Should I Visit Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta) for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Srinagar

Lying on the banks of the Jhelum River, Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is best known for its gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats as well as local traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai.

Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Srinagar?

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

Srinagar Prices
India Prices

Kolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Srinagar $28

Kolkata (Calcutta) $46

The average daily cost (per person) in Srinagar is $28, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Srinagar and Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Srinagar $14

Kolkata (Calcutta) $16
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Srinagar $28

Kolkata (Calcutta) $32

Compare Hotels in Srinagar and Kolkata (Calcutta)

Looking for a hotel in Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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: Srinagar Hotel Prices and Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Srinagar $2.47

Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Srinagar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Srinagar:

Srinagar Airport Transfers Taxi Service: $16
A Private Airport Transfer in Srinagar: $30
Premium Srinagar Airport Transfer: Cheap & Comfort: $30
Private Round-trip Transfer from Srinagar to Gulmarg: $35
Private Transfer from Sheikh ul-Alam (SXR) Airport to Srinagar: $67
Private Transfer from Srinagar to Sheikh ul-Alam (SXR) Airport: $67
One-Way Transfer: Srinagar/Gulmarg/Sonamarg/Pahalgam: $87
Kashmir: 5-Day Tour with Houseboat Stay and Transfers: $231
Srinagar To Leh, Ladakh Taxi (One way Transfer): $236

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):

Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $23
Kolkata Airport (CCU) Private Transfer to Kolkata City/Hotels: $30
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $32
Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $58
The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) and Srinagar 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

Srinagar $8.63

Kolkata (Calcutta) $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).

Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
Alleyway Food Tour: $47

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Srinagar $9.89

Kolkata (Calcutta) $14

Tours and Activities in Srinagar

Here are a few actual costs in Srinagar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Srinagar : Old City Heritage Walking Tour: $23
One Day Immersive Pottery Experience: $28
Sonamarg Day Tour - The Golden Meadow Adventure: $55
Rah-e-Kashmir: ANCIENT SITES GUIDED TOUR: $58
Private Old City and Mughal Gardens Guided Tour: $58
Srinagar Splendors: A Private City Tour: $65
Gulmarg Adventure: A Thrilling Day Trip from Srinagar: $71
Enchanting Day Tour with Shikara Ride at Dal Lake: $83
Private Custom Tour: Gulmarg local Sightseeing with guide: $84
Private Custom Excursion Tour to Pahalgam from Srinagar with Guide: $84
Full day tour of Srinagar with Entrance Fee & Guide: $154
Full day tour of Srinagar with Entrance Fee, Guide & Lunch: $184

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:

Audio Guided Tour of Maidan – Calcutta Sports Walk: $6.12
Audio Guided Tour of Pathuriaghata – Finding the Tagores, Kolkata: $6.12
Kolkata Colonial Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $19
Day Tour Of Kolkata: $24
Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $35
Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $36
Kolkata's Flower Market - Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour: $36
Walk Through Tales ( Heritage Tour ) : $36
Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $38
Kolkata Midtown Madness- A Street Food & Nightlife Tour : $46
Magic Hour Tour: $47
Kolkata Daily - A Full Day Private Tour : $53

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Srinagar $2.47

Kolkata (Calcutta) $7.97

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Srinagar and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) is more expensive. And not only is Srinagar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Srinagar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Srinagar 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kolkata (Calcutta) than you might in Srinagar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Srinagar Expensive? and Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Srinagar. When comparing the sizes of Srinagar and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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 Srinagar vs. Kolkata (Calcutta) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

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

Where Should I go: Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Srinagar

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Srinagar?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Srinagar and Kolkata (Calcutta)

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Srinagar

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Is it cheaper to fly into Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Srinagar

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Related Articles for Srinagar

Related Articles for Kolkata (Calcutta)

A Travel Price Comparison for India Srinagar vs. Kolkata (Calcutta) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

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

Where Should I go: Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Srinagar

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Srinagar?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Srinagar and Kolkata (Calcutta)

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Srinagar

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Is it cheaper to fly into Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Srinagar

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Srinagar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Related Articles for Srinagar

Related Articles for Kolkata (Calcutta)

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