Meghalaya is one of the most magical places to visit in India. As the name suggests ‘Meghalaya’ means abode in the clouds and it truly justify that. Meghalaya is home to the numerous stunning waterfalls, majestic caves, mysterious forest area, cleanest river, cleanest village and tones of spectacular views full of greenery and with clouds floating in. Meghalaya is hidden gem of North East and should definitely be explored. Having visited this place, here I am sharing my suggested Itinerary for Meghalaya, which is a complete guide on how to spend a week in Meghalaya – Meghalaya 7 days trip.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MEGHALAYA
Meghalaya is an integral part of the seven sister states of East India which also includes the other states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
Initially it was part of state Assam but then Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills were separated from Assam and made separate state called Meghalaya in 1972. Therefore, entire state is divided into Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills.
The Khasi, Jantia and Garo people of Meghalaya follows the unique Matrilinear system where heritance is passed from mother to youngest daughter and so on. Also interestingly the boy settles in girls family after marriage – a complete opposite to entire culture in rest of India.
Meghalaya is a state with high women dominance and women empowerment. You will find women in all over the place and in all types of work/jobs.
Meghalaya shares border with Bangladesh. The famous Umngot River of Dawki flows into Bangladesh
HOW MANY DAYS ARE ENOUGH FOR MEGHALAYA
To cover all major attractions in Meghalaya can take up to 6-9 days. 6 days for a speedy trip and 9 days for relaxed trip. If interesting in exploring some lessor known places and hidden gems then it can take up to 12-15 days. Here, I am sharing how to spend a week in Meghalaya – Meghalaya 7 days trip, which is perfect for knowing the place well and covering major attractions.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST FOR A TRIP TO MEGHALAYA
A 7 days trip to Meghalaya can cost 40,000-60,000 INR/Person which includes return flight, stay at good hotels, food, transport, local transit etc. everything. If putting up at high end hotels then it can cost 60,000 per person. Below is the bifurcation.
- Flight/Train: 10,000-15,000/Person
- Hotel: 15,000-30,000 /Person (on twin sharing basis)
- Local Transit: 5,000 -15,000 (2-4 people sharing)
- Food: 3000-5,000 /Person
- Misc.: 2,000-5,000
- Total: Approx 40,000 – 60,000 /Person
HOW TO REACH MEGHALAYA/ HOW TO TRAVEL WITHIN MEGHALAYA
The most approachable way to reach Meghalaya is via Guwahati. Guwahati is situated in the neighbouring state of Assam and it is just 100 kms from Shillong (capital city of Meghalaya). Airport as well as Railway station of Guwahati has good number of connections from major cities in India therefore people prefer Guwahati as starting point for trip even though there is an airport in Shillong.
For travelling within Meghalaya, it is best to finalise a cab along with driver for entire trip. This can be easily done with the help of any travel agency or hotel’s travel desk in Guwahati. Getting it booked in advance is always a good decision.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEGHALAYA
For 7 days trip to Meghalaya one can divide their stay as below:
- 1-2 days in Guwahati (optional)
- 2-3 days stay in Shillong
- 2-3 days stay in Cherrapunji
- 1 day stay in Mawlynnong (optional)
SHILLONG
Shillong has huge variety of hotels to stay in from premium to budget. Staying at central part of the city, somewhere close to police bazaar is the best and most convenient way. Following are some of the best hotels to consider for staying in Shillong. Naming a few hotels, which I suggest are best for stay in Shillong.
CHERRAPUNJI
Following are some of the best choices to stay in Cherrapunjee
MAWLYNNONG VILLAGE
If you happen to spend a night at the cleanest village in the world then there are only homestays available to be booked right on the spot. These are just basic rooms provided at a very reasonable price. Lot many tourists opt to stay here to have a different experience of interacting and staying with local villagers.
GUWAHATI
One can directly start their trip to Meghalaya from Guwahati Airport/ Railway station but if happen to stay in Guwahati incase if it is late night arrival or during return then following are some of the options for stay in Guwahati.
- Hotel Nandan
- Vishwaratna Hotel
- Millenium Hotel
- Hotel Awesome Palace
- Gateway Grandeur
- Novotel Guwahati
- Vivanta Guwahati
WHICH IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT MEGHALAYA
Any time apart from the Monsoon months (July, August and September) are considered good to travel to Meghalaya. But out of them the best month to travel is right after monsoons (October) because all waterfalls are filled with full flow and entire state looks magical this time.
Months spanning from November to March are also good to visit. April/May/June should be avoided because of high temperature.
TIPS FOR TRIP TO MEGHALAYA
- No drivers will drive after 5 PM in entire state of Meghalaya (this is because state becomes foggy after 5) so make sure you are planning day trips accordingly.
- There aren’t any 5 star chains in this state. There are local hotels only. If you only prefer 5 star chain hotels then Meghalaya isn’t your cup of tea.
- Shillong is extremely famous for some of the best Café’s like Dylan’s Café (Bob Dylan inspired Café), Café Shillong and Munchies etc.
- Nice vegetarian food will be a bit of struggle as entire state culture is non veg nominated.
- As start of your trip is from Guwahati, you can even plan to cover the amazing and worth visiting Kaziranga National Park.
