7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Darjeeling and Meghalaya

Day 1: Exploring Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Glenary's

Start your morning with local bakery delights at Glenary's, a popular staple in Darjeeling.
Walk to Glenary's in the main town.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Tiger Hill

Take an early morning shared taxi to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
Shared taxi from Darjeeling town.
INR500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Batasia Loop

On your way back, stop at Batasia Loop, a beautifully landscaped garden with a view of the Himalayan range.
A short taxi ride or even a walk from Tiger Hill.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Tibetan dumplings (momos) and noodle soup at this local favorite.
Walk to Kunga Restaurant in the market area.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum

Learn about the historical significance of the Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk to the museum from the restaurant.
INR50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Peace Pagoda

A serene place with stunning views of the town, perfect for some quiet reflection.
Trek uphill or take a taxi.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Park Restaurant

End your day with delicious Indian and Tibetan food with a view.
Walk back to town center.
INR300, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure and Culture

Darjeeling, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Keventer's

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this iconic eatery famous for its breakfast options.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Darjeeling Tea Gardens

Tour the lush tea plantations and sample some of the world's finest tea.
Take a local shared taxi to the tea gardens.
INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Traditional Lunch at The Tea Lounge

Have a light lunch while enjoying a stunning view of the tea estates.
At the tea estate.
INR250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Trekking to Sandakphu

Embark on a short trek to explore the breathtaking landscapes.
Start your trek from the nearest point accessible by taxi.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Bhutia Busty Monastery

Explore this picturesque monastery and soak in its peaceful atmosphere.
Taxi back to town and then to the monastery.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Moonlight

Savor some comforting North Indian dishes at an affordable price.
Walk back into town.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 3: Journey to Shillong

Shillong, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before checking out.
At your accommodation.
INR100, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Shillong

Catch an early morning shared taxi to Shillong, taking in the scenic views along the way.
Shared taxi to Shillong.
INR600, 3.5 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into an economical local hotel.
Walk to your hotel from the taxi stand.
INR800 for 1 night, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Jiva Veg Restaurant

Devour some authentic vegetarian dishes made with local ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Shillong's Local Markets

Stroll through local markets to experience Shillong's vibrant culture and pick up souvenirs.
Walk to the market area.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

Learn about the rich heritage of the indigenous tribes of Northeast India.
Walk to the Don Bosco Centre.
INR100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Shillong

Taste local Khasi dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Short walk to the cafe.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nature Retreat in Shillong

Shillong, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Shillong

Indulge in a delicious breakfast while enjoying the cool mountain breeze.
At Café Shillong.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Laitlum Canyons

Take a shared taxi to the majestic Laitlum Canyons, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Shared taxi to Laitlum.
INR400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at your hotel

Enjoy a filling lunch with local flavors back at your hotel.
Travel back to the hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Shillong Peak

Experience sweeping panoramas of the city from Shillong Peak, also a great place for nature walks.
Shared taxi to Shillong Peak.
INR50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ward's Lake

Relax by the lake, take a stroll, and enjoy the ambiance surrounded by nature.
Taxi or walk back to town.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dine in Style

Enjoy a mix of Indian and Continental dishes in a charming setting.
Walk to Dine in Style.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 5: Exploration in Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast before heading towards Cherrapunji.
At your accommodation.
INR100, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Cherrapunji

Head to Cherrapunji in a shared taxi, known for its waterfalls and living root bridges.
Shared taxi to Cherrapunji.
INR300, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Explore the highest waterfall in India and take in the scenic beauty surrounding it.
Take a local taxi to the falls.
INR50, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cherrapunji SDPO

Relish local cuisine with a focus on traditional Khasi food.
At a local restaurant.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Living Roots Bridges

Discover the remarkable living root bridges created by indigenous tribes in the region.
Trek to the root bridges from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit Seven Sisters Falls

View the mesmerizing Seven Sisters Falls, a collection of seven streams running down the cliffs.
Taxi back to Seven Sisters Falls.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cherra Restaurant

Enjoy the local Khasi and North Indian fare to cap off a day full of exploration.
Short taxi ride back to Cherrapunji town.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 6: Adventure and Culture in Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a local breakfast at your hotel.
At your accommodation.
INR100, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Mawsmai Cave

Explore the limestone caves that showcase stunning formations and rich geological history.
Shared taxi to Mawsmai Cave.
INR100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Eco Park

Take a leisurely walk through the well-maintained Eco Park to enjoy the natural landscape.
Short walk from Mawsmai Cave.
INR30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Living Root Cafe

Dine in an environmental café that focuses on sustainability and local produce.
At the Eco Park.
INR250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thangkharang Park

Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys adorned with waterfalls.
Shared taxi to the park.
INR50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at the Park

Take some time to relax and soak up the stunning scenery before heading back.
Stay at the park.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at the Orange Roots

Savor local dishes in a beautiful setting while reflecting on your adventures.
A short taxi ride back.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 7: Final Day in Guwahati

Guwahati, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a simple yet delicious breakfast before checking out.
At your accommodation.
INR100, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Guwahati

Take a shared taxi or bus to Guwahati, ready for your final day of exploration.
Shared taxi to Guwahati.
INR500, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hotel

Drop your bags at an affordable hotel before heading out to explore.
Walk to your hotel.
INR800 for 1 night, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Paradise

Taste some delicious Assamese delicacies in a homely retreat.
Walk to Paradise.
INR250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kamakhya Temple

Discover one of the most sacred temples in India, reflecting on its architectural brilliance.
Shared taxi to Kamakhya.
INR50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Assam State Museum

Get immersed in the culture and history of Assam through rich exhibits and artifacts.
Taxi to Assam State Museum.
INR30, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ganesh Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner in a popular local establishment.
Walk back to Ganesh Restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour
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