The best time to visit Meghalaya and its tourist destinations is between November and May.
Summer (April to June): It is the best time to visit the state as the temperature ranges between 12 °C and 30 °C. However, it can get sweaty during the afternoons. You must also note that it a peak season for tourists.
Monsoon (June to October): Even though throughout the year, monsoon could be considered as is one of the best times to visit to witness the intense greenery of the state; however, it is not an ideal season to visit due to heavy rainfall. If one decides to visit the place during this time, extra precautions are required to be taken into consideration. You should also know that since Mawsynram and Cherrapunji are the wettest regions in the world, there is a high chance that you may not able to visit these places due to the heavy rains.
But if you still wish to venture around in Meghalaya during monsoons then do prepare to get all dripping wet with heavy showers leaving you with no mercy to spare. Do carry your umbrellas and a very good, wind-proof, and water-proof long raincoat with gumboots. Ensure to keep all your belongings sealed in plastic bags while travelling.
Winter (October to February): During this season the day is pleasant however the night is cold. You must not forget to carry extra woolens and warm clothes, especially jackets, warm socks, and closed shoes to protect yourself from the frigid cold winds.
Duration of your trip: 5 to 7 days
Modes of Transport:
- Air: Umroi (nearest airport)/ Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (Guwahati)
The nearest airport is Umroi which is about 35km from Shillong which is the capital of Meghalaya. The state has given the facility of bus and taxis to travel from the airport to the mains of Shillong. Gopinath Bordoloi is another airport which is situated in Guwahati and is a 3-hour drive from the airport to Shillong city.
- Railways: Guwahati (nearest railway station)
Guwahati is the nearest railway station that you will find. There is a facility of bus and taxi which you can use to reach anywhere in Meghalaya as per your budget and convenience.
Journey through bus and taxi will make your experience richer. It will give you the finest moments of your life with only scenic beauty to view along the way.
Plan your Trip: Suggestions
Day 1 - Guwahati to Shillong
To make your trip effective in all aspects, the best time to visit Guwahati is to take an early morning flight or to reach the airport around noon. The nearest airport is Gopinath Bordoloi which is located on NH-40 in Guwahati and is hardly a few minutes from the highway.
The left turn from the airport will take you to Guwahati and the mere right turn will lead you to the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong. The distance between the airport and the city is 200km and it will take you around 3 hours to reach there.
There are also shared taxis with yellow numbered plates and numbers starting with ML and SUVs available as a means of transport to take you to your desired destination. The rate is fixed by the Government of Meghalaya, as per COVID-19 protocol and guidelines.
- Umiam lake
- Lumpongdeng Island
- Stay in a hotel in Shillong
- Local exploration
- Shillong Peak & Viewpoint
- Mary Help for Christian Cathedral
Day 2 - Shillong
Shillong is also called the "Rock Capital of Meghalaya" and is part of East Khasi Hill District. It is the most developed area and the biggest city in the state of Meghalaya. Even though you will get tons of accommodation options, it is advisable to pre-book. The stays around can be a bit expensive in Shillong but you can also find a comfortable stay in your decided budget. When in Shillong, you cannot miss the dhabas where you can the most amazing local food which also included authentic Khasi food. Since it is a city, you can dazzle your way into the various café and enjoy the music, rice beer, and a few of the amazing delicacies that this city offers.
Must-visit places in the “Rock City of India” are as follows:
- Air Force Museum
- Archery at Siat Khnam
- Arwah Caves
- Don Bosco Museum
- Elephant falls
- Ever Living Museum
- Lady Hydari Park & Zoo
- Mawkdok Viewpoint
- Rhino Heritage Museum
- Shillong Peak/ Sohpetbneng Peak
- Shillong’s golf course
- Spread Eagle Falls
- State Museum
- The Grand Madina Masjid (India’s only glass-made Mosque)
- Ward’s Lake
- Wha Kaba falls
Day 3 - Shillong to Cherrapunjee
This place is also called Sohra. It takes around 2 hours to reach Charrapunjee from Shillong which is around 55km only. The bada bazaar is considered to be the main market in the Cherrapunjee where you can buy various fruits and other products.
Must-visit places in Cherrapunjee are as follows:
- Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls)
- Nokhalikhai Waterfalls (4th largest waterfall in the world. It is only 4km from Cherrapunjee)
- Eco Park
- Weekly market (situated in upper Sohra. The market in this is different every week)
- Trek through double-decker living root bridges of Nongriat
- Dympep
- Mawsmai Caves
- Dainthlen Falls
- Khasi Monoliths
- Presbyterian Church (First Church built in 1846)
- Rama Krishna Mission Ashram (famous for its Tribal Khasi Museum)
Day 4 - Cherrapunjee (if possible)
If you want to try a walk through the 1000-year-old sacred grove (a trek through a double-decker root bridge in Nongriat Village), it is always advisable to take an extra day to enjoy the beauty of Nongriat village and take in the serenity that this village offers. The double-decker bridge has its specialty. Villagers use a native method to make the bridge with naturally growing roots.
A stay in Nonigriat will lead you to have a closer look at the rural life of the Khasi tribe. You will also get to witness the rainbow waterfall which is a rare sight in itself.
Nonigriat village is only 12 km from Cherrapunjee which will take approx. 40 minutes. You can also squeeze in and visit Tyrna Village.
You can also choose to explore Mawphlang Village:
- Mawphlang Village
- David Scott Trail
- Enjoy quiet time with nature
Day 5 - Cherrapunjee to Mawlynnong
It takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to travel from Cherrapunjee to Mawlynnong. The distance between the two is approximately 76kms. Dawki is one of the most famous villages and the last village on the Indian side of the Bangladesh border. From Mawlynnong, it takes about 1 hr (30km) to reach here. However, you must note that to visit Dawki you don’t need to travel to Shillong again as the route bifurcates around 25km on the Cherrapunjee and Shillong highway.
A few of the places to experience the beauty of this destination are as follows:
- Dawki – Umngot River (boat ride through crystal clear water)
- Bop hill falls
- Drive to BOP and interact with soldiers of Bangladesh Rifles
- Drive to Mawlynnog (Asia’s cleanest village)
- Homestay with view on Bangladesh plains
Day 6 - Mawlynnong to Shillong
Mawlynnong is considered to be the cleanest village in Asia.
Few places to visit during your visits are as follows:
- 100-year-old Church
- Single decker living root bridge at Riwai Village
- Balancing Rock
It takes about 2hours 30 min to reach Shillong from Mawlynnong if you don’t visit Dawki village in between as the distance between Mawlynnong and Shillong is 73 km. However, one chooses to take Cherrapunjee and Shillong highway, the village Dawki is along the way.
Day 7 - Shillong to Guwahati
- Explore Shillong’s Police Bazaar
