Which place is cheaper, Haridwar or Pondicherry?
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 Pondicherry or Haridwar?
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 Haridwar 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 Haridwar?
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.
Haridwar
A spiritual journey is not complete without a trip to Haridwar as it is the lands of legends and tales cleansed by the Holy Ganga and regarded as the Holiest places for washing of sins. Haridwar is located on the foothills of the Himalayas making the place a truly memorable experience. After making a Haridwar Darshan, you will find most of your answers regarding the unknown and uncertainties. Rishikesh is very close to Haridwar, for waking the adrenaline rush in you. One can plan out so many activities to do in Haridwar for a fun filling vacation.
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.
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Pondicherry Prices
India PricesHaridwar Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPondicherry $41Haridwar $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $41, while the average daily cost in Haridwar is $37. 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 Haridwar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPondicherry $16Haridwar $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPondicherry $32Haridwar $30
Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Haridwar
Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry or Haridwar? 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 Haridwar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pondicherry $5.54Haridwar $5.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haridwar
Also for Haridwar, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $46
- Private Transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $43
- Delhi To Haridwar Transfer: $75
- Dehradun to Rishikesh ArirportTransfers+Hotel+Sightseeing: $254
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Dehradun Airport: $20
- Affordable transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $39
- Affordable Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh: $20
- Affordable Dehradun Airport Transfer.: $15
- Dehradun- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing: $254
Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Haridwar?
Prices for flights to both Haridwar 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
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Food Meals for one dayPondicherry $19Haridwar $17
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Haridwar
For Haridwar, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sattvic Cooking Classes - Cook & Eat Indian Food Like a Local! : $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pondicherry $11Haridwar $8.97
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: $78
- Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $130
- 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): $146
- From Day Tour to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram: $138
- 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 Haridwar
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Haridwar.
- 2 N / 3 D Mahavatar Babaji Cave Tour From Rishikesh: $251
- Adventure camping at Mussoorie - 2n3d: $69
- Ashram Tour By Walk in Rishikesh (Private Tour): $12
- Caving Tour in Rishikesh - 6 Hrs.: $50
- Day tour Haridwar Rishikesh Ganges: $72
- Devprayag Sightseeing Tour From Rishikesh: $59
- Discover Dehradun: Private City Tour: $54
- Discover Mussoorie: Private Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mussoorie: $54
- Discovering Dehradun: A Full Day Guided Tour: $61
- Experience Spiritual Culture in Rishikesh with a local - A Unique Walking Tour: $13
- Guided Food Crawl Tour of Mussoorie with a local: $24
- Guided Night Walking Tour in Rishikesh - Explore the best nightlife with a local: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPondicherry $6.75Haridwar $6.67
When comparing the travel costs between Pondicherry and Haridwar, we can see that Pondicherry 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 Haridwar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Haridwar?
Pondicherry has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Haridwar. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry and Haridwar, 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.