Meghalaya — Abode of Clouds

Tour Overview

Discover the magical Abode of Clouds — Meghalaya. From the crystal-clear emerald waters of the Dawki (Umngot) River to the ancient living root bridges of Cherrapunji, Asia's cleanest village at Mawlynnong and the charming hill station of Shillong, this is India at its most extraordinary and unexpected. A perfect escape for families, NRI guests and travellers seeking an offbeat India experience unlike anything else.

Tour Highlights

✅ Dawki (Umngot) River — crystal-clear water boat ride on India's clearest river

✅ Double-decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat, Cherrapunji — a short trek

✅ Nohkalikai Falls and Seven Sisters Falls — world's wettest region

✅ Mawlynnong — Asia's cleanest village

✅ Shillong — the Scotland of the East

✅ Elephant Falls, Ward's Lake and Don Bosco Museum in Shillong

✅ Private SUV throughout — scenic mountain roads of the Khasi Hills

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Guwahati — Transfer to Shillong

Arrive at Guwahati Airport (LGB). Meet and greet by our representative. Proceed to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, through the scenic Northeast highway (approximately 2.5 hours). Check-in to hotel. Evening at leisure — explore Police Bazar, the lively commercial heart of Shillong. Overnight in Shillong.

Day 2

Shillong Sightseeing — Scotland of the East

Full day sightseeing in and around Shillong. Visit Elephant Falls — a three-tiered waterfall set amid lush greenery. Ward's Lake — a scenic man-made lake at the centre of the city surrounded by gardens. Don Bosco Museum — one of the finest cultural museums in Northeast India, showcasing the traditions and heritage of the region's indigenous communities across seven floors. Afternoon at Police Bazar for local shopping. Overnight in Shillong.

Day 3

Shillong to Cherrapunji — Waterfalls and the Edge of Bangladesh

Morning drive to Cherrapunji (Sohra), one of the wettest places on Earth (approximately 2 hours). Visit Nohkalikai Falls — India's tallest plunge waterfall, dropping 340 metres into an emerald green pool. Seven Sisters Falls — a spectacular seven-segmented waterfall best seen during and after the monsoon. Mawsmai Cave — a short walkthrough limestone cave with dramatic formations. Eco Park — a hilltop park with sweeping views across the Bangladesh plains and the Sylhet valley far below. Check-in to hotel in Cherrapunji. Overnight in Cherrapunji.

Day 4

Cherrapunji — Living Root Bridge Trek at Nongriat

The highlight of the journey. Morning trek to the Double-Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat — a living marvel where the Khasi people have trained the roots of ancient rubber fig trees into natural bridges over centuries. The trek descends approximately 3,500 steps each way through dense jungle and small villages — moderately challenging but deeply rewarding. Porter and guide services are available at the trailhead (payable directly). Return to Cherrapunji or Shillong by evening. Overnight in Cherrapunji or Shillong.

Day 5

Dawki and Mawlynnong — River and Village

Early start for one of the most memorable days in Northeast India. Drive to Dawki (approximately 2 hours from Shillong), on the India-Bangladesh border. The Umngot River here is so clear that boats appear to float on glass — a boat ride on the river offers one of the most surreal and beautiful sights in India. Continue to Mawlynnong, designated Asia's cleanest village, known for its immaculate lanes, bamboo dustbins and a sky walk through the jungle canopy. Return to Shillong for overnight stay.

Day 6

Shillong to Guwahati — Departure

After breakfast, check-out and drive to Guwahati Airport (approximately 2.5 hours) for your onward flight. Tour concludes with memories of Meghalaya's extraordinary landscapes, ancient bridges and crystal-clear waters.

✅ Inclusions

Accommodation in 3★/4★ boutique hotels — 5 nights (3 nights Shillong, 2 nights Cherrapunji)
Daily breakfast at hotels
Private AC SUV with experienced local driver for all transfers and sightseeing
Driver allowance, fuel, toll and parking
Nohkalikai Falls entry and Eco Park entry
Don Bosco Museum entry
Boat ride at Dawki (Umngot River)
Guwahati airport transfers both ways

❌ Exclusions

Airfare or train fare to/from Guwahati
Lunch and dinner (except daily breakfast)
Porter or guide charges at Living Root Bridge trek (optional, payable directly)
Personal expenses, tips and camera fees
Travel insurance
Anything not mentioned in inclusions

⚠️ Important Notes

Best time to visit Meghalaya is October to May. July and August (peak monsoon) see extremely heavy rainfall — waterfalls are dramatic but road conditions can be challenging and the Living Root Bridge trek may be difficult.
The Double-Decker Living Root Bridge trek at Nongriat involves approximately 3,500 steps descent and ascent and takes 3–4 hours return. It is suitable for reasonably fit travellers. Porter and guide services are available at the trailhead and are payable directly.
Guwahati (LGB) is the gateway airport for Meghalaya. Direct flights to Guwahati are available from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Flight time from Ahmedabad is approximately 3 hours. We arrange all transfers from Guwahati Airport.
This itinerary is fully customisable — the Living Root Bridge trek can be replaced with a more relaxed Cherrapunji sightseeing day for guests with mobility considerations or families with young children.