Should I Visit Udaipur or Dharamsala for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Udaipur or Dharamsala?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Udaipur and Dharamsala. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.

The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.

Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.

Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.

Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, and The Best Cultural Tours in India.

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Udaipur?

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

Udaipur Prices
India Prices

Dharamsala Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Udaipur $40

Dharamsala $40

The average daily cost (per person) in Udaipur is $40, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $40. 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 Udaipur and Dharamsala in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Udaipur $15

Dharamsala $22
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Udaipur $30

Dharamsala $44

Compare Hotels in Udaipur and Dharamsala

Looking for a hotel in Udaipur 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: Udaipur Hotel Prices and Dharamsala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Udaipur $6.82

Dharamsala $4.94

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:

Tuk Tuk Ride

$0.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:

Udaipur Airport : Private Transfer to/from Udaipur Hotels: $5.70
Private Transfer Udaipur Hotels To Maharana Pratap Airport UDR Drop: $7.02
Private Udaipur Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel/Accommodation: $7.02
Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel: $14
Private Transfer From Udaipur Hotel To Udaipur Airport: $14
Private Transfer From Udaipur Airport To Udaipur Hotel: $15
Private Transfer From Udaipur Hotel To Udaipur Airport: $17
Round Trip Transfers to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace with tickets: $23
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Udaipur Airport: $26
Udaipur Airport Transfers: $27
Private Transfers Udaipur To Narlai Drop: $41
Shilpgram: Private Half-Day Tour with Guide and Transfer: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:

Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Prices for flights to both Dharamsala and Udaipur 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

Udaipur $19

Dharamsala $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Udaipur.

Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals: $14
Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals: $14
Udaipur Shopping tour by female consultant optional cooking class: $15
Durga Cooking Class: $16
Durga Cooking Class: $17
Old City Walking & food Tour with a Local: $19
Breakfast Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $22
Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $24
Authentic Indian Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $28
mamta cooking class awarded by tripadvisor : $32
Secret Cooking Session with the bheel Tribe: $42
Evening Cooking Session and Dinner with an Indian Family: $50

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Udaipur $6.91

Dharamsala $5.36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur

Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

Palace Entrance Fee

$1.15
Lake Boat Tour

$2.31

Tours and Activities in Udaipur

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

Diwali with Udaipur Locals 2025 tickets - Meals & activities: $8.77
Delwara Handicraft Experience: $8.77
Udaipur Walking Tour(2 Hours Guided Walk): $9.36
Jaipur City Full Day Tour By Tuk-Tuk: $9.36
Udaipur Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $9.36
E-Bike Tour: Serene Trails of Udaipur: $11
Half-Day Tour of Eklingji Temple & Nagda Temple by Tuk-Tuk or Car: $12
Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car with Driver: $12
Night Walking Tour: $12
Heritage & Cultural Walk of Udaipur -Guided Walking Tour: $12
Udapiur: Night Walking Tour: $12
Udaipur Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

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

The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $12
Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $24
Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $25
Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $40
Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $40
Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $54
Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $77
Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $93

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Udaipur $8.60

Dharamsala $5.36

Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur

Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Pub Crawl Udaipur: $37

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Udaipur and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala 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 Udaipur Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Udaipur has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Udaipur 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for India Udaipur vs. Dharamsala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Udaipur or Dharamsala?

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

Where Should I go: Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Udaipur

Dharamsala

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Udaipur?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Udaipur and Dharamsala

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Is it cheaper to fly into Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur

Tours and Activities in Udaipur

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur

Which is Bigger, Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Related Articles for Udaipur

Related Articles for Dharamsala

A Travel Price Comparison for India Udaipur vs. Dharamsala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Udaipur or Dharamsala?

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

Where Should I go: Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Udaipur

Dharamsala

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Udaipur?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Udaipur and Dharamsala

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Is it cheaper to fly into Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur

Tours and Activities in Udaipur

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur

Which is Bigger, Udaipur or Dharamsala?

Related Articles for Udaipur

Related Articles for Dharamsala

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