5-day Nature itinerary for Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki

  1. Day 1: Elephant Falls and Wards Lake
    1 hour 15 minutes (20 km) from Shillong

    Start your trip with a visit to the mesmerizing Elephant Falls, a three-tier waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Then, take a stroll around Wards Lake and admire the colorful flowers and beautiful landscapes while boating or walking around the lake.

  2. Day 2: Mawphlang Sacred Forest and Dawki River
    3 hours 20 minutes (78 km) from Wards Lake

    Visit the mystical Mawphlang Sacred Forest, believed to be over 1,000 years old and revered by the Khasi tribe, which houses numerous species of flora and fauna. Then, head to the clear turquoise waters of the Dawki River and take a boat ride to explore the natural beauty of the Umngot River.

  3. Day 3: Living Root Bridge and Nohkalikai Falls
    2 hours 30 minutes (54 km) from Dawki River

    Witness the awe-inspiring Living Root Bridge, an astonishing natural marvel created by the Khasi tribe from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree. Then, check out the Nohkalikai Falls, the highest plunge waterfall in India, which splashes down hundreds of feet onto a verdant forested floor.

  4. Day 4: Dainthlen Falls and Mawsmai Cave
    30 minutes (15 km) from Nohkalikai Falls

    Take a hike to the spectacular Dainthlen Falls, a cascading waterfall that resembles the head of a serpent. Then, explore the mysterious Mawsmai Cave, known for its limestone formations and unique geology, to get a feel of being in a different world.

  5. Day 5: Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures and Sweet Falls
    2 hours 30 minutes (95 km) from Mawsmai Cave

    Finish your trip with a visit to the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, a museum that showcases the diverse cultural heritage of northeast India. Then, drive to the picturesque Sweet Falls and appreciate the beauty of the waterfall amidst the idyllic landscape.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Elephant Falls (1 hour, Free)
  • Wards Lake (1 hour, Free)
  • Mawphlang Sacred Forest (2 hours, 10 INR entrance fee)
  • Boat ride at Dawki River (1 hour, 500 INR)
  • Living Root Bridge (2 hours, Free)
  • Nohkalikai Falls (1 hour, 20 INR entrance fee)
  • Dainthlen Falls (1 hour, Free)
  • Mawsmai Cave (1 hour, 100 INR entrance fee)
  • Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (1-2 hours, 100 INR entrance fee)
  • Sweet Falls (1 hour, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 730 INR per person

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can visit Krang Suri Falls or Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji. If you have less time, you can skip Sweet Falls or Mawsmai Cave. Wear comfortable shoes, carry an umbrella or raincoat, and do not litter in order to preserve the natural beauty of the region.

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