5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Meghalaya, India

Day 1: Explore Shillong

Shillong, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Milk & Honey Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast of pancakes and fresh fruit at this cozy café.
Walk or take a short local bus ride to your next destination.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ward's Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Ward's Lake and take in the serene environment, a perfect way to experience Shillong's natural beauty.
A 15-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

This museum offers insight into Meghalaya's rich culture and history through artifacts and exhibitions.
A local taxi will cost about INR 100.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Paradise Restaurant

Try the local delicacy, Khasi thali, which is both affordable and filling.
A 10-minute walk from the museum.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Shillong Peak

Get a panoramic view of the city and the lush surrounding hills, a must-see when in Shillong.
Grab a shared taxi, costs around INR 200.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at the Police Bazar

Spend some free time browsing local shops, and enjoy some street food.
Back to the city center via shared taxi, costs about INR 50.
INR 100 (snacks), 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Bamboo Hut

Savor a delicious plate of momos and local Khasi rice served hot.
Walk back to this popular restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cherrapunji Adventure

Cherrapunji, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Shillong

Grab a quick bite at a local tea shop, ideally some bread with chai.
Take a shared taxi to Cherrapunji, costing around INR 300.
INR 50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Marvel at one of the tallest waterfalls in India, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
Direct taxi to the falls, approximately INR 200 shared cost.
INR 50, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Living Root Bridges

Take a scenic trek to witness the incredible bioengineering of the local Khasi people.
Trekking path leads directly from the falls.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Enjoy simple rice and dal at a local dhaba for an authentic experience.
Near the Living Root Bridges area.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Mawsmai Cave

Explore this naturally formed limestone cave and appreciate the geological wonders.
Take a local taxi costing around INR 100.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Cherrapunji Local Market

Wander through the local market, exploring handicrafts and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk from the caves.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Checkpoint Restaurant

Partake in delicious local fish curry or chicken, a hearty end to your busy day.
A short walk from the market.
INR 250, 1 hour
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Day 3: Visit Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cherrapunji

Start your day with eggs and toast at a local café.
Catch a shared taxi to Mawlynnong for INR 300.
INR 50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Mawlynnong Village

Known as Asia’s cleanest village, take a guided walk to admire its beauty and cleanliness.
Easy walking paths through the village.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Bamboo Living Root Bridge

A short trek leads to this floating bridge, a reflection of the local ingenuity.
Follow the signs from the village.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a homestay

Indulge in a traditional Khasi meal served by locals, enriching your experience.
Pre-arranged with a homestay for smooth navigation.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Sky View Point

Climb the ladder to the treehouse for a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
A 10-minute walk back to the village.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Cultural interaction with locals

Engage with the local community to learn traditions and daily lives.
Stay within the village area.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a local eatery

Conclude your day with simple rice and lentils at a local diner before heading back to Cherrapunji.
Shared taxi back, around INR 300.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 4: Discover Jowai

Jowai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast in Cherrapunji

Enjoy a wholesome Indian breakfast of parathas with curd.
Catch an early shared taxi to Jowai, costs around INR 200.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Local sightseeing at Jowai's scenic spots

Visit the beautiful pomelo gardens and experience the local flora.
Local transport within Jowai is available.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Jowai

Savor a traditional Jaintia meal like rice with spicy bamboo shoot and fish.
Near the pomelo gardens.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Krang Suri Waterfall

Take a trip to Krang Suri, known for its crystal-clear blue waters; perfect for swimming.
Shared taxi or local bus approximately INR 200.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Jowai town

Head back and relax in a local café, enjoying the evening vibes.
Return via shared taxi around INR 100.
INR 50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening walk at the market

Indulge in exploring local crafts and snacks; a lovely way to mingle.
Within walking distance from your café.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at a local dhaba

Feast on a plate of aromatic biryani, a perfect ending to your adventures.
A short walk from the market.
INR 250, 1 hour
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Day 5: Return to Shillong

Shillong, India

8:00AM

Breakfast in Jowai

Enjoy a filling breakfast of dosa with chutney at a local café.
Shared taxi back to Shillong costs INR 200.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shop for Souvenirs

Head to police bazaar for last-minute shopping and gather unique souvenirs.
Local taxis available for quick transport around Shillong.
Free (Depends on purchases), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local café

Have light meals like sandwiches and salads for brunch.
Within walking distance of the market.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Lady Hydari Park

Stroll around this lush park, perfect for relaxation and quiet reflection.
A short 10-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Cultural Exploration at Indian Institute of Management Shillong

Explore the campus and soak in the academic ambiance while taking pictures.
Taxi for INR 100.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at 7 Sisters

Experience traditional dishes showcasing the culinary richness of Meghalaya.
Back to the city center via a local taxi.
INR 300, 1 hour
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