Arrive in Guwahati, transfer to your family-friendly hotel and freshen up; early check-in subject to availability. This keeps the first day relaxed for all ages.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café to fuel the day; typical options include parathas, eggs and local Assamese porridge (bora saul).
Visit the historic Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill for panoramic city views and cultural insight; the temple typically opens early (roughly 4:00AM) and afternoon puja times vary, so plan around temple hours.
Take the 15–20 minute ferry from Kachari Ghat to Umananda Island for a short temple visit and riverside views; ferries run most of the day but check seasonal timings (usually morning to late afternoon).
Morning jeep safaris start early (approx 5:00AM–9:30AM) and offer the best chance to spot one-horned rhinos, elephants, deer and birds; book park permits in advance and follow ranger instructions.
Short guided nature walk or visit the park interpretation centre to learn about conservation and wildlife—great for kids to understand the ecosystem (check centre hours, often mid-morning to afternoon).
Elephant safaris (usually 6:00AM–8:30AM but some ranges offer later options) or an afternoon jeep safari provide a closer ground-level experience; elephant safaris have age/weight limits—confirm for children.
Stroll around Ward's Lake (boating available) and visit nearby play areas—ideal for kids to stretch their legs; Ward's Lake is typically open through the afternoon until early evening.
Visit the Don Bosco Museum for interactive displays on Northeast India’s tribes and culture; check opening hours (usually 9:30AM–4:30PM, closed Tuesdays) and adjust timing accordingly.
Visit India’s one of tallest plunge waterfalls with a dramatic viewpoint—open throughout the day but best seen in daylight; short walk from parking to viewpoint.
Explore Mawsmai Cave with easy pathways and interesting limestone formations; cave visiting hours commonly run from morning to mid-afternoon—bring torches for kids if visiting narrow sections.
Early start for Mawlynnong (Asia’s cleanest village) about 2–2.5 hours from Shillong; the village offers tidy paths and calm village life good for children to explore.
Walk through the village, see living root walkways nearby, and climb the Sky View Tower for panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains; the tower has steps but is short—check tower hours (usually daytime).
Short drive (~45min) to Dawki where the crystal-clear Umngot River offers family-friendly boat rides—boats typically operate from morning to late afternoon, weather permitting.
Visit the Assam State Zoo (good for young children, open generally 8:30AM–4:30PM) or the Assam State Museum to learn regional history (check museum hours).
Enjoy an early evening river cruise on the Brahmaputra with light dinner options; cruises operate seasonally and should be booked in advance—verify departure times.
Short visit to Navagraha Temple on Chitrachal Hill for panoramic city views if time allows; temple access is usually daytime and this is a light cultural stop before leaving.
Transfer to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport or Guwahati station for onward journey; allow ample time for traffic and check-in procedures.