Turkey remains an irresistible destination for Indian travellers seeking short yet enriching experiences without breaking the bank. Istanbul, the vibrant city that straddles the continents of Europe and Asia, along with the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia, continues to draw Indian visitors seeking cultural immersion and adventure.
In 2023, Turkey welcomed an impressive 2.7 lakh tourists from India alone, a number poised for further growth. With strategic planning, one can uncover the essence of these two iconic cities on a budget of approximately 1 lakh per person on a twin sharing basis for a six-day escapade.
Getting there:
Jazeera Airways provides a comfortable budget option for travellers who don't mind an indirect flight to Istanbul via Kuwait. The airline's lounge services at Kuwait Airport offer a tranquil respite for travellers to rejuvenate before continuing their journey.
Price: Approx. Rs 40,000 for a return ticket from India
IndiGo has daily direct and connecting flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul. The lowest-cost, one-way ticket for a direct flight from Mumbai to Istanbul a month from the publishing date was Rs 20,009, before taxes and other charges.
Exploring Istanbul (3 nights)
Steeped in history and culture, Istanbul stands as a vibrant metropolis where East meets West. With its iconic landmarks, bustling bazaars and diverse culinary scene, this city on the Bosphorus captivates visitors with its blend of traditions and modernity.
Istanbul stay options
In Istanbul, a variety of budget-friendly accommodations cater to discerning travellers. The Taksim Star Hotel is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers who want to be in the heart of the action. It’s located near Taksim Square and Istikal Avenue, so one is steps away from the city’s best restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Alternatively, Archeo Hostel offers a hip ambiance along the Bosphorus. Facing Old Town, the bustling Istikal Caddesi and Taksim neighborhoods are a mere 10-minute walk away. Staying in quality hostels also enables one to connect with fellow globetrotters and partake in organized sightseeing tours and recreational activities.
Price: Rs 4,000 a night for a private room
Istanbul sightseeing & activities
Exploring Istanbul’s rich heritage is a great starting point. Plan a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine architecture built between the years 532 and 537 AD. Once the principal church of the Byzantine Empire, it was then turned into a mosque after the Ottoman Empire conquered the city in 1453.
Entry: Rs 2,250 for non-Turkish visitors
Next to Hagia Sophia lies the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet between 1609 and 1617 with the intent to rival the neighbouring Hagia Sofia. The monument combines traditional Islamic architecture with design elements of the Byzantine era and is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city.
Entry is free of charge but restricted around prayer times.
Another worthy highlight is the Basilica Cistern, originally designed as a water filtration system and the largest surviving cistern that lies beneath the city of Istanbul. With its restored columns and mood lighting, it’s a top choice among tourists.
Entry: Approximately Rs 1,800 per person
Balat, a charming neighbourhood known for its colourful houses, cosy cafes and quaint cobbled streets, is a great place to spend an afternoon. Take in the serene atmosphere as you sip on a coffee, engage in casual conversations with friendly locals, or simply observe the hustle and bustle of tourists passing by. This refreshing change of scenery offers a welcome respite from the city centre's bustling energy.
A cafe in Balat (Photo credit: Rahul Jagtiani)
Set sail on a captivating three-hour Bosphorus night cruise, an essential experience for travellers exploring Istanbul. While commercialized, this scenic voyage along the historic waterway, marking the boundary between Europe and Asia, offers unparalleled views of cultural landmarks. From the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace to the elegance of Ortakoy Mosque and the history of Rumeli Fortress, each sight showcases the diverse tapestry of Turkey's cultural legacy. One can admire the iconic Bosphorus Bridge uniting continents while savouring traditional Turkish cuisine and enjoying live entertainment, including local performances and international chartbusters spun by a lively DJ.
Bosphorus river night cruise (Photo credit: Rahul Jagtiani)
Price: Approximately Rs 4,000 per person
Exploring Cappadocia (2 nights)
Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is renowned for its unique geological formations and rich cultural heritage. Characterized by its distinctive ‘fairy chimney’ rock structures, the city offers visitors a blend of natural wonders and historical intrigue.
Getting there: Pegasus Airlines is a convenient and affordable option to fly to Cappadocia from Istanbul, a 1 hour, 30 minute flight away.
Price: Approximately Rs 5,000 per person for a round trip
Cappadocia stay options
Experience the allure of cave dwellings at Kamelya Cave Hostel, or Hostel Terra Vista. These properties offer close proximity to the city center.
Price: Rs 5,000 per night
Cappadocia sightseeing & activities
Hot air balloon rides are arguably the most iconic experience in Cappadocia, and allow guests to witness the region’s stunning landscapes from a unique vantage point. As the sun ascends over the remarkable terrain, passengers embark on an hour-long tranquil journey over fairy chimneys, ancient caves and verdant valleys. At the end of the ride, most tour operators celebrate the magnificent landing with a champagne toast, adding a touch of luxury to the adventure.
Price: Starting at Rs 6,000 per person
Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. (Photo credit: Rahul Jagtiani)
The Ozkonak Underground City stands as a testament to ancient engineering and reveals the region's rich history. This underground complex, carved deep into the earth over centuries, invites visitors to explore its maze-like tunnels, and discover features designed for defence and survival.
Price: Starts at approximately Rs 500 per person
Imagination Valley boasts whimsical geological formations resembling various shapes and figures, igniting the imagination of all who visit. Also referred to as Devrent Valley, its terrain has been sculpted over millions of years by natural forces. Leisurely hikes in the area provide travellers the opportunity to observe intricate details on each formation, fostering creativity and inspiration.
Imagination Valley, also known as Devrent Valley. (Photo credit: Rahul Jagtiani)
Visitors can engage deeply in Cappadocia's ceramic heritage with a hands-on pottery encounter, and craft their own unique creations under the expert tutelage of seasoned artisans steeped in generations of tradition.
While pottery workshops are scattered throughout the region, Avanos emerges as a premier destination due to its picturesque setting along the banks of the Kızılırmak River, the primary source of clay for this timeless craft.
Price: Starting at Rs 1,500 per person
As your sojourn in Cappadocia draws to a close, it's worth considering a late evening flight back to Istanbul, which boasts multiple airports, each with considerable distances between them. Selecting a budget hotel in close proximity to the departure airport can streamline the return journey to India the following afternoon, ensuring a seamless end to your Turkish adventure.
Total Cost
International flight: Rs 40,000
Domestic flight: Rs 5,000
Accommodation (6 nights): Rs 25,000
Sightseeing: Rs 16,000
Food & Drink: Rs 12,000
Transport: Rs 8,000
Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change.
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