How to save cost on a budget trip to tourist places?
Are you on a tight budget and like to visit some of the tourist places at the lowest costs? Read some travel tips that help you cut the cost and save money on budget travels.
You don't need a lot of money to enjoy the best places in the world, if you are ready to sacrifice some of the luxury while travelling and if you are willing to plan your trip accordingly.
Use public transport: One of the best ways to save money is travelling by public transport which will cost negligible amount for travel.
Eat food in towns and not in tourist places: You can eat food at regular restaurants in the town area. Typically, food will be expensive at tourist places. Avoid such places and eat food at regular restaurants where the locals eat.
Hire a two wheeler: For local travel, you can hire a two wheeler. Average rent per day for a bike or scooter in Kerala is Rs 300 (scooters, small bikes) to Rs 800 (Enfield Bullet). Most tourist attractions will not be reachable with local public transport. So a bike rental would be your cheapest option. Contact any tour operators and they will arrange a two wheeler either from an approved rental agency or from a local bike owner. You will need a drivers license.
If you are going in a group of more than 2 people, then you can hire a jeep or car and share the expense.
Stay in lodges or Inns: The biggest expense in any trip to tourist destinations is the accommodation. That will be your biggest challenge. Any hotel that offer online booking will charge you a premium rate. Your better option would be to get off the bus in one of the big towns in Wayanad (Sultan Bathery) and then walk into one of the hotels in the area. Ask for the best deals. You can get rooms for less than Rs 500 per night in small Inns and hotels.
I went on a backpacking trip to Munnar in Kerala and you can get many tips from it, which will be applicable for Wayanad as well - Our recent backpacking trip to Munnar, Kerala
Share the room: Typically, hotels will allow only 2 occupants per room but you can demand that more than 2 will share the room. They may charge some extra but it will be worth if you are on a tight budget.
This is common sense for most people to use public transport. However, we have many Indian states where travelling with family in public transport is not at all safe or impossible. Imagine buses crammed to the edge and passengers hanging on the top and sides! What I've seen in states like K'tka and Tamilnadu is "share autos" which are mini vans and large rickshaws which drops from place to place for nominal charges. This is better than public transport buses in many places.