5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Meghalaya, India

Day 1: Explore Shillong

Shillong, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Shillong

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Shillong, popular for its local dishes and cozy ambiance.
Located in the heart of Shillong city, easy to reach by foot from most budget accommodations.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Ward's Lake

Enjoy a serene stroll around Ward's Lake, where you can soak in the natural beauty and take some lovely pictures.
Walk from Café Shillong; it's about a 15-minute walk.
INR 10, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Shillong Peak

Take a local taxi to Shillong Peak for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding hills.
Shared taxis are available from the local taxi stand.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Street Food in Police Bazaar

Indulge in some authentic street food such as momos and biryani from local vendors in Police Bazaar.
Return to Police Bazaar via shared taxi; it’s bustling with food stalls.
INR 100, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Don Bosco Museum

Learn about the diverse cultures of Northeast India at the Don Bosco Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits.
Walk from Police Bazaar - it’s within a 15-minute reach.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Explore Local Markets

Spend time shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts in the vibrant local markets.
Walk around the local markets near Police Bazaar.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Jadoh

Savor traditional Khasi cuisines such as Jadoh (Mango Rice) in this local favorite spot.
Nearby Police Bazaar; you can walk to this restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cherrapunji Adventures

Cherrapunji, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café

Fuel up for the day's adventures with a filling breakfast.
Most hotels offer breakfast as part of the stay.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Cherrapunji

Catch a shared taxi to Cherrapunji, famous for its lush landscapes and high rainfall.
Head to the shared taxi stand in Shillong.
INR 100, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Marvel at one of the tallest waterfalls in India and explore the breathtaking surroundings.
Take a local taxi from the town center.
INR 20, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cherrapunji Holiday Resort

Enjoy a delicious meal with local specialties while taking in the stunning views.
Located near the Nohkalikai Falls; taxi or walk.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Mawsmai Cave

Delve into the mysterious Mawsmai Cave, known for its stunning limestone formations.
Take a local taxi from the restaurant.
INR 100, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Seven Sisters Falls

Capture breathtaking moments of the Seven Sisters Falls, especially magnificent during monsoons.
Take a local taxi to the viewpoint.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Shillong

Head back to Shillong and unwind after an eventful day.
Shared taxi back to Shillong.
INR 100, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at the Meghalayan Age

Sample more Khasi fare while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of this restaurant.
Short walk from your hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 3: Explore Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a simple breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Most budget hotels provide complimentary breakfast.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Mawlynnong

Take a shared taxi to Mawlynnong, known as the cleanest village in Asia.
Catch a shared taxi from Shillong’s main stand.
INR 150, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Explore Mawlynnong Village

Wander around the village, seeing its neat surroundings and community-managed sanitation.
You can explore the village on foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Living Root Bridge

Admire the intricately woven root bridge and take in the marvel of nature.
A guided tour can be arranged at local rates.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Grab a simple meal at a local eatery, trying out the authentic Khasi dishes.
Nearby; ask locals for recommendations.
INR 100, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Climb the Viewpoint

Climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views of Bangladesh and the hills.
Follow the village paths to reach the viewpoint.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Return to Shillong

Travel back to Shillong to wrap up your day.
Shared taxi back to Shillong.
INR 150, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Café Shillong

Enjoy a relaxed dinner revisiting Café Shillong for another taste of local recipes.
Walk from your hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 4: Adventures in Dawki

Dawki, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Shillong

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Return to Café Shillong, it’s a short walk.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Dawki

Take a shared taxi or bus to Dawki, renowned for its crystal-clear river.
Shared taxis are available close to your accommodation.
INR 200, 2.5 hours

10:30 AM

Boat Ride on Umngot River

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Umngot River with a boat ride.
Local boat operators can be found at the riverbank.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Dawki

Savor local food at a small eatery by the river, enjoying the picturesque view.
There are several small roadside eateries around.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Walk to the Rainbow Bridge

Take a trek to the iconic Dawki Rainbow Bridge for great pictures.
It's a short hike from the riverbank.
Free, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Local Villages

Stroll and explore the local villages around Dawki and learn about their cultures.
Best explored on foot; engage with locals.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Shillong

Travel back to Shillong to prepare for your last day.
Take a shared taxi from Dawki back.
INR 200, 2.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Shillong

Enjoy your last meal in Shillong at a local diner or café of choice.
Choose a nearby café or restaurant.
INR 250, 1 hour
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Day 5: Final Day in Shillong

Shillong, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation and reflect on your journey.
Most hotels offer breakfast.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Elephant Falls

Visit the picturesque Elephant Falls for some relaxing moments amidst nature.
Take a local taxi from your hotel.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Shillong's Local Markets

Wander through Shillong's local markets for last-minute souvenirs and crafts.
Returning back to Police Bazaar is a good option.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Enjoy a relaxed final meal, trying out any dish you missed during your stay.
Many options available around the market area.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Pack and Leisure

Take time to reflect and pack your belongings before heading to your next destination.
Return to your accommodation.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Last-minute Sightseeing

Spend your last few hours in Shillong visiting any spots you missed or revisiting your favorites.
Decide based on your interest; local taxis are available.
Vary, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner and Departure

Conclude your Meghalaya journey with a comforting dinner before your onward travel.
Choose your favorite dining spot you enjoyed over the trip.
INR 250, 1 hour
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