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

Should you visit Pondicherry or Jaisalmer?

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 Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer?

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.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

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, Jaisalmer 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
    Jaisalmer Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pondicherry $41
    Jaisalmer $46

The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $41, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $46. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer


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 Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pondicherry $5.54
    Jaisalmer $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

  • Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
  • Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $45
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Khuri Sand Dunes: $19
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple : $45
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Ahmedabad: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181

Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Jaisalmer?

Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 $19
    Jaisalmer $23

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

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:


  • Dinner
    $4.68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

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

  • Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
  • Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $27
  • Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $29
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner by Wanderlust: $30
  • Half Day Sunset Camel ride & Cultural program dance & dinner : $30
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $33
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $37
  • 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $47
  • Thar Desert Sunset Camel Ride with Dinner & Show: $49
  • Half Day City Tour of Jaisalmer visit Sunset by Camel Ride with Dinner: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pondicherry $11
    Jaisalmer $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: $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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.51

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

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

  • Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $35
  • 1 night 2 days Thar Desert Experience Jaisalmer: $43
  • 1-Night and 2-Days Thar Desert Safari Tour: $46
  • 2 Days Non-Touristic Overnight Thar Desert Camel Safari Tour: $29
  • 2 Days Sharing Group Non Touristic Camel & Desert Safari: $37
  • 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $108
  • 2-Night Desert Experience with Luxury Camp from Jaisalmer: $226
  • 3 Days Private Jaisalmer Tour: $180
  • 3 Days Tour in Wild Desert Safari: $78
  • 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $198
  • 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour : $231
  • 5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $351

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pondicherry $6.75
    Jaisalmer $9.03


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


Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Jaisalmer?

Pondicherry has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry and Jaisalmer, 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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