5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Meghalaya

Day 1: Explore Shillong

Shillong, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Shillong

Start your journey with a delightful breakfast at Café Shillong, known for its delicious local cuisine and cozy ambiance.
Walk to nearby attractions from the café.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Shillong Peak

Take a local taxi to Shillong Peak to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
Local taxi from Café Shillong.
INR 300, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at D'Cafe

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch with local dishes at D'Cafe, famous for its Khasi food.
Shared taxi back to city.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Don Bosco Museum

Visit the Don Bosco Museum to learn about the culture of the Northeast India region, particularly that of Meghalaya.
Walk from D'Cafe.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Wander around Ward's Lake

Stroll around the scenic Ward's Lake, a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Walk from Don Bosco Museum.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Shillong Street Food

Treat yourself to local street food at Shillong’s night market, where you can enjoy various dishes at low prices.
Walk to the market.
INR 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cherrapunji Wonders

Cherrapunji, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a budget-friendly breakfast at your accommodation in Shillong before you head out.
Local taxi to Cherrapunji.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Nohkalikai Falls

Make your way to Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest waterfall in India, and take in its breathtaking beauty.
Taxi to Nohkalikai.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Mawsmai Cave

Explore the fascinating limestone formations at Mawsmai Caves, offering an adventurous twist.
Shared taxi from Nohkalikai Falls.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Fill up on local vegetarian thali at an affordable eatery in Cherrapunji.
Walking distance from Mawsmai Cave.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Thangkharang Park

Relax and enjoy the serene landscapes at Thangkharang Park while taking in views of the Khasi hills.
Shared taxi from the eatery.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Cherrapunji Sunset

Witness the stunning sunset over the hills, painting the sky in vibrant colors—a perfect closing for the day.
Walk to a viewpoint near Thangkharang Park.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Cherrapunji’s Local Stall

End your day with a delicious meal of local rice and meat at a budget-friendly local stall.
Short walk from the sunset viewpoint.
INR 250, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Mawlynnong Delight

Mawlynnong, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before heading to Mawlynnong.
Private taxi to Mawlynnong.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit Mawlynnong Village

Experience the cleanliness of Asia's cleanest village and interact with locals to learn about their lifestyle.
Walk around the village.
Free, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Living Root Bridge

Trek to the famous living root bridge, showcasing nature's incredible resilience.
Hire a local guide for trekking.
INR 500, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Local Homestay

Enjoy a home-cooked meal at a local homestay, experiencing authentic Khasi cuisine.
Dine at the homestay.
INR 250, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Mawlynnong Sky Viewpoint

Climb up the watchtower to catch panoramic views of the surroundings and border with Bangladesh.
Short trek to the viewpoint.
INR 100, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Explore the Village Market

Browse the local market, picking up rustic crafts and souvenirs from this charming village.
Walk through the village.
Free (shopping optional), 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Kitchen

Savor a traditional Khasi dinner, served fresh from the farm by friendly locals.
Short walk from the market.
INR 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Jowai

Jowai, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation in Mawlynnong before traveling to Jowai.
Taxi to Jowai.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Explore the Local Markets

Discover the vibrant local market in Jowai, sampling fresh fruits and local delicacies.
Walk around central Jowai.
Free (shopping optional), 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Nartiang Durga Mandir

Admire the splendid architecture of Nartiang Durga Mandir and learn about its historical significance.
Shared taxi to the site.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Indulge in affordable Indian cuisine at a local dhaba, perfect for a shoestring budget.
Walk back from the mandir.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Ramekhol Wildlife Sanctuary

Spend the afternoon exploring the lush landscapes of this wildlife sanctuary.
Hire a local auto for the sanctuary.
INR 200, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Return to Jowai Town

Head back to your accommodation to freshen up and relax.
Return auto to Jowai.
Included in auto fare, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy a simple, delicious meal at a local eatery, completing your cultural exploration.
Walking distance from guesthouse.
INR 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Back to Shillong

Shillong, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Have a light breakfast at the guesthouse before your journey back to Shillong.
Local taxi to Shillong.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Shopping in Shillong’s Local Markets

Spend your last morning shopping local handicrafts and souvenirs before heading back.
Walk around the markets.
Free (shopping optional), 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at City Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at City Restaurant, known for its mix of Indian and Continental dishes.
Walking distance from the markets.
INR 250, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Visit Local Landmarks

Explore prominent landmarks like the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians to capture the spirit of Shillong.
Shared taxi to the landmarks.
INR 100, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Coffee at Cafe Cherrapunji

Take a break and enjoy a coffee at Cafe Cherrapunji, reflecting on your experiences.
Walk from the landmarks.
INR 150, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Shillong's Bhojohori Manna

Finish your Meghalaya adventure with a fulfilling dinner at Bhojohori Manna.
Shared taxi to Bhojohori Manna.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability