8-Day Meghalaya & Kaziranga Loop: Rhinos, Root Bridges and Crystal Rivers

Day 1: Arrival & Kaziranga

Guwahati → Kaziranga, India on November 11, 2025

8:00am

Arrive Guwahati / Pick up

Land at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (GAU) and meet your driver. Collect any pre-booked permits and start the drive east to Kaziranga National Park (approx 4–5 hours).
INR0, 5h0m

1:30pm

Hotel check-in & lunch

Check in at a wildlife lodge near the park, freshen up and have lunch at the lodge; many lodges serve Assamese and Indian meals—good time to confirm safari bookings with reception (jeep/elephant).
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Afternoon Jeep Safari (Western/Central Range)

Take an afternoon jeep safari to begin spotting one-horned rhinos, wild water buffalo, and many birds; afternoon jeep safaris typically run from about 2:00pm to 5:00pm (times vary by range).
INR800, 2h30m

5:30pm

Evening nature walk / Interpretation centre

If you have energy, visit a nearby interpretation centre or take a short guided walk around the lodge area to learn about local conservation and birdlife; centres usually close by early evening.
INR100, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at lodge

Dinner at the lodge featuring local Assamese dishes (try tenga fish, bamboo shoot curry) — lodges generally serve dinner around 7:00–8:30pm.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 2: Wildlife Safaris

Kaziranga National Park, India on November 12, 2025

5:30am

Optional Elephant Safari (Bagori range)

An early-morning elephant safari is the best way to see rhinos at eye level (availability is limited and seasonal); elephant safaris usually operate around 5:30am–7:30am and need advance booking.
INR400, 2h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Return for a hearty breakfast at your lodge; fuel up before the next jeep safari or a drive out toward different park ranges.
INR400, 45m

9:30am

Morning Jeep Safari (different range)

Take a morning jeep safari to a different range (Central/Western/Eastern) to maximise species sightings; morning safaris usually run from about 6:00am–10:00am depending on season.
INR800, 3h0m

1:00pm

Check out & drive to Shillong

After lunch, check out and begin the drive south-east to Shillong (approx 4.5–5.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions).
INR0, 5h0m

7:30pm

Arrive Shillong & dinner

Arrive in Shillong, check into your hotel and have dinner — try a place serving Khasi dishes (jadoh or dohneiiong) to get a taste of local cuisine; many restaurants are open until about 9–10pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 3: Shillong Sights

Shillong, India on November 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Café Shillong (Police Bazaar)

Start the day with breakfast at a popular local café in Police Bazaar; cafés typically open from 8:00am and serve coffee, eggs and local breads.
INR350, 45m

9:30am

Don Bosco Museum

Visit the Don Bosco Museum (usually open 9:30am–5:00pm) to learn about the tribes and cultures of North-East India through well-curated exhibits—highly recommended for cultural context.
INR100, 1h30m

11:30am

Shillong Peak & Elephant Falls

Drive up to Shillong Peak for panoramic views (park area access roughly 8:00am–5:30pm), then visit Elephant Falls (open 8:00am–5:00pm) on the descent — both are short stops but scenic.
INR50, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Local Khasi restaurant

Have lunch at a restaurant serving Khasi food (try jadoh, pork dohneiiong or vegetarian stews) to sample authentic local flavours; most eateries are open 11:00am–3:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ward's Lake & Police Bazaar shopping

Stroll around Ward's Lake and browse Police Bazaar for local handicrafts, woollens and souvenirs; shops are generally open until 8:00–9:00pm.
INR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Recommended: City café/restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a well-reviewed city restaurant offering a mix of Indian and continental dishes; Shillong has vibrant café culture and many places stay open late.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 4: Cherrapunji (Sohra)

Cherrapunji / Sohra, India on November 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & depart for Sohra

Early breakfast at the hotel, then leave for Cherrapunji (Sohra) — the drive is roughly 1.5–2 hours and takes you higher into the Khasi hills with spectacular views.
INR300, 2h0m

9:30am

Mawsmai Cave

Explore Mawsmai Cave (generally open 9:00am–4:00pm) — an easy, well-lit cave with limestone formations accessible to most visitors; bring a torch and sturdy shoes.
INR50, 1h0m

11:00am

Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint

Visit the Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint (viewing hours typically daylight hours) — one of India’s tallest plunge waterfalls with dramatic views and photo opportunities.
INR20, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch in Cherrapunji

Have lunch at a local restaurant or the guest house; simple, fresh local ingredients and stews are common—many eateries are open through mid-afternoon.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Seven Sisters Falls & Thangkharang Park

Visit viewpoints such as Seven Sisters Falls and Thangkharang Park for panoramas over the valleys; these sites are best seen in clear weather and are open during daylight hours.
INR0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner & overnight

Return to your guesthouse or eco-hotel for dinner and an early night, preparing for a full-day trek on the morrow.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 5: Living Root Bridge Trek

Sohra (Tyrna / Nongriat area), India on November 15, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast & depart for Nongriat/Tyrna trailhead

Have an early breakfast and transfer to the trailhead (start early to avoid midday heat and crowds). Local guides are strongly recommended — they know the route and safety precautions.
INR200, 30m

7:30am

Trek to Double-Decker Living Root Bridge

Trek one-way 4–6 kilometres with many stone steps through jungle, waterfalls and small villages to reach the famous Double-Decker Living Root Bridge — the round-trip can take 5–8 hours depending on pace and stops; the trail is open year-round but can be slippery in wet season.
INR600, 6h0m

1:30pm

Packed lunch / riverside lunch

Eat a packed lunch by the stream or a small local eatery near the bridge — simple, filling food (rice, dal, vegetables) is typical; plan for limited facilities on the trail.
INR300, 45m

3:30pm

Return trek & relax at guesthouse

Return to your overnight village or Cherrapunji area, rest and enjoy a hot shower; expect tired legs and rewarding scenery.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Local homestay or guesthouse

Dinner at the guesthouse; many homestays serve home-cooked meals and are a good way to experience Khasi hospitality (dinner often served around 7:00–8:00pm).
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 6: Mawlynnong & Dawki

Mawlynnong & Dawki, India on November 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & drive to Mawlynnong

After breakfast, drive southeast to Mawlynnong (approx 2.5–3 hours), the village famous for cleanliness and skywalk views; village attractions are open during daylight hours.
INR300, 3h0m

10:30am

Explore Mawlynnong village

Walk the tidy lanes, visit the living root bridge at nearby Riwai if time permits, and climb the Sky View tower for panoramic views; village is open to visitors all day but quiet in early morning/late afternoon.
INR50, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Mawlynnong

Have lunch at a local café or homestay serving regional food—expect fresh, simple vegetarian options and snacks.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Dawki & Umngot River boat ride

Drive to Dawki (approx 45–60 minutes) and take a clear-water boat ride on the Umngot River (boat rides typically run 9:00am–4:00pm and depend on river/seasonal conditions) — ideal for photos of the water so clear boats seem to float.
INR600, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Shillong

Drive back to Shillong (approx 3–3.5 hours) for overnight — arrive in the evening and relax at your hotel.
INR0, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner in Shillong

Enjoy dinner at a recommended restaurant back in Shillong—opt for something light after a long day of travel and walking.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 7: Return to Guwahati

Shillong → Guwahati, India on November 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Have breakfast at your Shillong hotel, then check out and start the drive back west toward Guwahati (approx 3.5–4 hours).
INR300, 45m

12:30pm

Arrive Guwahati — lunch

Arrive in Guwahati and have lunch at a well-rated city restaurant; try Assamese specialities or north-eastern fusion dishes—many restaurants open 11:00am–10:00pm.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kamakhya Temple visit

Visit Kamakhya Temple (temple visiting hours typically early morning and late afternoon/evening; darshan times vary so check locally) — an important pilgrimage site with panoramic views over Guwahati.
INR0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Brahmaputra River sunset cruise

Take a short sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra (cruises commonly run mid-afternoon to early evening) to enjoy riverside views and local river life—book in advance if possible.
INR400, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Guwahati

Dinner at a recommended Guwahati restaurant serving Assamese and pan-Indian cuisine; lively evening food scene and many options are open until late.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 8: Departure Day

Guwahati, India on November 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Have breakfast at your hotel and check out. If you have time before your flight, pack and confirm transfer timing with the hotel.
INR300, 45m

9:30am

Assam State Museum or local market visit

If your flight is later in the day, visit the Assam State Museum (generally open 10:00am–4:30pm) or stroll a local market for last-minute souvenirs; both are good short visits near the city centre.
INR30, 1h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Guwahati airport

Allow 45–60 minutes to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport depending on traffic; arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight.
INR0, 1h0m

2:00pm

Depart Guwahati

Board your flight home or onward—end of the 8-day Meghalaya & Kaziranga loop.
INR0, 0h30m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed