A 5-Day Itinerary for Meghalaya in June 2023

1. Day 1: Shillong
   1 hour 20 minutes (65 km) from Guwahati Airport

   In the morning, visit Shillong Peak for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Then, head to the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to learn about the rich heritage of Northeast India. In the afternoon, explore the lively Police Bazaar for some local handicrafts and street food. In the evening, catch a live music performance at Cloud 9, one of the city's hottest spots.

2. Day 2: Cherrapunji and Mawsynram
   2 hours 30 minutes (54 km) from Shillong

   Start the day with a visit to the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, and then head to the Mawsmai Cave, an ancient limestone cave with impressive rock formations. In the afternoon, visit the village of Mawsynram, known as the wettest place on earth, and explore the living root bridges. Enjoy a leisurely evening watching the sunset over the Khasi Hills.

3. Day 3: Dawki and Mawlynnong
   3 hours 30 minutes (82 km) from Cherrapunji

   Begin the day by kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River in Dawki. Then, head to the village of Mawlynnong, known as Asia's cleanest village, and explore the green paradise with its quaint bamboo bridges and pretty treehouses. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khasi dinner with the locals and learn more about their culture and customs.

4. Day 4: Nongriat and Shnongpdeng
   1 hour 30 minutes (65 km) from Mawlynnong

   Embark on a trek to the living root bridges of Nongriat, a natural wonder that is a must-see when in Meghalaya. Take a dip in the natural pools and enjoy the lush greenery that surrounds you. In the afternoon, head to the quaint village of Shnongpdeng and go camping or cliff-jumping by the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River. End the day with a picnic on the sandy banks of the river.

5. Day 5: Jowai
   3 hours (96 km) from Shnongpdeng

   Head to Jowai, the cultural capital of Meghalaya, and explore the numerous waterfalls and caves in the area. Visit the Thadlaskein Lake and the Tyrshi Falls for some beautiful scenery. In the evening, attend a traditional dance performance and taste some local delicacies.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider visiting the Balpakram National Park, which is home to rare wildlife species such as the Asian Elephant and the Hoolock Gibbon. You can also take a day-trip to the nearby state of Assam to visit the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its one-horned rhinoceroses. For adventure-seekers, there are numerous trekking trails and camping sites that offer a unique experience in the great outdoors.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (2 hours, INR 150)
• Street food in Police Bazaar (1 hour, INR 100)
• Nohkalikai Falls (1 hour, INR 20)
• Mawsmai Cave (1 hour, INR 20)
• Living Root Bridges (2 hours, INR 200)
• Kayaking in Dawki (3 hours, INR 1500)
• Traditional Khasi Dinner (2 hours, INR 500)
• Trek to Living Root Bridges (5 hours, INR 500)
• Cliff-jumping and Camping in Shnongpdeng (3 hours, INR 1000)
• Thadlaskein Lake and Tyrshi Falls (2 hours, INR 100)
• Traditional Dance Performance (2 hours, INR 200)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,890