Should I Visit Karnataka or Dharamsala for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Karnataka or Dharamsala?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Karnataka and Dharamsala. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Karnataka

Karnataka is a state of southern India consisting of some of the country's most beautiful beaches along its coast and an inland area of mountains, valleys, and farmland. Visitors come to the region to experience the flavors and culture of south India, see its many ancient temples, and admire its natural features and wildlife.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, The Best 2-Week Tours from New Delhi, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Karnataka?

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

Karnataka Prices
India Prices

Dharamsala Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Karnataka $0.00

Dharamsala $40

The average daily cost (per person) in Karnataka is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $40. 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 Karnataka and Dharamsala in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Karnataka -

Dharamsala $22
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Karnataka $0.00

Dharamsala $44

Compare Hotels in Karnataka and Dharamsala

Looking for a hotel in Karnataka or Dharamsala? 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: Dharamsala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Karnataka -

Dharamsala $4.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:

Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Prices for flights to both Dharamsala and Karnataka 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

Karnataka -

Dharamsala $14

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Karnataka -

Dharamsala $5.39

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

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

Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $77
Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $24
Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $41
Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $41
Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $95
Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $25
Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $55
The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $12

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Karnataka -

Dharamsala $5.39

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karnataka and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala is more expensive. And not only is Karnataka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karnataka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karnataka 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 Dharamsala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dharamsala than you might in Karnataka.

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

Which has a larger population, Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Karnataka has a larger population, and is about 2840 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Karnataka and Dharamsala, 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 Karnataka vs. Dharamsala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Karnataka or Dharamsala?

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

Where Should I go: Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Karnataka

Dharamsala

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Karnataka?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Karnataka and Dharamsala

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Is it cheaper to fly into Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Food

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Alcohol

Which has a larger population, Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Related Articles for Karnataka

Related Articles for Dharamsala

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

Should you visit Karnataka or Dharamsala?

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

Where Should I go: Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Karnataka

Dharamsala

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Karnataka?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Karnataka and Dharamsala

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Is it cheaper to fly into Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Food

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Alcohol

Which has a larger population, Karnataka or Dharamsala?

Related Articles for Karnataka

Related Articles for Dharamsala

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