Since you arrive today and it's already past midnight local time, enjoy a relaxed morning that starts a bit later-stroll through the peaceful lawns of Ward's Lake and feed the carp while sipping a hot local tea at a nearby stall. Afterward, wander up to Police Bazar for a casual brunch at a café, pick up local handicrafts, and soak in the lively market vibe as you orient yourself to Shillong's hill-station rhythm.
Take a leisurely stroll up to Lady Hydari Park to admire the terraced gardens and orchid house, then pause at the viewpoint for sweeping hill-station panoramas as the afternoon light softens. From there, head to Police Bazar's rooftop cafes (different from the morning market browsing) for a late lunch of Khasi-style dishes and chai, then wander to the nearby Shillong Golf Course for a peaceful walk across its rolling greens as the day cools into evening.
As the night settles, wander to the lively food stretch near Police Bazar Food Street to sample steaming bowls of jadoh, momos, and local Khasi snacks at small street stalls while soaking in the evening buzz. After dinner, head up to Lum Nehru Park for a gentle stroll under fairy lights and live music from local performers, then finish with a nightcap at a cozy rooftop bar overlooking Police Bazar to plan tomorrow's waterfall excursions.
Rise early and head out for misty vistas at Elephant Falls, where tiered cascades and forested paths invite a short, refreshing walk followed by chai at a nearby stall; from there continue to the lookout at Shillong Peak for sunrise panoramas over the valley and a clear sense of the day's route. Afterward, descend toward Bara Pani for a peaceful riverside stroll and a picnic breakfast on smooth rocks, listening to the tumbling water as you plan the afternoon's waterfall hops.
After a misty morning, drive toward David Scott Trail for a gentle, scenic walk through pine forests and old railway bridges, pausing for photos and a thermos of hot tea; the trail's quiet mood complements the morning's waterfall focus while introducing peaceful countryside vistas. Continue to Laitlum Viewpoint for sweeping, layered valley panoramas as the sun lowers, then stop at a roadside stall to sample warm local snacks before returning to Shillong for an early dinner and evening plans.
As dusk settles, head to Sweet Falls for a tranquil riverside walk and the softly lit cascade views, then stop at the nearby Cafe Shillong (or a similar hilltop tea stall) for hot kahwa and local snacks while the valley dims. Finish the night with live folk music and Khasi-style plates at Ka Ktieng Nongkrem or a cozy cultural café in the town center, letting local tunes and stories round out a day of natural vistas.
Start with a relaxed breakfast at a beloved local café near Police Bazar, then head to the serene ponds and fern-lined paths of Ward's Lake for a paddle-boat ride and birdwatching among resident kingfishers. From there, visit the atmospheric campus of Don Bosco Museum to explore its layered exhibits on Khasi life and ethnography, followed by a mid-morning stop at Shillong's Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians to admire stained glass and the peaceful hilltop views before a leisurely tea at a nearby bakery.
Wander through the charming lanes of Police Bazar Market, hunting for handwoven shawls and locally made bamboo crafts, then duck into the intimate Laitumkhrah Bookstores to browse regional literature and pick up a guide to Khasi folklore. Later, savor a leisurely late lunch at Trattoria (or a similar Shillong bistro) sampling fusion Khasi dishes, then take a contemplative walk to Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians' nearby viewpoint for soft afternoon light and panoramic town views before returning to your hotel to refresh for an evening of local performances.
As twilight falls, wander to Lum Nehru Park to enjoy its illuminated fountains and local families playing traditional games, then stroll along the adjacent promenade toward Police Bazar Food Street to sample smoky grilled momos and steaming bowls of jadoh from beloved stalls. After dinner, catch an intimate live-music set at Cafe Shillong or a nearby cultural spot featuring Khasi acoustic performers, and finish the night with a late-evening chai at the cozy rooftop of Dhaba By The Lake (or a similar lookout) while the town lights twinkle below.
Leave Shillong early and drive through misty hills to Seven Sisters Falls for dramatic morning light on the cascading tiers, then stop at Thangkharang Park to peer into the sweeping valley and snap panoramic photos from its cliffside viewpoints. Continue to Arwah Caves for a short guided exploration of limestone formations and cool subterranean pools, finishing with a roadside breakfast of hot local porridge and piping chai at a village stall near Arwah as you prepare for midday visits to the famed Cherrapunji attractions.
After a hearty roadside breakfast, head to the windswept rim of Nohkalikai Falls' viewing platform for dramatic close-up vistas, then follow the short trail down to the river viewpoint for different angles and mossy photo opportunities. Continue to the limestone wonder of Mawsmai Cave for a guided stroll through glittering stalactite chambers, then visit the nearby skywalk at Arwah Viewpoint for sweeping valley panoramas before stopping at a village tea stall to sample hot local jadoh and honeyed tea as the light softens.
As dusk falls, wander to Thangkharang Park's lesser-known terrace to watch the valley light shift and enjoy hot tea from a nearby stall while local vendors roast corn; the park's quieter western edges offer peaceful sunset vistas away from the main crowd. Afterwards, head into the village to the cozy family-run Khasi homestay eatery for a home-cooked dinner of dohneiiong and sticky rice, then end the night with a short, stargazing walk to Mawkdok Viewpoint where the dark skies reveal Milky Way bands above the ridgelines.
Begin with a hearty breakfast at a local homestay, then set out early for a guided walk from Riwai through lush terraced fields to the lesser-crowded Double Decker Root Bridge (Umshiang), where moss-draped roots form natural arches over the stream-pause for photos and a cool dip in the clear pools below. Continue along the valley path to the serene Rainbow Falls viewpoint for morning light on the spray, stopping at a village stall to sample freshly brewed millet tea and roasted corn before retracing a gentle trail back toward Cherrapunji for lunch.
After returning from the Double Decker, take a shaded jeep ride to the small hamlet of Sohra Bazaar for a relaxed village lunch of smoky dohneiiong at a family stall, then continue to the quieter trailhead at Ka Likai Viewpoint for panoramic valley shots without the crowds. In the cooler afternoon light, explore the gently sloping path toward the lesser-known Umgen Rock Pools, where you can soak tired feet in clear water, visit a local honey-stand to sample wild forest honey, and pause at a roadside tea hut for steaming Khasi kahwa as the mist begins to drift down the ravine.
As twilight falls, stroll along the quiet village lanes to Riwai Viewpoint for soft, panoramic views of the valley and the last light on distant ridgelines, then drop into Langshiang Tea Hut to warm up with locally brewed kahwa and honeyed biscuits while chatting with villagers. Afterward, wander down to the lantern-lit banks of Umshiang Stream for a peaceful riverside supper of charcoal-grilled trout at a family stall, followed by a short, stargazing walk to Kyllang Rock outcrop to spot constellations and listen to nocturnal forest sounds before returning to your homestay.
Set out early for a crisp riverside start at Shnongpdeng where you can watch local fishermen on bamboo rafts and rent a transparent boat to glide over the glassy Umngot River for unparalleled underwater views of rocks and fish; pause on the riverbank for a hot cup of Khasi kahwa at Shnongpdeng Tea Hut. From there, drive a short scenic stretch to the living-edge picnic lawns near Kynrem Viewpoint for panoramic sunrise vistas over the Dawki valley, then stop at a roadside stall to sample freshly grilled river fish before heading toward Mawlynnong for the afternoon's village visit.
Drive from Dawki toward Mawlynnong and spend a peaceful afternoon wandering the immaculate lanes of Mawlynnong Village, visiting the famous balancing rock and the community-run eco-hut craft center to watch bamboo weaving demonstrations and buy handmade souvenirs. Afterward, stroll to the village's elevated viewing platform for sweeping views of the grassy Bangladesh plain, then enjoy a homestyle Khasi lunch at a family eatery sampling sticky rice with smoked pork and fresh forest honey before a short walk to the nearby Sky Walk (living-root viewpoint trail) for late-afternoon panoramas as the light softens.
As dusk falls, stroll to the riverside cluster around Dawki Bridge viewpoint to watch fishermen tuck their boats in and enjoy saffron-hued reflections of the surrounding hills, then warm up with a plate of charcoal-grilled local river fish at the family-run Dawki Riverside Stall while listening to gentle water sounds. After dinner, head to the nearby hillside hamlet of Rilmynsong for a quiet village walk among stilted kitchens and lantern-lit lanes, where you can join locals for a cup of kahwa and end the night with star-swept views over the plains from the small community sunset terrace.
Ease into your final morning with a slow breakfast at Cafe Shillong's sister outlet in Polo Grounds, then wander the quiet lanes to browse handloom shawls and Khasi spices at the nearby Polo Market, where small vendors offer last-minute souvenirs and homemade jams. Before checkout, stroll through the peaceful terraced lawns of Lady Canning's Garden for a final dose of hill-air, grab a takeaway cup of steaming kahwa from Mawkhar Tea Stall, and pause on the garden benches to savour the town's views as you pack and prepare to depart.
Spend a gentle afternoon exploring the leafy charm of Laitumkhrah Market, sampling local cheeses and pickles at family stalls before slipping into the quiet, book-lined café at Cafe Shillong (Laitumkhrah branch) for a long cup of kahwa and people-watching. Later, wander up to Shillong View Point (near Laban) for wide valley views as the light softens, then finish with a relaxed late lunch of Khasi specialties at the homely City Hut Family Restaurant, giving you a calm final taste of the region before returning to collect your luggage.
Unwind your final evening with a gentle walk through Raj Bhavan Road, stopping at the hilltop Polo View Terrace for a last panoramic look over the valley as twilight paints the ridgelines. Then settle into a convivial final dinner at Trattoria's rooftop extension (or a similar family-run bistro nearby) to savor Khasi favorites one more time, followed by a slow stroll to Police Bazar's Night Bazaar (seasonal stalls) for last-minute handicraft finds and a final cup of kahwa under string lights before returning to pack and rest for departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ward's Lake (paddle boat) | ₹50 |
| Police Bazar (brunch / rooftop cafe meal) | ₹300 |
| Lady Hydari Park | Free |
| Shillong Golf Course (walk) | Free |
| Police Bazar Food Street (street snacks - jadoh/momos etc.) | ₹200 |
| Lum Nehru Park | Free |
| Rooftop bar (nightcap) | ₹400 |
| Elephant Falls (entry) | ₹20 |
| Shillong Peak (viewpoint) | Free |
| Bara Pani (riverside stroll / picnic) | Free |
| David Scott Trail (self-guided walk) | Free |
| Laitlum Viewpoint | Free |
| Sweet Falls | Free |
| Cafe Shillong (tea/snacks) | ₹200 |
| Ka Ktieng Nongkrem / cultural cafe (live music + plate) | ₹500 |
| Don Bosco Museum (entry) | ₹100 |
| Ward's Lake (repeated paddle-boat counted once) | Free |
| Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians (visit) | Free |
| Police Bazar Market (shopping - handloom/bamboo crafts avg spend) | ₹800 |
| Laitumkhrah Bookstores (book purchase) | ₹300 |
| Trattoria (meal) | ₹600 |
| Seven Sisters Falls / Nohsngithiang Falls (viewpoint) | Free |
| Thangkharang Park (viewpoint) | Free |
| Arwah Caves (guided visit) | ₹200 |
| Nohkalikai Falls (viewpoint) | Free |
| Mawsmai Cave (entry) | ₹40 |
| Arwah Viewpoint / skywalk | Free |
| Khasi homestay eatery (dinner) | ₹350 |
| Double Decker Root Bridge (guided trek / permit/local guide) | ₹600 |
| Rainbow Falls viewpoint | Free |
| Jeep ride to Sohra Bazaar (shared transport per person estimate) | ₹200 |
| Umgen Rock Pools (entry/relaxation) | Free |
| Honey stand (sampling) | ₹100 |
| Riwai Viewpoint / Langshiang Tea Hut (tea) | ₹80 |
| Charcoal-grilled trout (village supper) | ₹350 |
| Shnongpdeng (transparent boat on Umngot River - glass boat rental) | ₹400 |
| Kynrem Viewpoint | Free |
| Mawlynnong Village (entry / village donations / craft demo purchases) | ₹150 |
| Mawlynnong viewing platform / Sky Walk | Free |
| Dawki Riverside Stall (grilled river fish meal) | ₹300 |
| Rilmynsong village walk / kahwa | ₹80 |
| Polo Market (souvenirs/last-minute shopping) | ₹400 |
| Lady Canning's Garden | Free |
| Mawkhar Tea Stall (takeaway kahwa) | ₹40 |
| Laitumkhrah Market (cheese/pickle tasting / purchases) | ₹200 |
| Shillong View Point (Laban) | Free |
| City Hut Family Restaurant (late lunch) | ₹350 |
| Raj Bhavan Road / Polo View Terrace (final stroll) | Free |
| Trattoria rooftop (final dinner) | ₹600 |
| Police Bazar Night Bazaar (seasonal stalls) | ₹200 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₹10,843 |