5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Meghalaya for July 2023

1. Day 1: Living Root Bridges
   4 hours (54.8 km) from Shillong

   In the morning, head to the amazing Living Root Bridges located in Mawlynnong. This natural paradise is made up of bridges created entirely out of the roots of rubber trees, which have grown over centuries. After lunch, trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, an engineering marvel that is one of the most popular tourist spots in Meghalaya. In the evening, return to Shillong for dinner and rest up for your next day's adventure.

2. Day 2: Dawki River and Umngot River
   3 hours 30 minutes (82.9 km) from Shillong

   Get an early start and drive to the Dawki River, which separates India from Bangladesh. Take a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River and marvel at its stunning beauty. After lunch, visit the nearby Mawlynnong Village, which has been awarded the title of the cleanest village in Asia. In the evening, return to Shillong for dinner and rest up for your next day's adventure.

3. Day 3: Mawsynram and Nohkalikai Waterfall
   3 hours 35 minutes (85.5 km) from Shillong

   Drive to the wettest place on Earth - Mawsynram and explore the beautiful countryside. Visit the Mawsmai Cave, a natural wonder that is home to many stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch, trek to the Nohkalikai Waterfall, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, where you can admire the breathtaking view. In the evening, return to Shillong for dinner and rest up for your next day's adventure.

4. Day 4: Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak
   20 minutes (12.8 km) from Shillong

   Visit the beautiful Elephant Falls in the morning. This three-tiered waterfall is a sight to behold, especially during monsoon season. After lunch, head to Shillong Peak, the highest point in Shillong, where you can get a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, explore the bustling markets of Police Bazar and sample some delicious local cuisine.

5. Day 5: Balpakram National Park
   6 hours (192 km) from Shillong

   Get ready for your final adventure in Meghalaya and visit the Balpakram National Park. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and more. Trek to the Nokrek Peak and spot some rare and endangered species of plants and animals. After lunch, explore the nearby villages and interact with the Garo tribes. Return to Shillong in the evening for a farewell dinner.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to attend the Wangala Festival, which is a harvest festival celebrated by the Garo tribe in November. You can also take a day trip to Cherrapunjee and explore its famous caves and waterfalls. For a unique experience, try camping in the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, which is believed to be over 800 years old. And finally, make sure to try the local delicacies, including Jadoh, Tungrymbai, and Doh Khlieh.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Living Root Bridges (4 hours, INR 200 for entry fee)
• Dawki River and Umngot River (8 hours, INR 400 for boat ride)
• Mawsynram and Nohkalikai Waterfall (8 hours, INR 50 for entry fee)
• Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak (5 hours, INR 30 for entry fee)
• Balpakram National Park (12 hours, INR 50 for entry fee)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 7300