Ultimate 9-Day Itinerary for Exploring Meghalaya - The Abode of Clouds

Day 1: Discover Shillong

Shillong, India

10:00AM

Visit Ward's Lake

Start your trip with a serene walk around Ward's Lake, admiring its beautiful garden and serene waters.
Head south on Jail Road for a 10-minute walk.
INR 50, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Shillong Peak

Drive to Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the city and the lush green hills surrounding it.
Take a taxi from Ward's Lake to Shillong Peak, approximately 30 minutes away.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Shillong

Indulge in local Khasi dishes alongside continental options at Café Shillong, renowned for its cozy ambiance.
Drive back to the city center for 15 minutes.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

Learn about the rich heritage of Meghalaya through informative exhibits in this unique cultural center.
It’s about a 10-minute drive from the café.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Shillong club

Enjoy a classic dining experience at Shillong Club, famous for its colonial charm and great food.
It is a 10-minute drive from the cultural center.
INR 600, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Adventure in Cherrapunjee

Cherrapunjee, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Shillong before heading to Cherrapunjee.
Pack your bags and check out, then hire a taxi for Cherrapunjee.
Complimentary, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Cherrapunjee

Enjoy the scenic ride to Cherrapunjee, known for its stunning waterfalls and living root bridges.
Approximate travel time is 2 hours.
INR 2000 (for taxi ride), 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Nohkalikai Falls

Visit one of the tallest waterfalls in India and take in the breathtaking view.
A short 15-minute drive from the main town.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort

Enjoy local Khasi cuisine and a stunning view of the hills at the resort restaurant.
Drive back to the resort, 20 minutes from the falls.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Living Root Bridge

Trek to the famous living root bridge, a testament to nature's beauty and human ingenuity.
20 minutes' drive followed by a 30-minute trek.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Orange Roots

Savor a mix of traditional and modern dishes in this homely restaurant in Cherrapunjee.
Drive back to Cherrapunjee town center, about 20 minutes.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: More of Cherrapunjee

Cherrapunjee, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast featuring rice and lentils before another adventure-filled day.
Before setting off for the day.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Mawsmai Caves

Explore the fascinating limestone caves, known for their unique formations.
A 30-minute drive from your hotel.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cherrapunjee Cafe

Stop for light snacks and refreshing beverages at this cozy café.
Drive to the café, about 20 minutes from the caves.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Seven Sisters Falls

Witness the breathtaking beauty of this iconic waterfall, especially mesmerizing during the monsoon.
A short 30-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Eco Park

Enjoy the lush green landscapes and indulge in trekking within this scenic park.
A 20-minute drive from the falls.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Mitjai Restaurant

End the day with a flavorful dinner of local dishes in a warm atmosphere.
Drive back to Cherrapunjee, about 30 minutes.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Scenic Dawki

Dawki, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the picturesque town of Dawki.
Check out and pack well for the day's journey.
Complimentary, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Dawki

Travel towards Dawki, famous for its stunning river and crystal-clear waters.
A scenic 2-hour drive south.
INR 2000 (for taxi), 2 hours

10:00AM

Boat Ride on Umngot River

Experience the magical blue waters by taking a serene boat ride on the Umngot River.
Boat services are available right at the riverbank.
INR 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dawki

Enjoy a simple lunch with local flavors at a riverside eatery.
At the riverside, where boat services operate.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Dawki Suspension Bridge

Walk across this charming bridge for incredible views and a unique photo opportunity.
A short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Cherrapunjee

Head back to Cherrapunjee for an evening of relaxation.
Drive back, approximately 2 hours.
INR 2000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at your hotel

Enjoy dinner back at your hotel after a day full of adventure.
The restaurant is within the hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Visit Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before venturing into Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia.
Pack your bags and prepare to check out.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Mawlynnong

Travel to Mawlynnong, a picturesque village known for its cleanliness and beauty.
Approximately a scenic 2-hour drive.
INR 2000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Mawlynnong Village

Take a guided tour of the village, learning about the local culture and traditions.
Walkthrough the village after your taxi drops you off.
INR 200 (for guide), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Homestay

Enjoy a traditional meal prepared by a local family at a homestay.
Pre-arranged, just a walk away from the village.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Living Root Bridge

Trek to Mawlynnong's well-known living root bridge and connect with nature.
A 30-minute walk from the village.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Drive to Shillong

Return to Shillong in the evening mood.
Approximately a 2-hour drive back.
INR 2000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Heritage Club - Tripura Kashmir

Enjoy a delightful dinner with local Khasi cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Located in Shillong, just a short drive.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax and Rejuvenate in Shillong

Shillong, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
In-house dining.
Complimentary, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Shillong Botanical Garden

Stroll through beautiful gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers.
A quick 15-minute drive.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Explore Police Bazaar

Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs in the vibrant local market.
15-minute drive from the garden.
Free to explore, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Shillong's Street Stalls

Experience local street food favorites like momos and jadoh.
Walk around the bazaar for tasty options.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Umiam Lake

Spend the afternoon by the tranquil Umiam Lake, enjoying boating or simply soaking in the view.
It’s about a 30-minute drive from Shillong.
INR 150 (boating), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Galerie

Close the day with a delicious multi-cuisine dining experience in a cozy atmosphere.
Back to Shillong city center, about 30-minute drive.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Exploration in Jowai

Jowai, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Jowai, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Pack your bags for check-out.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Jowai

Experience a 3-hour scenic drive filled with lush hills and charming villages.
Hailing a taxi or hiring a driver.
INR 3000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Relish simple local dishes like dal and bhaat in a humble roadside dhaba.
Located near Jowai town center.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Jowai's Local Culture

Interact with the locals and discover their day-to-day lives and traditions in stunning natural surroundings.
Walk through the nearby villages.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Thadlaskein Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk by the lake or opt for boating to experience tranquility.
Just a short 20-minute drive.
INR 100 (for boating), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Taste Khasi cuisine at a popular local restaurant famous for its hospitality.
Located within town, easily accessible.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Scenic Nature at Nongstoin

Nongstoin, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before heading to Nongstoin.
Get ready and check out.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Nongstoin

Enjoy the scenic beauty during this 2-hour drive to Nongstoin.
Hire a local taxi.
INR 2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Nongstoin Market

Experience the lively local market, where you can shop for traditional crafts and spices.
Located in the town center; walkable.
Free to explore, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savor authentic Khasi food at a well-known local eatery in the market.
Nearby to the market.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Lawbah Village

Take a short trip to visit the indigenous culture of the Pnar tribe in Lawbah village.
About a 30-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Nongstoin

Enjoy dinner of local specialties and relax after a day of exploring.
At a well-recommended local restaurant.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Shillong

Shillong, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Savor your final breakfast at the hotel before leaving Nongstoin.
Get ready and check out.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Shillong

Make your way back to Shillong for your departure.
Hire a taxi for the journey.
INR 2000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Laitlum Canyons

Make a quick visit to the stunning Laitlum Canyons before finalizing your trip.
A 30-minute drive from Shillong.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a Café in Shillong

Enjoy your final meal at a local café, choosing from a menu of diverse dishes.
Back in Shillong, about 30 minutes away.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Departure

Make your way to the airport or bus station, soaking in the memories of your Meghalaya trip.
Arrange transport to your departure point.
Dependent on transport mode, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability