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

Should you visit Pondicherry or Darjiling?

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 Darjiling 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 Darjiling?

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.

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 Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Darjiling or Pondicherry?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $33, while the average daily cost in Darjiling is $35. 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 Darjiling in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pondicherry $16
    Darjiling $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pondicherry $32
    Darjiling $26
Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Darjiling

Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry 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.

Hotels in Pondicherry


Hotels in Darjiling


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 Darjiling Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pondicherry $5.66
    Darjiling $7.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling

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

  • Rafting Journey at the Down on Teesta River's White Water with Private Transfer: $197
  • Private Transfers Darjeeling - Gangtok Drop: $98
  • Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Darjiling?

Prices for flights to both Darjiling 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 $11
    Darjiling $14

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: $161
  • Cooking class in Pondicherry (with Lunch or Dinner): $289

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pondicherry $11
    Darjiling $12

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: $48
  • Auroville Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $133
  • Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville: $262
  • Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience): $149
  • Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments: $47
  • Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour of Pondicherry : $15
  • Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour : $13
  • Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking Tours): $13
  • Pondicherry City Bicycle Tour: $170
  • Private Custom Tour: Pondicherry Sightseeing with Guide: $81
  • Private Walking Tour in the French Quarter of Pondicherry: $57

Tours and Activities in Darjiling

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

  • 5-Day Private Tour of Gangtok and Darjeeling: $246
  • A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling: $232
  • Best of Darjeeling (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $82
  • Best of Gangtok (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $84
  • Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $31
  • Darjeeling & Gangtok tour : $92
  • Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $98
  • Day Trip to Gangtok (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $147
  • Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $147
  • Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Gangtok): $147
  • Day Trip to Singalila (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $258
  • Day_Trippers (Darjeeling Full Day Tour).: $117

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pondicherry $6.90
    Darjiling $8.77


When comparing the travel costs between Pondicherry and Darjiling, we can see that Darjiling is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Darjiling?

Pondicherry has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry 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.

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