Which place is cheaper, Pushkar or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Varanasi or Pushkar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varanasi and Pushkar 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: Varanasi or Pushkar?
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
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.
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.
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Varanasi Prices
India PricesPushkar Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVaranasi $31Pushkar $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $31, while the average daily cost in Pushkar is $31. 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 Varanasi and Pushkar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVaranasi $14Pushkar $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVaranasi $28Pushkar $22
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Pushkar
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Pushkar? 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: Varanasi Hotel Prices and Pushkar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varanasi $4.29Pushkar $4.30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.83
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Rickshaw Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Station to Hotel: $10
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $11
- Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $11
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $11
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer to Hotel / To Airport: $13
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer To Hotel / To Airport: $21
- Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $32
- Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $43
- Airport Pickup/Drop Transfer Service: $53
- Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $70
- Sunrise Boat Tour and Heritage Walk with transfers: $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pushkar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pushkar:
- Transfer From Udaipur To Pushkar Via Chittorgarh Fort: $48
- Private Transfers Pushkar To Udaipur Drop: $54
- Private Transfer from Pushkar to Jaipur: $38
- 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
- One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Jodhpur: $32
- From Private Transfer to Jaipur: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Pushkar?
Prices for flights to both Pushkar and Varanasi 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 dayVaranasi $11Pushkar $16
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$3.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: Highlights Tour with Tasting &Sunset in Varanasi: $14
- Cooking Class with Sona: $29
- Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner: $29
- Ganga Aarti with Street Food Tour of Varanasi: $40
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Shobha: $40
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Traditional Indian Cooking Class with Dinner: $42
- Private Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings & Pickup: $44
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $44
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Indu and Shobha: $50
- Dashashwamedh Ganga Arati from balcony with Street Food Tour: $50
- Indian Cooking Class with Hotel Pickup: $52
Typical Food Prices in Pushkar
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pushkar are as follows:
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Lunch$2.08
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pushkar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pushkar.
- Traditional Rajasthani Cooking Class with Local Family in Pushkar: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varanasi $9.11Pushkar $7.13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.73
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sunrise Boat Tour: $3.17
- 6D Panch Aarti VR Experience at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: $3.80
- Photo tour in holy Varanasi: $7.40
- Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Spiritual Tour in Varanasi with a local- Experience true essence of spirituality: $11
- Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $11
- Private Customizable Walking Tour with Local Guide: $11
- Classic 1 Day Private Guided Tour With Boat Ride: $11
- Cycle of Life, Death & Rebirth (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Mysticism of Varanasi with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Walking Tour): $12
- Explore the Old Varanasi City: Guided Walking Tour on foot: $12
- Exploring Varanasi Markets: Guided Tour with Local Guide: $12
Tours and Activities in Pushkar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pushkar are as follows:
- 3 Days Ajmer & Pushkar Pilgrimage Tour (By Train/Car): $259
- Afternoon Walk Tour with Sunset & Fire Ritual -The Pushkar Route: $7.00
- Afternoon Walking tour -The Pushkar Route: $6.34
- Ajmer City Walking tour - The Pushkar Route: $32
- Chittorgarh Fort Tour with Pushkar Drop from Udaipur: $58
- Cultural Walk of Pushkar (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Evening Walking Tour with Fire Rituals-The Pushkar Route: $6.34
- Evening Walking tour with Fire Ceremony - The Pushkar Route: $8.00
- Experience Private Food And Culture Walk-The Pushkar Route: $15
- Food Walk Tour Pushkar (2 hours guided food tasting walk): $22
- From Udaipur to Jaipur: Pushkar & Chittorgarh Day Tour: $54
- Full Day Spiritual Tour of Ajmer & Pushkar-The Pushkar Route: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVaranasi $6.81Pushkar $5.80
When comparing the travel costs between Varanasi and Pushkar, we can see that Pushkar 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 Varanasi Expensive? and Is Pushkar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Pushkar?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Pushkar. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Pushkar, 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.