North‑East Indian Hill‑Station Escape: Guwahati → Shillong & Cherrapunji (Oct 1‑5, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati & City Exploration

Morning: Fly from Kochi to Guwahati (via Bengaluru). After checking into a budget hotel, enjoy a light breakfast and freshen up.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Umananda Temple on Peacock Island and stroll along the Brahmaputra Riverfront, soaking in the sunset views.

Evening: Dine at a local Assamese restaurant and explore the bustling Fancy Bazaar market for handicrafts.

Day 2: Journey to Shillong – The Scotland of the East

Morning: Depart Guwahati (≈ 3 hrs) on a private hired car to Shillong. Check‑in at a cozy guesthouse and enjoy tea at a café.

Afternoon: Head to Shillong Peak for panoramic city views, then explore the nearby Elephant Falls with its cascading waters.

Evening: Wander through the lively Police Bazaar, sampling local street food and buying souvenirs.

Day 3: Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges & Dawki Border

Morning: Drive to the charming village of Mawlynnong, the world’s cleanest village, and walk the famous Living Root Bridge.

Afternoon: Continue to Dawki on the India‑Bangladesh border; take a boat ride on the crystal‑clear Umngot River and capture stunning photos.

Evening: Return to Shillong, relax at the guesthouse, and enjoy a traditional Khasi dinner.

Day 4: Cherrapunji – The Wettest Place on Earth

Morning: Ascend to Cherrapunji (≈ 2 hrs). Visit the majestic Nohkalikai Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls.

Afternoon: Explore the mysterious Mawsmai Cave and then stroll through the lush Seven Sisters Falls area.

Evening: Head back to Shillong, enjoy a quiet evening with tea at a local café, and pack for departure.

Day 5: Return to Guwahati & Departure

Morning: Check out and drive back to Guwahati, stopping at the scenic Umiam Lake for a quick photo stop.

Afternoon: Arrive in Guwahati, have lunch, and head to the airport for the return flight to Kochi.

Evening: Arrive home with wonderful memories of the North‑East hill‑station adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Umananda Temple – 1 hour – ₹150
• Elephant Falls – 1 hour – ₹100
• Shillong Peak – 1 hour – ₹200
• Mawlynnong & Living Root Bridge – 3 hours – ₹250 (guide)
• Dawki River Boat Ride – 2 hours – ₹300
• Nohkalikai Falls – 2 hours – ₹150
• Mawsmai Cave – 1 hour – ₹200
• Seven Sisters Falls – 1 hour – ₹100
• Umiam Lake – 1 hour – ₹50
• Flights (Kochi ↔ Guwahati) – 2 × ₹9,500 – ₹19,000
• Accommodation (4 nights, budget hotels/guesthouses) – ₹2,000 / night – ₹8,000
• Meals (average ₹500 / day) – 5 days – ₹2,500
• Private Car & Fuel (Guwahati → Shillong → Cherrapunji → Guwahati) – ₹4,000
• Miscellaneous (entry fees, tips, souvenirs) – ₹1,000
Total Estimated Cost per Person: ₹30,150

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, add an extra day to explore Jowai and the Phang Sawm valley, or visit the vibrant capital Guwahati more thoroughly. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Dawki border trip and spend the afternoon of Day 3 exploring more of Shillong’s local markets and museums.