Welcome to Shillong! Start your trip by exploring the charming city. In the morning, visit the Ward's Lake, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely boat ride or enjoy a peaceful walk along the lake's promenade. For the afternoon, head to the Don Bosco Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India. In the evening, stroll through Police Bazar, the bustling market area, and indulge in some retail therapy.
Don Bosco Museum: Entrance fee - INR 100, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Police Bazar: Shopping expenses vary, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Shillong, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out The Bistro, a trendy restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit the ML05, a popular restaurant known for its delectable local Meghalayan dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, August 8: Cherrapunjee Excursion
Embark on a day trip to Cherrapunjee, renowned as the wettest place on Earth. Start your morning with a visit to the Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Enjoy the breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. For the afternoon, explore the Mawsmai Cave, a limestone cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. End the day with a visit to the Seven Sisters Falls, a mesmerizing cascade of waterfalls.
For breakfast, head to Cafe Shillong, located in the heart of the city. This cozy cafe offers a range of delicious breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit The Asian Confluence, a unique restaurant that combines Asian flavors with local ingredients. Their menu features a variety of Asian dishes including sushi, noodles, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, indulge in authentic Khasi cuisine at Dhaba by Amber. This popular restaurant offers traditional Khasi dishes like Jadoh (a rice and meat dish), Tungtap (smoked pork), and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean curry). Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Wednesday, August 9: Shillong Peak and Golf Course
In the morning, head to Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills. Take in the breathtaking scenery and capture memorable photographs. Afterward, visit the Shillong Golf Course, one of the oldest golf courses in India. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon amidst lush greenery and rolling fairways. In the evening, explore the vibrant cafes and restaurants of Laitumkhrah, a popular food hub in Shillong.
Laitumkhrah: Food expenses vary, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Shillong, located near Shillong Peak. This cozy cafe serves a variety of breakfast options, including sandwiches, pancakes, and local specialties. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to City Hut Family Dhaba, a popular restaurant known for its delicious Indian and Chinese dishes. This family-friendly eatery offers a wide range of options, from biryanis to noodles, at an average cost of around ₹300 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at Jadoh, a charming restaurant in Laitumkhrah. Jadoh specializes in traditional Khasi cuisine, featuring mouthwatering dishes like pork momos and Jhur Smai (red rice with meat). The average cost for a meal at Jadoh is about ₹400 per person.
Thursday, August 10: Elephant Falls and Lady Hydari Park
Start your day with a visit to the Elephant Falls, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Take a leisurely walk around the falls and enjoy the tranquility of nature. For the afternoon, explore the Lady Hydari Park, a picturesque garden with manicured lawns, flower beds, and a mini-zoo. Spend some time relaxing amidst the natural beauty of the park. In the evening, discover the local culinary delights at Police Bazar.
Lady Hydari Park: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Police Bazar: Food expenses vary, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at The Corner Cafe, a cozy breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Dylan's Cafe, a popular eatery offering a variety of sandwiches and burgers. Don't miss their special pulled pork sandwich. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Heritage Club, a fine dining restaurant known for its authentic Indian cuisine. Try their flavorful biryanis and tandoori dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, August 11: Mawlynnong Village and Dawki River
Embark on a day trip to the pristine village of Mawlynnong, known as the cleanest village in Asia. Explore the living root bridges and experience the village's eco-friendly way of life. In the afternoon, visit the crystal-clear waters of the Dawki River and take a boat ride to witness the stunning riverbed and underwater rock formations. Enjoy the tranquility of nature before heading back to Shillong in the evening.
For breakfast, head to Café Shillong, a cozy café known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. A meal here costs around ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try out ML 05 Cafe, a popular eatery serving a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The average cost for a meal at ML 05 Cafe is around ₹500 per person.
For dinner, dine at City Hut Family Dhaba, a rustic restaurant offering North Indian dishes like butter chicken and paneer tikka. A meal at City Hut Family Dhaba costs around ₹300 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly relaxing experience, venture off the beaten path and visit Laitlum Canyons, located near Shillong. These breathtaking canyons offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Spend a peaceful day surrounded by nature's beauty. Additionally, indulge in the local cuisine and try the traditional Khasi delicacies like Jadoh (pork and rice dish) and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean paste). The local markets are also great places to explore and find unique handicrafts and souvenirs.