A Travel Price Comparison for India Chennai vs. Bodh Gaya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chennai or Bodh Gaya?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Chennai or Bodh Gaya? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Chennai or Bodh Gaya?

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.

Bodh Gaya

Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.

Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.

Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Chennai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Chennai Prices
    India Prices
    Bodh Gaya Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chennai $34
    Bodh Gaya $63

The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $34, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $63. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chennai and Bodh Gaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chennai $15
    Bodh Gaya $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chennai $30
    Bodh Gaya $44
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Bodh Gaya

Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Bodh Gaya? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chennai


Hotels in Bodh Gaya


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chennai Hotel Prices and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chennai $2.59
    Bodh Gaya $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VIP Chennai Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $24
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $38
  • Private Transfer from Chennai (MAA) Airport to Chennai City: $38
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $28
  • Private Chennai to Pondicherry Transfer: $130
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
  • Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
  • From Private Transfer to Tanjore Car & Driver: $133
  • From One-Way Transfer to Kumbakonam Car & Driver: $119
  • From One-Way Transfer to Kodaikanal Car & Driver: $190
  • Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
  • Chennai to Vellore Transfer by Private Vehicle: $94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
  • Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
  • Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Bodh Gaya?

Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya and Chennai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chennai $11
    Bodh Gaya $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
  • South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
  • Tamil Brahmin Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai in a Local Home: $74
  • Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
  • Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
  • Private South Indian Cooking Class and Market Visit in Chennai: $152
  • Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $216

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chennai $2.75
    Bodh Gaya $9.77

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

  • British Buildings & the Story of Chennai walking tour with guide: $55
  • Chennai Private Tour with Female Guide: $98
  • Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide: $45
  • A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $90
  • Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $220
  • Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $44
  • Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
  • Bicycle tour in Mahabalipuram with transport from Chennai,lunch & guide: $99
  • Big Fat Indian Wedding, shopping & bazaar walking tour in Chennai: $35
  • Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
  • British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $49
  • British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai: $55

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Days Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: $214
  • Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $34
  • Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $57
  • Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
  • Exclusive Guided Tour of Bodh Gaya: $227
  • Exclusive, Historical & Spiritual Bodhgaya Overnight Tour: $175
  • Exclusive, Spiritual Varanasi with Bodhgaya Tour (03 Days): $363
  • Excursion tour of Rajgir & Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $86
  • Footprints Of Buddha, Bodhgaya Overnight Tour (02 Days): $234
  • From Varanasi: Bodhgaya 2-Day Tour with Accommodation: $205
  • From Varanasi: Private Same Day Bodhgaya Tour: $128
  • Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chennai $3.06
    Bodh Gaya $5.61


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Bodh Gaya is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bodh Gaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bodh Gaya than you might in Chennai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chennai Expensive? and Is Bodh Gaya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chennai or Bodh Gaya?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Bodh Gaya, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

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