Meghalaya Tourism & Travel Guide 2025
Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, Meghalaya is a true gem that captivates the hearts of travelers from around the world. With its lush green landscapes, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and unique cultural heritage, this state offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll guide you through a meticulously planned 3-night, 4-day itinerary that will allow you to discover the best that Meghalaya has to offer.
Getting to Meghalaya: Convenient Transportation Options
Reaching Meghalaya from major cities in India is a breeze, with a variety of transportation options available. Whether you choose to travel by train, bus, or air, the journey itself can be an exciting part of the adventure.
Train Travel
One of the most popular ways to reach Meghalaya is by train. From Kolkata, you can take the following trains to Guwahati, the gateway to Meghalaya:
- 12345 Saraighat Express: Departs Howrah at 3:55 PM, arrives Guwahati at 10:05 AM (Fare: Sleeper Class - ₹520, 3AC - ₹1,365)
- 13173 Kanchanjunga Express: Departs Sealdah at 6:35 AM, arrives Guwahati at 3:15 AM
- 15959 Kamrup Express: Departs Howrah at 6:30 PM, arrives Guwahati at 3:20 PM
Alternatively, you can take the Vande Bharat Express from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Guwahati, which departs NJP at 6:10 AM and arrives in Guwahati at 11:40 AM (Fare: Chair Car - ₹1,075, Executive Class - ₹2,025).
Air Travel
For a quicker journey, you can opt to fly from Kolkata to Guwahati. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour, and the fare typically ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000.
Ground Transportation
Once you arrive in Guwahawi, you can choose from various ground transportation options to reach Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya:
- Share car (Alto): ₹500
- Reserved Sumo car: ₹3,000
- Reserved Maruti Swift Desire: ₹2,000
- Bus: The journey from Guwahati to Shillong takes approximately 3 hours and covers a distance of 100 km.
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a picturesque city that serves as the perfect starting point for your Meghalayan adventure. With its charming colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, and stunning natural surroundings, Shillong offers a delightful blend of urban and rural experiences.
Accommodation in Shillong
When it comes to finding a comfortable place to stay in Shillong, you have several options to choose from:
- Hotel Natraj (near Police Bazaar): +91 9612161551, +91 9233801843
- Hotel Ashiyana: 03642222137
- Hotel Rajtilak: 9436103205, 03642229581
- Hotel J.K. International: 09862457675, 03642501588
- Hotel Swastik: 09615357139
For a taste of authentic Bengali cuisine, be sure to visit Suruchi Hotel, located near the Center Point in Shillong.
Exploring Shillong's Attractions
Shillong offers a wealth of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Here are some of the must-visit sites in the city:
- Shillong City: Wander through the bustling streets, admire the colonial-era architecture, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
- Shillong Market: Explore the lively markets, where you can find a diverse array of handicrafts, local produce, and traditional Khasi cuisine.
- Shillong Peak: Ascend to the highest point in Shillong for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills.
- Shillong Elephant Falls: Marvel at the cascading waters of this picturesque waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Umiam Lake: Also known as Barapani, this serene lake offers opportunities for boating, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic beauty.
- Shillong Golf Course: Tee off at one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in India, set against the backdrop of the Khasi Hills.
- Ward's Lake: Stroll around this charming artificial lake, surrounded by well-manicured gardens and colonial-era structures.
- Shillong Museum: Explore the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya through the exhibits and displays at this museum.
Discovering the Wonders of Cherrapunji
No visit to Meghalaya would be complete without a trip to the legendary Cherrapunji, a town renowned for its record-breaking rainfall and stunning natural landscapes.
Cherrapunji Tour
The Cherrapunji tour typically costs ₹500 per person and includes the following highlights:
- Nohkalikai Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in India, cascading from a height of 1,115 feet.
- Seven Sisters Falls: A breathtaking series of seven waterfalls that flow in perfect harmony.
- Mawsmai Cave: Explore the intricate limestone cave system, marveling at the natural formations and stalactites.
- Cherrapunji Ramakrishna Mission: Visit this spiritual center and learn about the region's religious and cultural heritage.
- Thangkharang Park: Admire the natural beauty of this park, which features a unique natural rock formation known as the "Shiva Linga".
Mawlynnong: Asia's Cleanest Village
While in Cherrapunji, make sure to visit the charming village of Mawlynnong, which has earned the title of "Asia's Cleanest Village." Explore the quaint streets, marvel at the well-maintained homes and gardens, and learn about the community's sustainable practices.
Discovering the Enchanting Dawki and the Living Root Bridges
As you continue your Meghalayan adventure, prepare to be captivated by the stunning natural wonders of Dawki and the awe-inspiring living root bridges.
Dawki and the Umngot River
Dawki, a small town near the Bangladesh border, is renowned for the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River. The Dawki tour typically costs ₹700 per person and includes a boat ride on the serene river, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the Bangladesh border.
The Living Root Bridges
One of the most unique and captivating attractions in Meghalaya is the living root bridges, which are created by the indigenous Khasi people. These bridges, formed by the intertwining roots of the Ficus elastica tree, are a testament to the ingenuity and harmony between humans and nature. Some of the must-visit living root bridge sites include:
- Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge
- Nongriat Living Root Bridge
- Riwai Living Root Bridge
Hiking to these bridges is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the lush, verdant landscapes of Meghalaya.
Exploring the Laitlum Canyons and Barhil Falls
As you delve deeper into Meghalaya, prepare to be awestruck by the stunning natural wonders that await you.
Laitlum Canyons
The Laitlum Canyons, located near Shillong, offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Hike along the trails and witness the dramatic landscape that has been sculpted by the forces of nature over centuries.
Barhil Falls
Nestled in the heart of Meghalaya, the Barhil Falls is a hidden gem that cascades down the rocky cliffs, creating a mesmerizing display of nature's power. Explore the lush, verdant surroundings and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this natural wonder.
Mawsmai Caves and Mawsynram: Exploring Meghalaya's Natural Wonders
As you delve deeper into Meghalaya, prepare to be captivated by the region's remarkable natural formations and the title of the "Wettest Place on Earth."
Mawsmai Caves
The Mawsmai Caves, located near Cherrapunji, are a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the intricate limestone cave systems. Venture into the dimly lit caverns and marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed over centuries.
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