McLeodganj is a very
popular travel destination in Dharamshala. Being just 250 km (5 hours) journey
from Chandigarh and around 475 km (9-10 hours) journey from Delhi, McLeodganj
has become a hotspot for weekend trips and is frequented by travellers but
usually jam-packed with tourists specially on long weekends.
McLeodganj has a lot to offer to all kinds of travellers alike. Triund trek
– a 9 km trek from McLeodganj main square; and it is a foodie’s haven with all
kinds of foods and cuisines available in the many cafes spread all over the
town.
McLeodganj is best
explored on foot and to enjoy the city it is recommended to park your
vehicle in the parking lot near the bus stop for the duration of the
stay .This does two things – Less traffic on the narrow roads and making your
effort to keep the town pollution free.
The buses from Delhi
usually arrive early in the morning by 6-7 AM which is the perfect time to
start a day long food trail in the streets of McLeodganj.
Start the day with a hot cup of lemon ginger tea and some bread
omlet from any of the numerous stalls spread around the city.
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| A hot cup of tea and a plate of Bread Omlet - The best way to start the day |
Follow it with a hearty breakfast of some Tibetan bread and mixed veg omlet or a
big bowl of Thupka along some
delectable milkshakes or hot chocolate at The
Clay Oven.
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Mixed Veg Omlet with Tibetan Bread
|
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| A big bowl of Thupka |
Satisfy the pre-lunch hunger by trying out
some hot Momos from any street
vendor. They are priced very decently starting from some Rs 40 per plate. The
accompanying chutney and mayonnaise act as the perfect accompaniment and
balancing the taste.
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| Momo Time |
Try out some excellent pastas or some hakka
noodles/chowmein from any of the cafes like The Clay Oven, Jimmy’s Italian Café etc.
And couple that with a glass of peach beer or lemon beer.
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| Bacon Pasta in Garlic sauce was a true delicacy |
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| Time for some local Peach and Lemon Beer |
Give your taste buds a surprise by having Pizzas from Carpediem as a late evening snack.
The pizza will undoubtedly be one of the best you have had till now. Don’t
forget to try the French fries
before the pizza. They are crispy and will be consumed in a matter of minutes
but the taste will linger for some time.
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| The crunchy French Fries |
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| Thin crusted jewel |
Indulge in some freshly baked
pastries/cakes from the bakeries out there. The one right in front of Carpediem sells Chocolate Banana
cake which is just out of the world.
If you are still hungry, do try out the
soups at the Norling Café before
hogging onto some freshly cooked tikkas and kababs right off the tandoor. The
area in front of the Temple just steps away from the Main Square is filled with
vendors selling such items when all the cafes have closed down.
PS –
The cafes close down early and its highly likely that you might get a seat in
any of the cafes post 8:30 PM, so step out of your rooms early to fill up your
tummies with all that you can have WRAVELER style.
