Start your adventure in Shillong by exploring the vibrant city. In the morning, visit the picturesque Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani, where you can enjoy boating and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Afterward, head to the Don Bosco Museum, a seven-story museum showcasing the culture, history, and traditions of Northeast India. In the afternoon, visit the Elephant Falls, a three-tiered waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along Police Bazaar, the bustling market area, where you can shop for local handicrafts and taste delicious street food.
Café Shillong: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Shillong, known for its cozy ambiance and wide range of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Dylan's Café: For a satisfying lunch, head to Dylan's Café, a popular spot offering a variety of dishes from Indian to continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Meghalaya's Kitchen: End your day with a scrumptious dinner at Meghalaya's Kitchen, where you can savor authentic local dishes infused with flavors of the region. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Thursday, September 7: Caving and Waterfalls
Embark on an adventurous day exploring the natural wonders of Meghalaya. Start your morning by driving to Sohra (Cherrapunji), known as the "wettest place on earth." Explore the Mawsmai Cave, a limestone cave system offering an exhilarating caving experience. Afterward, visit the Seven Sisters Falls, a magnificent waterfall formed by seven different streams. In the afternoon, continue to Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, plunging from a height of 1,120 feet. As the day comes to an end, witness the breathtaking sunset at the Eco Park, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Mawsmai Cave: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Eco Park: Estimated Cost - INR 30 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Shillong is Cafe Shillong, known for its delicious local dishes and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Dylan's Cafe, a vibrant restaurant offering a wide range of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Italian. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at City Hut Family Dhaba, a well-known restaurant serving authentic North Indian dishes. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and offers affordable meals with an average cost of about 300 INR per person.
Friday, September 8: Living Root Bridges and Mawlynnong Village
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Meghalaya's living root bridges and the cleanest village in Asia. Begin your day by driving to Tyrna village and trekking to the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village. Marvel at the unique bioengineering marvels created by the Khasi tribes. Afterward, drive to Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, known for its well-maintained gardens and bamboo structures. Explore the living root bridge in Mawlynnong and enjoy panoramic views of Bangladesh from the Sky View Point. In the evening, interact with the locals and savor authentic Khasi cuisine.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Estimated Cost - INR 10 per person (for guide), Time Spent - 5-6 hours
Sky View Point: Estimated Cost - INR 10 per person, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Café Shillong: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Shillong, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Meghalaya Kitchen: For a traditional Khasi lunch experience, head to Meghalaya Kitchen and indulge in their authentic Khasi thali. Average cost for a lunch meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Lake View Café: Enjoy a romantic dinner at Lake View Café, which offers a stunning view of Umiam Lake. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes including Indian and Chinese cuisines. Average cost for a dinner meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Saturday, September 9: Adventure at Dawki and Mawphlang
Embark on an adventurous day exploring Dawki and Mawphlang. Begin your morning by visiting Dawki, a town on the border of India and Bangladesh. Enjoy a thrilling boat ride on the crystal clear waters of the Umngot River, known for its surreal beauty. Afterward, drive to Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a dense forest known for its biodiversity and sacred significance to the Khasi tribes. Take a guided nature walk and learn about the unique flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the David Scott Trail, a historic trekking route connecting Assam and Bangladesh. As the day ends, enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature.
Dawki: Estimated Cost - Boat Ride (INR 500 per boat), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person (guide), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
David Scott Trail: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Shillong is Cafe Shillong, known for its delicious continental and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, head to Dylan's Cafe, a cozy restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines including Tibetan, Indian, and Italian. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Munchies, a local favorite known for its eclectic menu of Chinese, Indian, and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventure enthusiasts, don't miss the opportunity to go trekking in the scenic valleys of Meghalaya. The Dzukou Valley Trek near Shillong offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush green landscapes, and beautiful wildflowers. Another hidden gem is the Nongkhnum Island, the largest river island in Meghalaya, where you can indulge in camping, fishing, and kayaking along the clear waters of the Umngot River. These off-the-beaten-path attractions are loved by locals and provide an immersive experience in Meghalaya's natural wonders.