Welcome to the beautiful state of Meghalaya! After arriving in Shillong, the capital city, spend the morning exploring the vibrant markets and indulge in local delicacies like steamed momos and jadoh (a traditional rice dish). In the afternoon, visit the Ward's Lake for a peaceful boat ride surrounded by lush gardens. As the evening sets in, head to the bustling Police Bazaar, known for its shopping and cultural attractions.
Head to Cafe Shillong for a sumptuous breakfast spread with options like fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Savor a delectable lunch at City Hut Dhaba, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Don't miss their flavorful biryanis and tangy butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For dinner, visit Dylan's Cafe, a cozy establishment offering a variety of dishes from across the world. Indulge in their mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and heavenly chocolate desserts. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Sunday, November 26: Cherrapunjee Exploration
Embark on a scenic journey to Cherrapunjee, known as one of the wettest places on Earth. Start your day with a visit to the stunning Seven Sisters Falls, where the water cascades down from seven different streams. In the afternoon, explore the Mawsmai Caves, famous for their limestone formations and narrow passages. Enjoy the sunset at the Eco Park, offering breathtaking views of the Bangladesh plains.
Mawsmai Caves: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Eco Park: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Restaurants
Try the delicious local breakfast at Cafe Cherrapunjee. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including freshly baked bread, omelettes, and local Khasi dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Polo Orchid Restaurant. Enjoy their mouthwatering Indian and Chinese dishes with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Celebrate the evening with a delightful dinner at Orange Roots. This popular restaurant offers a range of cuisine options from Indian to Chinese and Continental. Don't miss their signature dishes like the Meghalayan pork curry. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Monday, November 27: Dawki and Mawlynnong
Explore the picturesque town of Dawki, located on the India-Bangladesh border. Start your day with a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River, known for its surreal beauty. In the afternoon, visit the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong, and experience the local Khasi culture. Don't miss the Living Root Bridge, an incredible man-made natural wonder.
Umngot River: Estimated cost - INR 500 per boat, Time spent - 2 hours
Living Root Bridge: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Cherrapunjee, a cozy café known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try the local delicacies at Mawlynnong Backpacker's Café, which offers a variety of dishes made with organic ingredients sourced from the village. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Symphony restaurant, known for its mouthwatering Indian and Chinese cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Tuesday, November 28: Shillong Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the gems of Shillong. Start with a visit to the Don Bosco Museum, showcasing the rich tribal heritage of Northeast India. In the afternoon, head to the Elephant Falls, a three-tiered waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Shillong Peak, offering panoramic views of the city.
Don Bosco Museum: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Elephant Falls: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Shillong Peak: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Patio Kitchen: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Patio Kitchen, known for their delicious omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. A meal here costs about ₹200 per person.
The Heritage Cafe: For lunch, head to The Heritage Cafe to savor a variety of local Khasi dishes, such as Jadoh and Dohneiiong, in a quaint and cozy setting. You can expect to spend around ₹300 per person for a meal.
City Hut Family Dhaba: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba, famous for its authentic Indian and Chinese cuisine. With generous portions and reasonable prices, a meal here costs about ₹400 per person.
Wednesday, November 29: Nongriat Trek and Double Decker Root Bridge
Embark on a thrilling trek to the village of Nongriat, located in the heart of Meghalaya's rainforests. The highlight of this trek is the Double Decker Root Bridge, a unique natural bridge made of intertwined tree roots. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools along the way. Spend the night in one of the homestays in Nongriat to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Shillong in Cherrapunjee. This charming cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, waffles, and traditional Meghalayan dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Jiva Café in Tyrna. This organic café not only offers delicious vegetarian and vegan options but also provides stunning views of the surrounding forests. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Lumidoh Restaurant in Nongriat. This traditional Khasi restaurant serves authentic local cuisine such as Jadoh (rice and meat dish) and Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame). The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Thursday, November 30: Mawphlang and Laitlum Canyons
Discover the mystical village of Mawphlang, famous for its sacred groves and ancient traditions. Take a guided nature walk through the sacred forest, learning about the traditional beliefs and practices of the Khasi people. In the afternoon, visit the mesmerizing Laitlum Canyons, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to Café Shillong, a cozy café located in Mawphlang village. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit the Orchid Restaurant, known for its authentic Khasi cuisine. Indulge in local specialties such as Jadoh (rice and meat dish) and Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame seeds). Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, try out the Bamboo Hut, a charming restaurant nestled in the Laitlum Canyons. Experience the serene ambiance while savoring delectable Chinese and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Meghalaya, don't miss out on these off the beaten path attractions. Visit the Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunjee, the highest plunge waterfall in India, to witness its awe-inspiring beauty. For adventure enthusiasts, a trek to the Dainthlen Falls near Cherrapunjee is a must. Another hidden gem is the Krang Suri Falls near Jowai, where you can swim in the turquoise blue waters surrounded by lush greenery. These attractions showcase the untouched beauty of Meghalaya and are favored by the locals.
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