MEGHALAYA TRIP

                                                     MEGHALAYA TRIP 5 DAYS (OCTOBER)

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati and Travel to Shillong

1. Train Journey to Guwahati:
   • Closest Major Railway Station: Guwahati (in Assam) is the nearest railway station to Meghalaya.
   • Guwahati is well connected by trains from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, and others. Select a suitable train based on your location.
2. Travel to Shillong:
   • Distance: Guwahati to Shillong is about 100 km (2.5-3 hours by road).
   • After arriving in Guwahati, hire a taxi or take a shared cab from Paltan Bazaar (near Guwahati Railway Station) to Shillong. You can also opt for a state transport bus.
   • Reach Shillong by afternoon or evening.
   • Accommodation: Stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Shillong.
   • Activities: If time permits, take a stroll around Police Bazaar, the main commercial hub of Shillong.

Day 2: Explore Shillong

1. Shillong Sightseeing:
   • Elephant Falls: A beautiful, three-tiered waterfall located on the outskirts of Shillong.
   • Shillong Peak: The highest point in Shillong offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills.
   • Ward’s Lake: A peaceful lake in the heart of Shillong where you can enjoy a boat ride.
   • Don Bosco Museum: A museum showcasing the culture and heritage of Northeast India. It’s a must-visit for those interested in the history and traditions of the region.
   • Lady Hydari Park: A lovely park with a zoo and a beautiful garden.
2. Evening: Enjoy local food at one of the restaurants in Shillong. Don’t miss trying the local Khasi cuisine.

Day 3: Shillong to Cherrapunji (Sohra)

1. Travel to Cherrapunji:

   • Distance: Shillong to Cherrapunji is about 54 km (2 hours by road).
   • Depart from Shillong early in the morning and head towards Cherrapunji, known for being one of the wettest places on earth.

2. Sightseeing in Cherrapunji:

   • Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest plunge waterfall in India, offering breathtaking views.
   • Mawsmai Cave: Explore this limestone cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
   • Seven Sisters Falls: Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, this waterfall offers a majestic view, especially during the monsoon.
   • Eco Park: A scenic spot offering views of the plains of Bangladesh.
   • Thangkharang Park: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Bangladesh plains.

3. Accommodation: Stay overnight in Cherrapunji at a homestay or a guesthouse.

Day 4: Living Root Bridges and Mawlynnong

1. 
   Living Root Bridges:
   • Start your day with a trek to the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat. This natural wonder is created by the Khasi tribes by intertwining the roots of rubber trees over many years. The trek is moderately challenging but worth the effort.
   • If you prefer a shorter trek, visit the single root bridges in nearby villages.
2. Mawlynnong:
   
   
   
   • Distance: After visiting the root bridges, drive to Mawlynnong, which is around 2 hours from Cherrapunji.
   • Mawlynnong is often referred to as the cleanest village in Asia. Explore the village, visit the Balancing Rock, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
   • Sky View Point: Climb the bamboo skywalk to get a bird’s eye view of the village and the Bangladesh plains.
3. Accommodation: You can either stay overnight in Mawlynnong or return to Shillong for the night.

Day 5: Dawki and Return to Guwahati

1. Dawki and Umngot River:
   
   
   
   • Distance: Mawlynnong to Dawki is about 35 km (1 hour by road).
   • Dawki is located near the India-Bangladesh border and is famous for the Umngot River, known for its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a boat ride on the river, where the water is so clear that the boats seem to float in the air.
2. Return to Guwahati:
   • After exploring Dawki, start your journey back to Guwahati (around 4-5 hours by road from Dawki). Depending on your train schedule, you can either return to Guwahati the same evening or stay overnight in Guwahati and catch your train the next day.
3. Departure: Board your train from Guwahati to your onward destination.

Travel Tips:

• Weather: Meghalaya can be rainy, especially during the monsoon. Pack appropriate rain gear and waterproof shoes.
• Local Transport: Hiring a taxi or renting a car with a driver is the most convenient way to travel within Meghalaya as public transport options are limited in remote areas.
• Permits: If you plan to visit restricted areas like certain parts of East Khasi Hills or near the Bangladesh border, check if you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), although Meghalaya currently does not require ILPs for most tourists.
• Connectivity: Mobile network coverage can be patchy in some areas of Meghalaya. Carry offline maps and keep some cash on hand, as ATMs may be scarce in remote areas.