A Travel Price Comparison for India Mysore vs. Kerala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mysore or Kerala?

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 Mysore and Kerala. 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: Mysore or Kerala?

Mysore

Also known as Mysuru, Mysore is the state of Karnataka's second biggest city behind Bangalore (also called Bengaluru) in southern India. Its landmark attraction is the Mysore Palace, though it also features memorable temples, markets, and a renowned annual festival in September-October.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, The Best 2-Week Tours in India, and The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Kerala or Mysore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mysore is $37, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $29. 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 Mysore and Kerala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mysore $13
    Kerala $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mysore $26
    Kerala $22
Compare Hotels in Mysore and Kerala

Looking for a hotel in Mysore or Kerala? 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 Mysore


Hotels in Kerala


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: Mysore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mysore $6.93
    Kerala $4.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mysore

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

  • Private Transfer from Mysore to Bangalore Airport: $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:

  • Theyyam and Kalaripayattu Show in Kochi with Transfer: $17
  • Private Transfer:Fort Kochi to Munnar: $100
  • Private Transfer: Trivandrum Airport (TRV) to Kovalam Hotels: $35
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Kochi Hotels: $32
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Fort Kochi/City Hotels: $20
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Cochin Port Cruise Ship Terminal: $45
  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum City to Trivandrum (TRV) Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
  • Private Transfer from Kochi City to Kochi (COK) Airport: $43
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Marari: Relaxed & Convenient Ride: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Mysore or Kerala?

Prices for flights to both Kerala and Mysore 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
    Mysore $18
    Kerala $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mysore

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

  • Walking Tour and Food Tour of Mysore: $32

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: $19
  • Private candle light dinner: $19
  • WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
  • Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
  • Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $38
  • Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $54
  • Biryani Cooking class with House Chef: $54
  • Evening Tour of Kochi with Kathakali and Dinner: $55
  • Kerala Muslim Cooking Class with a Riverfront View in Kochi: $69
  • Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
  • Group Kerala Cooking Demo & Home Dining Experience in Kochi: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mysore $8.08
    Kerala $8.46

Tours and Activities in Mysore

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

  • Mysuru Palace Private Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $12
  • Explore Mysore in Nightlights: Guided Tour by Foot: $21
  • Mysuru Dasara Walking Tour: $23
  • Mysore City Bike Tour Morning 3.5 Hours: Mysore By Cycle: $26
  • Mysore Walking Tour - Stories, Culture and Food galore!: $30
  • Taste of Guided 7+ Street Food Tasting Tour: $32
  • Explore Old Mysore City: Guided Walking Tour by Foot: $32
  • Mysore Private Evening Tour with Sunset View: $33
  • Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of the City: $40
  • Mysore Tuk-Tuk Tours: $44
  • Mysore By Cycle Cultural and Heritage Bike Tour: $45
  • Palace, Art Gallery & Devaraja Market Walking Tour: $48

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
  • 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $119
  • 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $111
  • 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $493
  • 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Kochi with Both side Commercial Flight: $210
  • 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
  • 4 Days Private Kerala Tour -Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady with 3* Hotel: $184
  • 4 Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochi From Cruise terminal: $14
  • 4 nights-Budget Tour- Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat / Cochin: $286
  • 5 Day Kerala Tour Backwaters Wildlife and Cultural Experiences: $210
  • 5 Days Kerala Tour with Private Car Houseboat Munnar and Thekkady: $295
  • 5 Days Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience Private Tour: $248

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mysore $8.27
    Kerala $4.48


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

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


Which has a larger population, Mysore or Kerala?

Kerala has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Mysore. When comparing the sizes of Mysore and Kerala, 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.