5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Shillong: Nature and City Relaxation

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Shillong, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Shillong

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of local delicacies and international favourites at this vibrant café in the heart of the city.
Located in the city centre, easily accessible by local taxi.
INR 800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Ward's Lake

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Ward's Lake, a serene man-made lake surrounded by gardens, perfect for families to relax.
A quick 10-minute drive from Café Shillong.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:15PM

Lunch at Dino's Love Café

Take the kids for a delicious lunch filled with pizzas, sandwiches, and fresh juices in a lively atmosphere.
Only 5 minutes away from Ward's Lake.
INR 1,200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Shillong Peak

Drive to Shillong Peak to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills; perfect for family photos.
A scenic 30-minute drive from the cafe.
INR 50 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Laitlum Canyons

Experience the breathtaking views from Laitlum Canyons, a hidden gem ideal for nature lovers seeking peaceful moments.
A 30-40 minute drive from Shillong Peak.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Heritage Club – Tripura Castle

Enjoy a memorable dinner in a historic colonial-style hotel, offering an array of Indian and Continental dishes.
Return to the city centre, approximately 30 minutes away.
INR 2,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Shillong, India

8:30AM

Breakfast at Lakkhotia’s Place

Enjoy a local Khasi breakfast of rice and meat dishes at this popular eatery known for its authentic fare.
A short taxi ride from your accommodation.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Donkupar's Museum

Discover the rich culture of Meghalaya by exploring the artifacts and exhibits detailing the region's history.
10-minutes drive from Lakkhotia’s.
INR 100 per person, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the All Saints Church

Visit this historical Anglican church with beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, perfect for reflection.
A 10-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cloud 9

Savour delicious continental and Indian dishes with a stunning view over Shillong, great for a family break.
Near the city centre, 10 minutes by taxi.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Shillong Golf Course

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the lush and vibrant Shillong Golf Course, suitable for all ages including a casual walk.
About 20 minutes from the restaurant.
INR 1,000 for non-members, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Police Bazar

Spend the evening shopping for local crafts and handicrafts while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
15 minutes from the golf course.
Free to explore, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bamboo Hut

Dine on a variety of Indian and Khasi cuisines in a cosy setting with traditional decor.
Return to the city centre, approximately 10 minutes away.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature Adventure

Cherrapunji, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast buffet to fuel your adventure day ahead.
Enjoy at your hotel before departing.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Cherrapunji

Set off early for Cherrapunji, famed for its heavy rainfall and stunning landscapes.
About a 2-hour drive from Shillong.
INR 2,500 for transportation, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Witness the magnificent Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India, a sight to behold.
Only a 15-minute drive from the town centre of Cherrapunji.
INR 20 per person, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Cherrapunji Holiday Resort

Relax and enjoy a meal with stunning views of the falls.
Just 20 minutes from the falls.
INR 1,500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Mawsmai Cave

Have fun exploring the limestone caves, a thrilling experience for families with older children.
A drive of about 30 minutes from the resort.
INR 200 per person, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Living Root Bridges

Witness the unique and ancient living root bridges created by the Khasi people, truly a marvel of nature.
A 30-minute drive from the caves.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Shillong

Head back to Shillong after an exciting day of exploration.
Retrace your route back to Shillong, about 2 hours.
INR 2,500 for transportation, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Cornerstone

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at this popular restaurant featuring an extensive menu filled with local specialities.
A short taxi ride from your hotel.
INR 1,800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Village Experience

Mawlynnong, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up before another day of adventures with a delicious breakfast.
At your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Mawlynnong

Embark on a short journey to Mawlynnong, known as the cleanest village in Asia.
A drive of about 2 hours.
INR 2,500 for transportation, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Mawlynnong Village

Take a guided tour through the village, learning about its eco-friendly practices and community life.
Walking through the village.
INR 500 for a guide, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Mawlynnong Eatery

Savour traditional Khasi food served by a local family, an authentic experience.
Enjoy lunch at a familial eatery in the village.
INR 1,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Living Root Bridge at Riwai

Witness another stunning example of living root architecture by walking across this famous bridge.
A quick drive to Riwai, about 15 minutes.
INR 30 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Shillong

After exploring Mawlynnong and Riwai, head back to Shillong.
Retrace your route back, about 2 hours.
INR 2,500 for transportation, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Tea at Raddison Blu

Catch up and unwind over tea or coffee at this upscale hotel.
A short taxi ride to the hotel in Shillong.
INR 800, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Majestic

Savour a delicious mix of Indian and Chinese dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
A short drive from the tea stop.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relaxing Day

Shillong, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with local and international options to begin your relaxing day.
At your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Elephant Falls

Take the family to Elephant Falls, a picturesque waterfall perfect for a tranquil day in nature.
A 30-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
INR 20 per person, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Ranch

Dine on delicious local and Western dishes in a scenic outdoor setting.
Nearby, just 10 minutes from the falls.
INR 1,200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Botanical Garden

Explore the beautiful gardens filled with exotic plants, perfect for a leisurely family walk.
A short 10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Spend time at Shillong Peak Viewpoint

Head back to Shillong Peak to enjoy stunning views one last time before departure.
A drive of about 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Police Bazar

Return to the bustling Police Bazar for last-minute shopping and souvenir hunting.
Short taxi ride back.
Free to explore, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Café Shillong

End your trip with a final dinner at Café Shillong, reminiscing about your adventure-filled days.
Return to the café, just 10 minutes by taxi.
INR 1,500, 1.5 hours
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