Travel Cafe Bucket List – 55 Cafes to Haunt When Travelling in India 6

What is the one thing that can heal all the blues of this world, with a single swish of a wand? The magical answer, is a café! Boring afternoon? Head to a café. Meeting long lost friends? Head to a café! Work from home but it started getting lonely? Head to a café! Date night? Take your pick –  casual date or fancy date? Again, Head to a café! Cafés for every mood also mean that there are several kinds of cafés worth picking. And boy, have you spotted a travel cafe at the must see destinations of India? Name any one attribute – be it food, ambience, interiors or overall feel, the travel cafes in India are your walk-in to awesomeness, no matter whether you’re travelling, or are in your familiar hometown. Here’s a sneak peak into our favourite picks among the most awesome traveller cafes in India. Head to, and have fun!

1. Shiva Cafe, A travel cafe at the foothills in Dharamsala

Tucked away from the prying eyes of the world, this nondescript cafe overlooks the Bhagsunath Falls. A two-kilometer trek along the gurgling waters of the Bhagsu Rivulet will take you there. The interior of this travel cafe teleports you back to the 60’s era of the hippies with its psychedelic artwork .

Location: Bhagsu Nag Waterfall Pathway, Dharamsala 

Must Try: Pasta and Pancakes

Cost for two: Rs 500/-

2. McLLo Cafe, Mcleodganj

A dazzling red sign board in the midst of the bustling town will definitely catch your eye after sundown. Located in the market square this rooftop travel cafe offers a vantage point to observe life at McLeodGanj. Grab a window seat at McLlo, pick from a wide array of cocktails or sumptuous snacks that it offers and watch the world go by below you.

Location: City center, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala

Must Try: Butter Chicken

Cost for two: Rs 1000/-

3. Shiv Shanti Cafe: An amazing travel cafe in Kasol

The idyllic town of Kasol is no stranger to backpackers and hippies. Retaining the essence of this town is Shiv Shanti Cafe. This is a chilled out travel cafe filled with colorful lights and low-rise wooden table where you can sit and enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Location: Parvati Valley,Kasol

Must Try: Israeli food

Cost for two: Rs 500/-

 

4. Cafe 1947, Old Manali

Live  music, dishes names after famous metal bands such as  ‘Slayer Pizza’ and ‘Burger of Bodom’, Cafe 1947 is truly a haunt for  music lovers. Located on the banks of the River Manalsu, this quaint travel cafe perfectly encapsulates the charm of old Manali with its dimly lit interiors and cozy ambiance.

Location: Old Manali, near the bridge on the way to Manu Temple

Must Try: Mutton burger with side salad and Veg Pasta with cheesy garlic bread

Cost for two: Rs 1000/-

5. Drifter’s Cafe, A traveller jaunt in Old Manali

Living up to its name, Drifter’s Cafe is a regular meet up point for travellers and is always buzzing with activity and excitement.  It is best known for its breakfast offerings  and the chefs will also customize food at this travel cafe to indulge your taste buds.

Location: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali Village

Must Try: All pizzas

Cost for two: Rs 350/-

6. Oh Magic Cafe, Kasol

Oh Magic Cafe is located a little away from Kasol in a small village called Challal. It is a semi-open space which offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan slopes lines with ubiquitously spotted coniferous trees and the mighty Parvati River. Catering to the palates of the gamut of travelers who visit Kasol every year, this travel cafe offers Israeli, Italian as well as Indian cuisine.

Location: On the way to Challal, Kasol

Must Try: Paranthas

Cost for two: Rs 400/-

 

7. Wake and Bake Cafe, Shimla

The moment you walk into this cafe, it will envelope you in its warmth and radiance. Wake and Bake Cafe is located on the 2nd floor of a building at Mall Road and overlooks the busy street of Shimla on one side and the valley on the other. The waffles, pancakes and crepes are a must try here.

Location: 34/1, Mall Rd, The Mall, Shimla

Must Try: Creamy Herb Chicken

Cost for two: Rs 700/-

 

8. The 60′s Cafe, Rishikesh

A cafe with a title as interesting as it’s tagline ,‘Let’s’ Roll it Again’, this is the perfect place to satiate the hippie in you. The walls are adorned with the frames of Jim Morrison and the Beatles that lend it a classical look. Soak in the spiritual air of the Rishikesh and then spend a quiet evening in this travel cafe listening to 60’s playlist while you enjoy the spread that it offers.

Location: Paidal Marg, Tapovan, Hanuman Mandir, Rishikesh

Must Try: Lasagna

Cost for two: Rs 400/-

9. Cafe By the Way, Mussoorie

An unpretentious looking travel cafe, on Mall Road , this place offers a range of coffees and shakes to die for! You can lounge on the sofas or perch yourself on one of the ‘scooter’ seats while you dig into any of their desserts and your purpose of visiting Mussorie shall be fulfilled!

Location: Opp. Baskin Robins, 1st Floor, The Mall, Mussoorie

Must Try: Oreo Shake, Blueberry Shake

Cost for two: Rs 400/-

10. Backpackers Cafe, Chandigarh

Since its inception in 2007, Backpackers Cafe has  successfully carved a niche for itself in Chandigarh’s social circuit with its all-day breakfast menu. The travel artifacts and newspaper format menu along with a plethora of English breakfast dishes helped this cafe to break away from the clutter of ‘dhabas’ and pin itself on the backpacker’s map of travel cafes.

Location: 16, Inner Market, Sector 9D, Near Chandigarh Dance Academy, Sector 9, East, Chandigarh

Must Try: Caramel Cheese Cake

Cost for two: Rs 1200/-

 

11. Namaste Cafe, Gokarna

Balmy air, resounding waves and lip-smacking sea-food is all it takes to make a perfect beach holiday.  Located at the famous Om beach, Namaste Cafe is the ideal place to chill. Indulge all your gastronomic cravings with range of local seafood delicacies that this travel cafe offers.

Location: Om Beach Road, Gokarna

Must Try: Banana Pancake

Cost for two: Rs 800/-

12. Mango Tree Cafe, Hampi

Located near the Virupaksha Temple in the main Hampi bazaar, Mango Tree Cafe has an earthy setting, bringing you closer to the rustic charm of Hampi. The Tungabhadra River runs close by lending this travel cafe a soothing atmosphere.

Must Try: Special thali and Coconut Lassi

Cost for Two: Rs 500/-

 

13. Dyu Art Cafe, Bangalore

Dyu is short for ‘Dviti’ in Sanskrit , which means brightness. Living up to its name, Dyu Art Cafe oozes brightness and vibrancy. This travel cafe, despite being located amidst the hustle and bustle of Bangalore city, offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Location: Koramangala, Bangalore

Must Try: Classic chocolate cake

Cost for Two: Rs 400

14. Cafe Des Artes, A humble travel cafe in Pondicherry

Cafe Des Artes has conspicuous signs of  French heritage. Comfortable colonial furniture, open garden and free wi-fi accompanied by French dishes such as sandwiches baguette, croque-monsieur makes it an ideal travel cafe for anybody who wishes to spend a quiet evening alone.

Location: 10, Suffren Street, White Town, Pondicherry

Must Try: Crepes

Cost for two: Rs 800

15. Gatty’s Cafe, Darjeeling

A must visit spot on any backpacker who visits Darjeeling, Gatty’s Cafe is the only place in this laid-back town that has a pulse post 9 pm. You can watch a movie with your friends in their lounge or enjoy karaoke and live music as they serve your some delicious pastas and raviolis from their kitchen.

Location: Below Omni Guesthouse, T V Tower, Dr. Zakir Hussian Road, Darjeeling

Must Try: Spaghetti Al Pomodoro 

Cost for Two: Rs 600/-

16. Glenary’s Bakery and Cafe, Darjeeling

Glenary’s is the perfect place to start your mornings with its myriad offering of breakfast options. This pretty little travel cafe has comfortable seating where you can relax and enjoy the view of the mountains.

Location: Nehru Road, Ganeshgram, Darjeeling

Must Try: Meat pie

Cost for Two: Rs 250/-

17. Cafe Refuel, Kalimpong

A must try for adventure and sports lover, Cafe Refuel, is one of the few motorcycle themed cafes in India. It offers magazines, foosball and board games to keep guests entertained. This beautiful travel cafe also offers mountain bikes for hire.

Location: 8th Mile, Near St.Philomena School Phatak, Kalimpong

Must Try: Carrot Cake

Cost for Two: Rs 400/-

18. Paris Cafe, Kolkata

Paris Cafe is as French as French gets. From the tastefully pretty wrought-iron furniture, artifacts and the golden -hued interiors to the lavish spread of French cuisine, this cafe is every bit grandiose and sophisticated  as its counterparts in Champs Elysee. Nothing says travel cafe as well as French arty beauty and grandiose, right?

Location: 1/1, Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Opposite Ice Skating Rink, Ballygunge, Kolkata

Must Try: Red Velvet Pastry

Cost for Two: Rs 650/-

19. Cafe Caffeine, Kohima

A travel cafe with a contemporary vibe, Cafe Caffeine, appeals to the outlier in you with its psychedelic graffiti, casually placed guitars, black leather sofas and Manga comics.

Location: 4th Floor, Jasokie Building, Main Town, Kohima

Must Try: Beef Stroganoff

Cost for Two: Rs 500/-

20. Cafe Live and Loud, A lovely travel cafe in Gangtok

As the name suggests, this cafe is Gangtok’s most happening venue for loud music, flashy lights and high-energy atmosphere. Watch the live performances here with delicious appetizers and sparkling drinks.

Location: Enchey Compound, Tibet Road, Power Secretariat,Gangtok

Must Try: All cocktails

Cost for Two: Rs 300/-

21. Cafe Del Mar, Varkala

Perched atop a cliff, offering a mesmerizing view of the Arabian Sea below, Cafe Del Mar is the perfect place to jump-start your day. It offers some delicious coffee and a variety of breakfast options, as is with the most clandestine travel cafes that you’ll see around!

Location: Near North Cliff, Varkala

Must Try: Avacado Salad and Kerala Fish Soup

Cost for Two: Rs 750/-

22. Hungry Eye Kitchen, Varkala

Hungry Eye Kitchen is located right across the ocean and offers an unhindered view of the sea, which adds to the charm of this beautiful travel cafe. The Thai cuisine here is a must try.

Location: Nomiddle Cliff, Varkala, Trivandrum

Must Try: Thai Red curry

Cost for Two: Rs 300/-

23. Cafe Malabar, Trivandrum

Cafe Malabar is a seafood lover’s haven. It located  on the promenade of Lighthouse Beach and is popular among travelers for its quality and choice of food. Regional specialties and a view to kill are the takeaways from this awesome travel cafe!

Location: Lighthouse Beach Road, Kovalam,Trivandrum

Must Try: Tandoori Fish

Cost for Two: Rs 500/-

24. Teapot Cafe, Kochi

Welcome to Teapot Land! Teapots dangle from the ceiling and fan here. The walls are done up with tea related paraphernalia and tea cartons make for tables. The unique theme of the travel cafe definitely warrants one visit.

Location: Pete Celli Street, Fort Kochi

Must Try: Appam and Blueberry Cheese Cake

Cost for Two: Rs 350/-

 

25. The Coffee Cup, Hyderabad

Fun, youthful and charming perfectly sum up the vibe of this travel cafe. It has a terrace with potted plants, lending to it a homely energy. Books, board games and retro posters of movie stars and cartoon characters makes it a crowd puller among the youth.

Location: E 89, Sainik Puri Main Road,Sainik Puri, Hyderabad, Hyderabad

Must Try: Stuffed Chicken fillet and Cinnamon hot chocolate

Cost for Two: Rs 500/-

26. Tito’s World Cafe, Goa

Tito’s has an in-house bakery and confectionery that serves freshly prepared cakes, pastries and bread round the clock. The seating arrangement is a mix of cafe and lounge that appeals to the  lounging tourist as well as the business traveler.

Location: Titos Lane, Saunta Vaddo, Baga, Goa

Must Try: Beef Steak Burger and Apple Pie

Cost for Two: Rs 700/-

27. Curlies Shack, Goa

Curlies was one of the original shacks to be set up on Anjuna beach. Home to some of the most famous trance parties this is a must visit travel cafe for the hippie in you.

Location: Anjuna Beach, Goa

Must Try: Beef Chilli and Chicken Momos

Cost for Two: Rs 1000/-

28. Leopold Cafe, Mumbai

Leopold’s is a place that has witnessed Mumbai evolve. Existing since 1871, this cafe easily  blends with it’s surrounding owing to its nondescript exterior. Popular among backpackers and locals alike, this cafe is constantly buzzing with chatter and conversation.

Location: S.B. Singh Road, Colaba Causeway, Mumbai

Must Try: Leopold Special Chicken Pasta

Cost for Two: Rs 1000/-

29. Candies (MacRonnel), Mumbai

Candies is a travel cafe with a Portuguese villa feel to it! It has a an outdoor terrace as and an  indoor seating called Room of Lamps because of the Moroccan lamps decorating the room. The walls are done up with handcrafted celebrity mosaics , adding a tinge of quirkiness to the cafe.

Location: Next to Learners Academy School, Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai

Must Try: Spaghetti Carbonara and Mini Samosas

Cost for Two: Rs 400/-

 

30. Cafe Cariappa, Kodaikanal

A place that prides itself on its coffee, Cafe Cariappa is a a haven true coffee lovers. The coffee beans which are procured from local organic farms are roasted and ground in-house. Visit this delightful, wood-paneled travel cafe  to enjoy the a wide array of coffees.

Location: PT Road, Kodaikanal

Must Try: Carrot Cake

Cost for Two: Rs 200/-

31. Amethyst Cafe, Chennai

Located in the midst of the city, Amethyst Cafe insulates you from the chaos outside it. Opt for the garden seating if you prefer the green and the quaint. If you’re visiting Chennai for pleasure, Amethyst Cafe is a travel cafe that should not be missed.

Location: Next to Corporation Bank, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai, 

Must Try: Grilled chicken sausages and Sweet Lassi

Cost for Two: Rs 1000/-

32. Yogi Tree Cafe, A travel cafe in the heart of Pune

This is a quiet vegetarian eatery located in the peaceful lanes of Koregaon Park.  It offers some interesting items on its menu like the Yogi special like Pok choy and mixed greens with brown rice. Visit this travel cafe if you want sit for hours and do absolutely nothing!

Location: 294/2, Lane A, Off North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune

Must Try: Pancakes and Croissants

Cost for two: Rs 1000/-

33. Shisha Jazz Cafe, Pune

This Indo-Iranian cafe has a bohemian soul. The soft lighting, jazz music and the Persia seating has successfully placed  this travel cafe on the hip & trendy circuit of Pune.

Location: Survey No. 35 & 36, ABC Farms, Koregaon Park, Pune

Must Try: Iranian Kebab Platter and Turkish Coffee

Cost for two: Rs 1500/-

34. Y Cafe, Dehradun

Y Cafe has a very homely feel to it. The white wooden furniture and stacks of books around you add to the warmth of this place. The walls in this travel cafe have been done up with a collection of motivational quotes reminding you of the walls in your own bedroom.

Location: Hotel White House, Behind St. Joseph’s Academy, Subhash Road, Karanpur, Dehradun

Must Try: Bruschetta 

Cost for two: Rs 500/-

 

35. 4 Tables Cafe & Gallery, Bir

A travel cafe Run by an Indo-German restaurateur who rustles up some of the most delicious home-style meals, 4 Tables is the hidden gem of Bir. The gallery which regularly hosts local art exhibitions is definitely a must-see for every visitor.

Location: Gunehar Village (Bir), Kangra Valley, Bir

Must Try: Wood-fired pizzas

Cost for two: Rs 600/-

 

36. Kunzum Travel Cafe, A Novel concept in New Delhi

Located in one of the most happening places of Delhi, Hauz Khas Village, Kunzum Travel Cafe is a place where travelers meet and swap stories over coffee which has a pay-what-you-like policy! This is one hip travel cafe to spend your Sunday afternoons, meeting new people! Now isn’t that what travel is all about!

Kunzum also hosts some really great travel meetups and talks, every once in a while.

Location: T-49, GF, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, Delhi

Must Try: Coffee

Cost for two: Pay as you like, for coffee and cookies!

 

37. Open Hand Bistro & Bar, Leh

Located at the heart of Leh on a sprawling agricultural plot is Open Hand Bistro & Bar. The travel cafe offers an array of cuisines and has been developed with intention of creating a perfect retreat for artists.

Location: Hotel Bijoo, Library Rd, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir

Must Try: Lemon Cheese Cake and Ginger lemon honey tea

Cost for two: Rs 400/-

38. Pizzeria Vatika, Varanasi

Italy and India coexist in perfect harmony on Assi Ghat in the form of Pizzeria Vaatika. Established in 1993, this cafe is the first authentic Italian pizzeria in India. Enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Holy River while you gorge on some lip-smacking pizzas in this perfectly bohemian travel cafe!

Location: B-1/178, Assi Ghat, Varanasi

Must Try: Ravioli, Vatika Special (Thin Crust) Pizza, Apple Pie with ice cream

Cost for two: Rs 700/-

39. Mrs Magpie, Kolkata

You’ll definitely feel like ‘Alice’ in ‘Wonderland’ when you step into Mrs Magpie. The doll-house decor, bright facade and the vibrant interiors add to the magical charm of this travel cafe. The assortment of sweets and savories on the menu will leave you spoilt for choice.

Location: 570 Lake Terrace Extension (Keyatala), Kolkata

Must Try: Cupcakes and Marzipan animals

Cost for two: Rs 400/-

40. Pink Floyd Cafe, Pushkar

A humble-looking cafe with conspicuous bare brick walls will definitely catch your eye in the colorful town of Pushkar. A cafe with a free-spirited feel to it, Pink Floyd Cafe is frequently flocked by backpackers in search for the quintessential travel cafe experience.

Location: Choti Basti, Pushkar, India Pushkar

Must Try: Pizza

Cost for two: Rs 400/-

41. Raja’s Cafe, Khajuraho

Raja’s Cafe started by two Swiss sisters at a time when the sleepy town of Khajuraho was just beginning to gain significance on the global traveler circuit. This iconic travel cafe has a beautiful garden seating which a offers a spectacular view of the famous Khajuraho temples.

Location: Near Hotel Siddhartha, Opposite  western group of temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho

Must Try: Chicken Curry

Cost for two: Rs 350/-

 

42. Anokhi Cafe, Jaipur

Anokhi is a local cafe with an international fare. It is famous for its organic ingredients procured from their own farms. The ‘modha’ seating lends this travel cafe a local flavour and makes it a perfect hangout place among foreigners and locals alike.

Location: KK Square, Prithviraj Rd, Panch Batti, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur

Must Try: Baked Mascarpone Cheesecake and Brie Sandwiches

Cost for two: Rs 1000/-

43. Cafe Edelweiss, Udaipur

Existing since 1999, Edelweiss is the oldest known coffee shop and travel cafe in Udaipur. Known for its European fare, this cafe is hugely popular among European travelers yearning for a taste of their cuisine.

Location: 73, Gangaur Ghat,, Udaipur

Must Try: Spinach & Mushroom Quiche and Cinnamon Rolls, Almond chocolate pie

Cost for two: Rs 350/-

 

44. Traveler’s Cafe, Pondicherry

Travelers Cafe is a rooftop cafe located inside La Casita, a Center of Latin American Art and Culture. Offering a fantastic view of the city of Pondicherry, this cafe is a cozy place to spend a quiet evening while enjoying some great Tibetan food.

Location: 147, Eeshawaran Koil Street, Pondicherry

Must Try: Momos

Cost for two: Rs 500/-

45. Laughing Buddha, Hampi

Located in the hippie portion of Hampi, Laughing Buddha is an idyllic travel cafe with a rustic ambiance.  It is set inside a bamboo hut and dotted with an eclectic collection of  wall hangings. Settle on the cushy mattresses and low rise wooden table and enjoy the vast range cuisines that it offers.