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

Should you visit Jaisalmer or Bodh Gaya?

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

Should I visit Jaisalmer 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: Jaisalmer or Bodh Gaya?

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

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 Jaisalmer?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $37, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $52. 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 Jaisalmer and Bodh Gaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jaisalmer $13
    Bodh Gaya $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jaisalmer $26
    Bodh Gaya $44
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Bodh Gaya

Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer


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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Bodh Gaya $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

  • Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
  • Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
  • Private Transfers Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Drop: $123
  • Private Transfers Jaisalmer To Bikaner Drop: $123
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $45
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Sam Sand Dunes: $19
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner : $62
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $65
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $10

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 Jaisalmer or Bodh Gaya?

Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya and Jaisalmer 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
    Jaisalmer $13
    Bodh Gaya $16
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:


  • Dinner
    $4.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

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

  • Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
  • Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $30
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $38
  • 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
  • DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55
  • DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
  • Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
  • Half Day City Tour of Jaisalmer visit Sunset by Camel Ride with Dinner: $56
  • Half Day City Tour of Jaisalmer Sunset at Sand Dunes & Dinner: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Bodh Gaya $9.83
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.59

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

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

  • Jaisalmer Tuk-Tuk Private Full Day Tour with Pick-up: $17
  • Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $33
  • 1 night 2 day thar desert experience & village lifestyle: $38
  • 2 Nights 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour & Non-Touristic Camel Safari: $209
  • 2-Night Desert Experience with Luxury Camp from Jaisalmer: $215
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Private Tour: $180
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour From Jodhpur: $270
  • 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $202
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $179
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $150
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $167
  • 8 Days Private Tour Colors of Rajasthan from Jaisalmer: $245

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

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

  • Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $34
  • Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
  • Exclusive Guided Tour of Bodh Gaya: $227
  • Excursion tour of Rajgir & Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $63
  • Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $32
  • Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $39
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
  • Private guided tour of Bodh Gaya over 2 days : $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jaisalmer $9.23
    Bodh Gaya $5.64


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Bodh Gaya?

Jaisalmer has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer 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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