Not Shimla, Not Goa, This Northeast Gem Is Where Your Next Trip Should Be

Meghalaya is a quiet and green state in the northeast of India. It has clean villages, clear rivers, tall hills, and many waterfalls. The weather is cool and fresh, and the skies are often full of clouds. People in Meghalaya live a slow and simple life. A trip here is calm and full of nature. Every day, you can see something new, like a bridge made of tree roots, a cave with sunlight coming in, or a lake where you can see the bottom. 

You don’t need big plans, just enjoy what you see around you.

Starting the Trip: Guwahati to Shillong

The trip usually begins in Guwahati, Assam. From Guwahati, people travel by road to Shillong, which is the capital of Meghalaya. On the way, they stop at Umiam Lake. It is a quiet place where people can sit, take photos, or go for a short boat ride. Once in Shillong, most visitors stay in a small homestay or guest house. In the evening, one can go for a walk in the local market and try local food.

Going Further: Shillong to Cherrapunjee

After Shillong, the next stop is Cherrapunjee, also called Sohra. This place is known for heavy rainfall and has many waterfalls and caves. On the way, people often stop to see Elephant Falls and Mawkdok Viewpoint. In Cherrapunjee, some important places to visit are Arwah Caves, Seven Sisters Falls, and Mawsmai Caves. Some people also choose to go on a long walk to see the double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat village. The walk is tough but worth it for those who enjoy nature and walking.

A Day Near the Border: Cherrapunjee to Mawlynnong via Dawki

From Cherrapunjee, the trip continues to Mawlynnong. This village is known as the cleanest village in Asia. Before reaching Mawlynnong, visitors often go to Dawki, a border town near Bangladesh. The river there, called Umngot, has very clear water. People enjoy boat rides here. At the India-Bangladesh border, there is a checkpoint where tourists can see soldiers from both countries.

Life in the Village: Mawlynnong to Shillong

Once in Mawlynnong, the village walk is peaceful. People also visit a living root bridge in a nearby village called Riwai. After spending a night in Mawlynnong, the trip returns to Shillong. On the way back, there is also a chance to see a big balancing rock. In Shillong, tourists can again visit the local market before returning to Guwahati for their flight.

Basic Travel Info and Best Time to Visit

Meghalaya is easy to reach from Guwahati, Assam. The nearest airport and railway station are in Guwahati. From there, you can take a taxi or a car to reach Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. It takes about 3 to 4 hours by road.

The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October and April. The weather is dry, and it does not rain too much. This is the best time to go boating in clear rivers and walk around without getting wet. If you like waterfalls, the rainy season from May to September is good, but it can rain a lot. Roads may be slippery, so travel can be slower.