Should I Visit Darjiling or Bodh Gaya for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

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

Should I visit Darjiling 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: Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

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.

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 Darjiling?

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

Darjiling Prices
India Prices

Bodh Gaya Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Darjiling $43

Bodh Gaya $61

The average daily cost (per person) in Darjiling is $43, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $61. 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 Darjiling and Bodh Gaya in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Darjiling $13

Bodh Gaya $21
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Darjiling $26

Bodh Gaya $42

Compare Hotels in Darjiling and Bodh Gaya

Looking for a hotel in Darjiling 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.

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: Darjiling Hotel Prices and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Darjiling $7.22

Bodh Gaya $22

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

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

From Varanasi: Bodhgaya Day Trip with Private Transfer: $92
Varanasi to Private One-Way Transfer: $74
Gaya Airport (GAY) Private Transfer to Gaya City/Hotels: $25
Private Transfer from Gaya Airport to Bodh Gaya Hotel: $20
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 Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya and Darjiling 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

Darjiling $23

Bodh Gaya $26

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Darjiling $12

Bodh Gaya $9.48

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

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: $205
Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $33
Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $62
Bodhgaya Temple Town Tour 3D/2N: $251
Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
Exclusive Guided Tour of Bodh Gaya: $227
Exclusive, Historical & Spiritual Bodhgaya Overnight Tour: $168
Footprints Of Buddha, Bodhgaya Overnight Tour (02 Days): $224
From Varanasi: Bodhgaya 2-Day Tour with Accommodation: $257
From Varanasi: Bodhgaya 2-Day Tour with Accommodation: $176
From Varanasi: Private Same Day Bodhgaya Tour: $136
Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $33

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Darjiling $8.46

Bodh Gaya $5.44

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Darjiling and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Bodh Gaya is more expensive. And not only is Darjiling much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Darjiling would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Darjiling 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 Darjiling.

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

Which is Bigger, Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

Darjiling has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Darjiling 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.

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

Should you visit Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

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

Where Should I go: Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

Darjiling

Bodh Gaya

Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Darjiling?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Darjiling and Bodh Gaya

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

Is it cheaper to fly into Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

Food

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Darjiling

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

Related Articles for Darjiling

Related Articles for Bodh Gaya

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

Should you visit Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

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

Where Should I go: Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

Darjiling

Bodh Gaya

Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Darjiling?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Darjiling and Bodh Gaya

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

Is it cheaper to fly into Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

Food

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Darjiling

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Darjiling or Bodh Gaya?

Related Articles for Darjiling

Related Articles for Bodh Gaya

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