Welcome to Meghalaya, Assam! Start your journey by arriving at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. After checking in at your hotel, spend the morning exploring the Kamakhya Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site known for its unique architecture and religious importance. In the afternoon, visit the Assam State Museum to delve into the region's rich cultural heritage. As evening approaches, take a serene sunset cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra River, enjoying the breathtaking views and relaxing atmosphere.
Kamakhya Temple: Estimated Cost - Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Time Spent - 2 hours
Assam State Museum: Estimated Cost - Admission fee of INR 50 per person. Time Spent - 3 hours
Brahmaputra River Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 500 per person. Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Savor a delectable breakfast at Cafe Shillong, renowned for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Jiva Grill, offering a wide range of grilled meats and flavorful vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Sao Aiom, a cozy restaurant serving authentic Assamese cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, November 17: Cherrapunjee Adventures
Embark on an exciting day trip to Cherrapunjee, known for being one of the wettest places on Earth. Start your morning by visiting the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Enjoy the pristine beauty and breathtaking views from the falls. Afterward, explore the magnificent Mawsmai Cave, a limestone cave offering an exhilarating underground experience. In the afternoon, visit the Living Root Bridges, an incredible example of bioengineering by the local Khasi tribes. As the day winds down, relax and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Eco Park, enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Nohkalikai Falls: Estimated Cost - Entry fee of INR 20 per person. Time Spent - 2 hours
Mawsmai Cave: Estimated Cost - Entry fee of INR 20 per person. Time Spent - 1.5 hours
Living Root Bridges: Estimated Cost - Entry fee of INR 20 per person. Time Spent - 2 hours
Eco Park: Estimated Cost - Entry fee of INR 30 per person. Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café By The Rapids, a charming café known for its delicious all-day breakfast options. Try their fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, make a stop at Orange Roots, a vegetarian restaurant with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Their menu offers a variety of healthy and flavorful dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Sohra House Restaurant. Set in a colonial-style building, this restaurant offers a combination of Indian and international cuisine with a focus on seafood. Enjoy the elegant ambiance and impeccable service. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.
Saturday, November 18: Exploration of Shillong
Today, venture into the beautiful city of Shillong, often referred to as the "Scotland of the East." Start your morning by visiting the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, an enlightening museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Northeast. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around Ward's Lake, a picturesque man-made lake surrounded by lush gardens. Visit the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians to admire its stunning architecture. As the evening sets in, head to Police Bazar, the vibrant heart of Shillong, for shopping, dining, and experiencing the local nightlife.
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: Estimated Cost - Entry fee of INR 10 per person. Time Spent - 2.5 hours
Ward's Lake: Estimated Cost - Entry fee of INR 10 per person. Time Spent - 1 hour
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians: Estimated Cost - Free admission. Time Spent - 30 minutes
Police Bazar: Estimated Cost - Varies based on personal expenses. Time Spent - Evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Shillong is Cafe Shillong which offers a variety of delicious dishes such as pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head over to City Hut Family Dhaba, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering Indian cuisine. You can enjoy a hearty meal of curry, rice, and naan for an average cost of 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at the charming Trattoria, a cozy Italian restaurant that serves freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and delectable desserts. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, November 19: Majestic Mawlynnong
Wrap up your Meghalaya adventure by visiting the picturesque village of Mawlynnong, renowned as Asia's cleanest village. Begin your morning by exploring the Living Root Bridges of Riwai, where you can witness the fascinating technique of using living tree roots to create natural bridges. Take a leisurely walk around the village, admiring its immaculate cleanliness and beautifully laid out flower gardens. Visit the nearby Balancing Rock, a unique geological formation. As the day progresses, savor a traditional Khasi lunch with a local family, immersing yourself in their warm hospitality and authentic cuisine. Afterward, head back to Guwahati for your departure.
Living Root Bridges of Riwai: Estimated Cost - Entry fee of INR 20 per person. Time Spent - 2.5 hours
Village Exploration: Estimated Cost - Free. Time Spent - 1 hour
Balancing Rock: Estimated Cost - Entry fee of INR 20 per person. Time Spent - 30 minutes
Traditional Lunch with a Local Family: Estimated Cost - INR 500 per person. Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
The Village Cafe is a charming restaurant known for its delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes and hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Mawlynnong Kitchen is a popular lunch spot, serving authentic Khasi cuisine including traditional dishes like smoked pork and bamboo shoot curry. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, head to The Secret Garden restaurant, offering a romantic ambiance and a menu featuring a fusion of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Meghalaya and Assam, make sure to check out Laitlum Canyons near Shillong, offering awe-inspiring views of deep gorges and misty valleys. Experience the joy of river rafting in the adventurous waters of the Brahmaputra River, a thrilling activity enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. Don't forget to try the regional specialties like Jadoh, a delectable rice and meat dish, and the famous Assam tea. Interact with the locals to discover more hidden gems and local favorites, such as secluded waterfalls, traditional music performances, and indigenous craft markets.