Perfect 5-Day Shillong Itinerary: Culture, Nature & Cuisine for Couples and Friends

Day 1: Arrival & Local Exploration

Shillong, India on April 25, 2025

1:30pm

Arrival at Shillong Airport

Land at Shillong Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city for check-in and freshening up.
INR0, 1h

2:45pm

Lunch at Trattoria

Enjoy authentic Italian and local Khasi dishes in this cozy and popular restaurant, open until 10pm, perfect for a late lunch after travel.
INR600-900, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Police Bazaar

Stroll through the bustling Police Bazaar, Shillong’s main market area ideal for shopping local handicrafts, clothes, and tasting street snacks.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Visit Cafe Shillong

Relax and unwind at this popular café with excellent coffee and board games, soaking in the local vibe; open till 10:30pm.
INR300 approx., 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba

Savor Khasi and North Indian delicacies served in a casual setting, providing a delicious start to your Shillong stay; open till 11pm.
INR400-700, 1h
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Day 2: Shillong Sightseeing

Shillong, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dylan Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring continental and local options in a charming café setting, opens from 8am.
INR350-600, 1h

9:30am

Elephant Falls

Visit the serene Elephant Falls, a tiered waterfall located about 12 km from Shillong, ideal for nature lovers and photographers; open all day, free entry.
INR0, 1h

11:00am

Shillong Peak

Go to the highest point in Shillong offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills; open all day, minimal entry fee applies.
INR10, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cloud 9

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Cloud 9, with a rooftop ambiance and a mix of Indian and continental dishes; open till 3pm.
INR700-1000, 1h

2:00pm

Ward’s Lake and Botanical Garden

Visit the beautiful artificial lake surrounded by gardens and walking paths, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll; open till 5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shillong Old Monoliths Tour & Local Markets

Explore local heritage sites and markets nearby to discover Khasi culture and handmade crafts.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria

Return to Trattoria to try more delicious dishes or enjoy their seafood specialties, open till 10pm.
INR800-1200, 1h
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Day 3: Cherrapunjee Day Trip

Cherrapunjee, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick, energizing breakfast at your hotel before heading to Cherrapunjee, roughly 2 hours away by road.
Included in hotel or INR300, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Cherrapunjee

Depart early to maximize your day exploring the stunning natural sites of Cherrapunjee.
Car rental approx. INR1500-2000, 2h

10:30am

Nohkalikai Falls

Marvel at one of the tallest waterfalls in India, breathtaking and surrounded by lush greenery; open all day.
INR30, 45m

11:30am

Mawsmai Cave

Explore this famous limestone cave featuring spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, suitable for a moderate trek; open till 4pm.
INR40, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Green Village Resort Restaurant

Enjoy local Khasi cuisine with stunning valley views at this laid-back resort restaurant; open till 3pm.
INR600-900, 1h

2:30pm

Seven Sisters Falls & Eco Park

Visit this iconic waterfall as well as the small eco park nearby that offers a pleasant walk and great photo opportunities.
INR30, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Shillong

Head back to Shillong to relax after a day full of natural wonders.
Included in car rental, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Shillong

Refuel with excellent coffee, cocktails, and light meals at Cafe Shillong, open till late.
INR500 approx., 1h
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Day 4: Mawlynnong & Dawki

Mawlynnong & Dawki, India on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day early with breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a full day trip to Mawlynnong and Dawki.
Included or INR300, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Mawlynnong

Drive to Mawlynnong, known as Asia’s cleanest village, about 2.5 hours from Shillong.
Car rental approx. INR2000, 2h30m

10:30am

Explore Mawlynnong Village

Tour the scenic village, visit the living root bridge, and enjoy the tribal culture and crafts; best explored on foot.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at local eatery in Mawlynnong

Sample authentic Khasi dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients in a rustic setting.
INR400-600, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Dawki River

Short drive to Dawki, famed for its crystal clear river bordering Bangladesh.
Included in car rental, 30m

2:00pm

Boating on Dawki River

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the transparent river with stunning views of surrounding hills; boat rides usually available till 4pm.
INR300 per boat, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Shillong

Drive back to Shillong to rest and prepare for your last night in the city.
Included in car rental, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria

Celebrate your last evening with a refined meal at Trattoria, savouring Italian-Khasi fusion cuisines.
INR900-1300, 1h30m
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Day 5: Relax & Departure

Shillong & Guwahati, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dylan Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Dylan Cafe to start your day well before traveling to Guwahati.
INR350-600, 1h

9:30am

Visit Shillong Craft Centre

Buy souvenirs and appreciate local Khasi arts and crafts at this government-supported center; opens at 10am.
Free entry, 1h

11:00am

Relax in Lady Hydari Park

Spend a leisurely morning strolling through this historic park with botanical gardens and small zoo; open till 5pm.
INR20, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba

Have a fulfilling final lunch with a mix of local and North Indian dishes close to your hotel.
INR400-700, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Guwahati Airport

Begin drive to Guwahati Airport for your 7:30pm flight home, taking about 3 hours, factor in traffic.
Taxi approx. INR2500-3000, 3h

5:30pm

Arrive and check-in at Guwahati Airport

Check in for your flight, relax before departure at 7:30pm.
INR0, 2h
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