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

Should you visit Pondicherry or Dharamsala?

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 Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala?

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.

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 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, Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pondicherry $16
    Dharamsala $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pondicherry $32
    Dharamsala $46
Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Dharamsala

Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry 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.

Hotels in Pondicherry


Hotels in Dharamsala


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 Dharamsala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pondicherry $5.66
    Dharamsala $5.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:

  • Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $35
  • Chandigarh to Dharamshala Transfer: $85
  • Airport to Dharamshala transfer: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Dharamsala?

Prices for flights to both Dharamsala 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
    Dharamsala $8.34

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dharamsala

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dharamsala.

  • Flavors of Dharamshala: 2-Hour Guided Street Food Tour: $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pondicherry $11
    Dharamsala $5.55

Tours and Activities in Pondicherry

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

  • Spiritual Walk Tour Pondicherry: $13
  • Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour : $13
  • Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking Tours): $13
  • Auroville Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour of Pondicherry : $15
  • The Unique Pondicherry City Bike Tour : $18
  • Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments: $47
  • The Best of A Private Sightseeing Tour: $47
  • Sri Arunachaleswara Temple Tour From Pondicherry: $48
  • Private Walking Tour in the French Quarter of Pondicherry: $57
  • Private Custom Tour: Pondicherry Sightseeing with Guide: $81
  • Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $133

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 - Full Day Guided Tour: $129
  • Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $81
  • Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour from Amritsar: $298
  • Dharamshala Mcleodganj Tour: $48
  • Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $25
  • Guided Andretta Artists' VIllage Tour: $98
  • Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $42
  • Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $42
  • Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $98
  • McLeodGanj: Unraveling History & Culture-2 Hour Guided Tour: $16
  • Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $26
  • Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pondicherry $6.90
    Dharamsala $5.55


When comparing the travel costs between Pondicherry and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Dharamsala?

Pondicherry has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry 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.

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