Touch down at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport and take a prebooked private car (clean, A/C) to Shillong — the drive is scenic and takes about 2.5–3.5 hours with one short stop for the toddler. This is the least stressful way to reach your 4★+ hotel.
Check in at a toddler‑friendly 4★+ property — recommended: Lemon Tree Hotel Shillong (reliable chain), Ri Kynjai (lake resort) or The Heritage Club — IHCL SeleQtions — all offer family rooms and child amenities; use this time for a stroller nap and to unpack.
Eat at the hotel's restaurant for easy, hygienic food and a calm environment for feeding and changing the toddler; hotel kitchens will usually provide simple baby‑friendly meals on request.
A quiet, flat lakeside walk with paved paths and benches — ideal for a stroller and a gentle introduction to Shillong; open during daylight hours (roughly 8:00–18:00).
A well‑laid‑out cultural museum with wide corridors, elevators and excellent displays about the Northeast — both educational and stroller‑friendly; open ~9:30–17:00.
Head to Police Bazaar area (short drive) for a family‑friendly restaurant or the hotel shuttle; easy access to pharmacies and stores for toddler supplies.
Drive up to Shillong Peak for panoramic views (short stop) then visit Elephant Falls — both are short visits with minimal walking required; Elephant Falls is typically open daylight hours (approx 8:30–17:00).
Comfortable, prebooked car to Sohra (~2–2.5 hours each way depending on stops); schedule an early start to avoid afternoon clouds and to keep the day toddler‑friendly.
One of India’s highest plunging waterfalls with an easy paved viewpoint — brief visit is toddler‑friendly; viewpoint open during daylight (approx 7:00–17:00).
A relatively short, easy cave walk with lights — bring a stroller or baby carrier (some steps); open ~9:00–16:30 and very interesting for a quick exploration.
Short stops to view multiple falls and easy viewpoints — avoid long treks (Double Decker Root Bridge trek is not suitable for a toddler). Keep visits short and photo‑friendly.
Have lunch nearby before returning to Shillong or depart directly to Guwahati depending on flight time; choose a place with good hygiene and child options.
Drive back to GAU allowing at least 3 hours total from lakeside to airport (drive ~2.5–3h depending on traffic) to account for check‑in and toddler prep.
Board your budget flight home; aim for afternoon/evening flights to avoid night road travel to Shillong earlier in the trip. Budget carriers with frequent GAU connections: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India — check early fares and book refundable/flexible options for toddlers.