Should I Visit Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pondicherry and Bodh Gaya can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Pondicherry

Located on the eastern coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry has a long and interesting history of trade and war as the largest French colony in India. Today the French influence in the city remains, especially in the old quarters. This being said, Pondicherry very much embodies and east-meets-west culture.

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 Religious Tours in India, The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi.

Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Pondicherry?

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

Pondicherry Prices
India Prices

Bodh Gaya Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Pondicherry $40

Bodh Gaya $61

The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $40, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $61. 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 Pondicherry and Bodh Gaya in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Pondicherry $15

Bodh Gaya $22
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Pondicherry $30

Bodh Gaya $44

Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Bodh Gaya

Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry 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.

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: Pondicherry Hotel Prices and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Pondicherry $5.49

Bodh Gaya $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

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

Varanasi to Private One-Way Transfer: $75
Private Transfer from Gaya Airport to Bodh Gaya Hotel: $20
Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
Gaya Airport (GAY) Private Transfer to Gaya City/Hotels: $25
From Varanasi: Bodhgaya Day Trip with Private Transfer: $104
Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya and Pondicherry 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

Pondicherry $18

Bodh Gaya $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pondicherry

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

Indian Cooking Class in Pondicherry: $28
French-Creole Cooking Class in Pondicherry with a Local Family: $78
South Indian Dinner With A Local Family In Pondicherry: $141
Cooking class in Pondicherry (with Lunch or Dinner): $268

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Pondicherry $11

Bodh Gaya $9.53

Tours and Activities in Pondicherry

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

Sri Arunachaleswara Temple Tour From Pondicherry: $77
Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $129
Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville: $231
Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville with Lunch: $280
Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience): $145
From Day Tour to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram: $122
Full Day Guided Tour of Pondicherry with lunch and hotel pickup: $95
Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments: $47
Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour of Pondicherry : $14
Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour : $13
Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking Tours): $13
Pondicherry City Bicycle Tour: $157

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

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

2 Days Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: $209
Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $33
Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $62
Bodhgaya Temple Town Tour 3D/2N: $255
Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
Exclusive Guided Tour of Bodh Gaya: $227
Exclusive, Historical & Spiritual Bodhgaya Overnight Tour: $171
Footprints Of Buddha, Bodhgaya Overnight Tour (02 Days): $229
From Varanasi: Bodhgaya 2-Day Tour with Accommodation: $262
From Varanasi: Bodhgaya 2-Day Tour with Accommodation: $200
From Varanasi: Private Same Day Bodhgaya Tour: $125
Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $34

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Pondicherry $6.69

Bodh Gaya $5.47

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Pondicherry has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry 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.

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

Should you visit Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

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

Where Should I go: Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Pondicherry

Bodh Gaya

Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Pondicherry?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Bodh Gaya

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pondicherry

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Pondicherry

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Related Articles for Pondicherry

Related Articles for Bodh Gaya

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

Should you visit Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

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

Where Should I go: Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Pondicherry

Bodh Gaya

Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Pondicherry?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Bodh Gaya

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pondicherry

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Pondicherry

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Bodh Gaya?

Related Articles for Pondicherry

Related Articles for Bodh Gaya

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