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Digital Nomadism in Mcleodganj : Cafes with wifi


Illiterati Cafe, Mcleodganj


After coming across Digital Nomadism, I recently went to some places in India (mentioned here) to explore the feasibility of pursuing it there.  

 One of them was the headquarters of Tibetan Government-In-Exile in India. Known for a large number of resident tibetans, it's sometimes referred to as 'Little Lhasa'. 

 I must say it was a good decision to include Mcleodganj in my trip. The place offers a good 3g connectivity for many providers, cafes that provide decent wifi speed and some cheap places to stay.

As an effort to make this information easily accessible to others, I have compiled below a list of cafes/restaurants in Mcleod where you can take your laptop. 

 I have rated each place with some parameters which I think would make it easy for someone to decide if the place suits their needs.

 I have personally visited each place listed and the opinions expressed are purely mine. 

Tibetan Mandala Cafe


The location is quite strategic, center of temple street and on the way to Tibetan museum. Interiors are quite beautiful and there's outdoor sitting as well which offers a spectacular view of the valley if the street shops in the front are closed. 

The restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic tibetan food and breakfast options. The menu also contains a fine selection of coffees and teas, and ginger lemon honey tea is highly recommended at this place when you are in Mcleod.

  • Wifi speed : 3/5 (You can stream youtube )
  • Popularity among other nomads : Not much. 
  • Charging points : not many, but not difficult to get one.  
  • Ambiance : Peaceful, but tends to be a little noisy in the evening
  • Food : 3.5/5 ( Food is descent, Teas are excellent )
  • Service : 4/5 ( pretty good and fast ) 
  • Cost :  Rs. 250 per person
  • Phone : 097368 19754
Link to TripAdvisor


Illiterati Cafe


A huge collection of books, is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of it. It may be difficult to find, so follow the directions on google map. Located on the jogiwara road after the point where it meets with the temple road, in the direction of dharamshala, near the motorcycle garage.

The place offers a splendid view of Dhauladhars. This is the place if you want to go somewhere in peace and spend 3-4 hours just looking at the mountains or reading a book.

The wifi speed is always good ( rare in Mcleodganj).

Food is good but not excellent. The menu is same as other cafes there. But you don't go to this place only for food. 
I have heard their desserts are good.

  • Wifi speed : 4/5 (you can stream youtube and have video calls)
  • Popularity among other nomads : Quite popular, you can always find some other people with their laptops
  • Charging points : plenty
  • Ambiance : Peaceful
  • Food : 3/5 (As it is with most of the cafes here, food is decent, teas are excellent)
  • Service : 3/5 ( Not fast, but you have books in your hand, wifi on your device and mountains in front of you :)
  • Cost : Rs. 350 per person. A little over priced but that's because of the wifi speed and view I guess.
  • Phone : 9736479352


Edit : Call them before going there, as I have heard that the place is going to shut down soon.

Cafe Buddhan


The Cafe is located on the jogiwara road, around 200 meter after the Tibet quality Bakery in the direction opposite to the main square. It's name is not clearly visible, so keep an eye on the left side when you are walking on the road. 
The menu is small and consists of coffee, sandwiches and some bakery items, but the food served is quite good. 
It also has some books so you can spend some quality time in the evening here by picking up a book and having a seat in the outdoor sitting.
When I went there, I got to play chess with a friend of the owner :D. A great spot to take a break while taking a stroll in the main market.
The wifi speed is also good. But, the owner has blocked youtube :P, and maybe some other sites.
  • Wifi speed : 4/5 ( Almost everything that's not blocked can be done :P )
  • Popularity among other nomads : A bit, you can sometimes find other people 
  • Charging points : not many, would recommend going there with full charge
  • Ambiance : Not peaceful, but no one will disturb you.
  • Food : 4/5
  • Service : 4/5
  • Cost : Rs. 200 per person 



Punjabi Cafe and Restaurant


The restaurant is located on the temple road, adjacent to Tibetan mandala cafe. It's a very simple and small place, and as the name suggests, serves only punjabi food.
The owner is of a very good nature. Go there if you are in a budget and want to have decent punjabi food.
Wifi speed is not that good and may not be available sometimes. You can go there for just browsing.

  • Wifi speed : 2/5 (Just for browsing)
  • Popularity among other nomads : Not popular at all.
  • Charging points : Very less. 
  • Ambiance : A bit noisy because of it's location.
  • Food : 3/5
  • Service : 4/5 (Decent and quick)
  • Cost : Rs. 200 per person.

 Not present on TripAdvisor.


Nick's Italian Kitchen


Following points summarize the place :

The menu offers a wide spread with authentic ingredients and taste. 
Rooftop location gives amazing views of the valley. 
Service is excellent and they have lip smacking desserts to complete the meal.
Offers one of the best wifi's in town.
Lemon ginger and honey drink is a must try.

  • Wifi speed : 4/5 (good for youtube and video calls )
  • Charging points : not easy, but can find one
  • Ambiance : Varies. Depends on the crowd there. 
  • Popularity among other nomads : A bit
  • Food : 4/5
  • Service : 4/5
  • Cost : Rs. 300 per person
  • Phone : 892/221-180 or -569
If you have any other query about the place, feel free to contact me :)
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Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India

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