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

Should you visit Chennai or Darjiling?

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

Should I visit Chennai or Darjiling? 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 Darjiling?

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.

Darjiling

What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.

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, Darjiling 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
    Darjiling Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chennai $33
    Darjiling $43

The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $33, while the average daily cost in Darjiling is $43. 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 Darjiling in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chennai $15
    Darjiling $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chennai $30
    Darjiling $26
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Darjiling

Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Darjiling? 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 Darjiling


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 Darjiling Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chennai $2.51
    Darjiling $7.22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

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

  • Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
  • Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
  • Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $36
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
  • Chennai Private City and Airport Transfer : $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $28
  • Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25
  • Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
  • Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
  • Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling

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

  • Rafting Journey at the Down on Teesta River's White Water with Private Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Darjiling?

Prices for flights to both Darjiling 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
    Darjiling $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

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

  • South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
  • Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
  • Private Chennai Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Fun Local: $89
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chennai $2.67
    Darjiling $12

Tours and Activities in Chennai

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

  • Chennai Private Tour with Female Guide: $95
  • Chennai to Temple Trail: Srikalahasti & Sri Venkateswara Tour: $89
  • Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide: $45
  • "Enchanting Chennai – A Day Tour of the City's Best!": $175
  • A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $88
  • Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
  • Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
  • 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: $60
  • Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
  • British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $49

Tours and Activities in Darjiling

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

  • A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling: $208
  • Best of Gangtok (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $81
  • Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $30
  • Darjeeling City Tour with Uber: $63
  • Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $178
  • Day Trip to Buddha Park (Guided Private Sightseeing Tour from Gangtok): $142
  • Day Trip to Darjeeling (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Gangtok): $142
  • Day Trip to Gangtok (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $142
  • Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $142
  • Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Gangtok): $142
  • Day Trip to Singalila (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $249
  • Day_Trippers (Darjeeling Full Day Tour).: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chennai $2.97
    Darjiling $8.46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Darjiling, we can see that Darjiling 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 Darjiling would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darjiling 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 Darjiling Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chennai or Darjiling?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Darjiling, 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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