8-Day Meghalaya & Kaziranga Adventure (From Pune)

Day 1: Arrival in Shillong

Morning: Fly from Pune to Guwahati and take a scenic 2‑hour drive to Shillong, the “Scotland of the East”.

Afternoon: Check in at a boutique hotel and explore the lively Police Bazaar market, sampling local street food.

Evening: Walk along the vibrant Umiam Lake promenade and enjoy a sunset boat ride.

Day 2: Shillong City Exploration

Morning: Visit the iconic Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.

Afternoon: Wander through the historic Don Bosco Museum, showcasing the diverse cultures of Northeast India.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant, tasting traditional dishes like pork with bamboo shoots while enjoying live Khasi music.

Day 3: Cherrapunjee (Sohra) & Waterfalls

Morning: Drive to the rain‑rich town of Cherrapunjee, world’s wettest place, and hike to the spectacular Nohkalikai Falls.

Afternoon: Explore the mystical Mawsmai Cave, a limestone cavern with fascinating stalactite formations.

Evening: Return to Shillong and relax at the hotel’s lounge, enjoying a cup of locally sourced tea.

Day 4: Mawlynnong & Dawki

Morning: Travel to the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong, and stroll through its immaculate streets and bamboo bridges.

Afternoon: Visit the border town of Dawki to take a boat ride on the crystal‑clear waters of the Umngot River, often called the "Living River".

Evening: Return to Shillong and enjoy a quiet dinner at a rooftop café overlooking the city lights.

Day 5: Wari Village & Chora Exploration

Morning: Journey to Wari village, known for its traditional Khasi architecture and community farms.

Afternoon: Continue to Chora, an off‑the‑beaten‑path settlement where you can experience authentic tribal crafts.

Evening: Return to Shillong, and enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional dance and music.

Day 6: Transfer to Kaziranga, Assam

Morning: Depart early for a 6‑hour drive to Kaziranga National Park, crossing the scenic Brahmaputra River.

Afternoon: Check in to a jungle lodge, then take a guided walk around the park’s buffer zone to spot wildlife.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of local Assamese cuisine and a short lecture on the park’s conservation efforts.

Day 7: Kaziranga Safari & Elephant Breeding Centre

Morning: Embark on an early Elephant Safari through the park’s grasslands to spot the famed one‑horned rhinoceros.

Afternoon: Visit the Elephant Breeding Centre to learn about the conservation program and interact with the gentle giants.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening, enjoying a campfire under the starry sky.

Day 8: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a short walk through the lodge’s garden.

Afternoon: Transfer to Guwahati Airport for your flight back to Pune, with memories of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Evening: Arrive in Pune, ending an unforgettable 8‑day adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Umiam Lake – 2 hrs, INR 200
• Police Bazaar – 2 hrs, INR 150 (shopping)
• Shillong Peak – 3 hrs, INR 300 (entry)
• Don Bosco Museum – 2 hrs, INR 250
• Nohkalikai Falls – 3 hrs, INR 200
• Mawsmai Cave – 2 hrs, INR 150
• Mawlynnong Village – 3 hrs, INR 300 (guide)
• Umngot River (Dawki) – 2 hrs, INR 500 (boat)
• Wari Village – 2 hrs, INR 200
• Chora Village – 2 hrs, INR 200
• Kaziranga National Park – 4 hrs, INR 1,200 (park entry)
• Elephant Safari – 3 hrs, INR 2,000 (per person)
• Elephant Breeding Centre – 2 hrs, INR 500
• Accommodation (8 nights) – INR 18,000
• Transport (Flights, transfers) – INR 15,000
• Meals – INR 8,000
• Miscellaneous – INR 2,500
• Total Estimated Cost – INR 49,800

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a day in Jowai for its serene lakes and a visit to Elephant Falls. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Wari and Chora visits with the Mawlynnong & Dawki day, reducing travel time and focusing on the core attractions of Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Kaziranga. Choose a private vehicle for flexible timing, and book park permits and safari rides well in advance for a smooth experience.