Overview
Capital: Shillong
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Major Airports: Shillong Airport (Umroi), Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (Guwahati – 120 km away)
Languages: Khasi, Garo, English
Known For: Living root bridges, waterfalls, caves, lush forests, and vibrant tribal culture
Top Places to Visit
1. Shillong – The Scotland of the East
- Highlights: Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum, Police Bazaar (for local shopping).
- Experience: Colonial charm, cool climate, and beautiful lakes surrounded by pine forests.
2. Cherrapunji (Sohra) – Land of Waterfalls
- Highlights: Nohkalikai Falls (India’s tallest plunge waterfall), Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat).
- Experience: Misty cliffs, caves, and adventure treks amidst monsoon magic.
3. Mawlynnong – Cleanest Village in Asia
- Highlights: Sky Walk, Living Root Bridge, Bamboo houses, Balancing Rock.
- Experience: Sustainable eco-tourism and pristine village life.
4. Dawki & Shnongpdeng – Crystal Clear River
- Highlights: Dawki River (Umngot), boating, cliff jumping, camping, Bangladesh border view.
- Experience: Transparent river boating — you can see pebbles under your boat!
5. Nongriat – Home of the Double Decker Root Bridge
- Highlights: 3,500-step trek from Tyrna village, root bridges, natural pools.
- Experience: A must-do trek for nature and adventure lovers.
6. Jowai – Cultural & Scenic Beauty
- Highlights: Krang Suri Falls, Thadlaskein Lake, Nartiang Monoliths.
- Experience: Lesser-known gem blending Khasi and Jaintia culture.
7. Mawphlang – Sacred Forest
- Highlights: Ancient forest preserved by Khasi tribes, Khasi Heritage Village.
- Experience: Walk through myths, nature, and traditional beliefs.
Things to Do
- Trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge
- Boating at Dawki River
- Explore caves like Mawsmai & Arwah
- Chase waterfalls in Cherrapunji
- Stay in eco-huts at Mawlynnong or Shnongpdeng
- Enjoy local Khasi music & food in Shillong cafés
Local Cuisine
- Jadoh: Red rice with pork
- Dohneiiong: Pork with black sesame seeds
- Tungrymbai: Fermented soybean dish
- Pukhlein: Sweet rice flour snack
- Khasi tea: Locally brewed organic tea
Where to Stay
- Shillong: Ri Kynjai, Pinewood Hotel, Café Shillong Bed & Breakfast
- Cherrapunji: Polo Orchid Resort, Kutmadan Resort
- Mawlynnong: Bamboo homestays
- Shnongpdeng: Riverside camps
How to Reach
- By Air: Shillong Airport (limited flights), or Guwahati Airport (major hub).
- By Rail: Guwahati Railway Station (nearest major station).
- By Road: Excellent road connectivity from Guwahati (3–4 hrs drive to Shillong).
Travel Tips
- Carry a raincoat or umbrella year-round — Meghalaya weather changes quickly.
- ATMs are limited in rural areas — carry cash.
- Respect local customs and avoid littering (villages like Mawlynnong are very clean).
- Network coverage can be spotty in remote regions.
- Book accommodations in advance during peak months (Oct–Dec).