Which place is cheaper, Darjiling or Kerala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kerala or Darjiling?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kerala or Darjiling, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kerala or Darjiling?
Kerala
Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.
This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.
Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.
The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.
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 Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai.
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Kerala Prices
India PricesDarjiling Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKerala $464Darjiling $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Kerala is $464, while the average daily cost in Darjiling 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 Kerala and Darjiling in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKerala $256Darjiling $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKerala $512Darjiling $24
Compare Hotels in Kerala and Darjiling
Looking for a hotel in Kerala 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kerala $37Darjiling $6.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Isha Foundation Coimbatore: $170
- Kovalam to Alleppey Private Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
- Private Transfer:Fort Kochi to Munnar: $100
- Cochin to Vagamon Transfer: $80
- Athirappilly Waterfalls Day Trip from Kochi with Transfers: $67
- Airport to Hotel Transfers Kochi: $53
- Affordable transfer from Kochi to Munnar: $40
- Cochin - private departure transfer from hotel to airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum (TRV) Airport to Trivandrum City: $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling
Also for Darjiling, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $65
- Rafting Journey at the Down on Teesta River's White Water with Private Transfer: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Kerala or Darjiling?
Prices for flights to both Darjiling and Kerala 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
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Food Meals for one dayKerala $165Darjiling $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
- Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $20
- Private candle light dinner: $20
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $35
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $54
- Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
- Group Kerala Cooking Demo & Home Dining Experience in Kochi: $75
- Authentic Kerala Syrian Christian Cooking Class in a Cochin Home: $79
- Tour of Kochi with Lunch: Kathakali and Dinner With Evening Tour.: $110
- Kochi Over View: Kathakali, Dinner, Pick & Drop Included Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kerala $78Darjiling $11
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $112
- 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $310
- 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
- 4 Days - Munnar, Alleppey Houseboat & Kochi sightseeing: $283
- 4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car: $187
- 4 Days Private Kerala Tour -Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady with 3* Hotel: $195
- 4 Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochi From Cruise terminal: $14
- 4 Hours Private Village Life Experience in Kochi with Pickup: $61
- 4 nights-Budget Tour- Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat / Cochin: $263
- 5 Days Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience Private Tour: $4.34
- A Private day Tour Through Alleppey, Marari, and Fort Kochi: $150
Tours and Activities in Darjiling
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Darjiling.
- Discover the Spiritual Trails of Darjeeling (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Darjeeling (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Gangtok Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Tour): $22
- Tiger Hill Darjeeling Nature Walk (3 Hours Guided Trekking Experience): $22
- Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $27
- Mirik Lake Day Tour From Darjeeling: $33
- Darjeeling Tea Garden Tour: $49
- Darjeeling City Tour with Uber: $58
- Best of Darjeeling (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $73
- Best of Gangtok (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $74
- Mirik Lake Day tour: $85
- Private Calcutta Tour With Guide and Authentic Bengali lunch: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKerala $73Darjiling $7.77
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kerala and Darjiling, we can see that Kerala 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 Kerala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kerala 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 Kerala Expensive? and Is Darjiling Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Kerala or Darjiling?
Kerala has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Kerala 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.