A Travel Price Comparison for India Dharamsala vs. Cochin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dharamsala or Cochin?

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

Should I visit Dharamsala or Cochin? 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: Dharamsala or Cochin?

Dharamsala

With a name that literally means "a spiritual dwelling," Dharamsala roughly translates as a shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travelers. Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is today a popular destination for foreigners on vacation, backpackers seeking the surrounding mountains, as well as students of Buddhism.

Cochin

Cochin is a large city in Kerala, India. It's a cosmopolitan commercial port city with a population of over two million and is a major tourist destination. The city has a diverse population that has migrated from elsewhere in Kerala, as well as the rest of India. The city continues to become more cosmopolitan with fashion shifting to western styles. There are also many large shopping malls as well as an enthusiasm for sports such as football (soccer) or cricket.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in India, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Cochin or Dharamsala?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dharamsala is $35, while the average daily cost in Cochin is $36. 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 Dharamsala and Cochin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dharamsala $23
    Cochin $15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dharamsala $46
    Cochin $30
Compare Hotels in Dharamsala and Cochin

Looking for a hotel in Dharamsala or Cochin? 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 Dharamsala


Hotels in Cochin


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: Dharamsala Hotel Prices and Cochin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dharamsala $5.13
    Cochin $9.90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:

  • Airport to Dharamshala transfer: $50
  • Chandigarh to Dharamshala Transfer: $85
  • Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Dharamsala or Cochin?

Prices for flights to both Cochin and Dharamsala 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
    Dharamsala $8.34
    Cochin $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dharamsala

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dharamsala.

  • Flavors of Dharamshala: 2-Hour Guided Street Food Tour: $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dharamsala $5.55
    Cochin $10

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:

  • The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • McLeodGanj: Unraveling History & Culture-2 Hour Guided Tour: $16
  • Walking the Spiritual Path (Guided 2-Hour Dharamshala Tour): $16
  • Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $25
  • Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $26
  • Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $42
  • Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $42
  • Dharamshala Mcleodganj Tour: $48
  • Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $81
  • Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $96
  • Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $98
  • Guided Andretta Artists' VIllage Tour: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dharamsala $5.55
    Cochin $8.79


When comparing the travel costs between Dharamsala and Cochin, we can see that Cochin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Dharamsala or Cochin?

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