One Week Family Trip to Meghalaya

Day 1: Arrival & Shillong Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Shillong Airport and check into your hotel. Relax and freshen up after your journey.

Afternoon: Visit the Ward's Lake and take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Shillong Botanical Garden.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore the vibrant Police Bazaar for shopping and street food.

Day 2: Mawlynnong & Dawki

Morning: Travel to Mawlynnong Village, Asia’s cleanest village, and explore the living root bridges and village life.

Afternoon: Head to Dawki River for boating on the crystal-clear waters and visit the India-Bangladesh border.

Evening: Return to Shillong; enjoy a quiet family dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Cherrapunjee - Nohkalikai Falls & Mawsmai Caves

Morning: Drive to Cherrapunjee and visit the breathtaking Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall.

Afternoon: Explore the famous Mawsmai Caves and the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint.

Evening: Return towards Shillong or stay overnight in Cherrapunjee to experience local culture.

Day 4: Jowai - Krang Shuri Falls & Local Markets

Morning: Visit Krang Shuri Falls near Jowai, a serene spot ideal for nature lovers and photography.

Afternoon: Explore Jowai Market for traditional Khasi crafts and local cuisine.

Evening: Travel back to Shillong for overnight stay.

Day 5: Laitlum Canyons & Umiam Lake

Morning: Head to Laitlum Canyons for panoramic views and easy trekking trails.

Afternoon: Enjoy boating and picnic at Umiam Lake, a beautiful artificial reservoir.

Evening: Return to Shillong; dine at a family-friendly restaurant.

Day 6: Nongriat Village - Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek

Morning: Early morning trek to Nongriat Village to witness the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge.

Afternoon: Have a packed lunch in the village and explore nearby waterfalls like Rainbow Falls.

Evening: Trek back; relax and rest at your accommodation in Shillong.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Last minute shopping or visit Don Bosco Museum to learn about Northeast India's tribes and culture.

Afternoon: Check out of hotel and proceed to Shillong Airport for departure.

Evening: Travel home with wonderful memories of Meghalaya.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Ward's Lake: 1 hour, ₹100 per person entry
• Shillong Botanical Garden: 1.5 hours, free
• Police Bazaar: 2 hours, variable shopping cost (~₹500 per person)
• Mawlynnong Village: 3 hours, transport ₹2000 for family
• Dawki River boating: 2 hours, ₹300 per person
• Nohkalikai Falls: 1 hour, no entry fee
• Mawsmai Caves: 1.5 hours, ₹20 per person
• Seven Sisters Falls: 30 minutes, no fee
• Krang Shuri Falls: 2 hours, free
• Jowai Market: 2 hours, shopping costs variable (~₹400 per person)
• Laitlum Canyons: 2 hours, free
• Umiam Lake boating & picnic: 3 hours, ₹200 per person
• Nongriat Trek: Full day, guides and permits ₹1500 per person
• Don Bosco Museum: 2 hours, ₹30 per person
• Accommodation & Meals: ₹2500 per person/day approx.

Total Estimated Cost for 8 Adults: Approx. ₹2,40,000

Tips

For travelers who prefer a relaxed pace, consider extending the trip by 2-3 days to explore additional remote villages like Nongkrem and visit more living root bridges. Conversely, if time is limited, you can reduce the trip to 4-5 days by focusing on Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Mawlynnong, skipping longer treks such as Nongriat.