Meghalaya

Meghalaya Tourism Packages

Abode Of Clouds

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Overview

Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, Meghalaya beckons travelers with its captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, and myriad attractions. Aptly nicknamed the “abode of clouds,” the state boasts rolling hills, verdant forests, and some of the world’s highest rainfall areas, including Cherrapunji and Mawsynram. Shillong, the capital, exudes charm with its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and panoramic viewpoints.

Among Meghalaya’s diverse indigenous tribes, the Khasi stand out as one of the largest and most influential groups. Their distinctive matrilineal society, where lineage and inheritance pass through the mother’s line, adds a unique cultural dimension to the region. Vibrant festivals, traditional music, and captivating dances showcase the rich heritage of the Khasi people.

Meghalaya’s allure lies in its harmonious blend of breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultural traditions. Tucked away in the remote northeastern corner of India, Meghalaya offers a sense of adventure and exploration. With its extensive network of hiking trails, caves, and waterfalls, the state provides endless opportunities for travelers seeking both thrills and cultural immersion through Meghalaya tour packages.

Shillong:

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” due to its rolling hills and colonial-era architecture. Its attractions include Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum, Police Bazaar, Umiam Lake, and Shillong Golf Course. For those planning a Shillong tour or Shillong trip, these are the best places to visit in Meghalaya.

Cherrapunji:

Cherrapunji offers a captivating array of attractions, including the majestic Nohkalikai Falls, India’s highest plunge waterfall, and the impressive Seven Sisters Falls. Explore the intricate stalactites and stalagmites of Mawsmai Cave and Arwah Cave, or marvel at the diverse cave formations in the Garden of Caves. For adventure seekers, embark on a full-day trek to the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge and Rainbow Falls, or hike up to the mouth of Nohkalikai Falls for a thrilling experience.

Dawki (Shnongpdeng):

Dawki, a small town in Meghalaya, is famed for its crystal-clear Umngot River, which flows along the India-Bangladesh border. Popular for river activities such as kayaking, boating, and fishing on the Umngot River, Dawki also offers opportunities for camping by the riverside. Thrill-seekers can engage in activities like cliff jumping and zip-lining, adding an adrenaline rush to their Meghalaya trip.

Kongthong:

Kongthong, also known as the “Whistling Village,” is renowned for its unique tradition where villagers communicate using a distinct whistling language called “jingrwai ïawbei.” Each individual has a unique tune that serves as their personal identifier. The village is set amidst stunning hills and is rich in natural beauty.

Double Decker Root Bridge:

The Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat village is an extraordinary example of bioengineering practiced by the Khasi people. These bridges are made by guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees to grow across streams and rivers. To reach the Double Decker Root Bridge, visitors need to undertake a challenging trek through dense forests and steep terrain, making the journey as remarkable as the destination itself.

Mawphanlur:

Mawphanlur is a serene village known for its scenic beauty, dotted with numerous small lakes and rolling hills. It offers a tranquil escape and opportunities for activities like boating, hiking, and simply enjoying the picturesque landscapes. A visit to Mawphanlur is a hidden gem in Meghalaya tour packages.

Maphlang Sacred Forest:

The Maphlang Sacred Forest is a protected forest area held in reverence by the local Khasi tribe. The forest is rich in biodiversity, including rare plants and medicinal herbs. It is also steeped in folklore and is preserved through strict traditional beliefs and taboos.

Mawlyngbna:

Mawlyngbna is known for its geological wonders, including natural springs, fossil sites, and a rich collection of marine fossils indicating the region was once underwater. It offers adventure activities like kayaking, trekking, and exploring its unique terrain and natural beauty, perfect for a Meghalaya trip package.

Mawsynram:

Mawsynram holds the title of being one of the wettest places on Earth, with an annual rainfall that competes closely with nearby Cherrapunji. The village features lush green landscapes, numerous waterfalls, and caves like the Mawjymbuin Cave with its impressive stalagmite formations.

Wari Chora:

Wari Chora is a hidden gem in the South Garo Hills, featuring stunning natural landscapes, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. It is an emerging tourist destination, known for its tranquility and opportunities for exploration and adventure. However, Wari Chora is very remote, requiring a significant journey to access it, often involving off-road travel and trekking through rugged terrain.

Krang Suri Waterfalls:

Krang Suri Waterfalls, located in the Jaintia Hills district, is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and picturesque surroundings. It is a perfect spot for swimming and picnicking, offering a tranquil escape amidst nature. The waterfall cascades down into a serene pool, providing a breathtaking view.

Phe Phe Waterfalls:

Phe Phe Waterfalls, also known as Paradise Falls, is another stunning waterfall in the Jaintia Hills district. The waterfall is relatively less known, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors. The multi-tiered falls and the surrounding lush greenery create a mesmerizing landscape, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

Laitlum Canyon:

Laitlum Canyon, meaning “end of hills,” offers one of the most breathtaking views in Meghalaya. Located near Shillong, the canyon provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills, valleys, and rivers. It is a popular spot for trekking and photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Mawryngkhang Trek:

The Mawryngkhang Trek, also known as the “Bamboo Trail,” is an adventurous trek in the East Khasi Hills. It leads to Mawryngkhang, often referred to as the “King of Stones,” a massive rock situated in the middle of the river. The trek involves walking on bamboo bridges and paths suspended over the deep gorges, providing a thrilling experience and stunning views of the landscape.

Meghalaya Through The Seasons:

The best time to visit Meghalaya is from October to April. During this time, the skies are clear and the temperatures during the day pleasant. Additionally, this is the perfect time to see the vibrant blue colour water that Meghalaya is known for. The Dawki river is also crystal clear and the hiking and trekking trails are accessible and open. Here’s what you can expect during each season:

Oct to Nov Autumn
Pleasant with clear skies and moderate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

Ideal for sightseeing, trekking, swimming and exploration as the waterfalls and pools are not very cold

November is also the time for the famous Cherry Blossom Season in Meghalaya
Dec to Feb Winter
Cool and dry with temperatures between 4°C to 16°C. Shillong can get quite chilly, so pack warm clothes.

Perfect for enjoying the lush green hills, exploring caves, and experiencing the winter charm of the region.

The winter season includes Christmas and New Year celebrations, which are particularly lively in Shillong
Mar to May Summer
Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C

Ideal for exploring outdoor attractions, trekking, and sightseeing in places like Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Mawsynram.

Blossoming flowers, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures.
Jun to Sep Monsoon
Heavy rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C

Great for witnessing the lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and living root bridges.

Meghalaya is known as the “Abode of Clouds” during this time, with dramatic scenery and impressive waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Falls.

Monsoon will restrict outdoor activities. A lot of locations will not be accessible and grey colour clouds might restrict views

Getting There

By Road:

The most common way to reach Meghalaya is by driving down to it from Guwahati, Assam. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is just 100 KMS away from Guwahati and is well connected to it by a major highway. Private taxis, buses, and shared jeeps are common modes of transport for traveling within Meghalaya

The nearest major airport to Meghalaya is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati Airport) in Assam.

Alternatively, you can also opt for a connecting flight to Shillong Airport.

Stay and Dining

In Meghalaya, accommodation can vary depending on the region you’re visiting.

Shillong: By the virtue of it being the capital city, Shillong has a wide variety of accommodation options available ranging from luxury hotel brands to simple but cute guesthouses. But remember, Shillong and its tiny lanes are notorious for traffic so we always recommend staying close to the centre, ie near Police Bazaar

Cherrapunji: Cherrapunji is remote. Unlike Shillong, the options are limited and subject to availability. There are only 2 luxury resorts available in Cherrapunji (Java and Polo Orchid). The rest of the options are either resorts in scenic locations with limited rooms (ranging from luxury to basic) to guesthouses and homestays.

Dawki: Dawki is all about the camping experience. You get basic but neat alpine style camping tents with common washrooms in private campgrounds based near the river. Please do not book normal camping tents at common campgrounds.

Alternatively, there is only one resort available with 6 rooms, subject to availability

Mawphanlur & Mawlyngbna: Remote location with just 1 accommodation option available. Note: the accommodations are cute huts with basic facilities in picture perfect locations but they are run by locals (language issues) and you cannot expect luxury here

Mawlynnong: Lots of homestays to choose from. Accommodation has basic facilities

Kongthong: Only 2 natural made huts in the village which provide floor beds (max 6 ppl per hut) and washrooms.

Wari Chora: Basic homestays with limited facilities. No luxury can be expected her

Food: Shillong has a wide variety of cafe’s and local eateries to dine in. Police bazaar in Shillong is a bustling street with lots of street food options.

But apart from Shillong, the food available throughout Meghalaya will be very simple and range between simple Indian dishes like dal, rice, paneer butter masala, chicken curry etc to basic Chinese dishes like noodles, manchurian etc. You can also try some traditional Khasi dishes like Jadoh or Dohneiiong wherever you find it.

Breakfast lacks choices with options limited to aloo puri & bread omelette and there are no night markets or local eateries

Meghalaya Packages

Meghalaya Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Why is dinner not included in Shillong and Cherrapunji?

Shillong has a lot of options to dine out including many cafe’s, restaurants and road side stalls. This is also the only opportunity for you to enjoy a vibrant night life in all of Meghalaya. For this reason, we do not include dinner in Shillong

In Cherrapunji, there are no buffet options for dinner or if they are, they are on a very high cost (appx 1000 Rs per person). Hence we suggest to our travelers to order dinner from the menu (a much cheaper option) where you can also dine as per your choice.
Do we need a guide to the waterfalls?
What are the entry charges?
Is fitness required?

Most of the locations in Meghalaya expect you to be able to walk or do short hikes of 20 mins. The most demanding trek of course is the one to the living root bridge and Rainbow falls. Someone who is not fit enough to walk all the way to Rainbow Falls can return after visiting the Double Decker bridge or avoid the trek all together and instead spend time at our beautiful property enjoying some splendid views from there.
Is it recommended to bring kids to this trip?
I’m above 60. Can I join this trip?

Age has never been a factor for us. But you need to understand the demanding nature of this trip. Most of the locations in Meghalaya require you to hike or walk to explore it. There are lots of steps involved too. So a sr citizen needs to be mindful of such challenges or only choose locations and attractions that have an ease of access.

We can customise St Citizen friendly trips with limited hike based activities
What is the average cost of meals not included?
How is the network in Meghalaya? Do we get Wifi in all the locations
What happens incase of a roadblock or if the itinerary is amended due to external factors outside TGE’s control?
What is the best time of year to visit Meghalaya?
Is it better to travel to Sikkim or Meghalaya?
What are the best tourist places to visit in Meghalaya?