Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary: Exploring Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Mawlynnong

Day 1: Arrive and Explore Shillong

Shillong, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Shillong

Kickstart your adventure with a delightful breakfast at Café Shillong, famous for its local delicacies and cozy ambiance.
Located in the city center, just a 10-minute drive from your accommodation.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ward's Lake

Stroll around Ward's Lake, a picturesque spot perfect for leisurely walks and family photos.
A short 10-minute drive from Café Shillong will take you there.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Shillong Peak

Head to Shillong Peak for breathtaking views, a must-see for families who love scenic vistas.
20 minutes drive from Ward's Lake.
INR50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Trattoria, known for its delicious local dishes and friendly service.
A 30-minute drive back to town.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Don Bosco Museum

Engage the family with interactive exhibits about the cultural history of Northeast India at the Don Bosco Museum.
10-minute drive from Trattoria.
INR100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Police Bazar

Enjoy shopping for local crafts and souvenirs in the lively Police Bazar area.
5-minute drive from the museum.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lounge

End the day with a comforting family dinner at The Lounge, which serves a variety of international dishes.
A short 10-minute drive back towards your accommodation.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure and Culture

Shillong, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Galerie

Indulge in a light, delicious breakfast at La Galerie, featuring local pastries and fresh coffee.
Located 15 minutes from your hotel.
INR350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Elephant Falls

Marvel at the picturesque Elephant Falls surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for some family fun.
A convenient 30-minute drive will get you there.
INR20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Nongkhnum Island (if time permits)

A day trip to Nongkhnum Island can be a bit adventurous yet rewarding for the family, with scenic landscapes.
Requires an hour drive and some ferrying depending on the access. Check local arrangements.
Variable, 3-4 hours

3:30PM

Return to Shillong

Head back for late lunch and relaxation at your accommodation before exploring more locales.
Return the same way back to Shillong.
Included in earlier cost, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit a Local Handicraft Market

Explore local handicrafts to find unique souvenirs while supporting local artisans.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the City Hut Dhaba

Experience authentic North Indian cuisine in a vibrant setting, great for families.
A quick 10-minute drive.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Cherrapunji Day Trip

Cherrapunji, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day ahead.
Enjoy your meal at the accommodation.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Cherrapunji

Travel to Cherrapunji, known as one of the wettest places on Earth, with amazing scenery along the way.
Approximately 2 hours drive.
Included in car hire, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Witness the stunning Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest waterfall in India, and take plenty of pictures.
A 10-minute drive from where you park.
INR50, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Mawsmai Caves

Venture into the Mawsmai Caves for a fun exploration that will fascinate both kids and adults.
A 20-minute drive from Nohkalikai.
INR100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Cherrapunji Holiday Resort

Enjoy delicious food with a view of the stunning landscapes at this family-friendly resort.
A short 5-minute drive from the caves.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Eco Park

Take a relaxing walk through the Eco Park and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the lush green valleys.
A 15-minute drive from the resort.
INR20, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Head Back to Shillong

Begin your journey back to Shillong after a day filled with adventure and sights.
2-hour drive back.
Included in car hire, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Punjabi Dhaba

Relish some delightful Punjabi food in Shillong to wrap up your day perfectly.
Short drive from your accommodation.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Refuel with another sumptuous breakfast at your hotel before setting off to Mawlynnong.
Enjoy dining at your accommodation.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Mawlynnong

Head out early to Mawlynnong, known as the cleanest village in Asia.
1.5-hour drive from Shillong.
Included in car hire, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Mawlynnong Village

Take a guided tour of the village to learn about its eco-friendly practices and cultural significance.
Walking tour around the village.
INR200 for tour, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Living Root Bridges

Experience an incredible walk across the Living Root Bridges nearby, a marvel of nature and local ingenuity.
A short trek from the village.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Mawlynnong Village Homestay

Savor local cuisine at a homestay in Mawlynnong, experiencing the flavors of the region.
Walking distance from the root bridges.
INR400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Participate in Local Crafts Workshops

Engage in a family-friendly workshop making traditional crafts, fostering creativity and learning.
Arranged with the homestay hosts.
INR500, 2 hours

5:30PM

Drive Back to Shillong

After a day filled with enriching experiences, head back to Shillong.
Drive back the same way, approximately 1.5 hours.
Included in car hire, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Cornerstone Restaurant

Delight in a mix of North Indian and local dishes, an ideal way to end the day.
Nearby your accommodation.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Day and Departure

Shillong, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, savoring the local flavors one last time.
In-house dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Lady Hydari Park

Take a leisurely morning stroll through Lady Hydari Park, perfect for family relaxation and recreation.
Close to your hotel, approximately 10 minutes drive.
INR10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check Out and Preparation for Departure

Get ready for your departure, packing fond memories from this beautiful trip.
Check out of your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour
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