Begin your solo adventure in Meghalaya by arriving in the charming city of Shillong. In the morning, explore the lively Police Bazar, a popular shopping hub, where you can find traditional handicrafts and delicious street food. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Ward's Lake for a tranquil boat ride surrounded by lush gardens. As the evening sets in, head to the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Police Bazar: INR 500, 2 hours
Ward's Lake: INR 200, 1.5 hours
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: INR 300, 2 hours
Restaurants
Café Shillong: A cozy café known for its delicious breakfast options like fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
City Hut Dhaba: A popular roadside eatery serving authentic North Indian dishes for lunch, such as butter chicken and garlic naan. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Piccadilly Restaurant: A fine dining establishment offering a range of cuisines for dinner, from Indian to Chinese. Try their signature dishes like butter garlic prawns and paneer tikka. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Cherrapunjee and Living Root Bridges
Embark on a day trip to Cherrapunjee, known for its stunning waterfalls and living root bridges. In the morning, visit the enchanting Seven Sisters Falls and the Nohkalikai Falls, which cascades from a height of 1,100 feet. After lunch, hike to the Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, a fascinating natural wonder created by intertwining the roots of ancient trees. End the day by exploring the Mawsmai Caves, a labyrinth of limestone caves with impressive stalactite formations.
Seven Sisters Falls: Free, 1 hour
Nohkalikai Falls: Free, 1 hour
Double-Decker Living Root Bridge: Free, 3 hours
Mawsmai Caves: INR 50, 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Shillong, located in Shillong, is a charming breakfast spot serving a variety of local and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Polo Orchid Restaurant, situated in Cherrapunjee, offers a delightful lunch experience with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Dylan's Cafe, nestled in Shillong, is a popular dinner spot known for its cozy ambiance and delicious food. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Dawki and Shnongpdeng
Travel to the picturesque town of Dawki, located on the border of India and Bangladesh. Start your day by boating in the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River, surrounded by scenic landscapes. Afterward, journey to Shnongpdeng, a serene village known for its natural beauty. Indulge in adventurous activities like river tubing and cliff jumping. As the sun sets, relax by the riverside and savor a delicious local meal.
Umngot River Boating: INR 500, 2 hours
River Tubing and Cliff Jumping in Shnongpdeng: INR 1000, 3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Dawki is Café Shillong Delight, offering a variety of delicious breakfast options like pancakes, omelettes, and local delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to the Bamboo Hut Restaurant in Shnongpdeng, known for its authentic Meghalayan cuisine. Try their signature dishes like Jadoh (rice and meat) and Tungrymbai (fermented soybeans). The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at the Riverside Resto Bar in Dawki, a charming restaurant overlooking the river. Enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, including freshly caught fish. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, November 23: Mawlynnong and Dawki Living Root Bridge
Visit the picturesque village of Mawlynnong, often referred to as the cleanest village in Asia. Explore the Living Root Bridge here, a marvelous example of bioengineering. Enjoy the lush greenery and tranquility of this village. In the afternoon, return to Dawki and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River. Take in the scenic beauty and capture memorable moments.
Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge: INR 50, 2 hours
Umngot River Dip: Free, 1.5 hours
Friday, November 24: Jowai and Krang Suri Falls
Head to the town of Jowai, known for its mystical charm and scenic landscapes. Start your day by exploring the Nartiang Monoliths, ancient stone monoliths with historical significance. Afterward, make your way to the enchanting Krang Suri Falls, where you can swim in turquoise pools surrounded by lush forests. Spend the evening in Jowai, immersing yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
Nartiang Monoliths: INR 50, 2 hours
Krang Suri Falls: INR 50, 3 hours
Saturday, November 25: Mawsynram and Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Explore the wettest place on earth, Mawsynram. Marvel at the natural beauty of the region, including the Mawsmai Cave and the mesmerizing Rainbow Falls. In the afternoon, visit the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a sacred grove known for its unique flora and fauna. Take a guided nature walk and learn about the local Khasi culture and traditions. End the day with a peaceful evening in Mawsynram.
Mawsmai Cave: INR 50, 1.5 hours
Rainbow Falls: Free, 1 hour
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: INR 200, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Cherrapunjee, known for its delicious breakfast sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head over to Orange Roots, a charming restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Try their mouthwatering local dishes like Jadoh and Doh Khlieh. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at David Scott's Trail Restaurant, located near Mawsmai Cave. Indulge in their delectable Indian and Chinese cuisine while enjoying the cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunday, November 26: Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls
On your last day, visit the Shillong Peak and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills. Take a refreshing walk through the pine forests and soak in the serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the Elephant Falls, a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Reflect on your memorable trip while enjoying the beauty of nature. End your day with a delightful dinner in Shillong.
Shillong Peak: INR 30, 1 hour
Elephant Falls: INR 50, 1.5 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Meghalaya, make sure to visit the hidden gem of Mawlyngbna, a village known for its stunning natural beauty and opportunities for trekking and camping. Another local favorite is the Mawphlang Village, where you can witness ancient rituals and ceremonies performed by the indigenous Khasi community. Don't miss the chance to try the local delicacies, such as Jadoh (a rice and meat dish) and Nakham Bitchi (fermented soybean chutney).