Goa vs Lakshadweep: Which is the better choice for budget travellers?

God forbid, a traveller had to choose between Goa or Lakshadweep! But if you are someone looking for a budget travel option and had to choose between these, what would be your choice? While both tropical beauties promise sun-kissed beaches, blue waters, and plenty of natural beauty.

But for those worried about their wallets, the two places tell very different stories. So let’s have a closer look at what makes them unique, and which one offers better value for budget travellers.Budget: Reaching thereReaching Goa is probably easier than reaching Lakshadweep. Goa, in fact, is one of the easiest destinations to reach as it is well connected by air, rail and road to national and international destinations. The state welcomes lakhs of foreign tourists every year and a number of budget airlines are available making Goa easily accessible.Lakshadweep requires little effort as the destination is in the Arabian Sea. To reach here, one (non-islander) must obtain a permit from the government. So reaching here can be a little tricky and travellers usually fly to Kochi. From here, a short flight to Agatti or board a government ship but it takes more than half a day. So all this plan and permit comes at a cost.Accommodation

Goa is a heaven for budget travellers. The place is dotted with pretty guesthouses, hostels and homestays, available in different price ranges.

In the off-season, one can find hostels at just a few hundred bucks. The food is equally pocket-friendly. From street-side Goan snacks and affordable thalis to bakery cafés, Goa never actually empties your pocket.Lakshadweep’s has fewer accommodation options. There are government-run properties which offer structured stays, along with meals and activities. Quality is good but these might get a little heavy on pockets.

Food here is simple and satisfying but not that cheap. ExperiencesThe kind of experiences Goa offers are quite pocket-friendly. There's an energetic mix of beaches, vibrant nightlife, pretty markets, old forts and rich Portuguese heritage, among others. For backpackers and groups, it is easy to balance leisure with cultural exploration. Lakshadweep, on the other hand, is all about silence, peace and nature. There are lagoons, coral reefs, and white sands like no place else.

People can also enjoy snorkelling, diving, and glass-bottom boat rides. Budget friendly

In Goa, budget travellers can plan trips with daily expenses kept low. The transport is cheap, meals are inexpensive, and availability of budget accommodation makes Goa more approachable and affordable.Lakshadweep, because of cost due to permits, limited transport, and package-style accommodation, gets a little heavy on the pocket. So, clearly, Goa comes out as the winner when it comes to budget travellers. Lakshadweep, however, is unbeatable for those who believe in true natural beauty and coral reefs, even if it means going a little high on budget.