Start your Meghalaya adventure by arriving at Shillong Airport. After checking into your hotel, spend the morning exploring Ward's Lake, a picturesque spot ideal for boating and picnicking. In the afternoon, visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Police Bazaar, a bustling marketplace offering local handicrafts and delicious street food.
Ward's Lake: Entrance fee - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: Entrance fee - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Police Bazaar: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Shillong, known for its cozy ambiance and wide range of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to City Hut Dhaba, a popular local eatery serving authentic North Indian dishes. Enjoy a hearty meal at an average cost of 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at ML 05 Cafe, a charming restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and continental cuisine. Indulge in their delectable dishes at an average cost of 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Cherrapunji Excursion
Spend the day exploring the beautiful landscapes of Cherrapunji, known for its high rainfall and stunning waterfalls. Start your morning with a visit to the mesmerizing Seven Sisters Falls. In the afternoon, marvel at the natural wonder of Mawsmai Cave, a limestone cave with awe-inspiring formations. End your day with a visit to the living root bridges of Mawlynnong, an incredible example of bioengineering by the Khasi tribe.
Seven Sisters Falls: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2 hours
Mawsmai Cave: Entrance fee - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Mawlynnong Living Root Bridges: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For a delightful breakfast, head to Cafe Cherrapunjee. This cozy cafe offers a range of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and fresh fruit bowls. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try out Orange Roots. This popular restaurant serves delicious local dishes including Khasi delicacies and vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner, visit Jiva Restaurant. Known for its warm ambiance and delectable Indian and international dishes, Jiva is a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Shillong Sightseeing
Explore the charms of Shillong city today. Start with a visit to the Elephant Falls, cascading waterfalls nestled amidst lush greenery. In the afternoon, head to Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. Conclude your day with a visit to the Lady Hydari Park, a serene park adorned with beautiful flowers and a mini zoo.
Elephant Falls: Entrance fee - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Shillong Peak: Entrance fee - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Lady Hydari Park: Entrance fee - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Thursday, October 26: Mawlynnong and Dawki Day Trip
Embark on a day trip to the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong. Spend the morning exploring the village and marvel at the living root bridge. Afterward, head to Dawki, a scenic town known for its crystal-clear Umngot River. Enjoy a boating experience on the river and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings.
Mawlynnong Village: Entrance fee - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong: No entrance fee, Time spent - 1 hour
Boating in Dawki: INR 500 per boat (up to 4 people), Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try "Cafe Cherrapunjee" located in Cherrapunjee. This cozy cafe offers a scrumptious breakfast menu with options like pancakes, omelettes, and local Khasi dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to the "Orange Roots" restaurant in Dawki. Known for its panoramic views of the Umngot River, this restaurant serves delicious North Indian and Chinese cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit "Jiva Veg" in Shillong. This vegetarian restaurant offers a wide range of Indian, Chinese, and Thai dishes. With a cozy ambiance and friendly staff, it is an ideal place to end your day. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, October 27: Nongriat Village Trek
Embark on a trek to the picturesque village of Nongriat, known for its double-decker living root bridge. Enjoy a refreshing hike through lush forests and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this hidden gem. Explore the surroundings and enjoy a dip in the natural pools formed by cascading waterfalls, such as the Rainbow Falls and the Nohkalikai Falls.
Nongriat Village Trek: No entrance fee, Time spent - 6-7 hours
Saturday, October 28: Visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest and Laitlum Grand Canyon
Discover the mystical Mawphlang Sacred Forest, considered sacred by the indigenous Khasi people. Explore the dense forest and learn about its spiritual significance. In the afternoon, head to Laitlum Grand Canyon and be mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling hills and steep valleys.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Entrance fee - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Laitlum Grand Canyon: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2 hours
Sunday, October 29: Departure
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and bid farewell to Meghalaya, taking with you wonderful memories of this enchanting destination.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to Mawphlang Sacred Grove and participate in a traditional Khasi cleansing ritual. Also, consider visiting the Mawsynram village, where you can witness the highest recorded rainfall in the world, and explore its mystical caves.