Best Meghalaya Adventure-From Cloud-Kissed Hills to Crystal-Clear Rivers"

 

 

March 28, 2025

 

 – DAY -1.Departure from Guwahati

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    Start early to make the most of the day.

     

  • Route: Guwahati ➝ Khanapara ➝ Nongpoh ➝ Shillong

  • Breakfast : Jiva Veg Restaurant (Khanapara) or Highway Dhaba (near Nongpoh)

– Reach Umiam Lake (Barapani)

 

  • Stopover for scenic views of the massive lake.

  • You can enjoy boating or simply click pictures.

 


 – Explore Shillong City

  • Visit Don Bosco Museum for a glimpse of Northeast culture.

  • Explore Ward’s Lake for a peaceful stroll.

  • If you prefer a local experience, roam around Police Bazaar.

 


– Lunch in Shillong

  • Restaurants to try:

    • 🍛 Trattoria – Local Khasi cuisine (Jadoh, Dohneiiong)

    • 🍲 Café Shillong – Continental and local fusion

    • 🍕 ML 05 Café – For a trendy vibe

– Elephant Falls & Shillong Peak

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    Elephant Falls: Beautiful multi-tiered waterfall, easy walk.

     

  • Shillong Peak: Panoramic view of Shillong and nearby hills

✅ Tips:

  • Carry a light jacket, as Shillong weather can get chilly

Enjoy your scenic one-day getaway from Guwahati to Shillong.. 

 

DAY -2.Shillong➝Mawsynram ➝ Mawphlang ➝ Shillong

  • Mawsynram ➝ Mawphlang: 

  • Mawphlang ➝ Shillong: 
     

🌄  – Start from shillong➝ Mawsynram

  • Breakfast options:

    • 🌿 Simple local tea stalls for tea and snacks.

    • 🍲 Packed breakfast is a good idea as eateries are limited in Mawsynram.

  • Enjoy the misty hills and green meadows as you head towards Mawphlang.

🌿 – Mawphlang Sacred Forest

  • Explore the Sacred Grove:

    • Take a guided walk (~1 hour) through the forest.

    • Learn about the Khasi culture, medicinal plants, and sacred rituals.

  • Mawphlang Village:

    • Explore the quaint village and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

    • Visit the Heritage Village nearby to see traditional Khasi architecture.

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 – Head to Shillong

  • Enjoy the scenic ride with rolling hills and pine forests.

  • Lunch in Shillong:

    • 🍛 Trattoria – Famous for Khasi cuisine (Jadoh, Dohneiiong)

    • 🍕 ML 05 Café – Great ambiance and continental dishes

    • ☕ Café Shillong – Popular for coffee and light meals

🌿 – Explore Shillong

  • Elephant Falls:

    • Beautiful multi-tiered waterfall with easy access. (~30 mins visit)

  • Shillong Peak:

    • Highest point in Shillong with stunning panoramic views. (~30 mins)

  • Ward’s Lake:

    • Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride. (~30 mins)

  • 🛍️ Police Bazaar:

    • If time permits, explore this lively market for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

☕ – Café or Relaxation Break

 

  • Café options:

    • 🌿 Dylan's Café – Cozy ambiance and good food.

    • 🍰 Little Chef Café – Known for its desserts and quick bites.

  • Optional: Enjoy a short walk around the streets of Shillong for an evening vibe.

  • 🌇 – Wrap up and relax in Shillong

    • Stay options:

      • 🛏️ treetop residence 

         

         

    • Enjoy a local dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

    ✅ Tips:

     

    • Rain gear: Carry a rain jacket or umbrella, as Mawsynram and Shillong often experience sudden showers.

    • Comfy shoes: Necessary for walking in Mawphlang Sacred Grove.

    • Local guide: Hire a local guide at Mawphlang for a richer experience.

  • Day 3: Mawlynnong ➝ Dawki ➝ Back to Shillong

    • Mawlynnong ➝ Dawki:

    • Dawki ➝ Shillong:

       

       

    🌄 – Start from Mawlynnong (Asia’s Cleanest Village)

    • Breakfast options:

      • 🌿 Local homestays or cafes offering traditional Khasi breakfast (rice cakes, tea).

      • 🍲 Alternatively, pack breakfast if you prefer an early start.

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      Explore Mawlynnong:

       

      • 🌿 Stroll through the clean and picturesque village.

      • 🌉 Visit the Living Root Bridge nearby (15-20 mins walk from the village).

      • 🛕 Sky View Point: Climb the bamboo tower for panoramic views of Bangladesh plains. (~30 mins)

    🌿– Drive to Dawki

    • Scenic drive with rolling hills and stunning valley views.

     

    • Activities:

      • 🌿 Boating on the crystal-clear Umngot River.

      • 🌉 Visit the Suspension Bridge for beautiful views and photos.

      • 🌿 Walk around the Dawki village and enjoy the riverside scenery.

    • Optional:

      • If you have time, visit the India-Bangladesh border checkpoint nearby for a glimpse of the international boundary.

    – Lunch at Dawki

    • Options:

      • 🥘 Local riverside cafes offering simple Khasi dishes (rice, fish, local curries).

      • 🥗 Street food stalls for quick bites (Maggi, pakoras, tea).

    🌿 – Drive Back to Shillong

    • Scenic stopovers:

      • 🌿 Riwai Village: Quick stop to enjoy the rural charm.

      • 🌳 Pine forest stretches – Enjoy the drive through Meghalaya’s lush landscapes.

    ☕ – Café Break in Shillong

    • Café options:

      • 🍰 Dylan’s Café – Popular for its cozy vibe and desserts.

      • ☕ ML 05 Café – Stylish café with good food and mountain views.

      • 🍹 Café Shillong – Great ambiance and Khasi + Continental fusion food.

    🌇 – Wrap up in Shillong

     

    • Evening activities:

      • 🛍️ Stroll around Police Bazaar for some last-minute shopping.

      • 🌿 Relax at your hotel or homestay.

    • Dinner recommendations:

      • 🍲 Trattoria – Authentic Khasi cuisine.

      • 🍕 City Hut Dhaba – Indian and multi-cuisine restaurant.

      • 🍷 The Grub – If you’re in the mood for a drink and live music.

    ✅ Tips:

    • Carry cash: Limited ATMs in Dawki and Mawlynnong.

    • Rain gear: Sudden showers are common, so pack an umbrella or rain jacket.

    • Comfortable shoes: Essential for walking in Mawlynnong and around Dawki

    Day 4. Shillong ➝ Cherrapunjee

    – Departure from Shillong

    • Breakfast options in Shillong:

      • 🍳 Café Shillong – Great for a hearty breakfast (pancakes, omelets, and coffee).

      • ☕ Dylan’s Café – Cozy spot with a nice breakfast menu.

    • Route: Shillong ➝ Mylliem ➝ Mawkdok ➝ Cherrapunjee

    • Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills and misty valleys along the way.

    🌉  – Stop at Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint

    • A must-stop for breathtaking views of the valley.

    • Optional: Try zip-lining over the valley for an adrenaline rush.

    – Explore Cherrapunjee

     

    • Visit the famous waterfalls and caves:

      • 🌊 Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest plunge waterfall in India, with stunning viewpoints.

      • 🌿 Dainthlen Falls: Less crowded, perfect for photos and relaxing.

      • 🌄 Wei Sawdong Falls: A hidden gem with turquoise-blue water and three tiers (15–20 min walk to reach).

    🍴 – Lunch in Cherrapunjee

    • Restaurant options:

      • 🍲 Orange Roots – Popular restaurant offering pure veg thalis and Khasi cuisine.

      • 🥘 Halari Restaurant – Good for Indian and local cuisine.

      • ☕ Café Cherrapunjee – Great ambiance with Continental and local food options.

     

    🌿– Visit Mawsmai and Arwah Caves

    • Mawsmai Cave:

      • Easy-to-explore limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites. 

    • Arwah Cave:

      • Larger and less crowded with prehistoric fossils embedded in the walls.

    🌿– Eco Park & Seven Sisters Falls

    • Eco Park:

      • Offers stunning views of Bangladesh plains.

      • Small garden and viewpoints.

    •  

      Seven Sisters Falls:

       

      • A cluster of waterfalls representing the seven northeastern states.

      • Best viewed during monsoon, but still scenic in other seasons. 

    🌇– Head to your hotel or homestay in Cherrapunjee

    • Recommended stays:La Kupari inn



       

       

    • Dinner recommendations:

      • 🍲 Jiva Grill & Lounge – Multi-cuisine restaurant with a good ambiance.

      • 🍛 Local Khasi kitchens – Try local specialties like Jadoh and Tungtap.

    ✅ Tips:

    • Rain gear: Carry a raincoat or umbrella, as Cherrapunjee is prone to sudden showers.

    • Comfy shoes: Necessary for walking to the waterfalls and exploring the caves.

    • Cash: Some places may not accept cards, so keep cash handy.

    🌿 Day 5-Cherrapunjee ➝ Guwahati

    🕒 Travel Time: ~4–5 hours

  • 🌊 – Dawki River (Umngot River)

  • Departure from Cherrapunjee

     

    • Breakfast options in Cherrapunjee:

      • 🍳 Café Cherrapunjee – Great spot for a continental breakfast.

      • 🍲 Orange Roots – Popular for Indian breakfast thalis

        • Route:
          Cherrapunjee ➝ Mawkdok ➝ Shillong ➝ Nongpoh ➝ Guwahati
          Enjoy scenic valley views and rolling hills on the way back.

        • Tea/Coffee Break in Shillong

        • Continue towards Guwahati

        • Scenic stop:

          • 🌿 Umiam Lake (Barapani) – Quick stop for photos and a view of the serene lake. (~15–20 mins)

        •  Arrive in Guwahati

          • Hotel check-in or rest:

            • If you have a flight or train later, explore Guwahati for a few hours.

          • Evening activities (optional):

            • 🛕 Visit Kamakhya Temple

               

               

            • 🌿 Stroll along Brahmaputra Riverside for sunset views.

               

               

            • 🛍️ Fancy Bazaar or Pan Bazaar: Shop for souvenirs, tea, and local handicrafts.

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