Meghalaya, the land of natural beauty is enriched with beautiful landscapes, amazing living root bridges and numerous waterfalls. There is a lot to do in Meghalaya like exploring diverse ecosystems, trekking through picturesque hills, and enjoy activities like boating in crystal-clear rivers. If planning trip to Meghalaya looks difficult then below is Meghalaya 7 days detail itinerary to help you plan your trip to this amazing destination.
MEGHALAYA 7 DAYS ITINERARY
- 1st Day: Reaching Guwahati, exploring Guwahati for rest of the day.
- 2nd Day: Guwahati to Shillong and exploring the city
- 3rd Day: Covering Laitlum Canyon, Krang Suri Waterfall, Dawki River then to Mawlynnong Village
- 4th Day: Visiting Single Decker Living Root Bridge and then towards Cherrapunji
- 5th Day: Double Decker Root Bridge, Rainbow Fall
- 6th Day: Mawsmai Caves, Seven Sister Waterfall, Nokhalikai Falls, Wei Sowdong Falls, Mawphlang Sacret Forest then back to Shillong via Elephant Fall & Shillong Peak
- 7th Day: Back to Guwahati from Shillong
Day 1: Reaching Guwahati, exploring Guwahati for rest of the day
If you happen to reach Guwahati early hours then it is best to explore the city and start with Meghalaya Trip the next day.
Kamakhya Temple
Staying in Guwahati and missing to visit this sacret Shakti Shrine is a big mistake. Go to the famous Kamakhya Temple. The temple is on Nilachal Hill and offers stunning views of the city.
Brahmaputra River Cruise
Then around later afternoon best is to go for a cruise ride on Brahmaputra River for stunning views of the sunset over the river. Look for operators like Brahmaputra River Cruises or Assam Tourism for organised sunset cruises. You can book cruises through local travel agencies, online platforms, or directly at the Assam Tourism office in Guwahati. If limited time, then just stroll around the river, no need for the cruise ride.
- 10:00 AM: Reaching Guwahati Airport
- 11:00 AM: Checking into Guwahati Hotel
- 12:00 PM: Leaving for Kamakhaya Temple
- 02:00 PM: Lunch outside Kamakhaya Temple
- 03:00 PM: Back to Hotel and resting for some time
- 04:30 PM: Cruise at Brahmaputra
- 08:00 PM: Dinner at one of the restaurants in Guwahati
Day 2: Guwahati to Shillong and exploring the city
This day starts with the trip to Meghalaya by heading towards capital city Shillong. It is a 2-3 hours drive from Guwahati.
Umion Lake
On the way just about 15 kms before Shillong is the wonderful Umion River. Rolling hills, pine forests and vibrant flora surrounds the area making it breathtakingly beautiful. Spend some time here soak into the beauty.
You can rent paddleboats, kayaks, or even speedboats for a some fun. Boating on the Umion River is a serene experience.
Don Bosco Musuem
Don Bosco Museum is a fascinating cultural and educational institution dedicated to the rich heritage of the north-eastern region of India. If interested in photography, the rooftop offers gorgeous views of the beautiful city of Shillong and the hills surrounding it.
Wards Lake
Around late afternoon visit Ward’s Lake. This man-made marvel has a lake surrounded by gardens for strollers to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Police Bazaar
Post your stroll at the Wards Lake, do not miss out your visit to the must see shopping street – the Policy Bazaar. It’s a shopping street having array of local handicrafts, clothing’s, accessories, grocery and local products. Best part you can sample local street food, such as pork momos, jadoh (a traditional rice dish) and various snacks from food stalls.
- 10:00 AM: Checking out from Guwahati Hotel for 6 days trip to Meghalaya (cab and a driver)
- 12:00 PM: Umion Lake
- 01:00 PM: Don Bosco Museum
- 02:30 PM: Checking into Shillong Hotel and taking Lunch
- 04:00 PM: Wards Lake
- 08:00 PM: Police Bazaar & Dinner at local food stall there.
Day 3: Covering Laitlum Canyon, Krang Suri Waterfall, Dawki River then to Mawlynnong Village
Laitlum Canyons
The name “Laitlum” means “the place of the hills,” and it offers panoramic views of the lush green valleys, hills, and the winding rivers below. If the weather seems foggy then skip this because nothing will be visible.
Krang Suri Waterfall
With ancient rock formations, beautiful lush greenery, crystal clear blue water – Krang Suri Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of this region. It is situated on the way from Shillong to Mawlynnong Village. It is a 30 mins easy to moderate level trek to reach the waterfall. If you can’t trek then witness it from a distance.
Dawki River
Dawki is top must visit place in trip to Meghalaya. It is exceptionally clear waters, which allow for visibility of the riverbed and create a mesmerizing visual effect. Enjoy a serene boat ride along the river, taking in the scenic views of lush hills and limestone cliffs. The town of Dawki is situated close to the India-Bangladesh border, making it a unique destination where you can experience both Indian and Bangladeshi influences.
Mawlynnong Village
Our last stop of the day is to this village – the cleanest village of the world. This Village is full of natural beauty and showcase the vibrant culture of the traditional Khasi lifestyle and eco-tourism. Visit the village to explore its uniqueness.
- 10:00 PM: Checking out from Shillong Hotel
- 11:30 PM: Laitlum Canyon
- 01:30 PM: Stopping anywhere in between for Lunch
- 02:00 PM: Krang Suri Waterfall
- 03:30 PM: Dawki River
- 05:00 PM: Reaching Mawlyynnong Village and checking into one of the homestay
Day 4: Visiting Single Decker Living Root Bridge and then towards Cherrapunji
Single Decker Living Root Bridge
In just 10 mins drive (3 km approx.) from Mawlyynnong Village is this must visit natural wonder single decker living root bridge. It is a 15 mins trek of steep trails and steps to reach this bridge. The journey is surely rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and hills.
Cherrapunji
Now starts a long road journey from Dawki to Cherrapunji. Coming close to Cherrapunji will be like entering a thunderstorm – full of fog, wet roads and heavy rainfall in between. Welcome to Cherrapunji – the wettest place on earth.
- 08:00 AM: Morning stroll in Mawlyynnong Village
- 09:00 AM: Checking out from homestay
- 10:00 AM: Single Decker Living Root Bridge
- 12:00 PM: Leaving for Cherrapunji
- 05:00 PM: Reaching Cherrapunji and checking into Hotel
* If happens to reach Cherrapunji a bit earlier and if weather is clear then Seven Sister Falls can be covered same day
Day 5: Double Decker Root Bridge, Rainbow Fall
Double Decker Root Bridge
This is the most iconic attraction of Meghalaya, which can’t be visited by everyone since it involves a very tough trek of 3000 steps (one-way) in wet weather of Cherrapunji. Buckle up if you are interested in seeing the beauty of Mother Nature whilst crossing a bridge.
Rainbow Fall
Rainbow Falls is a stunning waterfall located near double decker Root Bridge. Reaching Rainbow Falls involves a trek from the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, which is about 2 kilometres away. The trek can be challenging but is surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it rewarding.
- 10:00 AM: After breakfast heading towards Double Decker Root Bridge
- 03:00 PM: Rainbow Fall
- 05:00 PM: Back to Hotel and resting after heavy trek
* If not planning to visit Double Decker Root Bridge then this entire day can be skipped.
Day 6: Mawsmai Caves, Seven Sister Waterfall, Nokhalikai Falls, Wei Sowdong Falls, Mawphlang Sacret Forest then back to Shillong via Elephant Fall & Shillong Peak
Mawsmai Caves
Mawsmai Caves is one of the must visit in Cherrapunji. It is a unique limestone cave formed over thousand of years. It is one of the experiences to get inside the cave and witness this natural wonder.
Seven Sister Fall
Very close to Mawsmai Caves is Seven Sister Fall viewpoint. The falls consist of seven distinct streams that flow down the steep cliffs of the Khasi hills, creating a stunning visual spectacle, especially during the monsoon season.
Nohkalikai Falls
Nihkalikai Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India.This waterfall offers stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape. One can have the best view of the falls from a view point very close to the parking area.
Wei Sowdong Falls
This fall is a hidden gem and a must visit. Wei Sowdong Falls is accessible via a short trek from the main road. It is an easy trek with beautiful landscapes. The falls are not as tall as some other famous waterfalls in the region, but they have a unique charm with multiple tiers of water cascading down rocky formations.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
On way back to Shillong can stop by this beautiful forest, which is, consider sacred by Khasi people. Mawphlang is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various medicinal plants, orchids, and trees.
Elephant Falls
If time permits this place can also be given a quick visit as it is on the way to Shillong. Elephant Falls is known for its three distinct tiers, which create a picturesque cascading effect as the water flows down the rocky cliffs. If time is limited this can be covered in next day morning or can be skipped.
Shillong Peak
After Elephant Falls on the way back to Shillong quick stop for a breath-taking views of the surrounding hills and valleys at Shillong Peak which is the highest point in Shillong.
- 09:00 AM: Checking out from Cherrapunji Hotel
- 09:30 AM: Mawsmai Caves
- 10:30 AM: Seven Sister Falls
- 11:30 PM: Nohkalikai Falls
- 12:30 PM: Wei Sowding Falls and lunch after that
- 02:30 PM: Mawphlang Sacred Forest
- 03:30 PM: Elephant Falls:
- 04:30 PM: Shillong Peak
- 05:30 PM: Checking into Shillong Hotel
Day 7: Back to Guwahati from Shillong
This now ends the beautiful Meghalaya 7 days detail itinerary. This day is relaxing. Checking out from Hotel and heading back to Guwahati. Incase if exploring Guwahati on first day was not done then can be planned on this day. If some attractions are missed out in Shillong then that can also be planned on this day before heading to Guwahati.
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