12-Day Nature Itinerary in Meghalaya

1. Day 1: Umiam Lake
   30 minutes (16 km) from Shillong

   Relax and enjoy the scenic views.

2. Day 2: Elephant Falls
   20 minutes (12 km) from Umiam Lake

   Admire the beauty of the three-tiered falls.

3. Day 3: Dawki
   3 hours (83 km) from Elephant Falls

   Take a boat ride on the crystal-clear Umngot River.

4. Day 4: Mawlynnong
   2 hours (66 km) from Dawki

   Discover Asia's cleanest village and walk across the Living Root Bridge.

5. Day 5: Cherrapunji
   2 hours (53 km) from Mawlynnong

   Visit the Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and Seven Sisters Falls.

6. Day 6: Double Decker Living Root Bridge
   2 hours (55 km) from Cherrapunji

   Trek through the lush rainforest to witness this marvel.

7. Day 7: Umden Village
   3 hours (90 km) from Double Decker Living Root Bridge

   Experience the traditional Khasi lifestyle and go zip-lining in Asia's longest zip-line.

8. Day 8: Umiam Lake Water Sports Complex
   2 hours (62 km) from Umden Village

   Engage in various water activities like kayaking, water skiing, and paddle boating.

9. Day 9: Nongkhnum River Island
   2 hours (50 km) from Umiam Lake Water Sports Complex

   Visit Meghalaya's largest river island and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Khasi hills.

10. Day 10: Balpakram National Park
    4 hours (145 km) from Nongkhnum River Island

    Explore the wildlife and biodiversity of this national park.

11. Day 11: Jowai
    4 hours (124 km) from Balpakram National Park

    Visit the Krang Suri Falls and the Nartiang Monoliths.

12. Day 12: Laitlum Canyons
    2 hours (52 km) from Jowai

    Take a scenic trek to enjoy the panoramic views of the Laitlum Grand Canyon.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Umiam Lake (2-3 hours, free)
• Elephant Falls (1-2 hours, INR 20)
• Dawki Boat Ride (1-2 hours, INR 500)
• Mawlynnong Village (2-3 hours, INR 50)
• Cherrapunji (1-2 days, INR 400-500)
• Double Decker Living Root Bridge (5 hours, INR 300 per person plus guide fee)
• Umden Village (1-2 hours, INR 500 for zip-lining)
• Umiam Lake Water Sports Complex (2-3 hours, INR 500 for water activities)
• Nongkhnum River Island (2-3 hours, boat ride INR 1000)
• Balpakram National Park (1-2 days, INR 75 for entry)
• Jowai (1-2 days, INR 40 for entry to Krang Suri Falls)
• Laitlum Canyons (2-3 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,005-3,305

Useful Tips

For a less crowded experience, visit the popular places during weekdays. If you have more time, you can include a night stay at Mawphlang Sacred Grove for a splendid experience. You can skip some of the destinations if you have less than 12 days. Consider staying in Shillong as most of the destinations are within a 2-hour radius from there.