Meghalaya Travel Guide

Meghalaya Travel Guide

Meghalaya can be looked at as the epitome of paradise – where paradise and heaven are both in one place, on Earth. Even though the locals of this state are the most heart-warming and welcoming of people you will find, it is always desirable to ensure that you have all your Travel itinerary in place before you venture around this mystical land made by God himself. This recommendation goes for all destinations in the world – it is always advisable to be prepared and plan your trip to ensure no hiccups and also ensure that you get the most out of your holiday experience in Meghalaya or any other tourist destination in the world.

This place can also be budget-friendly. From affordable flights to Meghalaya to public transport to venture throughout the whole state. Shopping from the street bazaars to exploring new street cuisine. Your pocket won’t feel light due to the extravagance you’d be carrying back home.

Navigation in the city is also not difficult. With google maps in your hand, it’s rather difficult for you to get lost or forget the directions. However, with amicable locals around the state, you will be directed towards the destinations you seek to visit with ease.

Unlike many other states in the North-eastern part of India, Indian tourists won’t need a special permit to visit Meghalaya. To get the e-invite, as per protocol by the Government of India due to the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, please click here to know more.

Relieved, right!

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

Explore the Food of Meghalaya

Even though vegetarian food is easily available, Meghalaya is more famous for its non-vegetarian foods and especially the unconventional local delicacies that you would not want to miss out on if you are a non-vegetarian. Exploring food in Meghalaya is an adventure in itself since most of their dishes have meat in them.

So, if you find the lack of taste for the state’s non-vegetarian delights then you can sample some of the amazing North and South Indian vegetarian dishes at restaurants in Police Bazaar.

Know the Languages in Meghalaya

English is the most-spoken language in Meghalaya, however, the locals in rural areas prefer speaking in their native language to communicate. But that won’t hamper your trip since you can easily communicate with them through your local guide. Book a local guide with us.

Must-visits in Meghalaya

Though a visit to Meghalaya is easily a good full 6 to 7 days trip, you will want to extend your stay and sample the tourist attractions to nearby places from Meghalaya. Even the decision to extend an extra few days in Meghalaya will not be a disappointment but a blessing as this state offers a lot more than you can imagine. An abundance of activities, scenic beauty, hikes, treks, and the number of places in each region to visit and explore will make your trip most worthwhile.

Meghalaya serves as a perfect holiday destination that is no less than your overseas dream place. It gives you a perfect getaway from your busy life and a chance to enjoy nature at its best and the warmth and hospitality of the people in their truest sense.

Meghalaya is a true charmer for any visitor or tourist.