7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Meghalaya in December 2023

1. Day 1: Shillong
   30 minutes (9.7 km) from Shillong Airport

   In the morning, visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to learn about the region's history and culture. For the afternoon, explore the beautiful Ward's Lake and have a relaxing picnic. In the evening, head to the Police Bazar for some shopping and local street food.

2. Day 2: Cherrapunjee
   2 hours (54 km) from Shillong

   Start the day early and hike to the stunning Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India. In the afternoon, visit the Mawsmai Cave and see the beautiful natural limestone formations. End the day with a visit to the Dainthlen Falls and explore the nearby Khasi villages.

3. Day 3: Dawki
   2.5 hours (80 km) from Cherrapunjee

   Visit the famous living root bridges of Meghalaya in the morning at Mawlynnong Village. Drive to Dawki and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River with a boating excursion. In the evening, see the breathtaking sunset at the Dawki Bridge.

4. Day 4: Jowai
   2 hours (64 km) from Dawki

   Visit the Syntu Ksiar, a sacred forest, and the Thadlaskein Lake in Jowai. Learn about the fascinating myths and legends surrounding these places. In the evening, explore the bustling Bara Bazar.

5. Day 5: Mawphlang
   2 hours (50 km) from Jowai

   Visit the Mawphlang Sacred Grove and learn about the Khasi people's traditional beliefs and customs. Take a guided trek through the forest and see the rare flora and fauna. In the evening, visit the Lum Sohpetbneng Peak for a stunning view of the city lights.

6. Day 6: Nongriat
   3 hours (80 km) from Mawphlang

   Start the day early and hike to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat. Visit the Rainbow Falls and explore the charming village of Nongthymmai. In the evening, relax at the homestay and enjoy a traditional Khasi dinner.

7. Day 7: Shnongpdeng
   3 hours (103 km) from Nongriat

   Visit the Krang Suri Falls and enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters. Drive to Shnongpdeng and try your hand at river rafting on the Umngot River. In the evening, relax at the campsite and enjoy a bonfire and barbecue.

Recommendations

Don't miss the chance to try the local cuisine, especially the Jadoh (rice cooked with meat and spices) and Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame and ginger). Consider taking a side trip to the nearby state of Assam to visit the Kaziranga National Park. To maximize your fun, try to book homestays with local families to learn more about their culture and traditions.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (3 hours, ₹150 per person)
• Ward's Lake (2 hours, free entry)
• Police Bazar (2 hours, varies based on shopping and food)
• Nohkalikai Falls (2 hours, ₹20 per person)
• Mawsmai Cave (1 hour, ₹20 per person)
• Dainthlen Falls (1 hour, free entry)
• Living root bridges (4 hours, ₹300-500 per guide)
• Umngot River boating (2 hours, ₹500-700 per boat)
• Syntu Ksiar and Thadlaskein Lake (3 hours, free entry)
• Mawphlang Sacred Grove (4 hours, ₹20 per person)
• Double Decker Living Root Bridge (6 hours, ₹500-700 per guide)
• Rainbow Falls (2 hours, free entry)
• Krang Suri Falls (3 hours, ₹20 per person)
• River rafting (2 hours, ₹1200-1500 per person)

• Total Estimated Costs: ₹5000-8000 per person (excluding accommodation and transportation)

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