With the Indian passport ranked number 59, citizens can to 58 nations with out a visa or with visa on arrival. Indian tourists get a very crappy exchange rate when they travel abroad to popular tourist destinations where they have to be price conscious about everything. This led us to highlight some countries where the Indian rupee will make you feel rich. We've also added a bit of important travel information. Read on!
*Note - Conversion rates may vary*
1. Belarus
1 INR = 268 Belarusian Rubles
Visa Required
Good news for people who really want to experience Europe on a shoestring budget! This small former Soviet country is dirt cheap compared to its neighbours. On the downside however, there is not much to see unless you are a fan of nostalgic Soviet architecture and ambience. If you want to feel like you're in Russia but pay a lower price for it all, you've made the best decision of your life to come here.
Some useful words: zdravstvujtie (means "hello", I'm not joking!), dziakuj (thank you), praklon (dammit!), bliadz (bitch!)
What to look out for: Brest Fortress (I can tell you just got disappointed when you saw a different spelling).
What to try: Draniki, which are thick pancakes made from grated potatoes with various stuffings served with sour cream.
2. Bolivia
1 INR = 0.11 Boliviano
Visa not required
This landlocked South American country has a fascinating history along with a landscape of contrasts. You might want to brush up on your Spanish before going here.
Some useful words and phrases: Hola! (hello), usted habla ingles? (Do you speak English), cojudo (dumbass), cua fea balla al mearda (*censored*).
What to look out for: The Salar de Uyuni which is the world's largest salt flat.
What to try: Cheese empanadas.
3. Cambodia
1 INR = 62 Riels
Visa on arrival at main ports of entry
After the reign of terror of the Khmer rouge, this southeast Asian nation has opened up to the world with temples and architecture that reflect the golden age of its ancient history.
Some useful words: niak sohk sabaay te? (how are you?), sott dae ondoong binh duke hah yeung (my hovercraft is full of eels).
What to look out for: The Angkor Wat Temple.
What to try: Fish Amok, a fish mousse made with a special herb, ginger, lime and lemon grass paste.
4. Costa Rica
Single Entry Visa for 30 days
1 INR = 8.07 Colons
This Latin American country is a favourite destination for travellers who love a tropical setting with sun, sand and jungles. Ditch Goa for once and find your way to Costa Rica!
Some useful words: Hola (Hello), vayase al demonio (go to hell).
What to look out for: Costa Rica has amazing beach resorts. Just imagine Thailand in a Latin American setting.
What to try: Refrescos Naturales, tropical fruit smoothies.
5. Indonesia
Visa on arrival for 30 days
1 INR = 215 Rupiah
Indonesia is an archipelago of more than a thousand islands and was one of India's largest trading partners in ancient times. Today, it is a country of contrasts with friendly people.
Some useful words: Selamat Pagi (Good morning), terima kasih (thank you), goblok(dumbass), anjing (bitch).
What to look out for: Bali and Java are great places to learn about the local culture and have some great beaches and tropical getaways.
What to try: Nasi Goreng, Chinese style fried rice with anything you like (chicken, seafood, beef, egg) with curry and other spicy condiments.
6. Mongolia
1 INR = 30 Tughrik
Single entry visa for stay up to 3 months.
This country located in the Gobi desert has been home to nomads for centuries. Although they have adopted modern techniques, they still follow the lifestyles of their ancestors i.e. rearing horses and cattle as well as having cozy homes that are always on the move.
Some useful words: Sain baina uu (hello), boovoo saa (*^$# yourself).
What to look out for: Experience a homestay with nomads. It's like living on a farm in the desert.
What to try: Mongolia is the place to go if you are a die-hard non-vegetarian. From mutton dumplings to mutton soup, you're cholesterol levels are very likely to skyrocket. You can get a hearty meal under Rs. 300
7. Nepal
1 INR = 1.61 Nepalese Rupee
No visa required
This Himalayan nation is a popular haunt with Indian tourists due to its affordability and a chance to see the Himalayas close-up.
Some useful words and phrases: Tapaaii lai kasto cha? (How are you?), sauchalaya kata chha (where's the toilet?), chahk (ass).
What to look out for: A front row view of Mount Everest.
What to try: Chatamari, a kind of Nepali pizza which is a rice crepe topped with minced meat, egg and seasonal vegetables.
8. Paraguay
1 INR = 84 Guarani
Visa required
Bolivia's southern neighbour, Paraguay, is also an interesting nation that reflects the mystique of the South American heartlands and the Amazon basin.
Some useful words: Haku eterei! (It's hot!), che haku (I'm hot), ejapiro tuna ari (go *#@% off on a cactus).
What to look out for: The lively waterfront area of Encarnación has earned a reputation as one of Paraguay’s major tourist destinations. Locals flock to the beach during the summer season (December to February), which is brought to a close by the biggest carnival in the country.
What to try: Terere a traditional herb infused drink that has been around for a very long time.
9. Sri Lanka
1 INR = 2.1 Lankan Rupees
E-visa and visa on arrival available for Indian nationals
This island is beautiful when it's not bogged down with political riots.
Some useful words: oba ingreesi kathaa karanavadha? (do you speak English?),kiyeda meka? (how much is this), Hukkanna (*censored* - use it on a local and find out), Balli (bitch).
What to look out for: Beaches, jungles, hills and tea gardens, Sri Lanka is just like Kerala. Excellent golf courses, if you play the sport.
What to try: Lamprais, influenced by the Dutch Burghers, these are steamed rice balls wrapped in banana leaf with a filling of meat and a spicy shrimp paste.
10. Vietnam
1 INR = 339 Dong
Online visa available for Indian citizens
This country is always on the move. Find yourself on an intersection in Hanoi and the traffic doesn't seem to have any direction. The only way to survive is to weave your way to where you want to go.
Some useful words and phrases: Hân hạnh gặp ông (good morning), giao thông nàylà điên (this traffic is #$%^ed up).
What to look out for: Take a cruise on Halong Bay, it's the highlight of every holiday in Vietnam.
What to try: Beef Pho, Beef noodle soup. Don't worry if you're a hardcore Hindu. Pork and chicken alternatives are available.
11. Tanzania
1 INR = 33 Shillings
Visa required
Home to the vast wilderness of the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and beautiful species of animals, Tanzania is another African nation that is immensely attractive for nature lovers
Some useful words and phrases: habari za asubuhi? (how are you this morning?),jambo (hi!)
What to look out for: An adventurous safari in one of the many national parks
What to try: Samosas are very popular in Tanzania along with grilled meat, marinated beef and kumimina (rice bread)
12. Sao Tome and Principe
1 INR = 326.85 Dobra
No visa required
This archipelago country located off the western coast of Africa was once a Portuguese colony. Today it is a slowly developing eco-tourism destination with beautiful beaches, emerald rainforests, volcanic peaks and quaint fishing villages. The ideology of leve leve (taking it easy) is very much a part of everyday life.
What to look out for: Relax on the beach, take in the charm, just wander the local bazaars for a trifle or two.
What to try: Nothing is more local and homely as a hot plate of Feijoada, a bean stew with pork or fish.
13. Laos
1 INR = 122 Kip
Visa on arrival - It costs US$40 and requires a filled application form as well as 2 passport photographs.
Thailand and Vietnam's landlocked neighbor has become popular with many backpackers despite its very slow rate of development. The country boasts scenic views of the countryside and is home to ancient Buddhist temples and colonial architecture.
Some useful words and phrases: Boh tong koun khoy! (leave me alone), jâo máa tae sai? (where are you from?)
What to look out for: Luang Prabang, a World Heritage Site in north Laos, is definitely a must see!
What to try: Lam Mak Hoong (spicy green papaya salad) and Larp (a spicy mixture of marinated meat or fish with a variable combination of herbs, greens, and spices)
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