MEGHALAYA
6 N / 7 D
Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati & Transfer to Shillong
Arrive at Guwahati Airport/Railway Station.
Drive to Shillong (3-4 hours).
En route, visit Umiam Lake (boating & photography).
Explore Ward’s Lake & Police Bazaar in Shillong.
Overnight stay in Shillong.
Day 2: Shillong Sightseeing
Visit Shillong Peak (panoramic views of the city).
Explore Elephant Falls & Sweet Falls.
Visit the Don Bosco Museum for cultural insights.
Explore Laitlum Canyons, the "End of the World" viewpoint.
Overnight stay in Shillong.
Day 3: Shillong to Cherrapunji – Land of Waterfalls
Drive to Cherrapunji (2 hours).
Visit Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
Explore Mawsmai & Arwah Caves (limestone caves).
Visit Seven Sisters Falls & Dainthlen Falls.
Enjoy the beauty of Thangkharang Park.
Overnight stay in Cherrapunji.
Day 4: Nongriat Trek – Living Root Bridge Adventure
Trek to Double Decker Living Root Bridge (3,500 steps down).
Optionally, trek further to Rainbow Falls.
Relax at natural pools and enjoy the serene forest.
Trek back to Tyrna Village and return to Cherrapunji.
Overnight stay in Cherrapunji.
Day 5: Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong & Dawki
Drive to Mawlynnong (Asia’s Cleanest Village).
Walk on the Single Living Root Bridge.
Visit Sky Viewpoint for a stunning Bangladesh border view.
Drive to Dawki, enjoy boating on the Umngot River (crystal-clear water).
Visit the India-Bangladesh border.
Overnight stay in Dawki/Shnongpdeng (camping option).
Day 6: Dawki to Jowai – Explore Jaintia Hills
Drive to Jowai (2-3 hours).
Visit Krang Suri Falls, Meghalaya’s most beautiful waterfall.
Explore Nartiang Monoliths (historic site).
Visit Tyrshi Falls and explore local culture.
Return to Shillong by evening.
Overnight stay in Shillong.
Day 7: Return to Guwahati & Departure
Drive back to Guwahati (3-4 hours).
Visit Kamakhya Temple (if time permits).
Drop at Guwahati Airport/Railway Station.
Best Time to Visit Meghalaya
✅ October to April – Best for sightseeing, trekking & adventure.
✅ June to September – Best for lush green landscapes & waterfalls.
Would you like a shorter itinerary or an adventure-focused trip? 😊
Meghalaya, known as the "Abode of Clouds," is a stunning state in northeastern India, renowned for its lush greenery, waterfalls, caves, and vibrant tribal culture. If you're planning a tour of Meghalaya without a fixed itinerary, here are some of the top destinations and experiences you can explore at your own pace:
Cultural and Historical Sites
Shillong
Shillong City: The capital city of Meghalaya, known for its colonial architecture, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant weather.
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: A cultural museum that showcases the history, art, and traditions of the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya and the northeastern states.
Shillong Cathedral: A beautiful Gothic-style church with stained glass windows, located in the heart of the city.
Ward's Lake: A serene lake surrounded by well-maintained gardens, perfect for boating and leisurely walks.
Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest waterfall in India, with water cascading down from a height of over 1,100 feet. The surrounding landscape is absolutely breathtaking.
Mawsmai Cave: A limestone cave that’s easily accessible and offers a fascinating experience as you explore its natural formations.
Living Root Bridges: These unique, bio-engineered bridges are made from the roots of rubber trees. The most famous ones are in Nongriat Village and Riwai Village.
Cherrapunji Viewpoint: Offers panoramic views of the rolling hills and valleys, especially beautiful during the monsoon season.
Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong Village: Known as one of the cleanest villages in Asia, Mawlynnong offers a great insight into rural Mesoamerican lifestyle. Explore the village's eco-tourism initiatives and beautiful natural surroundings.
Living Root Bridge at Mawlynnong: A beautiful, well-maintained root bridge that is a must-visit while in this village.
Sky View at Mawlynnong: A bamboo tower built in the village offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and the Bangladesh plains.
Tura
Tura Town: Located in the Garo Hills, Tura is known for its scenic beauty, hills, and forests.
Siju Caves: Famous limestone caves located near Tura. The Siju caves are known for their stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Balpakram National Park: A paradise for nature lovers, this park is known for its rich biodiversity, including rare species of flora and fauna.
Tura Peak: A scenic hilltop that offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas and is a great spot for trekking.
Nature and Adventure
Umiam Lake
Located about 15 km from Shillong, Umiam Lake is a beautiful reservoir surrounded by hills. It’s perfect for boating, water sports, and picnics. The picturesque setting makes it a favorite among nature lovers.
Nongriat Village
A small village located in the hills of Cherrapunji, famous for its Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, a marvel of nature and human ingenuity. The trek to this village is challenging but rewarding for adventure lovers.
Rainbow Falls: A beautiful waterfall near Nongriat, which is best visited after a rainstorm when a rainbow forms in the mist.
Dawki
Dawki River: A crystal-clear river located in the Jaintia Hills, Dawki is perfect for boating and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The transparent waters of the river give the appearance of a serene blue lake.
Shnongpdeng: Known for adventure activities such as kayaking, rafting, and camping along the river.
Elephant Falls
Located near Shillong, Elephant Falls is a beautiful three-tier waterfall, named after its resemblance to an elephant's trunk. It’s one of the most famous waterfalls in the region.
Sohra
Sohra is a beautiful area in Cherrapunji, offering picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, valleys, and waterfalls. It’s an ideal location for trekking, nature walks, and photography.
Tribal Culture and Villages
Mawphlang
Sacred Forest: The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is a unique place where the local Khasi tribe has preserved a forest that is believed to be sacred. It is one of the most well-preserved natural sites in Meghalaya.
Mawphlang Village: A traditional Khasi village where you can experience local customs and culture.
Nongpoh
Nongpoh Town: The gateway to the Ri Bhoi district, Nongpoh is known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant local markets.
Smit Village: A picturesque village that showcases Khasi traditions and offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Festivals and Events
Shad Suk Mynsiem (April)
Celebrated by the Khasi tribe, this festival is a celebration of spring and is marked by traditional dances, music, and rituals. It’s one of the major cultural festivals in Meghalaya.
Wangala Festival (October-November)
Celebrated by the Garo tribe, the Wangala Festival marks the harvest season and features traditional dance, music, and rituals. It’s one of the most important festivals in the Garo Hills region.
Behdienkhlam Festival (July)
Celebrated by the Jaintia tribe, this festival marks the harvest season and involves large-scale processions, traditional dances, and rituals dedicated to the deities for a good harvest.
Local Cuisine
Jadoh
A traditional Khasi dish made with rice and meat, typically served with a side of fermented vegetables or chutneys. It’s a must-try dish in the region.
Pork with Bamboo Shoot
Pork cooked with bamboo shoot is a popular dish in Meghalaya, often served with rice and known for its distinctive flavors.
Tungrymbai
A traditional Khasi dish made from fermented soybeans, typically served with rice or meat.
Rice Beer (Kyat)
A traditional alcoholic drink made from fermented rice, which is consumed during festivals and social gatherings.
Best Time to Visit
October to April: The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the cooler months, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This period also coincides with several local festivals, making it an exciting time to experience the culture.
May to September: The monsoon season transforms Meghalaya into a lush green paradise, with waterfalls at their fullest. However, travel can be challenging due to heavy rains and slippery roads.
Meghalaya is a place of great natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re exploring the waterfalls and caves, trekking through forests, or immersing yourself in the local tribes' way of life, the state offers a memorable experience for every traveler.