If you've ever dreamt of misty hills, winding roads through green valleys, and cultures untouched by the usual tourist chaos, Northeast India should be at the top of your list. It's one of those places that still feels raw, real, and refreshingly different from the rest of the country. The best part? You don't need to spend a fortune to experience its beauty. With just Rs 25,000 in your pocket, you can comfortably explore some of the most scenic and culturally rich parts of the Northeast. All it takes is a bit of planning, flexibility, and a willingness to travel like a local. Here's how you can do it in 10 days, covering Assam and Meghalaya - two of the most accessible and stunning states in the region.
Northeast Budget Itinerary Overview: 10 Days, 3 Destinations
This route focuses on three key Northeast destinations that are easy to reach, safe, and packed with experiences: Guwahati (Assam), Shillong and Cherrapunji (Meghalaya), with a detour to Kaziranga National Park for wildlife lovers.
Getting There & Around Northeast India - Rs 7,000
Start your journey in Guwahati, which has great rail and air connectivity. Flights from cities like Delhi and Kolkata often come with discounts if booked in advance, with fares starting at around Rs 3,000. Trains are even cheaper - a sleeper class ticket from Delhi can cost under Rs 1,000.
Once in the Northeast, getting around is easy and affordable. Shared taxis, bikes and state buses run frequently between major towns.
Guwahati to Shillong: Rs 400-Rs 500
Shillong to Cherrapunji: Rs 300-Rs 400
Local travel: Buses and autos within towns cost Rs 30-Rs 100 per ride
If you're travelling with friends, sharing a cab or riding bikes can bring costs down further.
Estimated transport cost: Rs 7,000 (including return travel)
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Northeast India is the perfect place to explore on the roads.
Budget Accommodation In Northeast - Rs 6,000
Homestays, budget hotels, and hostels are easy to find in most towns and offer a chance to interact with locals. Most options cost between Rs 500 and Rs 800 per night, depending on the location and time of year.
- Guwahati: Budget hotels for Rs 500-Rs 700/night
- Shillong and Cherrapunji: Backpacker hostels or homestays from Rs 600-Rs 800/night
- Kaziranga: Guesthouses start at Rs 700/night
Try to book online in advance or ask locals once you arrive for walk-in discounts.
10 nights at an average of Rs 600 per night = Rs 6,000
Food & Water In Northeast India - Rs 4,000
The Northeast is a paradise for food lovers. From piping hot momos to rice-based tribal dishes, most meals are both delicious and budget-friendly. Local thalis, street food, and small restaurants offer full meals for Rs 60-Rs 150. You can easily manage on a daily food budget of Rs 350-Rs 400, including snacks and water.
Must-try dishes: Jadoh (Shillong), bamboo shoot pork (Cherrapunji), Assamese thali (Guwahati)
Estimated food cost for 10 days: Rs 3,500-Rs 4,000
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Northeast India food market
Sightseeing and Activities in Northeast India - Rs 5,000
Here's what you can explore without spending too much:
Guwahati (1 Day):
- Kamakhya Temple
- Brahmaputra River sunset cruise (Rs 200-Rs 300)
Shillong (2 Days):
- Ward's Lake, Laitlum Canyons, Elephant Falls
- Don Bosco Museum (Rs 100 entry)
Cherrapunji (3 Days):
- Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls (free)
- Trek to the double-decker Living Root Bridge (guide fee: Rs 100)
Kaziranga National Park (2 Days):
- Shared jeep safari: Rs 2,000
- Entry and permit fees: Rs 300-Rs 500
Set aside Rs 1,000 for small experiences like guided tours or local shopping.
Total sightseeing cost: Rs 4,500-Rs 5,000
Also Read: This Northeast Indian Destination Is The World's First Fully Organic State: Here's Why
Nohkalikai Falls is a must-visit spot.
Total Budget Breakdown For Northeast India Travel:
- Travel - Rs 7,000
- Accommodation - Rs 6,000
- Food - Rs 4,000
- Activities - Rs 5,000
- Miscellaneous - Rs 3,000
- Total - Rs 25,000
Travelling through Northeast India doesn't require a big budget - just a curious spirit and an open mind.
