Welcome to the Meghalaya travel guide, which will help you explore one of India’s best and most beautiful locations. This stunning natural country has waterfalls, caves, trees, bridges, and friendly people. In this Meghalaya travel guide, we will assist you with a fantastic tour around the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo hills. This is the right place for those who like nature and culture and want to create unforgettable adventures on Earth.
This ultimate guide contains all the necessary information regarding travel to Meghalaya, the cost of the Meghalaya trip, Meghalaya road trips, and how to plan the best Meghalaya itinerary. Whether you are traveling alone, out for a backpacking trip, or with your family, this guide is helpful with additional information regarding tips, preserving money, and places that should not be missed. Ready to plan your dream Meghalaya tour package? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Makes Meghalaya a Must-Visit Destination?
Meghalaya, a state located in northeastern India, presents itself like nowhere else. Meghalaya has several tourist places like the misty hills, the world’s wettest place, and caves to make adventure and nature lovers, as well as people seeking serenity, thrilled.
- The popular Mawsynram and Cherrapunji areas are regarded as the wettest regions and provide the true essence of monsoon.
- Living root bridges, a unique fusion of nature and tradition, highlight human ingenuity.
- Lakes and clear rivers, such as the Umngot River in Dawki, depict the surrealism of this state.
- Aside from this, lakes, waterfalls, and forests are areas that will provide for a quiet and relaxing vacation.
Thus, this land has a lot more to it than mere natural beauty. Meghalaya tourism is all about tradition, food, the natural environment, and sustainable living in one region.
How to Reach Meghalaya?
Before you start exploring Meghalaya Travel, you must get some necessary information to get there easily.
By Air:
The Shillong Airport, situated at a distance of 30 km, is the closest airport available for the city. However, Guwahati airport is much better connected with a distance of 125km from here.
- The flight facilities are available daily from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and even other parts of India.
- From Guwahati, three-wheeler autos, taxis, and even buses are available in Shillong.
By Train:
There is no railway station in Shillong. The nearest one is in Guwahati, which is in the state of Assam.
- Guwahati Station is well connected to other important cities of India.
- Then take a taxi or shared taxi to Meghalaya.
By Road:
Exploring Meghalaya by road is perhaps one of the best ways to travel around this beautiful region. Roads are scenic and well-maintained.
- NH6 connects Guwahati to Shillong.
- Taxis, self-drives, and buses are also easily accessible, meaning there is transportation for all.
Of course, how you reach Meghalaya may vary based on your preference, but the way there is as thrilling as the destination.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Meghalaya?
In a scenario of choosing when to travel to the land of clouds? This Meghalaya travel guide will help you know when to travel. The best time to visit Meghalaya depends on the purpose of the visit – if it has clear skies, beautiful greenery, or a cool climate, preferably in the mountains.
Winter (October to February)
Winter is a favorite season in both hemispheres of the world. In other words, this time means no hurricanes and chilly breezes. Winter again sets in, with temperatures reaching as low as 4 ° C in places such as Cherrapuniji and Shillong.
So, pack warm clothes. In addition, the winter season is ideal for tourism, mountain and water activities, and celebrating cultural events. Also, the skies are still clear, and the conditions are favorable for photograph-taking.
- Best for trekking and sightseeing
- Festivals like Wangala celebrated
- The roads are clear and safe for use most of the time.
Summer (March to June)
Summer is relatively calm and cool in this region. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. Thus, it is suitable for hill vacations. However, it is also an excellent tourist opportunity since most attractions are not crowded now. In addition, flowers continue to bloom in nature.
- Great for peaceful nature walks
- Orchid blooms add scenic beauty
- It is suitable for exploring caves and parks.
Monsoon (July to September)
Monsoon transforms Meghalaya into heaven. But it is pounded with a lot of rainfall. Therefore, the consequences would be landslides and delayed travel. But, if you like seeing beautiful scenes after rain, you should visit now.
- Stunning waterfalls and lush greenery
- Perfect for photography lovers
- Trekking becomes risky, though rewarding
Overall, winter is safest. But each season has its own charm.
What Should You Pack for Meghalaya?
The climate of Meghalaya is some what unpredictable; therefore, your packing list should reflect this. Finally, it must be light and preferably also waterproof.
- Raincoat or poncho, especially for monsoons.
- Comfortable trekking shoes for long walks.
- Warm clothes for evenings, even in summer.
- Torch, power bank, and medicines.
- Backpack and reusable water bottles.
Also, it is always advisable to carry photocopies of an ID at all times, especially when close to border areas like Dawki.
How Much Does a Meghalaya Trip Cost?
Understanding the Meghalaya trip cost helps you budget smartly. Here’s a basic cost estimate for a 7-day tour:
| Category | Budget ( INR) |
| Travel (To & Fro) | 3000-6000 |
| Accommodation | 700–3,000/night |
| Food | 300-600/day |
| Local & Transport | 2000-4000 |
| Entry & Activities | 1000-2000 |
Why Choose a Meghalaya Tour Package?
A Meghalaya tour package can save time for first-timers. It often includes:
- Accommodation
- Sightseeing
- Transfers
- Local guides
There are also many packages for those tourists who love the Meghalaya backpacking guides or luxury travelers. For instance, some companies specialize in Low-cost Northeast circuit package tours, including Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal.
Besides, booking a Meghalaya tour package is less time-consuming and safe, and the packages frequently have sights that only locals can show you.
What Are the Must-Visit Places in Meghalaya?
You can’t visit Meghalaya without exploring these iconic destinations:
1) Shillong
Shillong, the state’s capital, is a fast, fashionable, and jovial city with a diverse populace. British impact is quite visible when making architectural designs for Shillong buildings. With beautiful hills around and the availability of numerous lakes, Shillong is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East.’’ This location is the city’s busiest point, and it is loved for the strong marketplace existence of Police Bazar. Major hotels in Shillong are located at Police Bazar and in and around the vicinity. You can also use Cozy Cozy to look for affordable accommodation in Meghalaya for your visit. Shillong has some good cafes that also have music facilities. Shillong is the place where music is most celebrated.
Here are the places of tourist interest – Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Shillong Golf Course, Smit, Laitlum Canyons, Bishop & Beadon Falls, and Umiam Lake.
2) Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji, or Cherrapunjee, often called Sohra, is around 60 km from Shillong. Cherrapunji is just about 56 km from Shillong, and it is advisable that they can be covered in a day. Tourists can avail of a tour arranged by Meghalaya Tourism for Cherrapunjee or arrange it on their own. But we advise you to stay at the place for the night. Getting shared taxis for Cherrapunjee from Bada Bazar, which is in Shillong, is not very difficult. The Yellow Sumos transport you to different areas in Meghalaya.
Tourist places in Cherrapunji: The Nohkalikai Waterfalls is the fourth largest waterfalls in the world and remains a wonder to watch. The Seven Sister Falls, Wei Sawdong Falls, and Dainthleln are the other waterfalls that tourists must visit. Some of the different places that you should not omit include Mawsmai and Arwah caves. Stalactites and stalagmites are other features that tourists widely visit in these caves.
3) Nongriat Trek
One of the enjoyable activities is trekking to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village. Getting to Nongriat is easier by taking the route from Tyrna, but it requires a descent of over 3,500 steps to get to the village. When you are in Nongriat, the trouble will be worth it when you consider the beautiful scenery, the splendid landscape, and the warm reception from the Nongriat inhabitants. If one wants to do the Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek, then spending a night at Nongriat is advisable.
4) Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong has been awarded the title of the cleanest village in Asia. It is approximately 80 km from Shillong, and if you take a day’s trip to Mawlynnong and Dawki, you might set your base at Shillong. Just like Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya Tourism also provides tour services to the village of Mawlynnong. There are also many homestays in Mawlynnong where you can take shelter for a night’s stay.
Mawlynnong village attractions include another single-decker Living root bridge in Riwai village. For instance, you may consider visiting a balancing rock. The Skywatch is built of bamboo, and you can see the Bangladesh plains from the top by going up. Mawlynnong is the cleanest village in Asia.
5) Mawphlang
About 45 km from Shillong, Mawphlang Sacred Groves lies in the East Khasi Hills region. After getting there, one can see rolling plains and greenery with thick forests in the background of blue skies. There is also a shared sumo available to travel to Mawphlang as well. If you’re interested in an overnight stopover in Mawphlang, there are places where you can spend the night. On the other hand, a sacred grove is a small piece of forest considered by the Khasi tribe as a holy site. The growers often exhibit several herbal medicinal and other exotic plants.
Attractions in Mawphlang: The sacred grove, Khasi Heritage Village.
What Are the Hidden Gems of Meghalaya?
Instead of sticking to the major attractions, there are several hidden gems to consider:
- Krem Puri Cave – the World’s longest sandstone cave.
- Shnongpdeng – Adventure hotspot near Dawki.
- Wei Sawdong Falls – Unique three-tier waterfall.
- Mawphanlur – Tranquil village with lake views.
- Smit Village – Cultural hub of the Khasi tribe.
Thus, if you want to travel and experience a different kind of world, do not bypass these marvels.
What Is the Best Way to Do a Meghalaya Road Trip?
Meghalaya road trip is the best way to explore the state and its beauty. Some roads pass through hills, rivers, or forests.
Route Suggestion:
Guwahati → Shillong → Mawphlang → Cherrapunji → Dawki → Mawlynnong → Shillong
- Car/bike rental or self-drive car or bike.
- Stops should be at viewpoints and tea stalls.
- Offline mapping for off-the-beaten-path locations.
Similarly, the Meghalaya road trip offers the same flexibility that lets you swiftly go astray and delve more.
What Are the Best Meghalaya Travel Tips?
To make the most of your trip, follow these Meghalaya travel tips:
- Carry cash; very few banking facilities exist, especially in rural areas.
- Avoid being rude, and seek permission before taking photographs.
- Plastic is prohibited in many regions.
- Start early as daylight fades around 5 in the evening.
- Book homestays to feel the atmosphere of local people.
Also, one must interact more with the people of Meghalaya, which is great travel advice. They take you to places no map can take you to.
What Cuisine Should You Try in Meghalaya?
One has to experience the cuisine when visiting Meghalaya:
- Jadoh: Rice cooked with pork and spices.
- Tungrymbai: Fermented soybean delight.
- Dohneiiong: Pork with black sesame.
- Pumaloi: Steamed rice cake.
Also, have tea with jaggery, and some local fruits may interest you; Sohing, Sohbrap, and the like.
What Festivals Are Celebrated in Meghalaya?
Plan your trip around these:
- Wangala Festival (Garo Hills) – Harvest festival.
- Behdeinkhlam (Jaintia Hills) – Spiritual cleansing festival.
- Shad Suk Mynsiem (Shillong) – Celebration of life.
These enrich your Meghalaya tourism experience.
Where to Stay During the Meghalaya Trip?
Perfect planning is very crucial when it comes to making arrangements. With this Meghalaya travel guide, you will be well-informed on where to stay. It ranges from budget accommodation such as hostels to high-end luxury hotels. Therefore, depending on your style and price range, you may choose as you prefer.
1. Shillong – City Comfort and Culture
Shillong offers many stay options. For example, there are small, unique hotels, homelike accommodations, and affordable guesthouses. Moreover, the city is central. Therefore, it is ideal for day trips around Meghalaya.
- Have eateries and shopping malls nearby
- Great for nightlife and shopping
- Well-connected for road travel
2. Cherrapunji – Nature and Adventure
Cherrapunji may be one of the finest tourist destinations for nature lovers. There are eco-resorts, isolated hilltop lodges, and forest cottages. Most importantly, they can afford the scenic views of the valley. Additionally, it is ideal for caves and waterfalls.
- Surrounded by greenery and clouds
- Peaceful, offbeat vibe
- Perfect for couples and families
3. Dawki and Mawlynnong – Unique Experiences
Dawki offers riverside camping. Likewise, Mawlynnong has attractive treehouses and homestays. These places provide a real village experience. Thus, you can enjoy sightseeing in Meghalaya at its best.
- Camping by crystal-clear rivers
- Learn about Khasi traditions
- Great for offbeat travel seekers
Overall, Meghalaya offers diverse stays. As such, it is essential to plan well and make early bookings.
Conclusion
This comprehensive Meghalaya travel guide has everything you need to know about this beautiful destination. Here, we provided information on how to get to Meghalaya, and we’ve included a simple guide on how to plan for a Meghalaya road trip. Whether it is the first time you visit Meghalaya or the fifth, this guide will help you not miss out on anything.
Get ready with the help of expert advice, set the Budget in clear sight, and get the best of Meghalaya with your Dream Meghalaya package. Prepare to pack your bags, take the path that leads to the trails of mist, or build up your dreams to treasure the memories. It is not a journey but a tactic to find your inner peace. So, you plan to visit Meghalaya?
Frequently Asked Questions About Meghalaya
A 6–8 day trip is perfect to cover Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, and hidden villages.
Yes, it is considered one of the safest states for solo and female travelers.
No special permit is required for Indian citizens. However, always carry ID.
Yes, self-drive and taxi rentals are available in Shillong and Guwahati.
They are rare in remote villages. Always carry cash.
Double-decker root bridge (Nongriat), Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek, and Laitlum Canyon.
