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

Should you visit Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pushkar and Bodh Gaya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Pushkar

Pushkar is a city located in the state of Rajasthan, India. The city is considered a holy one; it's famous for its Brahma temple. It is also known for its ghats, its lake, and bazaar. Brahma is one part of the holy Hindu trinity and is known sit on a lotus flower (which is what 'Pushkar' translates to). In Hindu religion, Brahma is believed to be the creator of this world and Pushkar is the most important temple.

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 2-Week Tours in India, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, and The Best Adventure Tours to India.

Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Pushkar?

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

Pushkar Prices
India Prices

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

Pushkar $34

Bodh Gaya $61

The average daily cost (per person) in Pushkar is $34, 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 Pushkar and Bodh Gaya in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Pushkar $12

Bodh Gaya $22
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Pushkar $24

Bodh Gaya $44

Compare Hotels in Pushkar and Bodh Gaya

Looking for a hotel in Pushkar 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: Pushkar Hotel Prices and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Pushkar $4.81

Bodh Gaya $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pushkar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pushkar:

Transfer From Udaipur To Pushkar Via Chittorgarh Fort: $52
Private Transfers Pushkar To Udaipur Drop: $59
Private Transfers Pushkar To New Delhi Drop: $59
Private Transfers Pushkar To Jodhpur Drop: $47
Private Transfer from Pushkar to Jaipur: $41
Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Udaipur In AC Vehicle: $112
Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Ranthambore In AC Vehicle: $117
Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To New Delhi In AC Vehicle: $112
Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Mount Abu In AC Vehicle: $112
Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Jodhpur In AC Vehicle: $71
Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Jaipur In AC Vehicle: $45
Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Agra In AC Vehicle: $112

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya and Pushkar 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

Pushkar $17

Bodh Gaya $26

Typical Food Prices in Pushkar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pushkar are as follows:

Lunch

$2.32

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Pushkar $7.97

Bodh Gaya $9.53

Tours and Activities in Pushkar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pushkar are as follows:

Afternoon Walk Tour with Sunset & Fire Ritual -The Pushkar Route : $7.00
Afternoon Walking tour with Sunset & Arti -The Pushkar Route: $6.96
Cultural Walk of Pushkar (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
Evening Walking Tour with Fire Rituals-The Pushkar Route: $6.96
Evening Walking tour with Fire Ceremony - The Pushkar Route : $8.00
Experience Private Food And Culture Walk-The Pushkar Route: $15
Experience Pushkar Camel Fair Festival with Transportation & Guide only: $53
Food Walk Tour Pushkar (2 hours guided food tasting walk): $24
From Jaipur : Ajmer Pushkar Private Tour by Cab with Guide: $51
From Jaipur : Private Ajmer Pushkar Tour by Cab: $63
From Jaipur: Private Ajmer & Pushkar Tour by Cab: $35
From Jaipur: Private Ajmer and Pushkar Guided Tour: $93

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

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

Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $33
Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $34
Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $48
Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $62
Private Tour to Rajgir and Nalanda with Lunch from Bodhgaya: $105
Same Day Private Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: $113
From Varanasi: Private Same Day Bodhgaya Tour: $125
OVERNIGHT BODHGAYA TOUR: $139
Private Tour to Sarnath and Varanasi with Lunch From Bodhgaya: $140
Exclusive, Historical & Spiritual Bodhgaya Overnight Tour: $171

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Pushkar $6.48

Bodh Gaya $5.47

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Bodh Gaya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pushkar. When comparing the sizes of Pushkar 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 Pushkar vs. Bodh Gaya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

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

Where Should I go: Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Pushkar

Bodh Gaya

Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Pushkar?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Pushkar and Bodh Gaya

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pushkar

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

Is it cheaper to fly into Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Pushkar

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Pushkar

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Related Articles for Pushkar

Related Articles for Bodh Gaya

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

Should you visit Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

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

Where Should I go: Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Pushkar

Bodh Gaya

Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Pushkar?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Pushkar and Bodh Gaya

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pushkar

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

Is it cheaper to fly into Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Pushkar

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Pushkar

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Pushkar or Bodh Gaya?

Related Articles for Pushkar

Related Articles for Bodh Gaya

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