-star hotels or nice homestays, mix Bangkok + Krabi/Phuket)
  • Food, local transport, massages: ₹20,000–₹25,000
  • Island tours / activities: ₹10,000–₹15,000

If you don’t shop like crazy, it easily stays around ₹90k–₹1.1 lakh per couple.

Couple-Friendly Stuff to Do#

We did this sunset cruise in Krabi where they took us to four islands, gave snorkel gear, served basic dinner and there was this moment when the entire sky turned purple-pink. My wife just looked at me like, "Okay, good decision, approved." I’ve never been more relieved in my life.

  • Bangkok – Don’t spend all your time in malls. Visit Wat Arun at sunset, take a Chao Phraya river boat, find a rooftop bar (even if you just order one drink and sit).
  • Krabi – Railay Beach, Tiger Cave Temple (if your legs can handle the stairs), Ao Nang night market for food.
  • Phuket – Slightly more crowded, more nightlife. Choose based on your vibe.

In terms of safety, Thailand is pretty touristy and used to Indian travellers now. Just be a bit careful in party areas, don’t accept random drinks, and always double check taxi prices or use Grab where possible.

3. Sri Lanka – Feels Like Home, But With Prettier Beaches#

Sri Lanka surprised us. I honestly thought it will be "just another South India type" but the mix of culture, food and landscapes is really unique. Plus, for couples from South India, flight is literally shorter than going to Delhi sometimes.

Indians have had visa-on-arrival / e-visa type arrangements here, and the government has been trying to pull tourists back with easier entry rules, especially after the economic crisis. The situation has stabilised a lot now, and tourist areas like Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Galle are pretty active again. Always check recent advisories, but on-ground we honestly felt okay moving around with our backpacks.

Budget for 5N/6D Sri Lanka (Couple)#

  • Flights: ₹20,000–₹35,000 (return for two, monster deal if you’re flying from Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore)
  • Stay: ₹15,000–₹22,000 (guesthouses, small boutique hotels)
  • Transport (train, tuk-tuk, cabs): ₹10,000–₹15,000
  • Food + activities: ₹20,000–₹25,000

You can comfortably stay under ₹80k–₹90k for a couple, unless you choose fancy beach resorts.

Our Route & Fav Moments#

We did Colombo → Kandy → Ella → Mirissa → Galle. That Kandy–Ella train, by the way, is not overrated at all. We stood by the door, wind in our face, tea plantations everywhere, old couples smiling at us like we’re in some 90s Bollywood song. Only problem: we’d booked 2nd class and it was super crowded, but honestly, the chaos added to the charm.

Food wise – if you’re South Indian, you’ll be happy. Rice, curry, string hoppers, kottu roti. We found enough veg and egg options. Also, Sri Lankans are very warm to Indians, especially when they realise we understand some words like "appa", "sambar" etc.

For couples, I’d say:

  • Stay 2 nights in Ella – do the mini Adam’s Peak hike early morning, it’s romantic and not too hardcore.
  • Try at least one night in a beach town like Mirissa or Unawatuna – quiet walks, cheap seafood, sunsets.
  • Galle Fort in the evenings is just… peaceful. Cobblestone streets, cafes, sea breeze. Very date-like.

Safety: Avoid political protest areas if any, keep some cash in LKR, and as usual, don’t wave your phone around on tuk-tuks in big cities. But overall, felt safer than many Indian cities tbh.

4. Vietnam – Visa-Friendly, Super Trendy & Surprisingly Affordable#

Vietnam is that country which, like, suddenly everyone on Instagram is going to. And trust me, it deserves the hype. It’s still cheaper than Thailand in many ways, and food + coffee culture is just insane. Indians have e-visa access here, and the process is straightforward online. No long embassy queues, no agent drama, thank god.

We did Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hoi An. And if I could only recommend one place for couples on a budget, I’d scream Hoi An from the rooftop. It’s cozy, lantern-lit, riverside, and has those cafe streets which just make you want to walk hand-in-hand and pretend you’re in some K-drama.

Budget Snapshot for 7 Days Vietnam (Couple)#

  • Flights: ₹45,000–₹70,000 (multi-city if you’re doing north + central Vietnam; look for deals via Bangkok/KL/Singapore)
  • Stay: ₹22,000–₹30,000 (clean hotels / homestays with breakfast included usually)
  • Food & coffee (very important): ₹18,000–₹25,000
  • Internal travel & tours: ₹15,000–₹20,000

If you keep it simple, you can hover near that ₹1.1–₹1.2 lakh range comfortably.

Couple Scenes in Vietnam#

One of my fav memories is from Ninh Binh. We were on this tiny boat in Trang An, this aunty was rowing us through these caves, and at one point I got so lost in the scenery I forgot to row when she asked for help. My wife still mocks me for that. The limestone cliffs, misty water, it’s almost like Ha Long Bay but less touristy.

Food is fantastic if you eat meat, but vegetarians, don’t worry – there are "chay" (veg) restaurants everywhere, especially in bigger towns. We had tofu banh mi that genuinely slapped harder than some Indian sandwiches.

Safety wise, Vietnam is quite okay. We walked around late nights in Hanoi Old Quarter and felt fine, though we kept our backpacks front-side in crowded areas. Biggest risk is getting scammed a bit on taxi fares or street vendors, so just check prices and use Grab for cabs.

5. Nepal – Easiest International Couple Trip for Indians#

If you’re doing your first international trip together and feeling nervous about immigration etc, Nepal is honestly the chillest option. No visa for Indians, you can enter with your passport or sometimes even with a valid voter ID (double check current rules though), same script on boards, Hindi understood almost everywhere, and still it feels like you’re abroad.

We did Kathmandu + Pokhara as a short break, and it ended up being one of those low-pressure, slow, romantic trips where we didn’t run around ticking checklists.

Approx Cost for 5N/6D Nepal (Couple)#

  • Flights: ₹18,000–₹30,000 (from North India even cheaper sometimes)
  • Stay: ₹12,000–₹20,000
  • Food, local cabs, small activities: ₹15,000–₹20,000

So you’re basically looking at ₹50k–₹70k total for two, which is lesser than many Indian hill station trips during peak season.

What to Actually Do There#

Pokhara was our highlight. Lakeside area is all cafes, pizzerias, bakeries, gear shops and a chilled European-backpacker-meets-Indian-family vibe. We rented a boat on Phewa Lake and just floated around for an hour, mountains peeking behind the clouds. Super simple, super peaceful.

If you’re a more adventurous couple, there’s paragliding, short treks, even multi-day hikes like Poon Hill. But you don’t have to do all that to enjoy Nepal. Just walking around Thamel (Kathmandu) buying small souvenirs, eating momos, chai, listening to live music in tiny bars… it’s enough.

Safety wise, we felt completely fine. Just be careful on treks and listen to local advice about weather. Also, do keep some Nepali rupees, but Indian currency (₹200 and below) is accepted informally many places.

6. Maldives (On a Budget, Yes That’s Possible)#

Now this one shocked even us. When I used to think Maldives, my brain immediately saw overwater villas, celebrities on honeymoon, and prices that could fund a small car. But if you skip the super luxury private islands and stay on local islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Ukulhas etc, it becomes surprisingly doable under that ₹1.2 lakh mark.

Indians get visa-on-arrival in Maldives, and the process is very straightforward. The main cost killer is flights + speedboat transfers + fancy resorts. So we trimmed that.

Our Budget Maldives Breakdown (5N/6D, Couple)#

  • Flights to Male: ₹35,000–₹55,000 (for two, depending on city and season)
  • Local island guesthouse (Maafushi): ₹25,000–₹30,000 for 5 nights incl breakfast
  • Transfers (airport + island ferries / speedboat): ₹8,000–₹12,000
  • Food + excursions (snorkeling, sandbank, dolphin): ₹20,000–₹25,000

Total again ~₹90k–₹1.1 lakh. No overwater bungalow but same sea, same sunset, same couple selfies.

What It Actually Felt Like#

I’ll be honest, first day I felt a bit FOMO seeing those fancy resorts on Instagram, but the moment we went on our first snorkeling trip and saw that crazy blue water, I forgot everything. Our local host packed some snacks, we sat on a sandbank island with literally no one else around, and my wife just said, "This is more than enough yaar." And it was.

Just remember on local islands, Maldives is a Muslim country – so there are rules about dress code. Bikinis are allowed only on dedicated bikini beaches, no alcohol on local islands, and public behavior should be respectful. But for a quiet, romantic, budget-friendly beach honeymoon, it actually works really well.

Saving Money Without Killing the Romance#

Okay, so quick random tips we’ve picked up while doing all these trips without going broke:

  • Fly from metro hubs – Sometimes flying from Mumbai/Delhi is cheaper than your city. A short domestic hop can save a lot on international fare.
  • Use incognito & alerts – Flight prices are moody. Use Skyscanner/Google Flights price alert, stalk them shamelessly.
  • Stay like a local – Instead of 1 big resort, do smaller family-run guesthouses or homestays. We’ve had some of our best experiences chatting with hosts over breakfast.
  • Street food is not evil – In most of these countries, street food is not that scary. Just pick places where locals are eating and food turnover is fast.
  • Avoid peak holidays – New Year, Diwali, Christmas = price explosion. Shoulder seasons (just before/after peak) are your best friend.

Also, don’t try to cram 3 countries in 7 days to show Instagram how global you are. It kills the vibe, and you end up spending half your money on airports and transfers. Slow down a bit, actually breathe with your partner in one place.

Safety & Latest Travel Vibes#

One thing that’s changed post-Covid and all the global drama is that most of these countries have become very clear about entry rules, insurance recommendations, and health guidelines. Always, like ALWAYS, check:

  • Official immigration or tourism website of that country
  • Recent updates from Indian MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)
  • Latest reviews on Google Maps / recent Instagram posts tagged in that place (surprisingly useful to see if it’s crowded, safe etc.)

Most of the destinations I’ve talked about – Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives – are very used to Indian tourists now. You’ll find Indian restaurants, Hindi-speaking guides, even random shopkeepers saying "Kitna chahiye bhaiya" in the funniest accent.

Still, basic precautions:

  • Keep soft copies of passports, bookings, insurance
  • Share live location / itinerary with family back home
  • Avoid fighting with locals over small money issues, just walk away if something feels off
  • Don’t flash big wads of cash or latest iPhones in crowded buses/markets

Being a couple actually helps – you look less like an easy solo target, and in most of these cultures, couples are treated quite respectfully.

Best Time to Go (And When Not to Go, Please)#

Weather can literally make or break your mood on a romantic trip. Here’s what our experience + current trends say:

  • Bali: April–June and September–October are sweet spots. July–August is packed and costlier, rainy season can still be okay but some beaches get messy.
  • Thailand: November–March is generally good for most beach areas. April is hot like crazy, monsoon can mess up island plans but still doable.
  • Sri Lanka: South & West coasts (Galle, Mirissa) are best Nov–March. The hill country (Ella, Kandy) is more flexible, just avoid heavy monsoon weeks.
  • Vietnam: North (Hanoi, Ha Long) is best Oct–April. Central (Da Nang, Hoi An) around Feb–May. Summer can be too hot and rainy.
  • Nepal: Oct–Nov and Feb–April – clear skies, good for views and light treks.
  • Maldives: It’s warm year-round, but Jan–April is driest. We went in shoulder season and still got amazing weather with a few showers.

Don’t blindly book just because some influencer posted a reel. Check recent weather trends, because climate has stopped following traditional calendars properly now.

Closing Thoughts: Your First (or Next) Couple Trip Abroad Doesn’t Need to be Fancy#

If there’s one thing me and my wife have realised after these trips, it’s this – you don’t need a 5-star resort or a business class ticket to have a proper memorable, romantic holiday. Some of our best moments were in tiny balcony rooms with basic furniture, eating ramen cups at midnight because we’d blown that day’s budget on a boat ride.

As Indian couples, we’re anyway juggling families, careers, EMI, expectations. Taking out ₹80k–₹1.2 lakh for a shared experience in a new country is actually one of the best investments we’ve made in our relationship. You see how your partner reacts when flights get delayed, when hotel booking gets messed, when you’re both lost in some side lane at 10 pm in a new city and Google Maps is acting stupid. And then you both figure it out together. That feeling is something else.

If you’re still on the fence, start with the closer ones – Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Once you see it’s not as complicated as you thought, slowly push further – Bali, Vietnam, maybe even mix a city like Singapore for a couple of nights some day.

Anyway, I’ve ranted enough. If you want more destination ideas, budget breakdowns, or just honest travel stories from people who still check prices in rupees for every coffee abroad, keep an eye on AllBlogs.in – that’s where I usually end up going for planning hacks and random travel rabbit holes.