Five-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Meghalaya

  1. Day 1: Shillong
    5 minutes (1.5 km) from Ward's Lake

    Start the day with a visit to the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, showcasing the diversity of the region's tribes. Move on to stroll through the scenic Ward's Lake, then hike the Shillong Peak for panoramic city views.

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

    Head to the rainiest place on earth to see the amazing Nohkalikai Falls, followed by the Mawsmai Cave for natural limestone formations. Complete your day with the magnificent Thangkharang Park, featuring a waterfall and a view of Bangladesh plains.

  3. Day 3: Dawki
    3 hours 50 minutes (82 km) from Cherrapunji

    Take a day trip to the serene town of Dawki and marvel at the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River while on a boat ride. Then, walk along the Living Root Bridge in nearby Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia.

  4. Day 4: Nongriat
    2 hours (60 km) from Dawki

    Go on a trek to the hidden gem of Meghalaya, Nongriat Village. Visit the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, swim in the natural pool beneath the Rainbow Falls, and relish in nature's serenity.

  5. Day 5: Mawlynnong
    2 hours (70 km) from Nongriat

    End your trip at the idyllic village of Mawlynnong, famous for its beautiful gardens, treehouses, and the fascinating Sky View Platform. Visit the Balancing Rock and see if you can spot the Seven Sister Waterfalls from afar.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (2 hours, INR 80)
  • Boating on Umngot River (1 hour, INR 300 per boat)
  • Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong (1 hour, INR 50)
  • Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat (2 hours, INR 100)
  • Thangkharang Park (1 hour, Free)
  • Mawsmai Cave (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Shillong Peak (1 hour, Free)
  • Nohkalikai Falls (1 hour, Free)
  • Balancing Rock in Mawlynnong (1 hour, INR 10)
  • Sky View Platform in Mawlynnong (30 minutes, INR 10)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding transportation): INR 750

Useful Tips

If you have more time, explore more of Shillong by visiting Elephant Falls and the Lady Hydari Park. Add a day to hike on the David Scott Trail, or visit the sacred Mawphlang Forest. If you have less time, skip Nongriat and spend more time in Dawki or Mawlynnong.

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