Meghalaya Shillong 5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary

Thursday, November 2: Explore Shillong City

Start your trip by exploring the vibrant city of Shillong. In the morning, visit the Elephant Falls, a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Take a leisurely walk around Ward's Lake, a popular spot for picnics. In the afternoon, head to the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to learn about the rich tribal heritage of the region. As the evening sets in, visit Police Bazaar, the bustling shopping area, and indulge in some local street food.

• Elephant Falls: INR 20 (Entrance Fee), 1-2 hours
• Ward's Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
• Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: INR 100 (Entrance Fee), 2-3 hours
• Police Bazaar: Cost varies based on purchases, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Shillong Times. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from English breakfast to local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Lamee Restaurant, a popular spot known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Treat yourself to flavorful curries and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• End your day with a delightful dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba. This restaurant serves mouthwatering Punjabi and Chinese dishes, perfect for satisfying your cravings. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.

Friday, November 3: Explore Cherrapunjee

Spend the day exploring the beautiful landscapes of Cherrapunjee. In the morning, visit the Seven Sisters Falls, a breathtaking waterfall formed by seven streams. Take a short hike to the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India. In the afternoon, explore the Mawsmai Caves, a network of limestone caves known for its unique formations. End the day with a visit to the living root bridges in Mawlynnong, a charming village known for its cleanliness.

• Seven Sisters Falls: INR 10 (Entrance Fee), 1-2 hours
• Nohkalikai Falls: INR 10 (Entrance Fee), 1-2 hours
• Mawsmai Caves: INR 20 (Entrance Fee), 1-2 hours
• Mawlynnong Village: INR 50 (Entrance Fee), 2-3 hours

Saturday, November 4: Visit Dawki and Mawlynnong

Embark on a day trip to Dawki and Mawlynnong. In the morning, visit the crystal clear waters of the Umngot River in Dawki and enjoy a boat ride. Take a picnic lunch by the river. In the afternoon, head to the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong. Explore the village and visit the Sky View Point for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Return to Shillong in the evening.

• Boat Ride in Dawki: INR 400-600 (Approx.), 2-3 hours
• Mawlynnong Village: INR 50 (Entrance Fee), 2-3 hours
• Sky View Point: INR 50 (Entrance Fee), 1-2 hours

Sunday, November 5: Discover Laitlum Canyons and Shillong Peak

Start your day by visiting the scenic Laitlum Canyons, located on the outskirts of Shillong. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the deep gorges and rolling hills. Pack a picnic lunch to savor amidst nature. In the afternoon, head to Shillong Peak, the highest point in the city, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Explore the nearby Mahadev Khola Dham, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend the evening at leisure in Shillong.

• Laitlum Canyons: Free, 2-3 hours
• Shillong Peak: INR 30 (Entrance Fee), 1-2 hours
• Mahadev Khola Dham: Free, 1-2 hours

Monday, November 6: Trek to Double Decker Living Root Bridge

Embark on a trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat. Start early in the morning to make the most of the day. Trek through the dense forests and picturesque landscapes to reach the marvelous root bridges. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools along the way. After spending time exploring the bridge and surrounding nature, trek back to Nongriat and return to Shillong in the evening.

• Nongriat Trek: Moderate Difficulty, 6-8 hours
• Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Free, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Meghalaya, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a mystical forest with sacred groves and unique flora. Experience traditional Khasi cuisine at local restaurants, trying dishes like Jadoh (red rice and meat), Tungrymbai (fermented soybean dish), and Pumaloi (steamed rice cake). Interact with the locals and learn about their customs and traditions. Also, make sure to explore the local markets for authentic handicrafts and souvenirs.

For hotel and flight prices, check here.