Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Tamil Nadu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tamil Nadu or Dharamsala?
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 Tamil Nadu and Dharamsala can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tamil Nadu or Dharamsala?
Tamil Nadu
Located in southern India, Tamil Nadu is a state best known for the capital city of Chennai which has beautiful beaches and historic colonial landmarks, as well as a significant number of Hindu temples which are prevalent throughout the region.
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTamil Nadu $18Dharamsala $35
The average daily cost (per person) in Tamil Nadu is $18, 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 Tamil Nadu and Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTamil Nadu $8.84Dharamsala $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTamil Nadu $18Dharamsala $46
Compare Hotels in Tamil Nadu and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Tamil Nadu 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.
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: Dharamsala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tamil Nadu $1.57Dharamsala $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 Tamil Nadu or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala and Tamil Nadu 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 dayTamil Nadu $4.93Dharamsala $8.34
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: $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tamil Nadu $2.54Dharamsala $5.55
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: $127
- Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $80
- Cultural tour - Dharamshala & Mcleodganj for full day: $30
- Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour from Amritsar: $299
- 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 Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $18
- Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTamil Nadu $2.88Dharamsala $5.55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tamil Nadu and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala is more expensive. And not only is Tamil Nadu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tamil Nadu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tamil Nadu 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 Dharamsala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dharamsala than you might in Tamil Nadu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tamil Nadu Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Tamil Nadu or Dharamsala?
Tamil Nadu has a larger population, and is about 3280 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Tamil Nadu 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.
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.