Bargain boom for jet-setters

Need a vacation? Here are six countries to explore via low-cost carriers

- Sarah Stanley

Low-cost carriers Air India Express, Scoot and IndiGo connect Singapore with seven Indian cities.

Air India Express flies direct to Madurai, a city in the Tamil Nadu state of southern India well known for Dravidian architecture, which is characterised by intricately carved pyramid structures and tall entry gate towers, seen in religious buildings such as the Meenakshi Temple.

All three LCCs also fly to Tiruchirappalli, another ancient city in India's Tamil Nadu state with numerous historical and cultural attractions. Visit its Rock Fort Temple in the heart of the city, which sits atop an 83m rock structure, or check out the Tropical Butterfly Conservatory Tiruchirappalli.

IndiGo flies exclusively from Singapore to Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the Odisha state in eastern India, which is best known for its temples and outdoor attractions. These include Nandankanan Zoological Park and the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, located around 3km from the city.

Kerala's capital city Trivandrum showcases a different facet of India's charm. Known for its lush green landscapes and pristine beaches, Trivandrum is a gateway to the state's famous backwaters and Ayurvedic wellness retreats.

The city has attractions like the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, famed for its architectural craftsmanship in stone and bronze, and gold-plated embellishments.