South Asia always has been attractive to people from various parts of the world. Millions of people travel to South Asian countries such as Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. But today, we would like to give information about the country, which is overlooked by many most of the world, Afghanistan. If you want to travel to Afghanistan, but you can't decide to travel to Kandahar or travel to Kabul, then this blog is for you. We will give 10 reasons why to travel to Kandahar instead of Kabul. In this blog, you will learn that is it safe to travel to Afghanistan, how to travel to Afghanistan, where is Kandahar, and more.
Where is Kandahar?
Kandahar is a city that is located in the south of Afghanistan, on the side of the Arghandab River. Kandahar is the second-largest city of the country, and the total population is almost 615,000. The town is the centre of the gorgeous cultural region of Loy Kandahar. In the past, this city was the capital of many various kingdoms and dynasties. In the past, this region has great significance for rulers because of being a trading centre. The main products were sheep, wool, cotton, silk, felt, food grains, fresh and dried fruit, and tobacco. Nowadays, the town still keeps its importance for the state and residents.
1. Cheap Kandahar markets
When we compare market prices, we can say that Kandahar Afghanistan is cheaper than Kabul. Everyday products such as milk, bread, and also cigarettes are more economical here. For example, the average cost of a pack of local cigarettes is 0.89 USD, but in Kabul, it is more than 1 USD. If you want to purchase well-known labels such as Marlboro and Kent, you have to pay about 1.10 USD. In comparison, Kandahar Afghanistan is 0,20 USD expensive in Kabul. Also, coffee costs in Kandahar Afghanistan are cheaper than Kabul. For instance, you will pay for cappuccino coffee 0.99 USD and espresso 0.69 USD, but in Kabul, cappuccino coffee is 1.30 USD and espresso 0.93 USD. Besides, we can observe a little bit of cheapness in other everyday products.
2. Cheap transport in Kandahar
Of course, public transport and taxi prices are so crucial for tourists. When we compare prices in Kandahar and Kabul, we can say that transportation is much affordable in Kandahar. Bus fares and rental car prices are the same in both countries. No doubt that during your travels, you may find some car marks cheaper than another city, but in general, it is the same. The main difference is in taxi prices. Starting taxi fare and the cost of 1 km driving is cheaper in Kandahar. You will pay 0,63 USD and 0,52 USD accordingly. On the other hand, in Kabul, you will pay 0,91 USD and 0,72 USD, respectively. Furthermore, an hour of waiting is 1 USD cheaper in Kandahar.
3. Mausoleum of Baba Wali
The Shrine of Baba Wali is one of the most popular places in Kandahar. Residents believe that he was a holy person, and every month thousands of citizens visit his grave. The real name of that person was Baba Sahib, and he was a Sufi leader. The general opinion about him is that he was a peaceful man and so respectful leader. Where is Kandahar, the Shrine of Baba Wali? This Shrine is on the riverbank of Arghandab on a small hill. Besides, this site is not only a holy place but also a touristic destination. Foreign and local visitors love to have a picnic here.
4. Dahla Dam, the largest dam in Kandahar
Dahla Dam (Arghandab Dam) is 40 km away from the city. Dahla Dam is the second largest dam in the whole of Afghanistan. The government spent almost 450 million USD to make this gorgeous dam. Moreover, this dam was built to develop relations between two countries, the USA and Afghanistan. Besides, one of the main aims was to provide farmers in Kandahar with clean water. Today, vacationists love to take some photos here. Undoubtedly, you should add the Dahla Dam to your travel list.
5. Much affordable 5-star hotels
When it comes to hotel and hostel prices, we can observe that the payment of hostels and 3 or 4-star hotels are almost equal in both of the cities. 3-star hotels are 70 USD, and 4-star hotels are 78 USD. On the other hand, 5-star hotel prices are approximately 15 USD cheaper in Kandahar than Kabul. Some of the best hotels which we can suggest are Kandahar Hotel, Royal Afghan Hotel, Noor Jahan Hotel, Continental Guest House, Etemad Hotel, and Mirwais Hotel. Mirwais Hotel especially got the highest rates from visitors (5 out of 5). It is interesting to note that average hotel prices are higher in Afghanistan than in more countries in the world.
6. More reasonable accommodation for the long term
If you want to travel to Afghanistan and spend a month or more there, living in Kandahar will be more affordable for you. In comparison with Kabul, in Kandahar, real estate agents offer cheaper apartments in the city centre and outskirts of the city. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre and outside of the town is 133 USD and 74 USD, respectively. In Kabul, it is 144 USD and 82 USD, accordingly. Furthermore, monthly utility charges (electricity, heating, water, garbage) are cheaper in Kandahar than the capital. (that is 43 USD and 58 USD, sequentially). Also, there is a 20 USD difference between 60 Mbps or more internet speeds. If you travel to Kandahar with a large group (family or friends), we recommend renting an apartment instead of staying at the hotel.
7. Friday Mosque of Kandahar
Another name of the mosque is the Mosque of the Cloak of the Prophet Mohammad. There is a clock that belonged to the Prophet Mohammad, and that is why many people believe that this mosque is one of the holiest places in Afghanistan. Besides, known as the heart of Afghanistan. The lock is inside the mosque, and you can see it rarely. The same family has guarded the clock for more than 250 years. The mosque can be very crowded on Fridays because this is the holy day for Muslims. Visiting the mosque on other days of the week will be better.
8. Having a meal in Kandahar restaurants is inexpensive
Many people like to travel around the world, mainly because of cuisines. If you want to spare a lot of time to taste Afgan meals, you can choose Kandahar because restaurants are more economical here than the capital town. For instance, a meal in a cheap restaurant is 1,40 USD (2.10 USD Kabul), and a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is 4,60 USD (6.80 USD Kabul). Moreover, beer prices (both domestic and imported) are more affordable in Kandahar restaurants. Domestic beer is 3,90, which is 1,50$ cheaper than Kabul and imported beer is 7$ (3$ cheaper). Undoubtedly, all of these are average prices, and you can find more economical or more expensive ones after your visit. Afghanistan has a rich cuisine, and we recommend you travel to Afghanistan to try these meals: Borani Kado, Aush, Mastawa, Aushak, Haft Mewa. Gosh-e fil, Chopan Kabob, Borani Banjan, Kabuli Pulao, and Bolani.
9. Much closer to Europe and the Middle East countries
If you live in the Middle East or Europe (also included countries which are in Asia, but part of Europe), travelling to Kandahar will be easier for you than travelling to Kabul (by plane). How to travel to Afghanistan? SpiceJet, Ariana Afghan, Kam Air, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, PIA, Emirates, and InterSky have direct flights to Afghanistan. Depending on the departure country and the season, ticket prices will be between 580-1200 USD. There are 26 airports in Afghanistan, and the main airport of the country is Hamid Karzai International Airport, which serves northern Afghanistan. Another airport is Kandahar Airport, which serves southern parts. Kandahar Airport was built in 1960. Kandahar Airport is capable of housing up to 250 aircraft of different sizes (by road or rail). How to travel to Afghanistan? Also, you can travel in your car. Yes, it will be hard and will last long, but if you like long car journeys, you may like it. Furthermore, you may travel to Afghanistan by train (from Uzbekistan, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and more).
10. Kabul has one of the highest crime rates in the world
The crime index of Kabul is 75 out of 100. That is why most people don't advise you to visit this city. Is it safe to travel to Afghanistan, Kandahar? Travelling to Kandahar is much safer than travel to Kabul. The number of stolen cars, vandalism, dealing drugs is less here. But still, you should be attentive and keep away from all issues. Try not to travel alone, and if you see an angry crowd, attempt to change your way. Is it safe to travel to Afghanistan in general? A trip to Afghanistan requires a high level of attentiveness. If not to go to high crime areas, you will not face any problem.
