The Cloudchasers: A 5-Day Meghalaya Monsoon Escape from Hyderabad

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Hyderabad to Shillong via Guwahati, India on August 14, 2025

5:30am

Flight Hyderabad to Guwahati

Catch an early direct flight with Indigo or Akasa to Guwahati, about 2.5 hours, arriving by 8:30-9:00 AM to start your Meghalaya adventure early.
INR7000-9000, 2h30m

9:30am

Private Cab Rental & Drive to Shillong

Rent a private SUV cab from Guwahati Airport and drive about 3-4 hours to Shillong. Enjoy scenic views on the way and stop at Umiam Lake for a lakeside break.
INR4000/day, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Umiam Lake View Restaurant

Relax and have lunch overlooking the serene Umiam Lake. Options include local Khasi cuisine and simple Indian fare, perfect to fuel the journey.
INR300-500, 1h

3:00pm

Hotel Check-in

Check into a cozy stay in Shillong—choose from mid-slope Shillong or The Majestic Hotel for budget options, or Hotel Polo Towers for mid-range comfort.
INR1500-3500, 1h

5:00pm

Evening Stroll at Police Bazar

Explore the bustling Police Bazar market area, sampling local street foods and picking up souvenirs amid the lively monsoon atmosphere.
Free to browse; food approx. INR100-300, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Shillong Heritage or Dylan’s Café

Dine with cozy monsoon tunes and comfort food at these popular cafés, ideal places to unwind and sample local or continental dishes.
INR400-700, 1.5h
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Day 2: Shillong Sites & Cafés

Shillong, India on August 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of exploring Shillong’s natural and cultural spots.
Included in stay, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ward’s Lake

Walk around this charming lake, and if the rain permits, enjoy paddle boating. The lake is a tranquil retreat in town and great for photos.
INR10 entrance, 1h

10:30am

Shillong Peak

Drive to Shillong Peak for panoramic views over the Khasi Hills and Shillong valley. Best visited on a clear day for stunning vistas.
INR20, 1h

11:45am

Elephant Falls

Short drive to Elephant Falls to witness cascading waters, especially magnificent during the monsoon season.
INR20, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lamee or Trattoria

Enjoy authentic Khasi dishes such as pork delicacies and Jadoh rice at these highly recommended local restaurants.
INR300-500, 1h

2:30pm

Café Trail: Café Shillong, ML 05 Café, The Grub

Spend your afternoon hopping between Shillong’s cozy cafes. Sample local coffee varieties and pick up handmade soaps or rain-themed souvenirs.
INR200-400, 3h

6:00pm

Walk Around Laitumkhrah

Enjoy a peaceful walk with local music in the air through Laitumkhrah, a cultural hub in Shillong, perfect for soaking in the monsoon vibe.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Optional Pub Night at The Evening Club

If energy allows, enjoy local brews and music at The Evening Club, a popular nightlife spot with live entertainment.
INR300-600, 2h
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Day 3: Cherrapunji Adventure

Cherrapunji (Sohra), India on August 16, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Cherrapunji

Early morning scenic drive of roughly two hours through misty mountain roads with numerous waterfall photo stops along the way.
Included in cab cost, 2h

9:30am

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Marvel at India's tallest plunge waterfall, especially striking during the monsoon season with full cascading water.
INR30, 1h

11:00am

Wei Sawdong Falls Trek

Enjoy a 30-minute trek to Wei Sawdong falls; it's steep but offers extraordinary views and a refreshing monsoon experience.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Orange Roots or Café Cherrapunjee

Refuel with fresh local cuisine in quaint settings, perfect to relax after morning hiking adventures.
INR300-500, 1h

2:30pm

Mawsmai Caves Exploration

Explore short limestone caves with interesting formations, a quick and fun underground adventure.
INR20, 1h

3:30pm

Eco Park Visit

Relax in expansive grasslands with valley views and natural beauty, ideal for an afternoon stroll or photos.
INR30, 1h

4:30pm

Optional: Arwah Caves or Seven Sisters Falls

If time permits, visit Arwah Cave or Seven Sisters Falls for more monsoon magic, otherwise head back to Shillong.
INR20-50, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Shillong

Drive back to Shillong to rest and prepare for the full day of border-road exploration tomorrow.
Included in cab cost, 2h
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Day 4: Mawlynnong & Dawki

Shillong to Mawlynnong and Dawki, India on August 17, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Mawlynnong

Early start for the 3-hour drive to Mawlynnong village, known as Asia’s cleanest village with beautiful natural gardens and streets.
Included in cab cost, 3h

9:30am

Explore Mawlynnong & Sky Viewpoint

Wander bamboo walkways and gardens, then climb the bamboo Sky Viewpoint for views extending over Bangladesh plains.
INR50, 1.5h

11:00am

Trek to Riwai Living Root Bridge

Take an easier trek to the living root bridge at Riwai, a unique Khasi tradition entwined with nature’s artistry.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Drive to Dawki & Riverside Lunch

Continue to Dawki (about 1 hr), famous for the crystal clear Umngot River. Enjoy a riverside lunch and relax by the water.
INR300-500, 1h

2:30pm

Boat Ride on Umngot River

Take a transparent boat ride if water clarity allows, soaking in the shimmering beauty of the river.
INR150, 1h

3:30pm

Optional Cliff Jumping

If operational and safe, take part in cliff jumping for a bursts of adventure in pristine surroundings.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Drive Back to Shillong

Return to Shillong (approx 3 hours) to prepare for the final night gathering and reflection.
Included in cab cost, 3h

7:30pm

Khasi Dinner at Café Heritage

Celebrate your last night with a delightful Khasi dinner and group reflection at Café Shillong Heritage, soaking in the flavors and memories.
INR400-600, 1.5h
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Day 5: Return Journey

Shillong to Hyderabad via Guwahati, India on August 18, 2025

6:00am

Early Check-out & Drive to Guwahati

Check out early and drive 3-4 hours to Guwahati Airport to catch your return flight.
Included in cab cost, 3h

8:30am

Optional Kamakhya Temple Visit

If time permits, stop by Kamakhya Temple en route for a cultural and spiritual experience before heading to the airport.
Free; donation optional, 1h

12:00pm

Flight Guwahati to Hyderabad

Fly back in the afternoon to Hyderabad, arriving by early evening, concluding your misty Meghalaya monsoon escape.
INR7000-9000, 2h30m
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